As the weeks rolled by, the southern settlement was taking shape.

Masons and builder mages can be seen, busying themselves day and night, working in shifts.

Roads were paved and lines of homesteads sprang up just as various villagers from the far-flung areas of Everdawn province moved in.

Soon, markets stalls were being erected and various performing troupes set up shop in the various corners of the settlement.

Streams of people meandered in and out the southern settlement as the sun crested the horizon.

People lined the streets and cries rang across the air in the market squares.

Aureus was nodding his head as he went around the settlement in a hood with Johan.

Stopping beside a food stall overlooking the settlement, Aureus sat with Johan.

While waiting for the buns and tea to arrive, Aureus commented that Tarin did an exceptional job. Beyond the layout being military in nature, Tarin has been ahead of schedule in every other aspect without any slip in quality.

“High… Sir, Tarin is a man of many talents. I venture that had he been a military officer, he would have done very well as a civil official too.” Johan replied as his breath misted in the cool morning air.

“Indeed, he could have made Praetor had he been interested.”Aureus said while taking out a note.

“That would require him to break away from the Triem army. The likelihood of that happening in the past is close to zero.” Johan laughed as he said.

“How goes the militia initiative?”

Johan reported that everything was proceeding apace. Archery has taken priority in training resources followed by stamina building.

“In the event enemy troops close in, we can guarantee a large percentage of the militia should be able to outrun armored foes.”Johan reported with a grin.

“Yes, always a good ability to have. Being able to escape from a superior foe,” Aureus’s mouth curled as he continued. “Then coming back and finishing your enemy off with reinforcements where possible.”

The buns arrived along with the a kettle of tea. The waiter accepted the note and just as he was fiddling for change, Aureus waved him off with a smile. The waiter bowed and mentioned that should they need more drinks, all they had to do was flag him down.

Johan continued as the waiter left with the report. The amount of new populace streaming in is becoming a concern as it would be soon before the guilds run out of capacity to accept new apprentices. The good news being the militia receiving a boost in recruitment.

“Yes, we will have more people than jobs soon. It is a good thing that the army is recruiting and the ancillary industries are increasing output to match.” Aureus replied while blowing the steam off his tea. “It is fortunate that Edward has improved our homestead designs, our potential population capacity for the settlement has doubled at least.

Aureus turned and cast his gaze over the settlement while sipping his tea.

Johan’s posture did not slip in the slightest while a peace held between the two men for several moments.

“Johan, how much do you know of the Iron Range?” Aureus voice carried clear across the bustle around them.

Johan frowned but did not hesitate in replying that every military officer of note has studied the industrial capabilities of the Iron range. Many has concluded that it was the main factor that propelled the Eastern Coalition’s military standing to being the clear number two among the superpowers.

“Humor me, what are the Iron Range strengths?” Aureus’s eyes had a twinkle as he conversed with Johan.

Johan rubbed his chin as he began narrating. He listed that industrial capability as a key strength of the Iron range. Holding one-fifth of the Coalition’s land area but responsible for upwards of 60% of the Coalition’s industrial output. This capability has put plenty of war machines in the field while keeping the troops well-supplied.

The capital of Iron range, Manus plays a key part as the heart of logistical arrangements. In addition to being a buyer’s market, the Iron range is full of resource mining enterprises. Resulting in a strong base for output.

Johan’s brows was scrunching as he tried to describe how the alliance forged between the underground tribes and Iron range has presented a technological edge to their production quality.

As Johan struggled through explaining the last part, Aureus listened with a serene air and refilled his cup with the kettle.

“I am glad that other than studying the arts of war, you have paid attention to other subjects,” Aureus nodded as he replied. “Yes, in essence, you have captured all the salient points. Though I would add that the Alanor Industries and the Gryphonheart Corporation also played a leading role in Iron Range’s current prosperity.”

“Tell me, Johan, do you see a potential Iron Range in this settlement?”

Johan’s expression said everything as he panned around his surroundings.

“No sir, I do not.”

Aureus smiled, “Are you interested in Brandon and Tarin’s answer?”

—

As everyone gathered in the study, Aureus began. “Well done on the southern settlement, Tarin."

“Edward helped with that. His improved designs on the various homesteads intrigued the mason guild so much that they were highly motivated to begin building.” Tarin inclined his head as he replied.

“Brandon, how goes the monster core trade?”

“One more week and I would have a monopoly of that trade.” Brandon replied.

Aureus nodded then turned to face the room.

“Gentlemen, what do you think of the potential of this southern settlement compared with the Iron Range?”

The room lapsed into silence.

Tarin appeared to realize something as he looked at Aureus and declared that he will further stock on lumber stockpiles.

Aureus nodded and looked towards Brandon.

Brandon appeared to be deep in thought and intrigued as he considered.,

“Highness, there are two steps that are imperative if Everdawn wishes to have a derivative of the Iron Range.”

“First, the infrastructure must be in place. Both in terms of equipment and skilled labor. In order to create a high level of industrial output, an army of skilled workers , engineers, magi and such are required.”

“The various Dwarven, Gnomish and Goblin Kingdoms were the main reason the Empire’s production industries could never bridge the gap between them and the Coalition’s industries.”

“Hence, only if we could assimilate those underground tribes from the Coalition’s holdings, then can we even begin to emulate the Iron Range’s success.”

“Should we be able to assimilate them, the issue of equipment will also be resolved as there are various machinery and magi building techniques of the underground races that far surpass most humans.”

“Second, the governance of Everdawn must work in tandem with those who would drive such an economy. For example, the integration of different races with the primary race here in Everdawn, humans. How will infractions be handled amongst those who would seek to to cause divides along the racial lines?”

“Even in the Iron Range, the various races are segregated and each work about their own races and such.”

“Everdawn may be able to call upon a skilled pool of human labor in time and the various resources in our holdings that can be harvested. However, without the two aforementioned factors, emulating the Iron Range will only remain a pipe dream.”

Brandon looked at Edward for a moment before continuing, “Even in the event that our engineering and magi technology were to surpass the Iron Range even with a human only pool, we would certainly not be able to emulate their flexibility in technology adoption nor adaptability in manufacturing capabilities.”

“I say this with the guarantee of a scion of House Agrea.”

Johan’s eyebrows were flying into his hair after Brandon’s narration.

Both Tarin and Edward were nodding in a vigorous manner..

Aureus’s eyes gave a slight glow as he said “You know, when I left to mentor under Consul Varus, I thought of bringing you along with me. I am glad I did not.”

Brandon looked embarrassed as he cupped his hands towards Aureus, “Aureus, I would not have lasted a week in a war camp. Especially if we were facing demons.”

“Perhaps, though I think you are made of sterner stuff than what you proclaim,” Aureus smiled and turned to his right. “Edward, as our favorite outworlder, what opinions do you have?”

Edward adopted an open stance as he related how it is his belief that an economy is determined by its people. Human resources as his world terms them. Such resources can be far more valuable than the elemental ores one can mine in the Three Realms.

“An interesting perspective,” Brandon said as he considered Edward’s words. “Hardest to manage though.”

To the side, Johan made an analogy about how having skilled workers in a workforce was equivalent to having skilled troops in an army.

“In essence, yes. Johan, do you fancy a career switch? You are still young, you know.” Tarin said in a jovial tone.

“Like his highness mentioned, everyone has their talent. I believe mine lies on the battlefield.” Johan replied with a smile.

“I would hope that you will not spend your entire life on the battlefield though, Johan. There are far more things that can be accomplished off the battlefield than on it.” Aureus spoke up in voice that carried itself through the study.

Johan bowed in acknowledgment at Aureus’s words.