Chapter 26: We Will Follow Baldwin’s Strategy

Upon seeing him, the soldiers escorting Roland immediately dismounted and knelt on one knee, their faces filled with guilt. "My Lord, Captain, we failed to protect Steward Roland. Please punish us."

"What happened?"

Simon’s anger flared. He had just survived an assassination attempt, and now Roland was injured.

The lead soldier explained. "My Lord, we’ve been searching for mineral deposits for the past month as per your orders and have made significant discoveries. We were on our way back to report to you when we were ambushed by mountain bandits. Although we fought our way out, Steward Roland was hit by an arrow."

"Mountain bandits?" Lancelot frowned and said worriedly. "My Lord, winter is here. Many starving commoners turn to banditry, relying on looting to survive. If they are now bold enough to attack government officials, this year’s bandit crisis is likely to be worse than ever."

There was a peculiar look in Lancelot’s eyes, as if blaming Simon. The implication was clear, though. Simon hadn’t made any grave mistakes in the past five years; he hadn’t achieved much either. The chaos from the reavers’ invasion three years ago had only worsened the poverty and disorder across the six cities.

"Take Steward Roland back for treatment first!" Simon ordered, ignoring Lancelot’s subtle rebuke.

The lead soldier responded immediately, carrying the unconscious Roland back toward Brambleford City at full speed.

Simon and his group quickly followed. Upon entering the city, Simon immediately summoned the governor’s medical officer to treat Roland.

The commotion in Brambleford soon caught the attention of Baldwin, who promptly arrived at the prince’s residence.

After examining Roland, the medical officer reported. "My Lord, the steward’s internal organs were not damaged. He merely lost too much blood and fainted. Once the arrow is removed and the wound bandaged, he will recover with rest."

"Oscar is skilled. If he says it’s not serious, then there’s no cause for concern." Lancelot remarked.

Simon sighed in relief. "Good. Then let’s leave and let Oscar tend to him."

Outside the room, Lancelot fumed. "These bandits are too bold! Once the snow stops, I will lead the army to exterminate them!"

"Raiding them is only a temporary fix." Baldwin countered with a pointed tone. "If the people had enough food and stability, who would willingly turn to banditry?"

Lancelot frowned. "Then what do you propose?"

"Every year, you lead military campaigns against the bandits, yet they always return. His Highness has implemented land cultivation policies and tax reductions, which have earned the people’s trust, but these reforms take time to show results. Rather than outright extermination, why not offer amnesty? These are starving commoners. If we offer them food and shelter, most will abandon their criminal ways and reintegrate into society." Baldwin explained.

"What if they refuse?" Lancelot questioned.

"Then we must use both force and diplomacy. Those who surrender should be treated fairly, while the true criminals must be eradicated. If we can endure this winter, the bandit problem will naturally disappear once the people reap their harvests next year." Baldwin replied.

Simon nodded in agreement. "We will follow Baldwin’s strategy. The bandits are scattered, and heavy snowfall makes sieging them difficult. Starting today, we will distribute bread at all city gates. However, those who ambushed Roland must not go unpunished. Otherwise, how can I face him and the soldiers?"

Lancelot bowed. "Rest assured, My Lord. I will see these criminals brought to justice."

Baldwin interjected. "My Lord, we must be cautious. Capturing the leader is key. If we go on a killing spree, who will surrender?"

Though furious, Simon knew Baldwin was right. "Fine. Capture the leader first."

Lancelot acknowledged the command and left to prepare the troops.

Baldwin then said. "My Lord, I will make arrangements for the bread distribution and issue notices to all cities. However, the governor’s treasury is running low. Might Your Highness transfer funds from the Engineering Department to purchase grain?"

Simon winced. The Engineering Department was currently the wealthiest, but even its funds weren’t infinite.

Reluctantly, he agreed. "Fine. But will you also petition the emperor for additional funds to get us through this crisis?"

Baldwin gave him a knowing look. "My Lord, whether His Majesty provides funds depends entirely on how much he values you."

Simon’s expression darkened. He had already sent a request for assistance to Alaric, but it had been ignored.

It was clear now; his father had no intention of financially supporting him.

"Fine, fine. You and Lancelot just enjoy watching me struggle." Simon grumbled, waving Baldwin away.

Baldwin smirked slightly and took his leave. He wasn’t unwilling to help, but imperial affairs were beyond his influence.

Watching him leave, Simon frowned. Misfortunes never came alone. Diverting funds from the Engineering Department would hinder its research and development, a consequence he desperately wanted to avoid.

He had no choice but to seek aid from Alaric.

Ordinarily, border lords received financial aid from the imperial treasury, even though Brambleford wasn’t a primary target for reaver raids.

"What do I do?" Simon pondered.

He was in dire straits. His new policies had yet to yield results, and now the bandit crisis threatened to make things worse.

After much contemplation, he thought of Empress Gretchen.

As the Crown Prince’s mother, she was greatly favoured by Alaric. Her influence was a major reason why the emperor refused to depose the incompetent Crown Prince.

More importantly, Empress Gretchen was obsessed with fragrances, almost to an obsessive degree. Officials often curried favour by gifting her rare incense and perfumes.

A plan formed in Simon’s mind.

If direct requests to Alaric had failed, perhaps an indirect approach through the empress would work.

Modern perfume-making was simple for him, and the necessary ingredients were readily available.

He would brew a batch as a gift to his mother, Lady Isolde, who could then subtly persuade Empress Gretchen to speak on his behalf.

Even if this failed, he could still have Lady Isolde sell the perfumes in Eldora for profit.

Feeling slightly relieved, Simon made up his mind.

Just then, Ysabeau emerged from Roland’s room.

"My Lord, Steward Roland is awake."

Simon immediately entered. Inside, Oscar was still bandaging Roland’s wound. The steward struggled to rise upon seeing Simon.

"Stay down," Simon ordered.