I’m bored.

Paperwork, requests for aid, surpluses, deficits. It seemed like every day something new needed my attention. I just want to visit North Forest. I just want to eat delicious food.

But I, of course, can’t say that. I have to act kingly. I have to live in a fashion that is respectable to my position.

Unlike that Wolfbourne barbarian. The poor maid who had to service his room surely needs a raise.

Morning in the castle was cold as usual. It would take some time for the stone mass of the castle to heat up in the sun. By mid day it will probably be insufferable on the outer wall. The hassle of choosing the wrong stone for castle design.

To handle the cold, the meal for breakfast was a warm soup with a floating layer of Roya infused oil. No matter how you attempt to spoon it the oil is unavoidable. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. Each mouthful, the silky warm oil spreads across my tongue caressing it tenderly.

It’s a delicious soup, but for some reason I imagine the man in the forest could make it ten times more palatable.

Thanking the chefs I take my leave and head back towards my office.

Paperwork won’t do itself. And I need to discuss Duke Calbert’s action with the ministry. They will likely recommend stripping his title but I find it hard to do that.

Its not unusual to face stubborn tenants as a king. But your vassal must have the respect to at least face you directly. Not hide behind words on paper.

Glancing across a ledger of domestic spending I lightly sigh before exchanging it for the shell trade company ledger.

Seeing these green entries is a my singular relief in this world.

As I watch the ledger yet another large payment appears at the bottom, indicating another purchase from one of various Aelwick trade companies. On the other hand, a large red number appears on my own ledger. The smile I had quickly turned over.

These celestial ledgers will be the death of me one day. It’s a wonderful magic but compiling the numbers so simply is painful to look at.

I really should give a copy of the Roya sales one too the man in the forest. Though as usual he would probably just say ‘I have no use for money.’

I really wish I could change that point of view. But I doubt anything I can do would change him.

Lunch came to my office and it too was delicious, yet lacking.

A sandwich of thin slices of meat, topped with melted cheese and a drizzle of flake filled sauce. The uneven spread of the sauce made each bite a surprise. Would it be a mouthful of creamy cheese, gritty mayonnaise, or that dense chewy meat?

Set beside it was a thick slice of pickle. The sour crunch of the pickle complemented the dry bread perfectly. Spotting a drop of sauce I dipped the pickle and took a bite.

"Delicious." I confirm absentmindedly.

But it would be better if…

Again those thoughts polluted my mind.

I really pity the chef if he had heard my inner thoughts.

After lunch, representatives from the western region appeared with an appeal to build a bridge connecting the western path system to the north.

Such a appeal had been made before but it is easier said than done. The river they plan to bridge can dramatically change in intensity day to day. If we build it at its typical height a single heavy rain could sweep it away. But if we build it while aware of its peak flow then the cost of construction would rise substantially.

There is no easy way to turn them down but nonetheless I must.

‘Even magic has its limits’ I explain when they ask about constructing it with earth magic.

They have heard all this before though. But next year they will still come again. I truly wish enough would change so that my answer might differ.

Graciously bowing the representative leave with hint of frustration. I share your frustration, trust me. But unfortunately you will have to live with just ferrying people across for now.

With most of the plans for the day concluded I took a peek outside to investigate weather I could fit a visit into my schedule. Fortunately it was only a little past noon so it wouldn’t be impossible. Growing a grin I stood from my throne and began to look for Cara.

"Your Majesty. There is something that needs your attention." A man says quickly marching into the room and noticing the risen King.

"Can it wait?" I ask trying not to make my disappointment obvious.

"Ah… Well yes I suppose…" The man says, unsure how to respond.

His franticness answered my question. "Very well. What is the problem?"

"Ah well..."