Hugues scans a few reports, including some notes from Reeves, and stands. He looks a bit more refreshed, if still tired. He sketches a bow.

My King, Dauphin and Nobles of the Realm. I have received some requests for mercenary recruitment. Chevalier Gaeten de Rethel has taken position in a mountain pass between Bern and Dijon. He has requested a company of crossbowmen.

The King wishes reinforcement so that he may move from Frankfurt and engage Kaiser Maximillian but leave a garrison.

I would prefer if all future requests for troops, mercenary or recruited, including prioritizations, be made in the Conseil. This would make them easier to track and to ensure the left hand knows what the right hand is doing.

(OOC: It well also, I hope, encourage discussion in this thread between sessions.)

Seignuer Gaeten de Rethel's request is denied. 860 Florins is a great deal of money. He has no other men besides his retinue. Barring future developments, we have enough forces in the area to respond to a German incursion.

As for the mercenaries the King requests, I need more specifics as to what his Majesty needs. There are three companies of crossbowmen and two companies of spearmen available for hire in the area. Certainly to face down the Kaiser, I will not skimp, but purchasing the services off all those companies would cost nearly 4,000 florins.

Hugues checks his notes.

Which is 2/5ths of our current treasury and our entire income for the season.