Chapter 546: The Great Noble Houses

Three days after the preliminary expansion meeting, Sage Alistair found himself sitting across from Lucan in his office, staring at five documents arranged neatly upon his desk.

Each document bore a different noble insignia, accompanied by a collection of historical records, territorial maps, and information concerning some of Westmark’s most influential families.

Lucan had arrived earlier that morning carrying enough paperwork to make even Boren reconsider his enthusiasm for administrative work.

Sage examined the documents before looking toward him. "Lucan, when I asked you to explain the Great Noble Houses, I was expecting a conversation, not an entire library."

Lucan settled comfortably into his chair. "Consider yourself fortunate, Guildmaster. My instructors made me memorize considerably more than this when I was younger."

Sage glanced at the documents again. "And you survived?"

"Barely, Guildmaster," Lucan replied with an exaggerated sigh. "Although I occasionally suspect that noble education was invented to punish children for the crimes of their ancestors."

Sage laughed before reaching for the first document.

With the King’s sixtieth birthday approaching, understanding Westmark’s most powerful noble families had become increasingly important. The upcoming celebration would bring together influential individuals from across the Kingdom, many of whom possessed the authority to either assist or obstruct the Adventurer Guild’s expansion.

Lucan unfolded a large map and placed five markers across different territories.

"Let’s begin with something important, Guildmaster," he explained. "The five Great Noble Houses aren’t simply the five wealthiest families in Westmark. Their status comes from generations of service, political influence, military strength, and historical agreements with House Alden."

Sage examined the markers. "And I assume they don’t particularly enjoy sharing that influence."

Lucan chuckled. "They enjoy sharing it when doing so benefits them. Otherwise, they’re remarkably possessive."

He pointed toward the first marker. "House Auremont, naturally, is the family you should understand best. Our principal estates occupy some of the Kingdom’s most prosperous territories, although our interests extend well beyond those lands."

Sage leaned forward with interest.

"House Auremont has traditionally maintained close relationships with the Crown," Lucan continued. "Several generations of my family have served as royal advisers, military commanders, and administrators. We’ve also established extensive commercial connections and relationships with numerous lesser noble houses."

"So your family has influence in several areas rather than concentrating on one," Sage observed.

"Precisely, Guildmaster," Lucan replied. "Auremont’s strength lies in its connections. We maintain respectable military forces, considerable wealth, and enough political relationships to make ourselves useful during disputes between the Crown and other noble families."

Sage considered that explanation.

Such a family could prove invaluable when negotiating permission to establish Guild branches throughout Westmark.

"And your uncle Benedict?" Sage asked.

Lucan nodded. "He handles many of our affairs in Kingsford. He’s particularly experienced in court politics, although I wouldn’t recommend attempting to impress him with exaggerated promises."

Sage smiled. "Then I’ll simply impress him with my extraordinary achievements."

Lucan rubbed his forehead. "Guildmaster, I’m beginning to understand why my uncle insisted upon meeting you personally."

Sage laughed before gesturing toward the next document.

Lucan moved his hand to a northern territory marked by extensive mountain ranges and fortified settlements.

"House Hohenberg is considerably different. Their influence comes primarily from military strength and their longstanding responsibility for defending important northern approaches."

He opened a document containing descriptions of fortresses, military obligations, and hereditary titles.

"The current head is Duke Albrecht Hohenberg, a veteran commander known for maintaining strict discipline throughout his territories. His eldest son, Heinrich, oversees several military responsibilities, while his younger brother, Lord Dietrich, frequently represents the family in matters concerning the Royal Army."

Sage examined the map.

"Sounds like a family that takes military matters seriously."

"Very seriously, Guildmaster," Lucan confirmed. "House Hohenberg maintains fortified strongholds, experienced Knights, and longstanding relationships with several military orders. Their reputation was built through generations of frontier campaigns."

Gregor would probably have found such a family fascinating, Sage thought.

However, he was more interested in how its leadership might view the Adventurer Guild.

"Would they oppose us?" Sage asked.

"Not necessarily," Lucan answered. "They respect strength and proven service. If the Guild demonstrates that its Adventurers can help protect settlements and respond to dangerous threats, Hohenberg may consider us useful."

He paused thoughtfully.

"However, they would strongly oppose any arrangement that appeared to undermine established military authority."

Sage nodded.

That was reasonable enough. The Guild had no intention of replacing the Royal Army or interfering with legitimate military responsibilities.

Lucan then indicated a broad territory containing several major commercial cities.

"Next is House Valois. Their influence is most apparent in commerce, banking, and regional trade."

Sage immediately became interested.

"Now that sounds familiar."

Lucan smiled. "I suspected you’d appreciate this one, Guildmaster. House Valois has spent generations developing relationships with merchant companies, financiers, and wealthy urban families. Their territories contain prosperous markets and important commercial routes."

He opened another document.

"The family is currently headed by Duke Philippe Valois. His younger sister, Lady Marguerite, manages several commercial interests, while his heir, Charles, has become increasingly involved in regional administration."

Sage examined the information.

"A family that understands the value of trade could benefit from Guild branches bringing more Adventurers and merchants into its territories."

"Exactly," Lucan replied. "But there’s a complication. House Valois already possesses extensive commercial arrangements. They may welcome the additional activity while objecting to Guild services that compete with businesses under their protection."

Sage frowned thoughtfully.

The Guild’s workshops, accommodation facilities, and dungeon-related commerce could certainly attract attention from established commercial interests.

