...
"Your Majesty, this is this week's financial situation." Barov put away the report in his hand and said excitedly, "All in all, the trend of the increase is better than expected. It's not an exaggeration to say that it's a sharp increase. If it were in the past, this would definitely be a miracle!"
"Well, well done." Roland leaned back in his chair, looking much calmer than Barov. He naturally knew what the old minister meant by a miracle – ignoring the impact of the Months of the Demons, the population and the economy had grown faster than in the summer and autumn, which should have been the peak season, as if the heavy snow outside the window did not exist. For the people of this era, this report completely subverted common sense.
After all, when winter came, people's activities changed from accumulation to consumption, just like hibernation, and it was common for economic performance to be poor. In the past, Border Town had been directly abandoned, and there were no people there, so how could there be trade and production?
But he knew that the nature of hibernation was just a compromise to the environment. Human beings could stand out from thousands of other creatures by relying on their ability to transform the environment. The never-weary cement boats that ignored the wind broke the barrier of the snowbound territory, the heating system and the medical hospital solved people's worries, and the work in the factory was even more fearless of the wind and snow. When the environmental restrictions were gradually broadened, the day would come sooner or later.
In addition, the coronation ceremony and the establishment of the new king's city were also a major reason for the increase in the data: people always liked to go to the lively places, which had not changed for thousands of years.
Nowadays, the wide Redwater River seemed a little crowded. The number of cement boats made in Neverwinter had already exceeded the 500 mark a year ago, and the template had also been developed from the original flat transport boat to a variety of models. By reserving slots, the upper hull of the boat could be quickly installed for passenger and commercial use, which was favored by many chambers of commerce. Coupled with the business opportunities of large-scale population migration, cement boats also appeared in the docks of other cities.
Since the news of the coronation spread, there were 500 to 600 people arriving in Neverwinter every day through the river. A year ago, Barov thought it was impossible to achieve a goal of 100,000 people, but now the total population of the Western Region was close to 200,000, 90% of which were in Neverwinter.
This also caused the new King's City to be completely different from other traditional cities. It did not have majestic city walls, nor was it divided into inner and outer city districts. Instead, it was divided into circles and circles of streets that continuously expanded outwards, like a forest of houses.
Due to the similarity in the style of the houses and the lack of exquisite and luxurious buildings, Neverwinter was also criticized by many people.
However, when these words fell into Roland's ears, they all became another kind of praise.
Otherwise, how could Neverwinter withstand the rapid population growth? Two hundred thousand was the total number of permanent residents in the rest of the cities. If they had to surround the city with walls and build a few more exquisite buildings such as cathedrals, clock towers, and palaces, it would probably take a few decades to complete.
Population was the foundation of industrialization, the guarantee of more factories, and the prerequisite for economic prosperity. As for aesthetics, it was not within his consideration at all.
Or rather, in his eyes, the rows of steaming chimneys were much more beautiful than the magnificent palaces.
Considering the lag in the spread of news, next year's growth should be even more astonishing.
"Keep up the good work and you'll get the reward you deserve."
"Being the Hand of the King is the best reward I can get. Besides, these changes are all due to your wise decision. I'm just following your instructions," Barov said, stroking his beard proudly.
Roland could not help shaking his head in amusement. "Do you have anything else to report?"
"Ah... yes, Your Majesty." The old director hurriedly took out two letters from his bosom. "Although these two letters are addressed to the Administrative Office, I think only you can make a decision."
"Oh?" Roland took the letters. The name of the sender of the first letter was quite familiar. He seemed to have seen it somewhere before. "Kajen Fels?"
"Mr. Kajen is a master of drama in the old King's City. He once came to Neverwinter with a troupe to present a new play for your grand ceremony, but you didn't agree," Barov reminded him.
It suddenly occurred to Roland that he had first heard of this name from the businesswoman Margaery. When asked who was the most familiar person in King's City, he blurted out the name of the Magic Hand, which was quite embarrassing. Before the coronation ceremony, an official from the Administrative Office had indeed reported this to him and presented him with the script as if it was a treasure. However, Roland had refused the official's request after a few glances. Not to mention that the magic movie starring Lorgar was the highlight that he had been preparing for a long time, this boring palace love story was enough to make people doze off.
"Before he left, he left behind a letter. Although I don't think it's necessary to disturb you with such a small matter … But he's a famous person after all. Do you think …" The old butler's voice became softer and softer as if he wanted to say something but stopped.
Roland also understood what he was implying.
The letter was dated almost a week ago, and the fact that he had waited until now to give it to Roland was enough to show that the old director had put in a lot of effort. Prince Roland had no appreciation for traditional dramas, which was further reinforced by his previous refusal. Barov guessed that Roland did not want to annoy him, so he had waited until now to let Roland read the letter from the master of drama.
Roland could tell that the old director held Kajen Fels in high esteem.
Not only him, but also Margaery, Chief Knight and all the people from the old King's City seemed to have a good impression of this master of drama.
In that case, Roland decided to take a look.
Roland shrugged and quickly skimmed through the letter.
The content of the letter was about the production method of the magic movie.
Kajen wrote in the letter that he first asked the Star Flower Troupe for the answer, but Mey told him that the troupe was only responsible for the performance and that it was the Witch Union who transformed the magic movie into an illusion. She could not tell him the specific method because it might be confidential. Roland then wrote another letter to the Witch Union, but it was quickly rejected with the reason that the Castle District did not accept direct mail. In the end, he had to go to the Administrative Office again, hoping to ask the questions on his behalf.
Kajen's perseverance surprised Roland a little. Generally speaking, the more a leader of an industry was, the more devastated he would be when the industry was subverted. However, Kajen's words were full of desire for the magic movie and he did not seem frustrated at all.
"I see," Roland said after a moment of silence, "I'll reply to him in this letter."
However, both the drama and the magic movie were tools for Neverwinter's publicity. Roland did not have the time or energy to shoot a clichéd palace love story, so he might as well tell Kajen directly to give up on the idea.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Barov heaved a sigh of relief.
"What about the other letter?" Roland asked as he opened the envelope. Since it was addressed to the Administrative Office, the old director should have screened it in advance.
"It's from a businessman who calls himself Victor Lothar."
"Finally, it's not a trade request for bags and popcorn?" Roland chuckled.
"Yes, he wants to buy cotton." Barov nodded.
"Cotton?" Roland's hand stopped involuntarily. "Neverwinter doesn't produce this kind of stuff."
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