The 19th day of the month dawned crisp and clear. The survey was complete for 14km long and 3m wide roman style road, and the project was ready to move forward. The material piles were overflowing, but I had already marked small storage spots along the path, ensuring workers could access stones, gravel, and sand without blocking construction.
In this world, animals were larger and stronger than on Earth. I employed 15 horses, 10 oxen, and carts, along with cows, goats, and sheep, each as strong as a donkey. Older children managed the hauling, guiding the animals and ensuring constant supply. Small pockets and toolkits were prepared in advance for the animals, so every trip was efficient.
I checked my budget, which was already half spent, but progress demanded action. I distributed tools—primitive Roman-style implements for digging and tamping, along with rollers and iron weights under wooden roads—and organized the workforce of 600 men, women, and children.
The road construction moved in calculated steps:
Compost soil layer: 7 days
Large gravel layer: 3 days
Medium gravel layer: 3 days
Small gravel and filling gaps: 3 days
At the same time, a 1 km soil road between the 3rd site (nitrate deposit) and the 2nd site (lime and clay , gravel) was completed in 4 days, including digging, tamping, rolling, and small drainage work.1st site was ( coal,iron,timber,and stone).
The team worked with precision, carts and animals moving in constant rotation, older children supervising supply, and every worker knowing their role. By the 20th day, the entire stretch was cleared, leveled, and layered. The road was complete, and the excitement of completion rippled through the workforce.
Meanwhile, Natalia's power had grown remarkably. She could now control her magic up to 60 meters and had learned multiple attack techniques, her progress accelerating under disciplined practice.
I allowed myself a moment to observe the road, the work flowing like clockwork, the animals moving efficiently, and the townsfolk proud of what they had achieved. In my mind, the next phases were already forming, but for now, the foundation was laid.
A month had passed since Allen arrived orshek. Much had been accomplished—not only in the town under his direct guidance but across the realm by his siblings. News traveled slowly through messengers and couriers, and Allen had yet to learn the full extent of their actions.
A messenger arrived in Narion, seeking an audience with King Alaric Greyborne to report on the past month.
Prince Eldric, stationed in Barlisdon, had reportedly dealt with bandits and consolidated villages' increasing population . Some called his methods harsh, and whispers say some of those were rebellion against his action. His town seemed to be preparing for potential conflict, though the details were unclear.
Princess Aurielle, overseeing the coastal port town of Mildon, was said to be expanding navy ship production and managing trade. Her influence over merchants and nobles appeared to be growing, yet the scope of her actions remained unknown.
Prince Kastor, in Bolworth, was rumored to be strengthening alliances with traders and nobles with power, through wealth and festivities. How effective this was, No one knows, nor how it might affect the balance of power.
Prince leonard,, stationed in the remote mining town of Orshek, faced troubling rumors: iron production had slowed, and some claimed townsfolk might rebel due to shortages. The truth of these claims remained unclear , it seems impossible for him involved in power.
Princess Nymeria, on Enagata Island, was contributing to literature and the arts, adding to cultural prestige. Details of her influence were sparse,though no news of her involving power is come out.
After listing the reports, the messenger concluded for the king:
"Your Majesty, the first three elder heirs are increasing their power, alliances, and influence in their own ways. The fourth heir seems to be in trouble, with potential unrest in his town. The fifth is not engaged in any struggle and remains focused on her own pursuits."
The wind howled past the abandoned cottage, rattling its broken shutters. Inside, thirteen girls huddled in silence, their eyes wide and watchful. Shadows stretched across the room, flickering as the last of the sunlight filtered through the cracked walls.
Memories came unbidden. A flashback: three of them had run from the dungeon just days ago, hearts pounding, after killing a guard and using his key to free some of their sisters. The air had been thick with fear and the metallic scent of blood. They had fled across the island of Amersterton, hunted by the lord's men, desperate to escape the chains of captivity.
Some sisters had not survived—arrows had found them, hunger had claimed others. They pressed on, driven by instinct and the whisper of freedom. After days of peril and exhaustion, they had stumbled upon a merchant lady's ship, moored quietly in a hidden cove. Hope had flickered, fragile but alive, in their hearts.
The scene shifted abruptly.
Many nearby village chiefs summoned to the newly thriving town. They arrived cautiously, eyes scanning the roads, the buildings, and the organized bustle of workers. Oswin led them along the freshly built Roman-style road, showing the path connecting the town to the mines and resource sites.
"A step closer to increase the workforce,"I said
"Join us," said, voice calm but commanding. "Your people will have food, shelter, and work. Together, we can grow stronger."
Some chiefs frowned. "Where will food and shelter come from for our families?" they asked, skepticism in their voices.
I gestured to the town and the fields beyond. "The town produces enough to sustain everyone. I have plans. You will have resources, and your people will thrive."
A few of the elders hesitated, concern etched on their faces. knew why—his town held the iron supply in the region, while many of these villages relied entirely on iron for survival. Yet I entrusted them, confident that cooperation would outweigh fear. A few chiefs even nodded, seeing the potential and showing positive reaction.
The new month, Florentis, had arrived—the season of spring—and with it, fresh opportunities. I returned to my chamber, reviewing maps, notes, and the town's production schedules. I set towns goals: increase iron production, improve safety, and enhance productivity. Every detail mattered. The foundation was laid, and the future of the town—and his wider plans—would be built upon it.