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You are Prince Meirion auk Gwyrren, the only sane man in a royal family with dubious concepts of strategy, justice, taxation, and governance in general. You have made it your goal in life to keep your family on the throne and your head firmly attached to your body.

===============

"Look! This is your new home!" Reagan holds Rhein and Aislin up to the carriage windows so they can get their first glimpse of the city of Olaim, capital of Olstren.

Aurwain, your home city, was built (and rebuilt) for beauty and elegance. Olaim was not. The buildings are squat and built out of dull grey stones and there are far fewer lightstones in the streets. Although it is day right now, so perhaps people use their own lightstones during the night?

Aside from that, the sturdy walls and armed patrol speak of a city prepared for war. From what you know, Olaim was built next to a large lake which is directly connected to the coast, which gives them relatively stable access to food from arable lands, something which the northern and eastern territories lack. Meanwhile, trade from the north and east allowed Olaim to gain access to better ores. Between more quality food and more quality weapons, it wasn't difficult for the central duchy of Olstren to subjugate its neighbours and unify the region into a proper kingdom.

Of course, the distances involved, not to mention the difficult terrain, made it difficult to integrate the duchies politically, and the peripheral duchies have been becoming more independent thanks to magical development, but while that's a problem for you and Reagan, you won't let it become a problem for your children. After all, you've already been making good progress patching things up.

"Any threats we need to worry about?" You ask Myrddin.

"No, the city is secure," Myrddin says. "Some of the nobles might try to get under your skin, but I don't consider that a threat worth noting."

"We'll be at the palace soon," Reagan says. "Should we make an entrance, or would you prefer to meet with my father privately first?"

>Public entrance.
>Private meeting.
>>
>>1605309
>>Public entrance.
>>
>>1605309
>>Public entrance.
>>
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>>1605309
"Might as well do this properly."

"Go in through the palace's main entrance then," Reagan says. "I don't expect much of a crowd though."

There isn't. The guards let you onto the palace grounds and line up in a protective formation as soon as one of the senior ones spots Reagan, but no one else in the palace seems to notice your arrival. The palace staff are too busy and there aren't any nobles just hanging around either. Only a herald comes rushing out of the palace.

"Your majesty!" The herald's a young man, and he's not huffing despite how quickly he was just running. "The King has been eagerly awaiting your arrival since we received word of your return. And the Prince as well, of course. We were all quite pleased to hear the King's line had been blessed with another generation."

"I'm sorry I couldn't come sooner," Reagan says as she disembarks, carefully juggling Rhein and Aislin. "I hope you've prepared lodgings for my guests as well?"

"But of course, your majesty," the herald says. "His majesty the Heir's Castle's prepared per your request."

"The Heir's Castle is a large manor located on the palace ground," Reagan explains. "As the name implies, it's my personal castle. Myrddin, if you can oversee things there."

"Leave it to me, your majesty."

The herald leads you to the palace's throne room. Reagan walks ahead, still holding both Rhein and Aislin, who are staring wide-eyed at the grounds. There are no flower gardens here and only a few trees, but it's much greener here than you're used to back in Gwyrddarfordir.

Then there's Olaim Castle. It's a wide, stout building, only two floors high at the most. The grey stone walls are… rustic, is the word that comes to mind. Antiquated, if you're feeling uncharitable. It does have its charm though. The interior is lined with heatstones, so at least it doesn't feel cold.

The guards push the doors to the throne room open and the herald announces your arrival.

"Presenting Crown Princess Reagan mac Connaught of Olstren, Prince Rhein mac Reagan of Olstren, Princess Aislin mac Reagan of Olstren and Prince Meirion auk Gwyrren of Gwyrddarfordir."

There's polite applause from the nobles standing in the sidelines. The throne room is unlike your father's hall. It's small, even claustrophobic, like the walls and ceiling are pressing down on you. Only the area surrounding the throne seems open, making it quite eye-catching.

