RPGMemes

A yes, the benevolent ruler, almost as common as the benevolent slave owner.

Funded infrastructure

Or, returned a small amount of the value extracted in order to facilitate further extraction

Hired knights to

Keep his interests safe

(Hoarded resources and returned a pittance to prop up) food stores and the economy in times of famine

Negotiated with neighboring kingdoms

To further state interests

Funded research

At public expense for private gain