Total pages in book: 142
Estimated words: 137017 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 685(@200wpm)___ 548(@250wpm)___ 457(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 137017 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 685(@200wpm)___ 548(@250wpm)___ 457(@300wpm)
“Thank you, Marquess. I’m flattered.”
“You’ve only been here such a short time and already are making changes for the better. How did you think to come up with such a plan?”
Ha.
It was commonplace in my past life, sir.
I couldn’t say that, could I?
“I realised that there was no baseline where aid was concerned, often leading to it taking far too long to reach those in need,” I replied. “Although the Grand Duke is generous, simply handing people money isn’t the answer. These people have lost everything, and in their grief, may make bad decisions. It struck me that if a framework for longer-term support could be put together, it could help them rebuild their lives.”
He rubbed his chin. “You are quite right, my lady. As you know, our estate suffered similarly several years ago. We tried our best to support those who were worst off after the attack, but the lump sums we gave out as financial assistance were squandered in many cases.”
I nodded slowly. “For many people, getting such a large amount of money at once can be too tempting. By changing how they receive it, it can be less overwhelming, and they’re less likely to use it for untoward things. Of course, that doesn’t apply to the emergency fund, but that’s for immediate lodging, clothing, and food, although in time we should also offer food and clothing instead of money. Having a policy in place also means the main funding can be delivered sooner—the council can begin enacting it as soon as we receive word of an impending attack. And in time, we can allocate the responsibilities of fiefdoms directly to the heads of larger houses like yourself.”
“What you say makes a great deal of sense. Personally, I support this wholeheartedly.”
I blushed. “Thank you.”
“There’s no denying there are a few minor issues to be worked out and that setting it up will be hard work,” he continued. “But the incentives you’re offering the committee in charge are hard to turn down. Not even the stipend, but the training for the knights will be invaluable. Not to mention that it will greatly lessen the burden on the knights here at the castle.”
“Indeed.” I glanced around the garden. “Even something as simple as a general education on monster physiology and behaviours will go a long way.”
“Quite. Many remote villages spot monsters while their groups are still small but lack the means to do anything about it. If they had more education on the monsters’ weak points, they may stand a chance at eliminating them before they become a real problem. It’s a sad fact that they’re put at risk because it’s unfeasible to send a battalion of knights to handle a few low-level monsters.”
“Which is a shame, because the monsters have a hierarchy and food chain the same as any other creature. Where there are low-level monsters, there will eventually be high-level ones seeking their prey, which is how we end up needing aid.”
Marquess Talwick eyed me speculatively. “You’re very knowledgeable about this, Lady Alicia. Much more so than I expected you to be.”
“Ah. I cannot take all the credit, my lord. Much like in the creation of the policy, I’ve had a lot of assistance with learning about the monsters. My lady-in-waiting has applied herself to studying them, and Sir Hayes has been a great help to us both.”
“Hayes? That lout behind us?”
“Yes, him.” I looked over my shoulder, but it was only Bella shadowing us. “Where did he go?”
“Sir Hayes went to check on the Grand Duke,” she explained, ducking her head to hide her pinkened cheeks.
Was she blushing at my praise of her?
Aw. She was so cute.
“Ah, his infamous rescue.” The marquess chuckled. “Just as well. If he doesn’t, Count Oscus will keep the Grand Duke there all day with his latest moneymaking scheme.”
“It sounds like they were well prepared for today,” I remarked.
“Alicia, Marquess.”
Speak of the devil.
“Your Highness.” Marquess Talwick bowed.
“Did you need me?” I asked, meeting Kalon’s gaze.
Something flashed in his gaze for a moment. “No, I was coming to find the marquess. The marquess, count, countess, and viscountess are waiting for you in the council room. They’d like to discuss your thoughts on Lady Alicia’s policy.”
“Ah, very well,” Marquess Talwick said, turning to me. “I shall take my leave, my lady. Thank you for taking the time to talk with me.”
“It was enjoyable, Marquess, thank you.” I watched as he bade us goodbye and disappeared back inside the castle, then said, “They’re not terribly subtle, are they?”
Sir Hayes coughed into his hand.
“Whatever do you mean?” Kalon asked, taking the empty space beside me and holding out his arm.
Right. There were other nobles wandering about the castle.
I slipped my hand through the crook of his elbow and allowed him to guide me down another path. “Sending the marquess to find me so he could speak to me in more depth about the policy.”