A few days after the train's public debut, Neverwinter was filled with a high spirit.
Even sitting in the castle, Roland could feel the high spirits of the people. This was not his speculation but the real data in the City Hall's report.
"In the past three days, we've received 60% more applications than usual. Nearly half of them, or 725 people, are newcomers who have moved for less than two months! This means that the average time to submit the application has been shortened from five months to three and a half months! " Barov said excitedly, holding a report in his hands. "After the demons' attack, there was a slight decrease in the data. Now, not only has the decrease been made up, but the number has also increased significantly. This means that the people don't have to worry about the demons anymore! Your Majesty, this exhibition is a great success! "
Ever since Roland brought the concept of statistics and comprehensive analysis to the management level, the number of numbers on the report of the City Hall's director had been increasing and becoming more and more specific. It was as if no conclusion could be reached without comparing two sets of data. Not only that, but he also created a number of analysis formulas, one of which was "arrival-fixed interval".
According to Barov, it reflected the determination of the newcomers to Neverwinter. Due to the establishment of the identity card system, if a refugee wanted to become an official resident, he or she had to apply to the City Hall. The condition was that he or she had a skill or a fixed residence. In addition, the City Hall would also accept the recommendation of a resident who had passed the review and had lived in Neverwinter for a year without any bad records.
For the newcomers, it was almost an instinct to wait and see. Moreover, the time it took for them to save up for the down payment was also different due to different jobs and salaries. Therefore, the average value was used. The shorter the interval, the more loyal they were to the king and the more confidence they had in the new king's city.
Roland had a different view on this conclusion. He had never believed in the loyalty of strangers. It was reasonable to say that they were confident, but ultimately, the people were still most concerned about whether their future interests could be protected.
Cozying up to someone powerful was always a good choice. Therefore, displaying one's strength at an appropriate time could greatly increase the cohesion of the people. The train is undoubtedly such a tool. Even if most people have no idea of its nature, it does not hinder the huge body, the roaring cylinders, and the oppressive feeling brought by the weight of hundreds of tons.
When the train passed the crossing of the Castle District with an indomitable spirit, even Thunder was amazed. Unlike sea transportation, the resistance against gravity on the ground had always limited the upper limit of land transportation. The appearance of the train had obviously broken this rule. He even joked that he would move his whole family to Neverwinter when he was too old to go on adventures. After all, there were so many new things here, and settling down here was an adventure in itself.
Even the most famous explorer of the Fjords was so amazed, not to mention the ordinary people.
If he didn't want to stay in such a promising place, where else could he go?
"In addition, the City hall has also received many invitations from merchants, including Redwater and Silver Light Chambers of Commerce." Barov continued, "They are eager to meet you. They probably want to find out more about the train."
"Refuse all of them." Roland smiled. "The train is not a commodity at present. Even if I'm willing to sell it, the price is not something they can afford. But you can sell them some other goods, such as the first and second generation steam engines from the mine. "
Today's Neverwinter was no longer the poor Border Town of the past. Any Chamber of Commerce could be received by the lord. If there was no special relationship between them, it was enough for the director of the City hall to deal with them.
"I see," Barov said, stroking his beard.
"Since the people are in high spirits, can we carry out the new reserve soldier system?" Roland changed the topic.
Barov nodded. "I think there should be no problem. But … Your Majesty, do you really think we will fight to that point? "
"Just in case. After all, this is a war that will determine the fate of mankind. Shouldn't we be more serious? "
The new reserve soldier system was a task he gave to the General Staff after he returned from the expedition. The main content of the system included popularizing military training and expanding the reserve soldier system. The former required that military training should be included in primary education to cultivate the most basic sense of discipline and combat knowledge. The latter aimed to organize the subjects to undergo various combat training in batches without affecting production. In other words, it was a disguised militia system.
Since the new system was mandatory, it was obviously the best time to carry it out while the atmosphere was heated. Once the system was put into operation, the Graycastle Army would become a self-healing organism. When the frontline soldiers were insufficient, they could be directly replenished from the rear. This way, it would not take two or three months to teach each batch of new soldiers from the beginning, as in the past.
As for the Second Army, which was originally the reserve army, Roland also planned to transfer it to Neverwinter. The Longsong Area no longer needed to resist the invasion of Timothy and the church. At the same time, after the previous operation, he felt it was necessary to establish a second army. He could not personally lead an army to the front after the outbreak of the Battle of Divine Will.
"You can start preparing for a new round of army recruitment," Roland instructed. "After the end of the Months of Demons, I hope to see the number of soldiers in the official army surpass 10,000, and we can't fall behind on supporting resources. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," Barov agreed immediately.
"Very good, you can go now … Wait!" Roland suddenly frowned.
"Is there anything else?" The director immediately stopped.
At this moment, Roland's attention was completely attracted by Nightingale's words. "Sylvie sent news that the demons have made new moves! The Devilbeasts seem to have expanded their patrol area, and they seem to be building a new camp. "
"Tell them to come back quickly," Roland whispered and then looked at Barov. "Immediately summon the ministers of all departments to the castle for a meeting. There's trouble in the north."
…
Soon, the castle's conference hall was full of people.
It was the first time that Sylvie had participated in such a meeting, so she looked a little nervous. Fortunately, Lightning stepped forward in time and helped her tell the whole story.
This was supposed to be a routine investigation that couldn't be more normal.
Due to the existence of the flying Devilbeasts, for safety's sake, Roland forbade Lightning, Maggie, and Lorgar to approach the Taquila ruins alone. However, the demons' movements could not be ignored. Therefore, every three days, Maggie would carry Sylvie to carry out a border investigation. This was also the problem caused by the phantom instrument's failure to accurately locate the demons, so they could only rely on the witches' ability to make up for it.
Fortunately, the observation range of the Eye of Magic was far beyond the enemy's range of activity. Apart from the frequent movements, there were no other disadvantages. Basically, they only needed to observe from a safe distance.
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