World of Iron and Blood

The meeting stretched into the afternoon, but the councilors no longer seemed as irritated as they had at the start. Each left the hall with different thoughts, but they agreed on one thing: Alexander was not just a young prince.

Behind his youth lay willpower, decisiveness, and a clear mind. As long as their paths aligned, each councilor was ready to follow him and see where this unexpectedly steadfast rule would lead.

Illarion walked slowly down the corridor, his head slightly bowed. His face expressed a mix of satisfaction and contemplation.

- The young prince has shown himself worthy, - he murmured. - Caution and prudence... He lacks passion, but perhaps that is for the better. Time will tell who among us is right

He felt respect for Alexander but also understood that the Church's influence could weaken if the prince began prioritizing his decisions over those of the clergy. Illarion was prepared for a delicate game to prevent this.

Ignat walked confidently, restraining a faint smile.

- That boy knows strategy, - he thought. - I didn't expect this from him. He knows how to keep his composure. Well, let's see how he handles himself in battle

His hand habitually clenched into a fist. His thoughts returned to the upcoming task of organizing garrisons, patrols, and mobile units. He evaluated Alexander as a commander but not yet as a ruler.

Oleg, the last to leave, looked grim.

- Even more expenses... - he muttered, crossing his arms. - Fine, I need to submit the plan to the treasury and then continue preparations for the coronation

His thoughts were already occupied with recalculating the budget. He knew the merchants would be unhappy about paying 10% of the plan's cost, but they would agree if it secured their profits.

Dobrynya paused at the exit of the hall and glanced back at Alexander. His eyes showed a mix of pride and confidence.

He had served Iziaslav, the eldest son of Yaroslav the Wise, but he had departed this world quickly, as had the other princes. Dobrynya no longer knew what would happen to all of Kievan Rus', but Alexander, the most reserved of Yaroslav's sons, had survived and, as he saw, was wise and surprisingly confident.

- Prince Alexander may prove to be a worthy son of his father, - he thought. - The resolve in his eyes commands respect

Dobrynya saw in Alexander a ruler ready to take responsibility, which strengthened his loyalty.

Stanislav, walking behind Dobrynya, looked focused. Alexander's first council meeting had gone well, and there had been no major issues.

- If the prince continues in this vein, he has every chance of becoming a great ruler, - he thought.

Stanislav decided to wait for Alexander at the entrance to discuss the meeting and the young prince's further plans, offering advice or tangible help if needed.

Meanwhile, Alexander remained in the hall. He slowly surveyed the map, then began carefully adjusting the defense plan. Earlier, he had considered improving the Zmiiv defensive lines, but after hearing that nomads could easily bypass them, he came up with the idea of creating mobile units.

Earlier that morning, he had thought the council would easily allow him to discuss and resolve many issues. However, reality had been entirely different. Three questions alone had sparked enough debate and drained him to the point where he couldn't imagine addressing more.

- Well, we've covered the defense plan. Now, it's time to implement it. Next, I'll focus on the economy and the army, but first, I need to know how much money I have at my disposal. That means visiting the treasury

Alexander left the council hall, feeling slightly tired but determined to press on. At the door, he was met by Stanislav and a group of guards.

Mstislav and Mirnomir stood nearby, and upon noticing the prince, they bowed. Stanislav greeted him with a calm but attentive look.

- So, how was your first council meeting, Prince? - Stanislav asked, crossing his arms.

- Stubborn, like horses in the mud. Each one thinks their opinion is the most important. Things would be much simpler if they could just listen to each other, - Alexander shook his head, recalling the heated debates and skeptical glances.

Stanislav smirked, reserved but warm:

- Politics, Prince, has always been a game for the stubborn. But you handled it better than many expected. And now, what will you do? Go to the library or have lunch first?

- No, - Alexander shook his head. - I want to go to the treasury. I need to know how much money we have, our income, expenses, and how much free capital I can use.

Stanislav listened to Alexander and nodded approvingly:

- Right, you still have much to learn. If you don't mind, I'll accompany you

- Of course. Lead the way, - Alexander agreed gladly.

Stanislav gestured for him to follow, and they, along with the guards, headed toward the treasury. As they walked, Alexander decided to ask a question that had been bothering him since the council meeting:

- At the meeting, I didn't see Myroslav or the head of intelligence. Why were they absent?

Stanislav hesitated briefly before answering:

- Myroslav, as you know, is the head of diplomacy. He's currently returning from Constantinople. I believe he'll arrive just in time for your coronation. As for the head of intelligence… his position is quite different. No one, except your father, knew much about him

- No one? Not even you? - Alexander was surprised, realizing this was a person who had been his father's shadow.

