the Winter Report

Baron and Rex arrived at the castle to present their report....

"I'm happy to have you both back...."

"...and that your trip was uneventful..."

"Yes, most of your people were doing quite well, but a few were struggling due to the harsh winter."

"Yes....so we had to distribute some temporary social assistance to help them out."

"You'll find it all recorded in the books..."

"I recognize some of these names, and am not surprised that they are struggling. I think some of their loans will probably have to be forgiven...."

Baron noticed the cards and drawing on the mantle....

"We missed your birthday while we were away."

"..but there was great celebration in every village we passed through that day..."

"...and they invited us to join them. It was quite some party."

"It was clear to me that you are well loved by your people..."

"Or maybe they were just celebrating because your birthday is a statutory holiday, so they all get the day off?"