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"Count Zachary, meet Baroness Alita of Kent! I heard her new barony will gain a castle soon!", says the queen enthusiastically.

"Well, well, well. We haven't met before, though of course I had heard from you. I was ill for the longest time, but now I'm better. Quite a feat to convince those army men to build a castle in Kent. I've tried myself for many years, to no avail. Guess there was just none worthy to take up the mantle of nobility and run a barony in such a critical region. I'm glad the King noticed your qualities, lady Alita!"

He then drones on and on about the county and all the other baronies and how everyone is suffering from lack of men all over the county, specially the most devout villages who are enthusiastic to send all their men whenever there is a drive.

Then he mentions a mercenary group called Zalgo who set up a recruitment camp in his county. You display interest.

"Oh, the Zalgo? They are lead by a guy called... well, Zalgo. He is the third son of a local baron. His father allowed him to start a mercenary group. Their services are quite affordable, all things considered."

You could keep talking to Count Zachary to figure some improvement for the county, or go find someone else to gain leverage with.

Alas, there is only so much time in such parties. Entreating nobles takes such a long time! You may pick up to two:

> Ask Count Zachary if he'd be interested in creating a regional market in Kent
> Subtly suggest Kent could host a county-wide harvest fair
> Find a court scribe to befriend, maybe your messages to the King will be more noticed
> Offer aid to some other noble in distress
> Approach a wealthy merchant about establishing a trade post in Kent
> Offer some Kent minted silver as a tribute gift to the King, to show it is of the highest quality
> Pitch a new road to connect Kent with a more central market
> Arrange a meeting with Zalgo, to explore the possibility of mercenary support for Kent
> Ask a general or knight to sponsor a martial contest in Kent
> Share stories of Kent's militia defense, recruiting respect and future volunteers
> Gift a finely made Kentish bow to a general showing your barony's military tradition
> Dance gracefully with Tavian in front of everyone, making the marriage look strong and admirable
> Join a group of noblewomen in gossip, to learn hidden court alliances
> Make a donation to the Queen's chapel fund, earning some respect from the clergy
> Write in