- No one, Prince, - Stanislav confirmed. - The Grand Prince Yaroslav revealed neither his identity nor his capabilities to anyone, but I can say this for certain: with his help, the Grand Prince knew everything that happened around him and beyond. If he does exist, he will find you when he deems it necessary

- He'll find me? When he deems me worthy? Interesting… - Alexander mused but, smirking, added: - I'd like such a professional to serve me, but if he's unattainable, it's better to find a new one

Stanislav smiled, shaking his head:

- Such a person, Prince, is not just the head of intelligence. He is the best. If he does exist, he's hard to replace. But I think you don't need to look for him. Just do your work, and he'll contact you if he decides it's necessary

Alexander frowned, pondering Stanislav's words. - If he truly exists and is so incredible… his value is immense

But even so, if he couldn't get him under his command, what was the point of having the best in his field? If he didn't appear within the next year, Alexander resolved to appoint a new head of intelligence.

- We've arrived, - Stanislav said, interrupting Alexander's thoughts.

The treasury was located in the western part of the princely palace, in a fortified wooden building guarded at the entrance.

- Greetings, Prince, Chief Stanislav, - the guards at the treasury's entrance greeted them immediately.

In front of them stood massive doors adorned with intricate carvings. Alexander could feel his thoughts about finances, expenses, and revenues beginning to coalesce into a plan.

If he could get precise information, he could start reforms to strengthen Kievan Rus'. The question was how to use the available resources effectively.

After greeting the guards, they entered the treasury.

Inside, the air smelled of parchment, resin, and metal from freshly minted hryvnia ingots neatly stacked in the vault.

At the center of the hall, under massive arches adorned with designs in Old Rus' script, sat the chief treasurer. His gaze, sharp as the tip of a spear, flitted across scrolls. Around him, like guardians, sat scribes bent over their parchment. The hall was filled with the sounds of quills scratching, paper rustling, and the faint crackle of candles illuminating the carved beams.

As soon as Alexander and Stanislav entered, all the scribes rose at once, and the chief treasurer was the first to stand, bowing low.

- Prince, Advisor Stanislav, - he said reservedly but respectfully. - It is an honor to see you in the treasury. How may I serve you?

Alexander nodded in greeting and immediately got to the point. His voice was confident:

- Good afternoon. I would like to see an exact report on the state of the treasury. How much money do we have, what are our revenues and expenses, and how much net profit remains?

- Of course, Prince. Please come to the table, - the chief treasurer gestured to a large oak table covered with scrolls and figures.

Unrolling the largest scroll, he began his report, clearly and matter-of-factly, as if every word carried the weight of a silver hryvnia.

- At present, the treasury holds 125,000 hryvnias. Of this, 120,000 is the legacy of your father, the Grand Prince Yaroslav, and an additional 5,000 has been received over the past two months in the form of taxes, duties, and tribute

Alexander's brow rose slightly, surprised at the significant funds left by his father. However, before he could say anything, Stanislav frowned and asked:

- But not all of that is free to use, is it? What sums are already allocated?

The treasurer nodded somberly and unrolled another scroll.

- Yes, the advisor is correct. It is now mid-March, and the following allocations have already been made: For the druzhina: 2,291 hryvnias. For diplomacy (receptions, embassies, gifts): 625 hryvnias. For road and bridge maintenance: 1,042 hryvnias. For a reserve fund for unforeseen needs: 417 hryvnias. For the support of the clergy: 420 hryvnias. For the coronation: 1,000 hryvnias

- The total comes to 5,795 hryvnias

- So, the free funds amount to… - Alexander hesitated, but the treasurer immediately clarified:

- 119,205 hryvnias, Prince. The remaining expenses will be allocated gradually throughout the year

Alexander pondered. Despite the impressive figures, he understood that the treasury was not a sack of coins to be thoughtlessly emptied. He looked up at the treasurer:

- And what is our annual income?

Kaznachey looked through another scroll, marked with a red ribbon.

- Last year, the annual income amounted to approximately 35 – 40 thousand hryvnias. Now we are only at the beginning of the year, but according to Advisor Oleg's calculations, revenues are expected to be around 30 – 35 thousand hryvnias

- Our main sources of income are taxes from peasants, totaling 15 – 20 thousand hryvnias; trade duties, 10 – 15 thousand; and tribute from other lands, 5 – 7.5 thousand

Alexander nodded, starting to grasp the scale of the economy. Now the most critical question remained:

- Very well. And what about expenses?

