The Church's High-Handed Move

Dostra and Kennet. After finalizing the business plan with both barons, I immediately set the enterprise in motion.

As a first step, I approached the refugees sheltering at Yurba Fort and had them begin cutting timber from the surrounding forests.

I also purchased timber that had already been felled and concluded a contract to ship it to Aileen Port.

The people who had fled to the fort were happy to find work they could start easily and earn income from, and forestry suddenly began to flourish.

Word of my business plan spread, reaching the lords of northern Roberk as well.

To avoid missing out, lords sent letter after letter offering to join. Some had even belonged to the alliance led by Kars, and my proposed enterprise seemed to have strengthened what was provisionally being called the Romelia Alliance.

"You look busy over there."

Ten days after discussing the business plan, I was writing replies to letters from nearby lords in a room at Yurba Fort when Velli-sensei entered with a map and documents in hand.

Seeing me write letter after letter, my mentor remarked as though it had nothing to do with him.

"Just so we're clear, Sensei, I'm putting you to work too."...