Ryo entered the richly appointed manager of the merchant organization's office, a middle-aged individual with sharp eyes and a calculating smile. The individual, who was named Varnis, had constructed the organization from scratch himself, and as such was one of the most powerful men in business. He leaned forward, fingers interlocked as he examined Ryo with interest.
"So, you'd like to build a merchant network with your nation?" Varnis said, his voice level. "A fascinating proposal, Lord Ryo."
Ryo nodded. "Yes. I want to build a nation which can stand on its own as far as commerce, craftsmanship, and trade go. But let me have the time to build the groundwork. It should take three or four months to be finished."
Varnis smiled. "That is not much time for a project of this magnitude. But I can start the recruiting process right away. Traders, crafters, and veteran merchants will be needed to manage operations once your country is established."
Ryo offered his hand. "Then we have a deal."
The two sealed the agreement with a handshake. And with that, Ryo departed the office, returning to the dwarves to start the real first step—construction.
The dwarves, whose unparalleled skill was legendary, were already awaiting his arrival when he came to their subterranean city. The Grand Craftsman himself, a venerable dwarf named Borgan Ironbeard, regarded Ryo with a mixture of amusement and respect.
"So, ye finally decided to begin constructin' yer nation, eh, lad?" Borgan chuckled, running a hand through his bushy silver beard. "Good. We've been wonderin' when ye'd return."
Ryo smiled slightly. "I require the finest of your builders to get started on the capital. The layout—walls first, and then the castle itself."
Borgan agreed. "Aye, that be the correct path. But roads—ye must have roads in place first. A country with no roads is like a weapon with no cutting edge. Commerce and travel are the key to its power."
"That's why I want roads to the Vampire Nation and the Dragon Empire," Ryo stated. "Trade routes have to be built from the start."
Borgan chuckled. "Hah! Now yer talkin' like a proper leader." He faced his assembled dwarves. "Ye heard 'im, lads! We're buildin' more than a city—we're buildin' a legacy!"
The dwarves cheered in affirmation, their spirits high.
Several days after that, the building started officially. The first action was buying materials necessary. Ryo wrote to traders throughout the continent, buying huge amounts of metal, wood, and stone. The dwarves themselves offered premium ores and supported materials so the buildings could be resistant to the passing of time.
The roads, first of all, paved out with care by master dwarven engineers. Strong and broad, they extended as veins from the center of the soon-to-be nation, flowing to the west to the Vampire Nation and the north to the Dragon Empire. These roads would be trade conduits, bringing Ryo's land into commerce with the dominant neighboring kingdoms.
Next came the castle walls—massive, reinforced structures designed to keep enemies at bay. The foundations were laid deep, infused with mana-imbued stones to strengthen their durability. Ryo watched as the walls began to rise, knowing that each brick was a step closer to realizing his vision.
The castle itself would be a while, but Ryo was willing to wait. He had already made things happen. Merchants were being mobilized, crafters being recruited, and alliances being forged. This was just the start.
As he stood on top of a hill watching the building, a gust of wind came by, carrying the smell of fresh stone and soil. His country was no longer a dream. It was turning into a reality.
And this was only the beginning.