The World He Shaped

The grand hall of Ravensbourne Castle was dimly lit by flickering candlelight, the towering stone walls echoing the quiet murmurs of those gathered inside. Aldric stood at the far end of the room, his posture confident but his expression contemplative. Beside him, Lucien maintained a quiet air of solidarity, his sharp eyes ever watchful. Across the room, Duke Alaric sat behind his grand wooden desk, an imposing figure of calm authority.

The meeting had been requested by Alaric himself, and Aldric knew that the time had come to present his vision—not just for the future of Ravensbourne, but for the entire kingdom.

As Aldric prepared to speak, he noticed a shift in the Duke's demeanor. Alaric had always been cool, a man whose stoicism seemed as cold as the winter winds that gusted outside the castle's thick walls. However, there was something different today—a subtle change that Aldric couldn't place, but he felt it nonetheless. The Duke seemed more measured in his responses, his gaze slightly warmer, though still distant.

"What exactly do you propose, Aldric?" Alaric's voice was as steady as always, though there was a quiet curiosity that hadn't been there before.

Aldric took a deep breath, the weight of the conversation pressing down on him. "My proposal is simple, yet ambitious, Father. I wish to create a guild—a guild dedicated to the advancement of construction, infrastructure, and agriculture. This guild will not only revolutionize the way we build, but also bring prosperity to the common people through new forms of labor and expertise.

Alaric's expression didn't change, but Aldric could see the gears turning behind the Duke's eyes. "A guild? For common folk?" His voice was tinged with a trace of skepticism. "You've always been one to 'lower yourself' to work alongside the common folk, Aldric. Building the coops, working the fields yourself… You've even gone so far as to help them directly. That's not befitting of a nobles, especially one who bares our name."

Aldric nodded, fully aware of the Duke's earlier reservations. "I understand your concerns, father. I've never viewed the noble class as separate from the people. If anything, we are the shepherds of the realm. Our actions—our innovations—should benefit not just ourselves, but everyone. I believe that by creating this guild, we can better the way of life of the common people, offer them jobs and skills they've never had access to, and create something that will last far beyond our lifetimes."

Alaric leaned back in his chair, his hands clasped in front of him. His gaze never left Aldric, and there was a flicker of something—perhaps respect or acknowledgment—in his cold eyes.

"I see," Alaric finally said, his tone neutral. "You aim to create something that would benefit both nobility and commoner alike, then?"

"Yes," Aldric replied, his voice unwavering. "By uniting these forces, we can create a lasting legacy—something that will advance our lands, foster prosperity, and ensure that every citizen has a role to play. The guild will focus on construction, architecture, and agricultural reform. We've already seen success with my new agricultural methods—the crops have flourished, the yields have increased, and the people are thriving. Now, it's time to expand that success to other fields."

Alaric's eyes narrowed slightly, his curiosity piqued. "You've been successful with your reforms. But you're not suggesting that we turn the entire kingdom's fields over to the common folk and their new methods, are you?"

"No," Aldric said, shaking his head. "I'm proposing a partnership. The guild will consist of skilled artisans, builders, laborers and farmers who will work alongside the nobility to improve infrastructure, agriculture, and technology. They'll help build the roads, fortifications, implement the new farming methods, and public works projects necessary to ensure prosperity for all. I've already spoken with Matilda and Vincent Lorring, about the details. They're all on board."

Alaric's lips curled into a faint, almost imperceptible smile. "It seems you've already begun the groundwork, then. I'm intrigued." Alaric leaning forward.

The room grew quieter as the conversation shifted from abstract ideas to concrete plans. Alaric, now more intrigued than ever, motioned for Matilda to join the discussion. The head maid entered the room, her poised demeanor suggesting she was not only well-versed in the needs of the household but also highly attuned to the broader political and social undertones of their kingdom.

"Aldric," Matilda began, her tone measured, "I've spoken with several of the staff here, and many of them—including myself—are eager about this new guild's potential. The idea of training common folk in specialized trades and providing them with stable work could uplift our entire society. But I have concerns—particularly about education. I'm skeptical about how you plan to teach the common people. Literacy, after all, has always been a privilege reserved for the nobility. How do you intend to provide them with the resources to read and write? And more importantly, how will you maintain control over this…?" She hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "This vast network you're proposing?"