The Chief Treasurer sighed, understanding that this question interested the young prince most of all:

- Annual expenses are quite high, Prince. Primarily, there's the druzhina. The senior druzhina (elite, 1,000 warriors) costs 7,000 hryvnias; the junior druzhina (1,000 warriors) costs 4,000 hryvnias, totaling 11,000

- Then, there are expenses for diplomacy (embassies, gifts, receptions) at 3,000 hryvnias; road and bridge maintenance at 5,000 hryvnias; a reserve for unforeseen needs (famine or raids) at 2,000 hryvnias; and support for churches and monasteries at 2,000 hryvnias, totaling 12,000

- This year, your coronation has already cost 1,000 hryvnias, specifically: 500 hryvnias for celebratory feasts, 300 hryvnias for gifts to boyars and foreign envoys, and 200 hryvnias for religious ceremonies

- That's not all, Prince, - he added, setting aside one scroll and picking up another.

- Advisor Oleg submitted your new plan for fortifications against the nomads and the organization of schools. Establishing five schools will cost approximately 200–325 hryvnias, with an annual maintenance of 80 hryvnias, and for this year, 60 hryvnias

- Regarding your fortification plan, according to Advisor Oleg's estimates, it breaks down as follows: forming three mobile units (300 warriors) will cost 1,500 hryvnias, with annual maintenance for the three totaling 600 hryvnias; building two fortresses (one wooden, one stone) will cost 1,200 hryvnias, with annual garrison maintenance for the wooden fortress (70 men) at 350 hryvnias and for the stone fortress (150 men) at 750 hryvnias. The salaries for 20 scouts will cost 100 hryvnias, building 20 signal towers will cost 250 hryvnias, and fortifying 20 frontier villages will cost 900 hryvnias

- The total cost of your plan is 5,650 hryvnias. Since this is a shared problem, your portion amounts to 2,825 hryvnias. However, given that the plan will begin implementation in April, the required amount for this year is 2,120 hryvnias

Alexander listened carefully, already feeling a bit weary. The sums were considerable, and the list of expenses was extensive. And this was only the beginning. How much more would he need to plan and execute? He rubbed his eyes and, with a forced smile, asked:

- And what's the bottom line?

The Chief Treasurer was ready:

- Annual expenses, including the coronation and new projects, will total 26,460 hryvnias. If our income this year is 30 – 35 thousand, your net profit will be 3,540 – 8,540 hryvnias

Alexander pondered, staring at the scroll. It seemed like a lot, but it was still too little. If he wanted to boost the economy, there was far too much to implement. The Chief Treasurer, noticing the young prince's contemplation, decided to add:

- This amount is available for your new plans or savings. If you need to use more, you will have to coordinate with the council, as the princely reserve is of paramount importance

Alexander nodded at the treasurer's words. The primary purpose of his visit was accomplished, but the next task loomed ahead: improving the treasury system. During his time here, he had noticed numerous problems and shortcomings that required immediate attention.

Alexander didn't plan to replace the Chief Treasurer. If he had served under his father, Yaroslav the Wise, for over twenty years, he was likely competent, reliable, and honest. Alexander needed only to win his trust and loyalty, while everything else could be reformed.

- Hmm, I understand. Chief Treasurer, what is your name? - Alexander clasped his hands behind his back, surveying the spacious hall.

- I am Radomir, Prince, - the Chief Treasurer bowed slightly, not hiding a hint of surprise.

- You served under my father, correct? - Alexander looked at him with interest and then at Stanislav, who nodded.

Radomir bowed slightly, pride evident in his voice:

- Yes, Prince. I served the Grand Prince Yaroslav for more than twenty years

- Excellent, Radomir. I want you to provide me with clear monthly reports on income and expenses, not just an annual summary. It will make it easier to monitor finances and notice any discrepancies

- As you command, Prince, - Radomir replied with a brief nod, though it was clear he was surprised by the young prince's request.

Alexander approached a large table cluttered with scrolls. He picked up a couple, unfolded them carelessly, and began quickly scanning the lines. Numbers, dates, and names blurred into a chaotic stream. It seemed the reports were designed not for clarity but to be indecipherable without experience and time.

- Radomir, - Alexander raised his gaze, his voice calm but firm, - do we have a unified registry of taxes and duties? One that records everything: where the money comes from, who collects it, and what sums the merchants pay?

Radomir froze. Seeing how deftly the prince leafed through the scrolls, he realized Alexander wasn't asking out of curiosity but testing him. After a brief pause, he spoke:

- Prince, reports are kept… but separately. Each volost, each land sends its records. We compile everything here in the treasury, but a unified ledger, as you mentioned, does not exist. Each collector is entrusted with their own, and the reports are checked as they arrive

Alexander shook his head; such a system was unacceptable. He turned to the treasurer, his words sounding like a command:

- Radomir, - Alexander's voice grew firmer, - I want all taxes and duties in one place. Who collects them, from which lands, when, and how much. There should be no gaps

- Create a unified registry. I want you to form a separate group of scribes to begin maintaining a unified ledger of taxes and duties across all lands. Start with trade duties, then land taxes, and finally separate reports by cities

- Stanislav, also assign a couple of guards to protect the scribes and archives so no one can tamper with their work or destroy old records. Everything will be under the prince's control

- It will be done, - Stanislav nodded briefly but had already decided to embed trusted scribes into the process to monitor it internally. While he trusted Radomir, he preferred to be prepared for any eventuality.

