The Border Fortress-City of Ahrensschau

Onwards to the West you go, passing by smaller towns and villages that were similarly doing well for themselves. Some among your retinue share concerns of danger, knowing that beyond the Western border lay the other Duchies and Kingdoms of the Confederation.

Its people are no stranger to wars over border disputes, but in recent years it has undergone much-needed renovations.

Now you see the beginnings of massive walls and towers, strong ballistae and mangonels atop the battlements as guards patrol the work sites in endless vigilance.

You make your way to the recently rebuilt Keep, which had been destroyed a year before your ascension to the throne, when your brother managed to successfully fight off an enemy invasion. It is two times bigger than you last saw, all towers equipped with strong defenses and garrisoned by disciplined soldiers and Knights.

The Earl of Ahrensschau, Augustin Kretschmer, is another supporter of your alliance with the Axumite Empire - more for material benefits than anything else, but neither could you deny the advantages they give you.

Speaking of which...

"Welcome, Your Majesty!" he exclaims, "We are humbled by your presence here!"

Oh great, I hate this kind of people, You think inwardly.

Shaking off your apprehension, you nod at him, saying, "I see that you've been busy."

"Indeed, Your Majesty," says Augustin, "This is the gateway to our western borders - nothing but the best of defences shall suffice. By the way, may I ask what brings your Majesty all the way here?"

"I am on a Royal tour, you see," you say, "As I have only ascended the throne last year, I thought it prudent to obtain a clear picture of Ostgrenze to allow myself to govern it well."

"Of course, please take your time here," says the Earl, "I do hope you find what you see satisfactory."

Yes, not having to put up with his behaviour would be so much more pleasant, You thought.

"I will do just that," you reassure him.

Though you are received with much pomp and ceremony, you and Oskar both decide to act incognito, masking yourselves as nobles sent by the King to investigate the town in private - not so different from your original objective.

And upon closer inspection, despite the Earl's suspicious-looking character, you find that the city is doing quite well for itself, all things considered. Even the poorest areas are being upgraded, new sewage systems being dug out to improve cleanliness.

The guards are also fairly disciplined, regularly maintaining patrols around the clock.

"It seems this Earl Augustin knows how to govern a fief well," Said Oskar, "Despite his... personality."

"True," You say, "Still, I think we ought to investigate a while longer. Who knows what's happening at night."

"A just concern, My King," says Oskar, "I shall have my agents comb the entire city just in case."