Did a second run now, as the Reeve's son, focusing more on being learned and diplomatic. Felt quite different. Notably being able to demand higher rewards and succeed unlocked A LOT of extra funds. At the last shopping option I had £705 available.
However he didn't turn out quite as good at fighting and commanding, and ended up bearing far more wounds and scars.
Still, as the Chancellor of an independent West that crowned the Queen by his own hands, with his firstborn marrying into royalty, that's a pretty good ending.