I did not remember the width, but I still don't think we can justify a full-fledged navy. Especially if we look at it from the king's or probably duke's perspective, which is that those ships would do much more good downstream.
if for whatever reason there is advance warning, we could bring our ships to the side of the duke. We don't necessarily need to use our own navy. it could serve as reinforcement if it ever comes to it.
Which would make everyone ask, "Why does this minor, inland noble have a full-fledged navy?" The only answers I can think they would think of aren't good for us...paranoia is about the best.
Seeing as I'm not sure it will ever come to it I wouldn't want a large strictly war-fleet, instead a fleet of trading vessels which can be militarised would have my preference.
Trading ships are perfectly fine with me.
I have nothing to offer at this point other than the coincidence that my little sister just had her first boy a few days ago. His name is Isaac.
So yeah, great choice on the name!
Congratulations on becoming a new aunt/uncle!
No to mingling with the people,
While I agree with your general point, I have to nix this. Being an involved, caring lord is a lot of what got us where we are.
no to spending undue amounts of time with the baby like a "perfect modern husband" and we be about our business as a medieval man. Soon Marna will have a wet nurse and be about her business, too.
The most important word being "undue." We need to bond with the baby some. Besides, what day isn't lightened by spending a little time with a baby? Assuming you don't have to change diapers or anything.
Also, we may want to get some more halberdiers.
Do this, and, while we're at it, let's start recruiting alchemists. I want to move this into the age of gunpowder. Just cause the change would cause untold amounts of hilarity.
While this could be neat...don't hold your breath.