— Your Grace, an important report!
— What is it? — I took my eyes off the papers calmly.
My secretary, who suddenly burst into the study in the middle of the day, announced:
— Duke Samuel Floyen of the Duchy of Floyen requests an audience with you.
— Why suddenly? — Surprised.
— This year he intends to begin building new plantations in the western region. And since some of the territories belong to the Archduke, the Duke would like to discuss further cooperation with you.
— «Plantations?» — I frowned,» What are they for?
— According to the Duke's assurance… Grain and wheat crops will be grown on them. It will help to reduce the death toll from starvation among the common people in the coming winter.
Hearing this, I grinned and leaned back in my chair. Duke Floyen… We'd only met him a couple of times, but he already seemed greedy enough. And now all of a sudden he's decided to become a patron of the arts… What a grand gesture of spirit on his part.
