Crusader Kings Iii-flt — Pе™гўtelг© A Nepе™гўtelг©

The flickering torchlight of the Great Hall in Prague cast long, dancing shadows against the stone walls. Duke Bořivoj sat at the head of the heavy oak table, staring at a small, wax-sealed parchment. To his left sat his Chancellor, a man who had served his father; to his right, his ambitious younger brother, Vratislav.

Vratislav’s face paled. He knew the mountain pass was infested with "Bandits"—the kind of bandits a Duke pays to ensure a tragic accident occurs.

In the world of the Middle Ages, friends are just enemies who haven't found a good reason to betray you yet. The flickering torchlight of the Great Hall in

"You're right, Vratislav," Bořivoj said, sliding the parchment across the table. "We need this alliance. In fact, I want you to lead the embassy to Budapest. Take the mountain pass. It’s faster."

"I... I would be honored," Vratislav stammered, realizing his scheme had been countered by a superior stat. Vratislav’s face paled

"The King of Hungary offers an alliance," Bořivoj muttered, his voice gravelly from a week of fever. "He wants my eldest daughter for his second son."

A nervous courtier stepped forward, whispering into the Duke’s ear. Vratislav had been seen meeting with a known assassin in the tavern district. The "Loyal Brother" modifier was a lie; Vratislav was currently 95% of the way through a "Murder" scheme targeting Bořivoj. " Bořivoj muttered

Vratislav leaned in, his eyes gleaming with the sharp light of a man who saw opportunity in every shadow. "An alliance secures our southern border, brother. It makes us untouchable. With the Hungarians at our back, we could finally claim the Duchy of Nitra."