You appoint your sister Aina as the next Empress, unless circumstances change. Courtiers nod and whisper at each other, content with your choice.
1211 AD, Summer
Your wedding to the beautiful, golden-haired Mirinda, is a time for festivities. She has a pleasant voice, and great assets, and doesn't seem to be anything else but what her father advertised.
Next morning however, she is a little pouty and complains that as an Emperor you should last much longer in the bed. As you talk about it, it turns out she heard tales about your family's bedchamber skills (especially your father's) and hoped that you would be equally wild and enthusiastic. But do not fret! She also heard that palatial library has lots of books she can acquaint you with.
4
Few days later, you receive news from the Army - it smashed the bronze colossus apart with Fireblood barrages! Unfortunately hundreds if not thousands have died because the metalman's fireballs had unfortunate distinction of landing exactly at Fireblood stockpiles or nearby, setting off fires and explosions that consumed more soldiers than the colossus' direct fire or stomping itself.
Still, once the colossus broke apart, its remains became huge, cold chunks of bronze. Sold for scrap or melted, the alloy will bring some profits to the Treasury.
1211 AD, Midsummer
Terrible storms and hail seem intent on destroying crops in and south of the capital city, but the damage proves light; the glow of the Scepter of Weather confirming that it is still working fine.
1211 AD, Autumn
1, 4to5
Glassware sold to Ysirene brought small profits; the t'chai leaves, sold in big quantities, brought more money and helped ease minds of peoples.
Interesting news come from Parsian provinces; it seems that tribals and goattenders from the mountains are leaving their ancestral homes in whole families, drawn to the wealth of the Methiant, eager to settle in nearby cities instead of leaving in their tiny, remote hamlets. This trend isn't restricted to them; Waterless nomads, homeless and vagabonds from neighbouring countries are moving through the borders too, enticed by wealth and stability of Methiant, too!
4
As you're attending a meeting with your courtiers, suddenly a man crashed through the window, apparently having swung in on a rope! He doesn't get far because Shadowranks shoot his right knee through with a crossbow bolt. Your men probably have noticed him few seconds prior to his 'entrance'.
They quickly seize the wounded youth, who can't be older than you by a year.
"Who dares interrupt our meeting in such a way?"
"I am Ranulf! I am son of Emperor Yoe IV! My mother was cast away by your father after my conception and birth, and instead you unlawfully occupy the throne of Methiant! I demand vengeance! I demand duel to death!" You look at the pitiful state of his legs; neither he is running anywhere soon, nor would he be a difficult combatant.
You decide to...
A) Grant him his death wish and unsheathe the Blade of Puncturing!
B) Politely remind the Shadowranks where the royal dungeon is located.