When it came to the Ministry of Chemical Engineering, Kaimo snorted. "Your Highness, I hope you can find the real person in charge soon. I don't want to attend this meeting a second time." "..." Roland rolled his eyes. As a leader, he realized certain words needed selective disregard. How could one easily find someone with expertise in both alchemy and chemistry? "Have you made any progress on mass-producing the two acids?" "No," Kaimo shrugged. "That's why I need to devote more resources and manpower to this project instead of wasting time here." Having spent years in the small town, his words carried Roland's signature tone. "If I must report, I can only say the lab is understaffed. More people would be better. Besides, those five new recruits, though young, are quite sharp. Looks like your primary education program is still working." Well, the Chief Alchemist was probably the most disrespectful to Roland's words and attitude. But considering the man's age and passion for chemical experiments, Roland didn't feel much resentment. After all, following the explosion accident and being fully healed by Nana Wa, his first reaction was to conduct experiments recklessly and even taste different acid solutions. His fervor was unmatched.
"Very well... You may proceed with your research. I'll have Barov address the personnel shortage." "By the way, Your Highness," Kemo interjected, "Has your *Intermediate Chemistry* been finalized? Should you grant me its review, I might devise a large-scale acid production method sooner." "As I pledged at the award ceremony, I shall hand over the book if your trainees and assistants can fill the newly established laboratory," Roland declared with a gesture. The volume remained untouched—its elementary chemistry section had already drained his limited knowledge, while intermediate chemistry would require Herculean efforts to compile even a few pages.
Fourth is Minister of Construction Carl Van Beurt.
"First, I'd like to thank Lord Scroll," he began, nodding to him. "I'm genuinely delighted to hear that the children have graduated successfully." Compared to the Chief Alchemist, Mr.Stonecutter's social skills were worlds apart. Scroll nodded in return, "This is my duty." Then Karl opened his notebook and spoke methodically: "All town projects are progressing steadily. Major initiatives include the Royal Avenue, Chishui Bridge, new residential complexes, and the new city wall. The Royal Avenue construction has mobilized 4,500 workers, half of whom come from Changge Fortress, with completion expected by next spring. Chishui Bridge remains under underground concrete wall construction, while residential complexes have expanded near the old city walls, employing around a thousand workers. With sufficient brick and cement supplies, we should complete the relocation of all Eastern Continent refugees to town before the Evil Demon Month arrives." Since Karl regularly reported to Roland, he kept his account brief—omitting details like castle expansion and Witch Tower construction. After finalizing the new city wall's layout, Lian alone oversaw daily progress, maintaining about 100 meters of construction each day.
"Thank you for your efforts," Roland nodded. The Engineering Department, with the largest workforce and budget, delivered the most results. "While accelerating construction, don't forget to promote Border Town's preferential policies. These temporary workers from the fortress can become qualified craftsmen after a year of training. Try to keep them in the town." "Yes, Your Highness," Karl replied.
"Next up... Iron Axe." Still new to such meetings, Iron Axe appeared somewhat unaccustomed. He cleared his throat. "Your Highness, the army's priorities are twofold. First, the Second Army has completed basic training and is ready for deployment to the fortress. Second, with the influx of fresh recruits, the First Army now numbers 825 men. Excluding the 350 artillerymen, all remaining soldiers have been equipped with rotating rifles. That concludes my report." After finishing, he saluted.
"Very well, dispatch the Second Army tomorrow. Ensure reliable personnel are stationed in the unit. Maintain daily training and ideological cultivation at the fortress, and report weekly updates to the town," Roland instructed.
Barov concluded the meeting. After surveying the room, he bowed to Roland with measured composure: "Your Highness, the municipal treasury has dwindled drastically since last year's transport fees and Tasa mission payments to the Margary Guild. Compounded by this bumper harvest, the Agriculture Department continues to purchase grain at market rates, leaving only two thousand gold dragons in stock—a dangerously low reserve." Two thousand gold dragons... Though a substantial sum compared to winter's losses, Roland recognized the town's dire situation. The monthly payroll for over five thousand construction workers alone was a staggering expense, not to mention the high-end First Army, factories, chemical labs, and municipal operations, all demanding heavy financial commitments.
In other words, Border Town is now making and spending money fast—this is all while maintaining self-sufficiency in most materials and machinery.
"I understand. But when the Margary caravan arrives in town early next month, we'll earn income from selling steam engines," Roland replied. "Plus, buying grain and transporting refugees aren't regular expenses, so the gold reserves should steadily increase over the next six months. You don't need to worry too much." He paused. "Also, I plan to raise your paychecks." "Raise paychecks?" Barov was taken aback.
"True, the City Hall is no longer the small operation it once was. With your workload skyrocketing, your pay should naturally rise," Prince chuckled. "Starting this month, you'll receive the monthly salary of a Five-Tailed Dragon, while department heads will get two Golden Dragons per month. Apprentices and assistants will be adjusted proportionally. Don't worry—the amount is modest, just twenty to thirty Golden Dragons." Though the Five-Tailed Dragon's position as City Hall Director wasn't lucrative, Roland knew Barov valued power above all. He controlled all financial transactions in Border Town, with no oversight to prevent him from pocketing hundreds of times the revenue. And to date, he hadn't shown any signs of embezzling public funds.
Of course, beyond relying on the other party's self-discipline, Roland could also leverage Nightingale's power to uphold departmental integrity. When she inquired, no one could conceal their misconduct.
"Moreover, there's something you may already know," he continued, "I intend to formally establish this place as a city after the Evil Demon's Month ends this year. In other words, the town will be elevated to a full-fledged city. This grand city will stretch westward to the Wildlands, eastward to the Long Song Fortress, and southward to the hills and sea, with its walls formed by natural mountains and natural barriers. Its area will far exceed that of the capital and even surpass any city in the Four Great Kingdoms." "So you must press ahead with your work to prepare for the new city's establishment," Roland paused, speaking each word carefully. "I hope this city will remain as warm as spring, even in the endless winter."