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December 3rd, Year of Our Lord 1337
I do not make a point of returning to my past journal entries, largely because life in Brittany is so painfully boring, but I must confess to being somewhat ashamed by my behaviour and language in recent days. It is unbecoming for a Christian of noble birth to display such an ill temperament and open despair. I must cast aside my shameful lamentations and take action to relieve my position.
While there is little that I can do to trouble Jean de Valois I am not completely impotent in altering my immediate situation. In particular there is one local affair that I can seek to settle with haste. It is obvious that I have erred most grievously in my reliance on that clod Hélie de Pontchâteau for information of events outside of the duchy. While I am not responsible for the staggering incompetence of the spy master, it is true that I am to blame for my own continued dependence on his knowledge.
The remedy is so simple as to be brilliant, much unlike our dearest de Pontchâteau who is merely simple. I shall establish my own personal network of informants throughout the kingdom. Already I am in contact with past acquaintances who have not suffered such an ignominious fate as I. It should be a small matter to build a more formal network capable of providing constant updates as to events and occurrences.
I only worry that the cost of greasing tongues throughout the realm may be prohibitive. The gift of gold provided by the Englishman de Ufford is still largely intact… but I may have to rely on the generosity of the Duke. Regardless, these are minor issues that cannot hope to trouble a man of my conviction and intellect.
December 7th, Year of Our Lord 1337
I have successfully convinced Steward Jeanne to sponsor my efforts of obtaining information outside of the duchy. Despite being an eminently practical woman she was hesitant to assign the necessary funds until I reminded her that the loyalties of de Pontchâteau lean towards the Marshal. Having a counterbalance to the spy master would provide an obvious asset to the Duke who, lest we forget, still hopes to be succeeded by the Countess of Penthievre.
The nature of my new dealings also allowed me to convince the Steward to maintain a shroud of secrecy over the funds and my efforts. This permits me to avoid the eyes and attention of de Pontchâteau while ensuring that I do not alienate the Marshal's camp in court. Jacque, you are a
genius
December 9th, Year of Our Lord 1337
It is best to start any new initiative close to home. As such I shall endeavour to build closer contacts amongst Brittany's vassals. Besides, as Chancellor that is, in a technical sense, my foremost duty. I have not seen either Bishop de Donges or Countess Jeanne in some time… too long in some cases. Written correspondence as its limitations, I shall invite both vassals to Nantes for the Nativity celebrations, with the permission of the Duke of course.
Ye gods… did I refer to Brittany as "home"? Obviously I was speaking figuratively.
December 16th, Year of Our Lord 1337
There are times, rare times, when I can emphasise with the plight of the Frankish King. Vassals really can be more trouble than they are worth. One would think that both vassals of Brittany would leap at the opportunity to attend the Duke's seasonal festivities. Is he not their lord, to whom they have sworn fealty? Both the Bishop of Cornouaille and Countess of Penthievre have rebuffed my invitations and will not travel south in the foreseeable future. While I can understand that my dear Countess would not wish to spend time with Marshal Jean, her uncle and rival, I am disappointed that the opportunity to meet with myself was not enough of a lure. As for the Bishop, he claims that he is about to embark on a pilgrimage to Rome or some sort. Balderdash.