You decide not to get involved in the far west.
1140 AD, Mid-Autumn
You become grandfather twice more; within six days apart, both Estrid and Abis give birth; Estrid gives Houlandin a healthy boy she named 'Llynden', and Abis has another daughter that is named 'Dana'.
1140 AD, Winter
Gold and gemstones arrive in the Treasury, while silver is once more sent to the dwarves.
1, 2to3
Once again, metals provide little profits; the glasswares fares better.
1140 AD, Midwinter
3to6
You're informed by your generals and clerks that the recruitment offices have been smoothly integrated into royal bureaucracy as well as military organization of Methiant. First recruiters have already disseminated amongst the lands of the Empire, offering honest soldiering work and a new place to call home for those unlucky, homeless, of mercenary inclination or otherwise interested in serving the Methiantese nation.
1140, Late Winter
The magnificent Royal Keep of Ceremonies has been opened in a grandiose ceremony. Many noblemen attend it, if only to get drunk and mingle with each other.
All important religious and celebratory events will now take place in it, possibly dazing your subjects, guests and courtiers alike with the splendor of the carved marble and glass decorations inside.
1140, End of the Year
Just as you finished the morning meal, the Advisor seizes the opportunity to present you freshly updated Scrolls of Kingdom Status.
4to6
Happiness: 3
Population: 7
Economy:
1Army: 3
Imp.Authority:
-2"My liege, while the recruiters had great luck in gathering new recruits from across Methiant, the Treasury is in bad shape. The people are grumbling in disapproval and some groups of malcontent are even publicly expressing their anger with your rule. But it is the money that's our current pressing issue; the tribute to Dwarves takes away a good chunk of our income, and our Army, bureaucracy and Fireblood Court are expensive to maintain. We ought to do something." The Advisor explains several (more or less obvious) ideas your ministers and officials have.
As for Army budget...
A) Lower the assigned budget to previous amount and cut its spendng for a year.
B) Lower the assigned budget to previous amount.
C) Cut its spendng for a year.
D) Do nothing, Army is backbone of our society and must be well-oiled all the time!
As for potential increase of taxes...
A) For a year, we have to or we go bankrupt!
B) No, let's not anger the peasants even more.
"The Authority is at all time low, my liege. But mayhaps another edict could raise it? Therefore, I shall ask: do you wish to issue an Edict this year?"
A) "Of course, bureaucracy is love!"
B) "Not this year, sorry."