He had meant it as a joke. A placeholder. A reminder to himself to remove absurd entries.

King Aldric of Verance was not a warrior. His father had been one, and the realm’s borders were bloody proof of it. No, Aldric was a list-maker . He believed that clarity prevented conflict, and precision was the root of prosperity.

Then came the problem. Lord Harrow, the Keeper of the Northern Marches, submitted a request: “One King Quality Winter. As per Line 404.”

“Add a rider,” Aldric whispered, his breath a cloud of ice. “ King Quality Winters are non-refundable. Buyer assumes all risk of frostbite. ”

Every item in the kingdom had a line.