47 Chapter 47 What Could He Do As An Adult?? (1/2)
”I've run the numbers and while they all seem feasible, I just can't see any of these plans of your actually working in reality. You're a.s.suming that there are workers available, that haven't been conscripted already to the war effort, and that none of your projected fall in production hasn't already started to occur.” General Walter shook his head.
As far as Joseph could tell, after the past three hours of talk, Walter was a decent human being, he just didn't like Joseph because of the break in tradition. It might have something to do with the fact that he was the third child, and sent off to play war because the chances of him inheriting were slim.
”I was surveying my family's lands after the last fight with the barbarians, all along the border, and I do not want a repeat of that carnage. Many from my family have died going against those barbarians and I do not want to lose more to them,” continued Walter.
”Come now general, we all know that's just not true,” said Joseph, setting down his gla.s.s where he had just gotten a drink. ”While it's true that your house is the strongest house in the north, everyone up there, apart from you, has taken their position for granted. Every report I've read over the past 50 years has had them conscripting and demanding help from other houses while they sit back and 'strategize'. Of those who have died, one was from falling off his horse while drunk and one was from choking on a pickle in his tent.”
Walter turned purple in instant rage, and went to jump from his seat, however Daniel grabbed his arm.
”Now, Walter. Surely you would not be so incensed at the words of a mere child? You are a great general after all. You have not had any choice in the decisions of your household since the day your nephew Eli took over after the death of both your older brothers. It cannot be helped if he was overly influenced by your misguided relations.”
Walter took a few breaths, staring at the table, then finally nodded slowly and sat down. Joseph knew all of this, including the fact that both of his brothers had died from STD's.
”I do apologize. I did not mean to insult you, General,” Joseph said, meaning it, even though he had done it intentionally. He had to make sure that they all knew he had checked on each of them. They were already on their toes because of his age, but if he was able to knock them off their feet, he would have a better chance of getting what he wanted done.
”As the general was saying,” said Peter, looking around hesitantly, ”Even with the mages help I don't think we have enough mages, or strong enough mages, to make up for the loss of the men. I just don't see how this is gonna be a sell for the n.o.bles.”
”I agree,” said Joseph, making all of them turn and look at him in confusion.
”Then, what are…” started David, but Joseph interrupted him.
”There is no way to prevent the drop, in production. There is going to be a loss in food crops this year, because of the very reason that Walter mentioned already. Men have already been pulled away from the fields for the army along the borders.