[COR - CH2] Old Gold is New Leverage

[LegacyBuilder]

Mortimer Studsbury and his small retinue quietly approached the shaded clearing along the Corrlander-Oleon border. From their point of reference, they could see the colorful whites and blues of an Oleon hunting party. This is exactly what Mortimer had hoped to find. In the clearing, with a small party of his own, stood Duke Guillaume de Bellemont, a prominent Oleon nobleman ruling over a district along the Corrlander-Oleon Border. The men rested under the shade of a tree, still holding their ornate gold-plated hunting spears.

Mortimer gave the signal, and his retinue emerged simultaneously before the other group of men. Mortimer and his soldiers did not attack, however. Mortimer launched an assault with words. "Duke de Bellemont, I am Mortimer Studsbury, heir to the Studsbury banking enterprise. I am not here today to cause you any harm, but rather to gently remind you of an old debt I recovered from some old books in my late father's possession. I can assure you, it has become quite a sum in lieu of the termination of the Long War."

The Duke stood silently, caught off-guard and confused for a moment. Only breathing could be heard for a short time before he responded. "Perhaps you are right, but you are in no position to press me or Oleon for debts from a time before we claimed victory over your realm."

Mortimer grinned knowingly. "You may misunderstand me. I do not need you to repay the loan... yet. I may be obliged to reduce the ongoing interest or even eliminate some of the fees you have amassed if you might be inclined to simply assist me."

The Duke de Bellomont rubbed his chin. "Please, do tell me whatever it is you are on about."

Mortimer continued. "If it please you, the Studsbury's are willing to reduce the rate of interest accumulating on your accounts by nine tenths if only you share regularly some of the economic and political goings on of your realm."

The duke squinted. Mortimer knew the Duchy of Bellemont was one hard pressed during the war, and finances must be in a difficult state for the duke in these days.

Mortimer extended a hand. "We so value your business that we may be persuaded to eliminate your interest altogether, and perhaps forgive all the interest that has accumulated for, say, the last five years."

The Duke de Bellemont raised his eyebrows, and his eyes widened. "Might you give me a moment?" 

Mortimer nodded. The duke turned and beckoned at another man holding another golden spear who approached and whispered with him briefly.

Bellemont turned back to Mortimer. "We will accept your offer, provided further debt forgiveness be possible in the future for further assistance."

Mortimer nodded, and bowed. "I will send a man to you from time to time. Please treat him with the utmost confidence. He will bare a sign to ensure his identity."

With that, Mortimer turned and with his comradery in toe, hurried out of the borderlands and back into the realm of Corrington, his mission completed successfully. Information for his king was certainly more valuable than gold he likely would never see again.

PLEASE NOTE: I believe I may be about an hour overdue. If disqualified, I understand. I hope people enjoy the photo and story regardless. Thank you for reading!

 

 

Edited Monday at 07:52 PM by LegacyBuilder
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[Khorne]

All the plotting and scheming going on! I love the figures and those brickbuilt warhammers.

[LegacyBuilder]

1 hour ago, Khorne said:

All the plotting and scheming going on! I love the figures and those brickbuilt warhammers.

Thank you!