It's quite a neat trick.
>>
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>>1605427
King Connaught's expression breaks into a warm grin when he sees his daughter and your children. He looks friendly enough, even with the scar. "Reagan, you come to show me my grandchildren at last," he says. "And with your husband as well. It has been quite some time since I last saw you, Prince Meirion."

"I'm afraid I wouldn't have left much of an impression, your majesty," you say. "My royal father was quite enthused about those peace negotiations, so I imagine you remember him better."

"Back then, I barely even looked at you," King Connaught says. "But your reputation has only grown since then, and recent rumours have led me to reevaluate my opinion of you."

Ah, yes. You did sort of overthrow one of his vassals.

>[Dilettante/1d12] "I look forward to spending time in Olstren."
>[Sovereign/1d12] "Olstren will benefit of my efforts in the future as much as Gwyrddarfordir did in the past."
>[Military/Autosuccess] "I hope further violence against your vassals won't be necessary."
>>
>>1605436
>>[Dilettante/1d12] "I look forward to spending time in Olstren."
>>
>>1605436
>[Dilettante/1d12] "I look forward to spending time in Olstren."

also we are annexing this place once the king dies right? We are basically his heir through Reagan.
>>
>>1605491
That's your call.
>>
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>>1605436
"I look forward to spending time in Olstren," you say. "I never could find the time in the past, but now, I have a very compelling reason to acclimate."

You glance around the room to get a feel of the nobles' reactions.

>Roll 1d12, best of three.
>>
Rolled 11 (1d12)

>>1605514
>>
Rolled 5 (1d12)

>>1605514
>>
Rolled 2 (1d12)

>>1605514
>>
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>>1605514
The nobles relax and chatter among each other. They don't go easy on you. All of them are wearing armour - enchanted leather, although some decided to go with steel plate - and while they don't have weapons at their hips in their King's presence, it still makes for an intimidating crowd.

You've seen more intimidating though.

"Prince Meirion has been very supportive since our marriage, father," Reagan says. "I hope you can reciprocate."

"I can hardly deny a request from you, Reagan," King Connaught says, "especially since you finally got married. It certainly took you long enough."

"It isn't a question of time, father," Reagan says. "It's true there were some tragedies, but I found happiness with Prince Meirion and had two wonderful children. I just had to meet the right man."

The implication that all the suitors Reagan had assassinated weren't the right men isn't lost on anyone.

"Things did turn out well in the end," King Connaught admits. "At least we won't have to worry about going to war against Gwyrddarfordir for the next few generations. Longer, if we can secure another political marriages in the future. That's for later though; I have no intention of marrying off infants. In the meantime, it occurs to me that I still haven't provided you with a proper dowry. If you have a request in mind, Prince Meirion, please feel free to ask."

A dowry is hardly necessary here - you're the one who married into Reagan's family after all - but since the King is offering…

>[Sovereign/1d8] Request a seat on the king's council.
>[Merchant/1d8] Request a royal trade charter.
>[Military/1d10] Request a military position.
>Request nothing.
>>
>>1605622
And I forgot to mention that you have an active crit include in this next roll.
>>
>>1605622
>>[Merchant/1d8] Request a royal trade charter.
>>
>>1605622
>[Sovereign/1d8] Request a seat on the king's council.
>>
>>1605622
>>[Merchant/1d8] Request a royal trade charter.
>>
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>>1605622
"I happen to have several business ventures in Gwyrddarfordir that I would like to expand into Olstren, your majesty," you say. "I believe it would be beneficial for all of us if you could grant me a royal trade charter."

You could make do without by relying on merchants who already have permission to trade with Olstren, but it's a terribly inefficient way of doing things and a royal charter would allow you to place other merchants under your patronage and trade wherever you want with minimal obstruction.

>Roll 1d8, best of three.
>>
Rolled 8 (1d8)

>>1605707
>>
Rolled 6 (1d8)

>>1605707
>>
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>>1605707
"Granted," King Connaught says. "I'll have it drafted and signed by tomorrow."

