>>6163802>>6163848>>6163849As Otto von Reichenbach paced the stone-floored hall of his court, the air was thick with tension. Rumors and whispers had begun to coil around his court like a serpent, each one more troubling than the last.
The Silver Scandal was on everyone’s lips. Dietrich Albers, a merchant trusted with managing the silver caravans, was suspected of skimming profits. Though the accusations were not proven, many court officials, particularly Treasurer Klara, were growing suspicious. However, Dietrich was not without powerful friends, and confronting him might risk alienating the merchant class that provided much of Otto’s wealth. On the other hand, leaving the matter unchecked could erode his authority.
Meanwhile, a delicate proposal had been delivered from the Baroness Isolde von Braum, a shrewd ruler of fertile lands to the west. She offered a marriage alliance, proposing her daughter, Ingrid, as Otto’s bride. The match would bring valuable farmland and solidify political ties, but rumors swirled that the Baroness might use the alliance to plant a spy within Otto’s court. His advisors were divided: the Chancellor encouraged Otto to accept the match, while the Spymaster warned of its dangers.
The tension in the court was heightened by a divided council over tax policy. Chancellor Gerhardt argued passionately for a tax increase to bolster the military, citing the growing unrest in neighboring territories. Treasurer Klara, however, opposed the idea, fearing that heavier taxes could spark rebellion among Otto’s subjects. The council chamber buzzed with heated debates, leaving Otto to make the final, difficult decision.
The most troubling matter, however, was the discovery of a coded letter tucked within the library’s archives. It bore the seal of a raven—a symbol tied to the von Krieger family, an old noble house exiled decades ago for treason. The message hinted at a plot against Otto, but its meaning was unclear. The Spymaster advised caution, suggesting they gather more intelligence, while the Marshal called for swift and decisive arrests to root out any treachery.
Amid these challenges, a curious discovery offered a glimmer of opportunity. Scouts exploring the nearby forests had stumbled upon a wondrous sight: clusters of silk moths fluttering among the trees. A local herbalist confirmed their value, suggesting they could be cultivated to produce silk, a rare and luxurious commodity that could elevate Otto’s court to unparalleled prestige.
Yet even this opportunity came with complications. Establishing silk farms would require clearing sections of the forest, which might anger local woodcutters and hunters. Moreover, neighboring realms, eager for any advantage, might also turn their eyes toward the silk moths, sparking competition—or worse, conflict.