"I plan to appoint a Grand Master," Aldric said, his voice steady. "Someone who will oversee the guild's operations, and guidance with direct oversight from me. Each division—Masons, Carpentry, Engineering, Laborers, Artisans, Roadworks and Argriculture—will be headed by a Master, someone skilled in that particular field. The guild will be both a source of labor and a training ground for future generations of workers. As for control, I trust those involved will remain dedicated to the guild's mission. The goal is to foster a sense of unity, not division." 

Aldric continued "And as for Education, I believe that Teaching common folk to read and write can greatly improve the efficiency and organization of Raven's Nest Guild in several ways, especially when managing large-scale construction and agriculture projects, I would hire a teacher thats willing to teach common folks and will teach them in bactch on the basic reading and writing. Here's how literacy benefits the guild and why even I would push for it"

Aldric pulling up a rolled parchment with a "web diagram" written

Better Record-Keeping – Workers can log materials, project progress, wages, and resources more accurately.

Clearer Communication – Written orders, blueprints, and instructions reduce misunderstandings and mistakes.

Faster Training & Knowledge Sharing – New workers can learn by reading manuals, guides, or past records instead of relying only on verbal instruction.

Improved Safety & Efficiency – Workers can read warning signs, safety instructions, and labels for tools and materials, preventing accidents.

Better Trade & Negotiation – Guild representatives can handle contracts, price negotiations, and legal matters without being cheated.

More Skilled Workforce – Literate workers can specialize in more advanced tasks, such as engineering, architecture, and bookkeeping.

Reduces Their Workload – Instead of constantly explaining tasks to illiterate workers, they can provide written instructions.

More Reliable Workforce – Literate workers make fewer mistakes, improving project efficiency.

Easier Leadership & Promotions – Literate workers can take on administrative roles like foremen, record keepers, and supervisors.

Stronger Guild Reputation – A well-organized, educated guild attracts better contracts and investments.

Aldric let his words settle, scanning the room for reactions. "This is not just about literacy," he added. "It's about shaping a guild that can stand the test of time."

Matilda nodded, clearly impressed by the thoroughness of Aldric's plan. She exchanged a glance with Vincent Lorring, the Duke's financial advisor, who had been listening intently.

Matilda's Thoughts: This isn't just a simple idea—this is an entire framework, structured and methodical. The way he laid it all out, piece by piece, with clear benefits and an organized outline, made it so easy to grasp. It's like he's painting a picture with words, forming an image so vivid that even the most skeptical noble would struggle to refute it. I expected ambition, but not this level of precision.

She looked at the parchment again, admiring the meticulousness of his strategy. Aldric wasn't simply proposing an idea—he was presenting a vision.

Vincent's Thoughts: This… this could change everything.

As a man who handled the duchy's finances, Vincent immediately saw the long-term economic potential. A literate workforce means fewer errors in bookkeeping, better trade deals, and smoother tax collection. Farmers could document yields more accurately, reducing waste. Merchants would no longer need scribes for every contract, cutting down on overhead costs. Skilled craftsmen could expand their trade, leading to more taxable income. And if this guild became a center for skilled labor… the duchy's economy would flourish beyond anything we've seen before.

His fingers instinctively tapped against his arm as he calculated potential revenue streams. Aldric isn't just thinking about the guild—he's thinking about the entire duchy's prosperity. Does he even realize how much this could financially strengthen us?

Alaric's Thoughts: What an incredible level of foresight…

Alaric, a seasoned strategist, couldn't help but view Aldric's proposal from a military perspective. He's not just organizing a guild—he's establishing a system. If he applied this same structured thinking to warfare…

The clarity of orders, the hierarchy of leadership, the efficiency of communication—it was all there. In war, disorder and miscommunication could mean the difference between victory and annihilation. Yet here Aldric was, unknowingly demonstrating an instinct for structured command and logistics that most seasoned generals struggled to master.

He exhaled slowly, a mixture of shock and pride swelling in his chest. He's grown so much in just a few months. The reckless, brash young man I knew is becoming a true leader—not just in battle, but in governance, in vision, in foresight.

Alaric looked at Aldric, eyes filled with newfound pride in his son. And to think… all this brilliance is being used to build a guild. If he ever turns this talent toward military command, the world will tremble at his leadership.