"Thank you, your majesty."

"I believe I'll join you both for dinner tonight," King Connaught says. "Until then, you should rest, and I'm afraid I have several more dull matters to see to."

"Yes, father," Reagan says. "It's nice to be back home after all this time."

You excuse yourself, and now that Reagan no longer needs to present the children, you pick up Rhein to lighten her load.

"That went well," you say. "I think your father likes me."

"He's a warrior," Reagan says. "Your reputation works well for you here."

The castle has been prepared per Reagan's request, including all the cribs you need. You put the children down and they fall asleep almost immediately, giving you time to look around.

>Tell Esyllt about the trade charter.
>Ask Olwen about security.
>Make sure Eleri and Delyth are alright.
>Pay Seren a visit.
>>
>>1605795
>>Tell Esyllt about the trade charter.
>>
>>1605795
>>Tell Esyllt about the trade charter.
then
>Make sure Eleri and Delyth are alright.
>>
>>1605795
>>Tell Esyllt about the trade charter.
>Make sure Eleri and Delyth are alright.
>>
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>>1605795
Reagan stays with the children. You decide to give Esyllt the good news first and knock on her door. She's sitting by the window with Rhian on her lap, looking out towards the grass. You sit next to Esyllt and take her hand.

"Did things go well with your father-in-law?"

"Well enough that I obtained a royal trade charter," you say. "Unrestricted trade anywhere in Olstren with taxes paid to the Crown and the Crown only."

"That will certainly come in useful," Esyllt says. "We'll need to commission banners and letters with your seal so we can start hiring merchants and send out caravans. We'll sponsor local merchants to offer goods at lower prices to allies nobles and use larger caravans to move large amounts of goods and create new markets. I need to know more about Olstren's bandits…"

"I'm glad you're happy." You lean over and kiss Esyllt. "Let me know if you need anything else for your work."

"Yes, your highness."

>Ask Olwen about security.
>Make sure Eleri and Delyth are alright.
>Pay Seren a visit.
>>
>>1605932
>>Make sure Eleri and Delyth are alright.
>>
>>1605932
>>Make sure Eleri and Delyth are alright.
>>
>>1605932
>Make sure Eleri and Delyth are alright.

I know peace conference imp;lies there was a war, but has there been any major conflict between Olstren and Gwyrddarfordir since then?

Does Olstren more respect Gwyrddarfordir or fear it?
>>
>>1605962
Meirion's seen a couple of major border wars, but it's mostly been relatively minor border skirmishes between nobles. Olstren's Crown wasn't involved in those.

Olstren's view of Gwyrddarfordir is closer to respect these days. Most of the Olstren nobles who had a reason to hate Gwyrddarfordir were killed and replaced with people who support Meirion.
>>
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>>1605932
Next, you decide to see Eleri and Delyth. Gotta make sure the pregnant ladies are still pregnant. (They are.) Both of them are also lying on their soft beds and pillows.

"Rough journey?"

"It wasn't so bad at first," Delyth says, "but the cushions flattened out after a few days, so it still felt like sitting on wood."

"Sorry." You sit next to Delyth and gently stroke her forehead. "I'll find a newer carriage for next time."

"Next time won't be soon, I can tell you that much," Eleri says. "I certainly don't mind giving birth in Olstren, and I'm sure my parents will be willing to make the trip."

"We might still need to travel around the kingdom," you point out. "Or even the city. I don't want you to wear yourselves out."

"I'm pregnant," Eleri says, "not crippled. I could use better shoes though…"

"I'll ask around for a cobbler," you say. "Oh, would you mind joining us for dinner? The King will be there as well, and I want to introduce you to him."

"Of course, your highness," Delyth says.

"I'll be happy to join you," Esyllt adds.

