Trade and Taxes (conditional variables are in use!)

A group of traders and carawaneers requests an audience, lamenting the condition of the roads, the taxes and inconsistencies about what and how to declare in certain border areas. One man even claims to have been robbed by a group of bandits operating out of the forrests on your border, while another compares the taxes and legal issues to a different kingdom, calling for simplification of trade and whatnot. There are long debates between your court and the men, and you notice that some might have been brewing for a few years already. You summon the discipline to royally stifle a yawn. In a calm minute, while refreshments are brought, Lord Gilbert fills you in on the details. "The balding man with the gold necklace showing a small eagle symbol", he explains,"Is Andreo Victorelli, he has a lot of backing from various traders and groups associated with import and export. We ought to pay his requests some heed at least, he's known to exaggerate tenthousendfold if it helps him achieve his goals. What do you think, my king? Stimulating trade in the border regions means lots of work for certain men working in the treasury and perhaps a new structure for how we handle the border in certain parts. The roads I am not certain of, what if the work of this summer is gone by next spring thanks to the weather?"

You nod and decide to inquery about the bandits later, as you exactly know the person for these tasks, the same your father has relied on for so long. Lord Gilbert appears somewhat haggerd and exhausted these days. You take a sip from your goblet and nod at your wife, who excuses herself from court, claiming not to feel well.

You, on the other side, feel a pang of sadness even, watching her leave - while she gets to play, no doubt, you're locked in here with the least fun part of ruling - legal dispute and shrewd traders. Your eyes do fall on a raven-haired, pale beauty who seems to be part of the trader's entourage. She adverts her eyes once she notices your looks, and continues to focus on reading and writing something on parchments and rolls of paper.

The discussions drag out for hours on end, and your court seems to be up in arms at the end of it. If you could, you would groan and wish it all to hell. Alas, it would not be befitting a king.