After nearly a year of preparation, Neverwinter was now running at full speed like a war machine.
Even the Months of Demons could not stop this new king's city from crazily absorbing the surrounding resources. The Administrative Office once thought that a population of 100,000 was an unachievable goal, but in just one year, the city's population had doubled. The injection of a large number of fresh labor led to the rapid expansion of various industries. There were four new chemical plants, and the number of machine-related processing and assembly plants was more than double digits.
According to statistics, the monthly salary paid by the Administrative Office was close to 10,000 Golden Dragon. When Roland first came here, his largest income was only 24,000 Golden Dragon — after plundering Longsong Stronghold. In other words, the wealth that the Duke of the Western Region had accumulated for half a lifetime was only enough to pay for two and a half months' salary.
Steam engines, paddle steamers, perfume, and Chaos Drinks constituted the main sources of income — these goods were sold to the Fjords and the Four Kingdoms through the Joint Chamber of Commerce. Except for the remuneration that must be paid, the rest of the money was converted into a large number of raw materials and handicraft products. The money came and went, forming a delicate balance, and the savings in the national treasury had a tendency to shrink.
It could be said that this was a very unbalanced development model, but in the face of the threat of the Battle of Divine Will, Roland did not have many choices.
If he did not pour resources into heavy industry, the machine guns could not shoot freely, and the cannons would always be short of shells.
Only in this way, he had spare energy to arm the entire army.
The expansion of the First Army from 8,000 to 10,000 soldiers was only the foundation. The air force under the command of Tilly Wimbledon was also actively preparing. In addition, the "Militia Recruitment Requirements" and "Mobilization Bill" had entered the drafting stage. These two policies aimed to improve the war potential of Neverwinter and forced ordinary students, workers, and farmers to receive the most basic disciplinary training, similar to the university military training in later generations. Although they could not directly carry guns to the battlefield, they could shorten the training time when there was an urgent need to replenish manpower.
Because the specific time of the Bloody Moon was obviously different, no one could be sure when the Battle of Divine Will would begin. If the situation was optimistic, there might be four to five years, and the worst case would be about one or two years. For Roland, the biggest strategic goal at present was to turn defense into offense when the Bloody Moon arrived, so that the flames of war would burn in the enemy's territory.
So the devil entrenched in the ruins of Taquila was a nail he had to remove.
In fact, the transportation of supplies and personnel had already begun in late winter and early spring.
This was the advantage of rail transportation. Even if the entire Fertile Plains was covered in snow, as long as the tracks were cleared, the war supplies could be continuously transported to the frontlines.
Most of the steel produced in Neverwinter had been turned into rails, and the railway lines hidden in the Misty Forest had also been laid. It could be said that the new Northern Expedition would officially start at Roland's command.
Be it the army or the city, they were all ready to go.
But before that, he still had two things to do.
…
On the second day after the Months of Demons ended, Roland received Thunder's request to meet him.
"What? You're leaving so soon?" He set up a relaxing afternoon tea party in the living room. While bringing Anna along, he also sent an invitation to Margaery. For this businesswoman who was quite compatible with Lightning, he could only do so much. "Can't wait to explore the Shadow Domain?"
"I knew I couldn't hide it from you." Thunder smiled frankly. "Every moment I maneuvered the steel ship, I imagined the scene of it sailing against the sea breeze and breaking the waves. If possible, I even wanted to sail directly to the Sealine. "
"In that case, we'll have to face the risk of water and food shortage halfway." Margaery shook her head helplessly. "Besides, the Chamber of Commerce that invested heavily in you won't be happy to see you leave their fleet behind, unless you plan to never return to the Fjords Islands again."
"Haha, I just wanted to express my excitement to His Majesty." He touched his chin and said, "As Margaery said, this expedition is no longer just about me. After all, for the Fjords, the development of new waters means opportunities and wealth, and every Chamber of Commerce will be tempted. This is probably the largest expedition in the history of the Fjords Islands. I have to return as soon as possible to be fully prepared. "
It seemed that after Thunder's publicity and recruitment, this expedition had changed from a team to a group. Roland smiled and sipped his tea. He was indeed the most famous explorer in the Fjords. He could attract a huge investment just by showing his intention. "It seems that in just a few months, you've mastered the steel ship."
"It's all thanks to Her Highness Anna." Thunder put his hand on his chest to show his respect to Anna. "She helped a lot with the subsequent improvement of the hull. If I didn't see it with my own eyes, it's hard to imagine that such a huge iron ship could be more flexible than a three-masted ship."
"I also want to ask you for a favor." Anna nodded. "During the trial voyage, this ship only moved in the shallow coastal waters. If it's possible, I hope to get a sailing report in the deep sea area. Any problems can be recorded in it. It's best to use Neverwinter's new waterproof ink and sealed plastic bags. That way, even if it falls into the sea, it can be completely preserved. "
Probably not expecting that Anna would make such a serious request, Thunder was stunned for a moment before he smiled and said, "I see. Please leave it to me, Your Highness."
Roland touched Anna's head dotingly and then looked at Thunder. "I also have a favor to ask of you."
"Just tell me."
"I want to recruit a group of explorers."
"It has nothing to do with this expedition?" Thunder quickly realized.
"Yes." Roland put down his teacup. "I want them to go to the Endless Cape to have a look."
"I remember there was nothing but yellow sand and black water there," Margaery said in surprise.
"I used to think so too..." Roland shrugged. "The Endless Cape is hardly dangerous, so there's no need for experienced experts. It can be said that the number of people is more important than the ability."
Seeing that Roland did not elaborate, Thunder did not ask further. "There are many people like this in the Fjords. I wonder what the selection rules are..."
"No." Roland replied. "Actually, anyone can be an explorer. As long as you find a novel relic in the Endless Cape, no matter what it is, you can get a reward."
"Even if it's a brick from the ruins?"
"Of course, but it must come from the Endless Cape," Roland said affirmatively. "The more information the relic contains, the more generous the reward. This information is valid for a long time. As long as I'm still the king of Graycastle, it will definitely be honored. "
"With your guarantee, I'm afraid that place will be crowded in the future." Margaery covered her mouth and laughed. "I'm wondering if I should take the opportunity to open a tavern in Festive Harbor."
"You're more than welcome." Boosting the economy of the oil port was indeed one of Roland's goals. After all, the civilization in the painting had a history of at least 1,400 years, and it was still unknown whether they could leave anything behind. Launching a reward to recruit people was undoubtedly a way to kill two birds with one stone.
"By the way, Your Majesty," Thunder said. "Since the steel ship has passed the sea test and is officially put into use, does it have a name?"
"Of course, I plan to call it the Snow Wind."
"Snow Wind...?" The explorer pondered for a moment. "It's indeed a nice name, but won't it be too soft and not match with its steel body?"
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
