In terms of military growth, everything is progressing steadily. For now, there's no need to rapidly expand the army since Peace Haven remains in a peaceful zone. Henwell carefully aligns the size of the military with the population, food production and reserves, and fiscal inco of Peace Haven. This ensures that military strength grows without hindering the territory's developnt.
On the agricultural front, Henwell's decision to cultivate two crops annually has yielded impressive results. The most noticeable effect is a significant drop in grain prices throughout Peace Haven. This achievent cos solely from the harvests on Henwell's own lands and the fields he has acquired. Rather than keeping these high-yield crops to himself, Henwell plans to promote them across Peace Haven, encouraging everyone to cultivate this grain.
Henwell understands that to develop a robust handicraft industry and eventually reach the threshold of early industrialization, he needs a large population engaged in these sectors. This requires freeing up the rural populace. By enabling the sa land to support more people, more individuals can work in the workshops and the new city.
Of course, this agricultural reform might lead to lower grain prices, affecting farrs' incos. There could even be so unsavory consequences. However, Henwell believes these changes are necessary for the greater strength of Peace Haven. Every reform cos with growing pains; enduring them is essential for transformation. Failing to see it through would only make things worse.
As Peace Haven thrives, more people flock to the area seeking opportunities. Among them are destitute freen, farrs displaced by land consolidation, bankrupt rchants, and purchased serfs. Henwell welcos everyone, as long as they aren't lazy or troubleso, ensuring they can survive in his territory.
Over the past six months, the population influx has reached around seven thousand. With the harsh weather following the harvest festival, this number is likely to increase even more.
The developnt of the workshop district is also progressing well. Henwell's large-scale forge has begun producing weapons and armor. While the craftsmanship may not match that of high-end workshops, the affordability is a major advantage. Despite the lower prices, this remains a skilled trade, and the profits are still substantial. Many noble lords from the Duchy of Vorry purchase Henwell's weapons and equipnt in large quantities.
Moreover, Henwell's influence extends beyond Vorry. With his guidance, his two partners—Commander Roderick from the Kingdom of Ika and Sir Divarak from the Kingdom of Ogiro—have secretly bought substantial amounts of military supplies from Henwell. They then pocket the funds allocated by their kingdoms for replacing damaged equipnt. Additionally, they sell Henwell's arms to the lords of their own countries, reaping significant profits.
For Henwell, making money is certainly beneficial, but he values the orders more for the opportunity they provide his craftsn to hone their skills and innovate. Henwell sets aside funds in each workshop, offering rewards to those who can improve techniques and efficiency. He understands the importance of collective intelligence, especially in specialized fields. Skilled craftsn, with years of experience, undoubtedly possess valuable insights.
Support creative writers by reading their stories on , not stolen versions.
The saying "three heads are better than one" holds true, and if three aren't enough, then thirty or even three hundred might be. Henwell has three thousand craftsn at his disposal, and he knows that technological advancents are achieved through gradual iteration and improvent.
Nowadays, Henwell has established large workshops for various industries, including ironworks, leather crafting, sugar production, and carriage manufacturing. Every month, these workshops advance with more sophisticated techniques. Henwell has also set up experintal zones within each major workshop, investing heavily to allow skilled craftsn to innovate freely. The air around Peace Haven carries a distinct scent, one of progress.
Beyond these industries, Henwell has developed stud farms and ranches in the northwest of Peace Haven, where the environnt is favorable. Upon returning, Henwell receives exciting news: the mining team he invested heavily in has finally discovered the minerals he needs. Coal and iron deposits have been found in the mountains on both the eastern and western sides of Peace Haven.
Henwell imdiately orders the formation of mining teams and instructs redith to recruit experienced mining craftsn from Fabio's territory. For redith, a formidable woman, this task is quite manageable. Over the past two to three years, redith has beco Henwell's trusted right-hand. Henwell has rewarded her well; the money she's earned working with him in the past two years surpasses all her previous earnings combined.
With the discovery of coal and iron deposits in Peace Haven, Henwell sees it as a promising start, even if the initial yield isn't high. If it weren't for the fear of drawing too much attention, he would have moved workers from the gold and silver mines to focus on coal and iron.
Over the past three days, Henwell has hardly slept, dedicating his ti to managing various affairs. His administrative team is still too inexperienced, and he prefers to keep certain details under wraps, so he handles most tasks personally.
After dealing with pressing matters, Henwell finally finds ti to check on his knight's estate. After two years of construction, it's more than halfway complete.
The main structure, a five-story rectangular building nearly a hundred ters long, is up. It houses over a hundred rooms of varying sizes and is surrounded by stables, gardens, training grounds, watchtowers, and bunkers. The estate spans nearly three square kiloters, encompassing the entire small hill.
The Grand Duke has assigned Henwell a new task, and Henwell has no intention of saving money for him. Besides, the estate's current consumption rate doesn't heavily impact Peace Haven's finances. Even after Henwell retains half of the annual taxes as a developnt fund, the wealth he sends to the duchy is substantial, enough to support two or three standard regints.
The Grand Duke is pleased and has expressly forbidden others from interfering in Peace Haven's developnt. To further deter interference, he has stationed the 17th Legion north of Peace Haven. While the Grand Duke appears to be protecting Henwell, Henwell quickly senses the underlying implications and halts his military expansion. Currently, Henwell commands nearly a thousand cavalry and three thousand infantry, a significant force for a viscount.
Henwell explains that being at the junction of three nations, having a strong force is necessary to hold out until reinforcents arrive if trouble arises. With the duchy now providing a legion for support, Henwell has no excuse to continue expanding his official army.
However, there are still plenty of covert thods at his disposal. His security team, workshop guards, and village protection squads are all quasi-military forces that can be expanded.
Additionally, Henwell has a band of bandits. It's ti to increase their numbers; otherwise, how else can he justify launching a campaign against bandits?
User Comments
0 comments from readers