As Aldric finished his presentation, the silence in the room was deafening.

He scanned their faces, searching for a reaction, but none came. Was it too much for them to comprehend? Should I have simplified it?

In his past life, delivering presentations like this had been second nature. He had pitched ideas to world leaders, spoken at conventions attended by millions, and perfected the art of persuasion. Confidence and composure were ingrained in him. But now, standing in a medieval hall before nobles and advisors who had never encountered such structured planning, he realized—he may have overestimated their ability to process it all at once.

Before he could say anything to clarify, Matilda broke the silence.

Matilda was the first to speak, though her voice held a rare sense of wonder. "This… could change everything."

She leaned forward, her gaze flickering between Aldric and the parchment before them. "If this succeeds, you won't just be training workers—you'll be redefining what it means to be common folk. Giving them literacy, structure, and purpose… It's not just about the guild, Aldric. You're laying the foundation for an entirely new class of people. Craftsmen, scribes, builders… Imagine a generation that doesn't just work but understands their craft."

Her fingers rested on the table as if grounding herself in the reality of what he was proposing. "This isn't just a guild. It's a movement. And whether they realize it or not, the nobility will benefit just as much as the commoners. A more skilled workforce means better cities, stronger trade, and fewer problems they have to micromanage."

She exhaled, shaking her head slightly. "I never thought I'd see something like this in my lifetime."

Her words seemed to give Vincent the cue to speak next.

"This will require a considerable investment," he said, his tone calculating. "But if Aldric's agricultural reforms are any indication, the returns could be substantial. Not only will this guild improve the kingdom's infrastructure, but it will also offer new opportunities for the people. The cost is a long-term investment in the realm's future."

Aldric exhaled subtly, relieved that Matilda and Vincent had caught on so quickly. He turned his gaze to Alaric, awaiting his response. The Duke remained silent for a moment, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the desk. It was clear that he was weighing the risks and rewards, analyzing the broader implications of Aldric's plan.

Finally, Alaric spoke. "I'm not one to waste time with ventures that won't benefit Ravensbourne," he said, his voice measured. "But I must admit, your approach is… different from the usual schemes I've seen. Perhaps it is time for something new."

There was a brief pause as his words settled in. His cold demeanor hadn't entirely softened, but there was a noticeable shift in the air—a subtle warmth, a hint of something else in his gaze.

Pride.

It was the first time Aldric had seen such an expression on the Duke's face.

"I will support this venture," Alaric continued, his voice steady but more assured. "I will provide the funding and resources you need to establish the Raven's Nest Guild. And I trust you will remain in charge of its direction, Aldric."

Aldric straightened, the weight of the moment sinking in. This wasn't just approval—it was validation. His ideas, his leadership, his vision for the future… they weren't just being heard. They were being accepted.

Aldric's heart quickened, but he held his composure. This was the moment he had been working toward—the chance to bring his vision to life.

Alaric turned to Aldric, his gaze curious. "And what name do you intend to give this guild of yours?"

Aldric paused for a moment, considering his answer. "Raven's Nest," he said finally. "Just as a raven builds its nest as a foundation for its future, this guild will be the birthplace of something greater—a place where knowledge, skill, and opportunity take flight."

Alaric's lips curled into a rare smile, and a murmur of approval passed through the room. "A fitting name," he said. The others nodded in agreement, recognizing the meaning behind the words. 

"Thank you, father," Aldric said, bowing slightly. "You won't regret this."

Alaric nodded curtly, his expression returning to its usual unreadable state. "I expect results. Not promises. Now, let us work out the details."

With that, the meeting began to move into the logistical phase. Matilda, Vincent Lorring, and the others present began discussing the finer points of organizing the guild, setting up its divisions, and determining the necessary funding. Aldric, feeling the weight of his new responsibilities, couldn't help but feel a spark of pride. His dream was taking shape—slowly, but surely.

Later that evening, as the discussions concluded and the room emptied, Lucien remained by Aldric's side.

"Well, that went better than expected," Lucien said, his voice laced with dry humor. "You've earned father's respect, if not his warmth. And that's something."

Aldric allowed himself a small smile, his thoughts already racing ahead to the next steps. "It's a start. But the real work begins now."

As the door closed behind them, Aldric couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. Looking forward to what lies ahead.