>Ask Olwen about security.
>Pay Seren a visit.
>>
>>1606117
>>Pay Seren a visit.
>>
>>1606117
>>Pay Seren a visit.
>>
>>1606117
>Pay Seren a visit.
>>
>>1606117
>>Pay Seren a visit.
>>
>>1606002
excellent, this will make it easier to annex Olstren into Gwyrddafordir then.
>>
>>1606174
Reminder that we are creating what is essentially a royal dynasty much like the various European royal houses where the monarchs were cousins
>>
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>>1606117
You kiss Eleri and Delyth and let them rest. Seren's room is just next door. You go in and…

There's a pillow fort on the bed.

"Expecting an invasion?"

"Anwen likes it," Seren's currently unpacking her luggage. There are a few boxes of alchemical tools, but it's mostly clothes.

"It is adorable," you agree. "I need to spend more time with the children now that I have slightly fewer responsibilities."

"Oh, I'm sure your responsibilities will go back to their usual level," Seren says. "Or maybe you'd prefer to have more children instead? I wouldn't mind..."

>"Olwen would kill me if she didn't have her turn next."
>"I already have two more on the way. That's enough for now."
>"Maybe later."
>[Dilettante/1d12] "In that case, we'll find some time together later."
>>
>>1606246
And with some hope, unite the whole landmass into what should be akin to The empire of Rome.
>>
>>1606263
>[Dilettante/1d12] "In that case, we'll find some time together later."
Gotta keep making the kids....
>>
>>1606263
>[Dilettante/1d12] "In that case, we'll find some time together later."

Gods I hope fantasy college has cheap tuition.
>>
>>1606263
>>"Olwen would kill me if she didn't have her turn next."
so
>"Maybe later."
>>
>>1606263
>>1606283
supporting this
>>
>>1606263
>>[Dilettante/1d12] "In that case, we'll find some time together later."
>>
>>1606273
>>1606279
>>1606299
>Breaking Olwen's heart

Really guys?
>>
>>1606265
At least until we get Not!WWI with monarch cousins fighting each other.

>>1606263
>>[Dilettante/1d12] "In that case, we'll find some time together later."
>>
>>1606302
Well we can have Seren and Olwen at the same time you know?
>>
>>1606302
>>1606325
After the Victorious Prince is done with stabilizing Olstren, he's going to glop endlessly into Olwen.

I expect her to have the most children of all the spouses.
>>
>>1606325
Not until the fights are over fluff, you horny idiot.
>>
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>>1606263
"In that case, maybe we can find some time together later…"

"Wonderful." Seren smiles and gives you a kiss. "Bath time, then?"

"Most likely."

Of course, you need to tell Olwen about your plans. You find her on the roof, gazing ominously at the grass below.

"So… Seren and I are thinking of having another child."

"I hate you so much right now." Olwen crosses her arms and gives you a mock glare. "I swear, it's like you're doing it just to snub me."

"No, I'm not snubbing you." You pull Olwen into a tight hug. "I promise, once everything is over, we can have one child together every year for a decade."

"Perhaps that might be a bit much…"

"It's your womb. You can do whatever you want with it."

Olwen snorts and quickly breaks down into full laughter. You smile and kiss her forehead.

"That is the single silliest thing you could say right now," she says, "but I suppose I appreciate the sentiment."

>Roll 1d12, best of three.
>>
Rolled 10 (1d12)

>>1606402
>>
Rolled 4 (1d12)

>>1606402
>>
Rolled 5, 4, 5, 3 = 17 (4d6)

>>1606402
And that's all for today. Time for the bonus rolls.
>>
Rolled 6, 8, 2 = 16 (3d8)

>>1606412
Here's the last one.

As usual, Beleaguered Prince Quest will return on Friday June 30th at 7PM EDT. Until then, goodnight and thanks for playing.
>>
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>>1606420
cheers, boss
>>
>>1606420
Thanks for running!
>>
Thanks for running!




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