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March 5th, Year of Our Lord 1338
Again there is little to write about as my dreary life continues. While originally novel, the intrigues of the court begin to bore me. This is not Paris and the petty scheming of Brittany lacks a certain something. Perhaps it is competence that is amiss. While the intrigue of the royal court was tinged by danger, and a knife was never far from hand, I know that there is little threat to my safety in this backwater province. It has become clear that neither the Marshal nor the Duke is desperate enough to resort to open strife and so they both secretly attempt to shore up support amongst the court. The days drop away and I have no entertainment save the clumsy manoeuvrings of amateurs.
The only item of note is the continuing progress of the Duke's recovery. His presence has once again become a fixture in the daily life of the court, to the obvious displeasure of some. This at least provides me with an opportunity to display my, admittedly still rudimentary, knowledge of events occurring outside of the duchy. I do not doubt that my competence greatly irritates de Pontchâteau; naturally this makes it all the more pleasing to me.
Of particular concern to the Duke is that the loyalty of his vassals may have suffered during his weakness. Thankfully it does not take much effort to convince him that both his niece and his old friend the Bishop de Donges have remained loyal to his authority. Despite this I did not confide that it has been some time since my correspondence to the Bishop has been answered. I must question Marthe as to when her brother will return from his pilgrimage to Rome.
March 16th, Year of Our Lord 1338
It seems that news of the Duke de Dreux's miraculous recovery has spread beyond the borders of the duchy. No doubt it was his agents in Anjou that were responsible for informing Jean de Valois that his vassal was no longer on his death bed. Regardless, the King clearly knows of the recovery… I cannot believe that today's messenger from the royal court was mere coincidence.
A summons to fulfil feudal obligations cannot simply be ignored. As it is the refusal of Brittany to contribute knights or gold to the war with England was barely tolerable when the Duke was dying; it would be inexcusable now. I can perhaps delay a response somewhat and simply lie about the health of de Dreux but this tactic will not last for long. Of course if the other dukes possessed but a thimble of ambition between them then they would rebel and this problem would disappear.
March 21st, Year of Our Lord 1338
Perhaps the King's summons to arms was not a result of the Duke's bettered health. Rather it may have been simple desperation. I have heard that Edward of England has arrived with a powerful army in Bordeaux. Perhaps the decisive battle of the war approaches? If so then the contribution of thousands of Bretons could be crucial for Valois success.
A fresh and powerful English offensive prevents, or decreases the likelihood of, the Valois turning north to forcibly enforce Brittany's cooperation in this war. At the same time the refusal of the Duke to fulfil his obligations in the face of English success can only demonise his character and force a response from the other dukes. I fear that soon Brittany will have to choose a side in this conflict.
March 25th, Year of Our Lord 1338
Again crisis abroad gives way to crisis at home. The latest affair of note in fair Brittany is the repeated refusal of Steward Jean, with the approval of her husband, to finance the construction of a training ground in Rennes. This is not the first time that the Marshal has been rebuffed on this issue but in the current poisonous environment of the court the matter has taken on a bitter aspect. Even such a minor budgetary affair possesses the potential to topple the apple cart… if I may use such a provincial expression.
Of course in affairs of politics it is possible for one crisis to affect another. The reasoning presented by the Duke de Dreux for withholding funds from the Marshal is his need to finance an expedition to aid the King of France. Such a contribution to the defence of the kingdom is not only difficult to criticise but would also require the Marshal to leave the duchy and accompany the army. It appears that the Duke is willing to campaign with the Valois to strengthen his own position in Brittany.
While a sound move on his part, the Duke's apparent resignation to joining the war against England would effectively end the ambitions of both myself and Edward Plantagenet. Luckily I have been tasked with communicating the intentions of de Dreux to the Jean de Valois. I must abandon my writing for tonight and act with haste if the situation is to be salvaged.