You're feeling generous this winter, and thus money and foodstuffs are sent to the countryside.
4
Except few really isolated settlements, everyone gets the supplies, and a crisis is averted.
871 AD, Midwinter
The Marshal himself wrote a report for you. He is proud to announce that Luathbas army, after winning several small skirmishes, is now laying siege to the Parsian capital along with your Gubta allies and even surprise reinforcements from Kashites. The ancient enemy of Luathbas, which was a threat for the last three centuries, is about to be utterly destroyed!
871 AD, Late Winter
6
Summary of trades done with Gubta show that despite the higher taxes, Luathbas merchants (and by proxy, Crown itself) still obtained hefty profits.
871 AD, End of the Year
The advisor brings you the Scrolls of Kingdom Status for your perusal:
Happiness: 5
Population: 5
Economy: 4
Army: 6
Despite some worry from your courtiers, the Treasury is quite alright at the moment.
872 AD, Spring
"Another Hurthling sighting?"
"Yes, but this time it was by a hunter who travelled far to the northeastern mountains, from whence Hurthlings once came. He said that he saw some small peoples dwelling in mostly abandoned hill homes and furnished holes, but they threatened him with slings and domesticated dogs when he tried to approach. After he returned home, he talked with his village's elder, the elder sent a messenger to the governor of the region's city, and the governor sent a letter to us."
A) Send few men who had dealings with Hurthlings to the Hurthling valley in the past in hopes of re-establishing contact.
B) It's clear that the Hurthlings are not willing to come to Luathbas, and we should respect that by ignoring them.
C) Send a envoy speaking with your authority and a group of armed men to show that you're not afraid of Hurthling slings!