Old World, Brittania, Count Glamorgan's Domain.
Within the prosperous town, Laine walked down the streets of Gene Town with his wife, Surya, and the steward, Kasenberg.
"My Count, your territory currently has nearly ninety thousand people. I've stopped accepting an unlimited number of people both in villages and cities. With the end of the war, the number of escaped slaves and displaced peasants from the north has greatly reduced. Since Duke Lorne became the Kingdom Regent, he decided to appropriately lower taxes, encouraging the peasants to return to the land for farming, so fewer peasants are coming from the north." Kasenberg briefed Laine.
"Duke Lorne's ability to govern is indeed excellent; it's unsurprising he can achieve this. Actually, he's the first to support the Lady's Oracle which mandates the annual elevation of three peasants to knights." Wearing his count's attire and holding Surya's hand, the couple walked along the cobblestone street.
Since the dwarves arrived at this town, its construction has essentially become dwarves' work because their architectural skills always ensure beauty and practicality. For dwarves, as long as there are blueprints, there's nothing they can't build.
The beautiful Surya was dressed in a white diamond lace blouse and a black pleated skirt, draped with a light brown scented mink fur coat from the Brittania Court. Her black silk long legs were clad in black velvet high-heeled boots. Hearing Laine's words, Surya jokingly said, "Laine, look, your domain has so many things! Besides the camps, stables, ranches, and farms every lord has, there are the wood elf observation post, dwarf tavern and settlement, dwarf blacksmith workshop and weapons, huge pastures, the Lady's tower, Veronica's Wizard Tower..."
"They're all landmark buildings, haha." Laine laughed, continuing, "Besides those, there's also Alfred's Justice Chapel, and Teresa's Wizard Tower is being constructed."
"My Count and Countess, aside from these, there's a new building being prepared for construction. I'm planning to expand the market. The current market cannot meet trade needs; we need more stalls and shops." Steward Kasenberg, still sporting a bald head, wore round-framed sunglasses, with hands behind his back, following Laine: "Additionally, new windmills and barns are needed, costing an estimated five hundred Gold Crowns."
"How many Gold Crowns are left in my treasury?" Laine asked in a low voice.
"Quite a lot… Count, even after deducting the town expansion budget, there are over fifty-five thousand Gold Crowns left in the treasury." Speaking about this, Kasenberg seemed confident, saying proudly, "Rest assured, Count, last year our total tax revenue was up to five thousand Gold Crowns, these funds are more than sufficient."
"But they shouldn't be wasted… I plan to expand the count's castle. Go and find our dwarf friends; let them manage the project. How to hire manpower and organize work—I think the dwarves can coordinate well." Laine continued instructing Kasenberg.
"Understood." Kasenberg nodded in agreement.
"Kasenberg, don't stress too much. If too much is on your plate, say the word; we'll send more people to help you." Surya's smile blossomed like a flower, warmly encouraging Kasenberg: "Since Laine arrived here, you've always been his potent right arm. We need your strength; taking care of yourself is our greatest return."
"Deeply grateful for Lady Surya's care! But I'm alright." The female knight's words filled Kasenberg's chest with warmth; he quickly nodded, expressing humility and gratitude: "I'll exert effort to fulfill the Count's orders; it's my duty and responsibility."
Kasenberg was exceedingly satisfied with Laine and Surya's marriage. Having graduated from Winford College, marked by Winford Duchy's distinct imprint, to him, the union of his lady with Laine was perfectly fitting. He genuinely felt happy for his lady's current happiness.
Laine nodded silently; Surya's few words captured hearts, whereas he often relied on his Lake Fairy Chosen Champion identity and strong heroic aura to intimidate his subordinates. Though different in approach, both were effective. The couple merely needed to play their roles well to ensure loyalty wasn't a significant issue. This was Brittania, not the Empire; hearing of maintenance fees and supply materials disappearing into thin air was rare.
The couple continued along the snowy path. At the street's distant end, the tall wooden building of Oliver Commerce Association appeared in Laine's sight. In late January, the commerce association was less crowded, as neither wood elves nor humans liked conducting business this season, and even dwarves preferred staying inside thick stone walls, enjoying a fire and malt beer.
The cold wind left the guard at the door freezing, with two streams of mucus flowing from his nostrils. Thinking no one would visit in this weather, he lazily fished, found a place to sit down, put the long halberd beside him, yawned, and cursed the damned weather: "It's so cold, when will spring arrive?"