Radomir barely hid his surprise. The young prince seemed intent on completely overhauling the treasury's operations. He frowned momentarily, assessing the upcoming work, but then straightened and nodded. The treasurer spoke cautiously, his voice carefully measured:

- Prince, this will take time, - he said. - We'll need to gather old records and request new data from the volosts...

Alexander didn't let him finish.

- Radomir, - Alexander's voice was firm, his gaze cold and piercing. - I'm not asking; I'm commanding. Order in the treasury is the foundation of the entire state. If your records are chaotic, then money is slipping through our fingers

Radomir nodded silently, realizing the young prince was right. These directives weren't just ideas - they were improvements.

Alexander, seeing Radomir's acknowledgment, paused and then continued in a calm tone:

- Additionally, Radomir, prepare a complete list of tax collectors and treasurers responsible for our lands. I want to see them here for a personal audience. Each of them will explain their work and confirm their loyalty to the prince

Radomir nodded, barely hiding a sense of relief - the young prince wasn't rushing to impose purges or cut off heads.

- That's reasonable, Prince. These individuals served your father and are, for the most part, trustworthy

- Even so, - Alexander understood this, - trust must be strengthened. I won't replace those who serve honestly, but everyone must understand that negligence and greed will have no place under my rule

Stanislav, standing nearby, smirked and nodded approvingly. He liked how Alexander respected the elders while ensuring personal control over everything.

Alexander nodded and added:

- Let them come with reports and be prepared to answer my questions. Those who prove their competence and loyalty will remain in their positions

Radomir bowed deeply:

- I will arrange everything, Prince. I will begin sending messengers tomorrow

Alexander stood, his gaze still fixed on the tax scrolls. His voice was firm but composed:

- Good. Begin today. Assign your best scribes to this work. And when the register is complete, deliver it to me personally

Radomir bowed low. His eyes showed a mix of respect and caution. He had thought the young prince would limit himself to superficial inquiries, but Alexander was different. He didn't just look at the numbers; he wanted to improve the system. Radomir immediately saw the advantages of these reforms and was far from opposed to them.

Alexander fell silent for a moment, continuing to study the records. The only sound in the room was the rustling of scrolls. Radomir stood waiting, realizing the prince hadn't finished speaking yet.

Alexander browsed various scrolls, unwilling to spend time cross-checking all the reports himself. From history, he knew his father, Yaroslav the Wise, was renowned as a strong and wise ruler who maintained strict order.

Under his rule, treasury and tax controls were at their peak, and any serious leakage or theft would have been immediately identified and stopped. Radomir, as a member of Yaroslav's team, was undoubtedly a proven and reliable treasurer.

After a while, Alexander raised his head and spoke again, his voice now even more assured:

- Furthermore, we need to organize the trade duties. Radomir, prepare a full list of all merchants and trade caravans who recently paid duties: where, when, and how much. I want to see who conducts honest trade and who engages in schemes

Radomir nodded, quickly jotting down notes. Alexander turned to Stanislav, standing nearby, and continued:

- Stanislav, send your trusted men from the druzhina to inspect the security of the trade routes. Let your people find out if local collectors or guards are extorting illegal fees from merchants. If they are, the culprits will be punished to the fullest extent

Stanislav smirked, his eyes glinting with approval:

- Consider it done, Prince. A few exemplary punishments will quickly restore order on the roads and make bribery a thing of the past

- Order must prevail not only in the treasury but also on the trade routes, - Alexander added, then looked at Radomir:

- Get to work, Radomir. I know you served my father faithfully, and I trust you will handle these tasks as loyally for me. I never abandon my people

Radomir bowed his head, feeling how the prince's words not only reinforced his confidence but also placed even greater responsibility on him.

He had always considered Yaroslav's sons, especially Vsevolod and Iziaslav, the most educated and administratively skilled. However, now, seeing Alexander's determination and intellect, Radomir began to wonder: could Prince Alexander turn out to be even better? Time would tell.

Stanislav smirked, watching as Alexander confidently took the reins of governance into his hands.

- Well then, our business here is done. Radomir, you know your tasks, so I'll expect results. If you have any questions about organization, I'm always available, - he concluded calmly.

Alexander patted Radomir on the shoulder and headed for the exit. Radomir nodded silently, but within him, a growing respect for the young prince took root. This firmness and commitment to great change convinced Radomir to make a mental vow: he would not fail.