EMPIRE REWRITTEN [Isekai ? Alt-History ? Strategy]

Chapter Five: The Weight of Leadership

"Gentlemen," I began, letting my voice carry across the room, "as you know, I was appointed Despot of the Morea several months ago. However, I've only just begun to fully settle here over the last month or so." I allowed my gaze to sweep the room, seeing their curiosity deepen. "Today, I ask for your reports and insights. Together, we will chart the best course for the prosperity and safety of this region."

George nodded in approval before stepping forward. "My Despot, Elis and Arcadia are rich in resources, but vulnerable. Poor harvests plague the villages, roads hinder our merchants, and the defenses of Clermont Castle waver."

Leaning forward, I surveyed the council chamber. Sunlight streamed through high windows, illuminating dust motes that danced above the polished table. The faces of the gathered lords were etched with concern, lines deepening around their eyes.

"Tell me of our realm," I said, my voice steady but edged with urgency. "How many souls inhabit our lands? How does our treasury fare?"

Nikolas, his hands clasped tightly before him, glanced at Markos. "Despot," he began, his voice gravelly with age, "Somewhere between sixty and eighty thousand souls, my lord. Hard to pin down numbers when men chase bread elsewhere.

Markos shifted in his seat, the young lord's brow furrowed. "The late rains have cursed us," he said quietly. "Harvests fail, and our coffers feel the strain. We've but 15,000 silver stavrata and 2,000 gold ducats remaining. If the drought holds..."

An uneasy silence fell. I could feel the weight of their unspoken fears, the desperation that clung to the air like a damp fog. My gaze swept the room, noting the downcast eyes, the subtle tension in their shoulders.

George then added: "Another 2,000 ducats remain reserved, Despot—funds prudently set aside earlier."

I nodded, processing the information. The population wasn't large, and the drop in profits was significant, but not disastrous. It was something we could manage—if we took the right steps. "We need to focus on stabilizing the harvests," I said. "If the drought worsens, what measures can we take to ensure water reaches the fields?"

"We need to improve irrigation," I said firmly. "We can build aqueducts or deepen the wells in the worst-hit villages."
Silence. Some of the lords exchanged glances. Nikolas cleared his throat. "Aqueducts, Despot? Noble plans, but costly, slow, and thirsty for silver."
Sphrantzes leaned in slightly, voice calm but pointed. "Ambitious, my lord, though perhaps first we clear existing wells. Quicker results will reassure the peasants of your decisive action."

"Good," I said, feeling a flicker of confidence. "Let's start with the villages most affected. Allocate resources to strengthen their irrigation systems. We can't afford another poor harvest next year."

Silence. A few of the lords exchanged glances.

Nikolas, his fingers drumming lightly on the table, cleared his throat. "A prudent choice, Despot. But resources are not endless. The merchants have already petitioned for road repairs, claiming that poor trade routes are hurting commerce. If we direct funds toward irrigation first, they will see it as favoritism toward the farmers."

Markos, younger and sharper, leaned forward. "Yet, if we put roads ahead of irrigation, the villagers will grumble that we fatten purses while they go hungry." He gave a pointed smile. "Either way, someone leaves this chamber dissatisfied."

I felt the weight of their words settle over me. It made sense—every coin spent was a coin taken from somewhere else.

Sphrantzes spoke at last, his voice measured. "Villages without water perish quickly, merchants may wait a little longer. Priorities must be set clearly."