Narrator (thinking): "A fishpond clause? In a royal inventory? Cue the slow-motion office doorway."
Sign on wall: RULE 21 — "Keep fishponds where they existed; enlarge them where possible; create them where practicable."
Steward (flustered, clipboard): "So — stock, guard, enlarge, and don't let the puddle turn into a swamp? Got it."
Thought bubble: "Also: fish are royal property, not personal snack-time."
Caption: "Rotate the cast!"
Steward to Vendor: "Sell some fish, but always restock — keep a steady supply. And when the King isn't visiting, sell for profit (for the crown)."
Bubble from fish: "We come, we swim, we get replaced. Dramatic, but efficient."
Checklist on table: "Lenten provisions: 2/3 of vegetables, fish, cheese, butter, etc. to the court." (Rule 44)
Kitchen bubble: "Make garum and other fish products with squeaky-clean hygiene — no medieval mystery sauces!" (Rule 34)
Bookkeeper (stern): "Include fishpond yields in the annual income roster — fishponds are listed among mills, vineyards and sheep." (Rules 55 & 62)
Sign-up sheet: "Fishermen required — skilled net-makers too." (Rule 45)
- Keep and expand ponds where you can (21).
- Sell fish but immediately restock so supply is continuous; profit for the crown when the court is away (65).
- Send the required Lenten share (2/3) of fish to the palace (44).
- Produce fish products (garum, salted fish) with careful cleanliness (34).
- Hire fishermen & net-makers; log yields in the annual accounts (45, 55, 62).
Final thought bubble (Ally-ish wink): "Fish: food, revenue, and royal decor. Now where's my dramatic soundtrack?"