You agree to marry this Wihemina of Cydwyl.
Later that day - after your father leaves - you meet with Aethlan once more. He has heard the news and understands that he needs to be dismissed. He asks but for one kiss to end your relationship.
Heads
You restrain yourself from pulling him into a room. This must end, and while your heart aches, and Aethlan looks like beaten puppy, you both know this is for good of Methiant.
1193 AD, Winter
Report from the Treasury; the currency replacement has caused the relative wealth of your coffers to diminish as to match the prices of the markets and goods. Time will tell if this will stop the inflation.
Economy rating lowered by
2.
You receive a letter from your father; Wihemina, her parents, and your dad will arrive in Spring to witness your marriage and spend some time around you (no doubt to keep an eye on you).
Meanwhile, silver and gold land in the Treasury; the gemstones are sent north with the caravan that takes their share of profits from the trade.
1to3
The furs sold poorly amongst your noblemen, but profits are profits and you can't dismiss them.
1193 AD, Midwinter
A delegation of dwarves, with bald heads and colorful robes, have arrived, but led by no one else than Varsaalath Katinarag, High King of Dwarves!
King Katinarag is dressed in lengthy yellow robe, and his square hat is adorned with golden chains that fall upon his bearded cheeks, the beard itself reaching his knees and braided using a golden rope; he would be quite respectful looking if not for the fact that, even for dwarven royalty standards, he is very obese. The High King of Dwarves is guarded by eight dwarves clad in purple and with armor made of alloy that shines all the time, even if no light's falling on the metal.
While the High King looks rather jovial fellow, his diplomats are looking rather unsure of themselves, and the purple-clad guards are staring at you as if readying themselves to behead you at moment's notice.
"Young Emperor Yoe IV of the human Empire of Methiant. What a pleasure to visit you, even if the reason for my personal leaving of Metafenith isn't very much pleasing." He clasps his hands and steps forward before your throne.
"There has been accident in one of my subjects' halls, and of which results have spilled, unfortunately, upon the fertile lands of your domain. As we're both aware of the accident I'm speaking about, can we begin our negotiations outside of public eye - of course, sufficiently protected by our respective guards?"
In the corner of your eye, you see the figure of Spymaster hiding behind one of the pillars in the corner of throne hall.
A) "Diplomacy is about trust and honest deals, not scheming in side chambers. We will negotiate here."
B) "I will talk to you after your people will pay for the grief and death they caused my subjects, not before!"
C) "That sounds good for me. Let's go."
D) "Please wait a moment, I need to speak with my advisor there." (Get the Spymaster here!)