"So they might support us while demanding favorable arrangements."

"That would be a reasonable expectation, Guildmaster," Lucan answered. "Although the actual terms would depend upon who represents them."

He moved to the fourth marker.

"House Falkenberg controls several strategically important territories containing major roads, agricultural estates, and fortified towns. Their family has traditionally maintained strong influence among regional nobles."

Sage studied the document.

"Another military family?"

"Partly," Lucan replied. "But their greatest strength is territorial administration. House Falkenberg has numerous relationships with Counts, Viscounts, and Barons whose lands depend upon its roads, markets, and administrative networks."

He continued, "Duke Wilhelm Falkenberg currently heads the family. His wife, Duchess Helena, is particularly influential among noble households, while their eldest daughter, Lady Beatrice, has begun representing the family at important gatherings."

Sage nodded slowly.

Such a family could either accelerate the Guild’s expansion or create considerable difficulties.

"If Falkenberg supports us, several smaller nobles might follow their example," Sage observed.

"Correct, Guildmaster," Lucan answered. "But the reverse is equally true. Their opposition could make negotiations throughout certain territories considerably more difficult."

Lucan then indicated the final marker, positioned closer to the Royal Region.

"House Lancaster maintains particularly strong relationships with the Royal Court. While the other Great Houses possess their own influence within Kingsford, Lancaster has traditionally concentrated considerable attention upon palace administration, royal appointments, and political alliances."

Sage raised an eyebrow.

"So they’re the politicians."

Lucan laughed. "We’re all politicians to some extent, Guildmaster. Lancaster simply happens to be particularly accomplished at it."

He opened the final document.

"The current head is Duke Robert Lancaster. His brother, Lord Geoffrey, holds considerable influence among court officials, while his eldest son, William, has established connections with several prominent noble households."

Sage considered the information.

"Would they be interested in the Guild?"

"Almost certainly," Lucan replied. "An organization attracting thousands of Warriors, controlling valuable dungeons, and expanding beyond the Royal Region would interest anyone concerned with political influence."

Sage leaned back in his chair.

Five Great Noble Houses, each possessing different priorities.

Auremont valued relationships and established influence. Hohenberg emphasized military strength, Valois concentrated on commerce, Falkenberg possessed extensive regional connections, and Lancaster maintained important relationships within the Royal Court.

Their interests overlapped, but they weren’t identical.

"And I assume these families don’t always get along," Sage remarked.

Lucan gave him an amused look. "Guildmaster, some of their disagreements began before our grandfathers were born."

He explained that commercial privileges, territorial disputes, military appointments, and competition for royal favor had produced rivalries lasting generations.

However, those rivalries rarely developed into open warfare.

House Alden remained the supreme authority, and the Crown possessed both the legal power and political influence necessary to prevent individual noble families from openly challenging the Kingdom’s stability.

"The Great Houses may compete fiercely," Lucan continued, "but none can simply disregard the King. Their privileges exist within Westmark’s laws, and their continued influence depends partly upon maintaining the Crown’s confidence."

Sage nodded thoughtfully.

That distinction was important.

He wasn’t planning to establish a political faction or become involved in noble rivalries. Nevertheless, he understood that the Guild’s expansion would inevitably affect existing interests.

"What about House Auremont’s relationship with the others?" Sage asked.

Lucan considered the question before answering. "We maintain workable relations with all four, although certain disagreements have persisted for generations. My family has occasionally cooperated with Valois on commercial matters and Hohenberg on military concerns. Lancaster, meanwhile, has competed with Auremont for influence at court."

"And Falkenberg?" Sage asked.

"That depends upon the territory and the circumstances," Lucan replied. "Their regional interests sometimes align with ours, but neither family enjoys surrendering an advantage."

Sage chuckled.

The more he learned about noble politics, the more he appreciated the comparatively straightforward disagreements between Adventurers.

At least Gregor and Lucan could argue for an entire afternoon without attempting to influence the administration of several counties.

Sage gathered the documents into a neat stack.

"Then we’ll approach each family according to its interests. There’s no reason to treat them all as though they want the same things."

Lucan nodded approvingly. "A sensible approach, Guildmaster. Although I’d recommend avoiding promises until you’ve spoken with their representatives personally."

Sage agreed.

For now, he intended to observe the nobles attending the King’s birthday celebration and determine which relationships might prove beneficial.

There was no need to rush.

However, just as Sage prepared to dismiss the discussion, Lucan’s expression became noticeably more serious.

"There’s something else you should know, Guildmaster."

Sage looked toward him.

Lucan hesitated briefly before continuing. "During my recent correspondence with House Auremont, I learned that certain members of another Great Noble House have been asking questions about the Adventurer Guild."

Sage raised an eyebrow. "That’s hardly surprising."

"Ordinarily, I would agree," Lucan replied. "But their questions weren’t primarily about your expansion plans, Dungeon Passes, or commercial activities."

Sage’s interest sharpened.

"What were they asking about?"

Lucan lowered his voice slightly.

"They wanted information concerning the recent confrontation with Iron Fang and Black Banner. Specifically, the circumstances surrounding the collapse of Iron Fang and the death of Roderick Halbrecht."

Sage’s expression gradually became serious.

Those incidents were still under investigation, and Pax Riven had already uncovered evidence suggesting that someone influential had been operating behind the mercenary companies.

"Which Great House?" Sage asked.

Lucan met his gaze.

"House Lancaster, Guildmaster. And from what I’ve heard, their interest in the matter is considerably greater than it should be."