After nearly a year of preparation, the city of Neverwinter is now running at full speed like a war machine.
The Moon of Demons couldn't stop this emerging capital from madly absorbing surrounding resources. The Executive Office once thought that a population of 100,000 was an unattainable goal, but in just one year, the city's population doubled. The injection of a large amount of fresh labor has driven the rapid expansion of various industries. Four new chemical plants have been added, and machinery-related processing and assembly plants have exceeded double digits.
According to statistics, the monthly salary paid by the Executive Office is close to the 10,000 gold dragon mark, and when Roland first arrived here, his biggest income was only 24,000 gold dragons after looting Changsong Fortress. In other words, the Duke of the West has accumulated half a lifetime of wealth, and now it is only enough to pay two and a half months' wages.
Steam engines, paddle steamers, perfumes and chaotic drinks constitute the main source of income. These commodities are sold to the fjords and the four kingdoms through the United Chamber of Commerce. Except for the gratuities that must be paid, the rest of the money is converted into a large number of raw materials and handicraft products. Money has come and gone in a delicate balance, and savings in the treasury have been shrinking.
It can be said that this is an extremely uneven development model, but in the face of the threat of the War of Divine Will, Roland's choices are not ample.
Without devoting resources to heavy industry, machine guns cannot fire indiscriminately, and artillery will never be short of shells.
Only in this way will he have the spare strength to arm the entire army.
The First Army, which was expanded from 8,000 to 10,000 people, was just the foundation, and the Air Force under the command of Tilly Wimbledon was also actively preparing. In addition, the Militia Recruitment Requirement and the Mobilization Act have entered the drafting stage. These two policies aim to improve Neverwinter's war potential and enforce the most basic discipline training for ordinary students, workers and farmers, similar to Later university military training. Although they can't let them go to the battlefield directly with guns, they can shorten the training time when there is an urgent need to replenish manpower.
Since the specific time of the coming of the red moon has been obviously deviated, no one can determine when the battle of divine will will start. If optimistic, it may be four to five years, and the worst should be about one or two years. For Roland, the biggest strategic goal at present is to turn defense into offense when the red moon arrives, so that the fire of war will burn on the enemy's territory.
So the devil who occupied the ruins of Taquila was the nail he had to pull out.
In fact, material delivery and personnel transfer began gradually in late winter and early spring.
The advantage of rail transit lies in this, even if heavy snow covers the entire fertile plain, as long as the tracks are cleared, the war needs can be continuously transported to the front line.
Most of the steel produced in Neverwinter City has been turned into steel rails, and the lines hidden in the hidden forest have also been laid. It can be said that the new Northern Expedition will officially start after Roland's order.
Both the army and the city are ready to go.
But before that, he still has two things to do.
…
The day after the end of the evil moon, Roland received a request for a meeting from Lei Ting.
"Why, you're leaving so soon?" He set up a relaxing afternoon tea party in the living room. While carrying Anna, he also sent an invitation to Margery. For this businesswoman who is quite compatible with Lightning, There was only so much he could help. "Can't wait to go to the Shadow Sea to find out?"
"I knew I couldn't hide it from you," Lei Ting said with a calm smile. "Every moment I was manipulating the steel ship, I was imagining the scene of it sailing against the wind and waves. If possible, I even hope to sail directly to the sea. Wire."
"In that case, everyone will face the risk of water shortage and food shortage halfway through." Margery shook her head helplessly, "The other group of chambers of commerce who invested heavily in you would not be happy to see you take their fleet. Leave it behind, unless you plan to never go back to the Fjords again."
"Haha, I just want to express my excitement to Your Majesty," he said, rubbing his chin, "As Margery said, this expedition is not mine alone, after all, for the fjords, The development of new sea areas means opportunities and wealth, and no chamber of commerce will not be tempted. This is probably the largest expedition in the history of the Fjord Islands, and I can only be fully prepared by returning as soon as possible.”
It seems that after Thunder's publicity and recruitment, this trip to the sea has changed from forming a team to starting a team. Roland smiled and took a sip of tea. He was indeed the most famous explorer in the fjords. Just by showing his intentions, he could win a huge amount of investment. "It seems that in just a few short months, you have learned all about steel ships."
"It's all thanks to His Royal Highness Anna," Lei Ting greeted Anna while touching his chest. "She has helped a lot with the subsequent improvement of the hull. If you hadn't seen it with your own eyes, it would be hard to imagine that such a huge iron ship would be more flexible than a three-masted sea ship."
"I also want to ask you one thing," Anna nodded. "This ship has only been operating in the shallow waters during the trial voyage. If possible, I hope to get a driving report in the deep sea area. If there is any problem, I can Record it on it. It's best to use Neverwinter's new waterproof ink and sealant bag, so that even if it falls into the sea, it will remain intact."
Probably did not expect the other party to make such a serious request, Lei Ting was stunned for a while before laughing, "I understand, please wrap it around me, Your Highness."
Roland fondly touched Anna's head, then looked at Lei Ting, "It just so happens that I also have something I want to entrust to you."
"As much as you order."
"I want to recruit a group of explorers."
"It has nothing to do with this expedition?" Lei Ting quickly realized.
"That's right," Roland put down the teacup, "I want them to go to the Endless Cape."
"I remember that there was nothing there except yellow sand and black water." Margery said in surprise.
"I used to think so too..." Roland shrugged, "The Endless Cape hardly encounters any risks, so there is no need for experienced experts. It can be said that the number of people is more important than the ability."
Seeing that he did not elaborate on the reasons, Lei Ting did not pursue further questions, "There are many such people in the fjords, I don't know what the screening rules are..."
"No." Roland replied, "It's an explorer, but in fact anyone can be rewarded as long as they find novel relics in the Endless Cape."
"Even if it is a brick and stone of the ruins?"
"Naturally, but the premise is that it must come from Endless Cape." He affirmed, "The more information the relic contains, the richer the reward. This news is valid for a long time. As long as I am still the king of Greycastle, it will definitely be honored."
"With your words as a guarantee, I'm afraid that place will be crowded in the future." Margery covered her mouth and smiled, "I was wondering if I should take the opportunity to open a tavern in Daqing Port first?"
"You are very welcome." It is indeed one of Roland's goals to boost the economy of the oil port. After all, the civilization in the painting has a history of at least 1,400 years. It is still unknown whether it can leave anything behind. Undoubtedly a two-pronged approach.
"By the way, Your Majesty," Lei Ting said, "Since the steel ship has passed the sea trial and is officially put into use, does it have a name?"
"Of course, I'm going to call it Yukikaze."
"Xuefeng...?" The explorer pondered for a moment, "It is indeed a nice name, but won't it be too soft and not suitable for its steel body?"
"The combination of hardness and softness is the truth," Roland couldn't help raising the corner of his mouth. "More importantly, this name contains auspicious meanings, and it will definitely bring good luck to your trip to the sea."