System: Build My Own Territory Chapter 909 - 277: Wildfire (10,000 Words) (Part 6)
Previously on System: Build My Own Territory...
The immediate focus shifts to acquiring or breeding and rigorously training more mounts.
Regarding handicrafts, awaiting the completion of chest armor and armor plates for a thousand sets of composite armor is necessary from the Blacksmith Workshop.
An urgent task is the improvement of the ironmaking blast furnace within the Blacksmith Workshop.
This enhancement is critical to achieving superior quality steel.
The production of low-carbon steel represents a pivotal step for the territory to ascend to a higher technological echelon!
While Lynn was deep in thought, lost in contemplation.
The distant echo of footsteps broke the silence.
Moments later, a woman's voice, laced with respect, reached his ears.
"My apologies, Master Lynn, for intruding upon you at such a late hour."
Snapping back to the present, Lynn raised his gaze.
It was Erin, clad in the attire of a scholar.
Lynn paused momentarily before inquiring, "Scholar Erin, is there a matter you wish to discuss?"
In response to Lynn's question, Erin extended her arm, presenting a rolled parchment.
Erin then clarified, "Master Lynn, the design blueprints for the Territory Court, following deliberations between myself and Scholar Clive, have now been finalized."
"I am here to submit them for your esteemed review."
"Should they meet your approval, Clive can commence the construction with the available workforce."
Without any prompting from Lynn, Red stepped forward as if sensing the need.
Approaching Erin, Red accepted the parchment and then presented it to Lynn.
Lynn reached out, carefully unfurling the document.
The architectural drawing of the territory's law building, provided by Clive, was unpretentious. It was a straightforward, two-story structure with a flat roof.
Lynn's eyes scanned the details, taking in the annotations accompanying the drawing.
The first floor of the Territory Court, occupying an area of approximately two hundred square meters, was not overly large.
Based on the depicted interior layout of the courtroom, it was designed to accommodate an audience of one hundred and fifty individuals during trials.
This capacity was deemed entirely sufficient for the purpose.
Perhaps owing to the planned use of Red Brick for its construction, the building’s exterior was adorned with a subtle, somewhat indistinct red pigment.
However, above the grand double doors at the entrance.
A meticulously painted emblem was prominently displayed.
Antlers resembling those of a deer, a head akin to a camel's, eyes like a rabbit's, and a neck reminiscent of a serpent's...
It precisely matched the territory's emblem, the 'Dragon', which Lynn had previously described to Clive!
In contrast to the depiction of the 'Dragon' emblem adorning the carvings on the town building, as arranged by Clive.
The 'Dragon' featured on the Territory Court's entrance was rendered in a coiled posture.
Its gaze was directed squarely forward, towards the front of the Territory Court.
Evoking a sense of scrutiny upon every individual passing by or entering the building.
Even from a distance, a mere glance at it instilled a profound sense of intimidation and pressure.
After thoroughly examining the construction blueprints, Lynn then turned his attention to the vertical dimensions specified within.
Addressing Erin, he stated, "The drawings are satisfactory. There are no issues."
"Please inform Scholar Clive that construction is to commence tomorrow."
Lynn extended his hand, passing the parchment to Red.
Red accepted it and, walking towards Erin, returned the document to her.
Erin, receiving the rolled paper, offered a slight bow and replied, "Understood, Master Lynn."
Noticing that Erin did not immediately depart, Lynn inquired further, "Is there anything else?"
Erin lowered her head slightly and proceeded to explain.
"Master Lynn, as previously mentioned, in addition to the Territory Court's construction, several key roles within the court necessitate individuals with specific educational backgrounds..."
"These individuals are currently assigned to various duties, and I seek your authorization to have their respective foremen release them for service in the court."
Lynn nodded in agreement, "Yes, identify the individuals and inform their supervisors that they have my full consent."
Upon hearing Lynn's decisive affirmation, a subtle relaxation graced Erin's expression.
She conveyed her gratitude, saying, "Thank you kindly, Master Lynn."
Lynn acknowledged her words and, after ensuring there were no further matters from Erin, permitted her to depart from the castle.
His gaze once again swept over the now tranquil reception hall.
Lynn's attention then shifted towards the young maid, Janet, positioned a short distance away.
Janet, sensing Lynn's look, promptly addressed him.
"Master Lynn... The hot water is prepared; you may commence your bath."
Lynn responded, "I shall do so shortly."
Rising from his seat of authority, he moved towards the adjoining private chamber.
As he passed by Janet.
Lynn candidly instructed, "In about ten minutes, please come in and provide me with a massage."
"My body feels rather weary after days of strenuous work."
Janet's previously relaxed demeanor instantly stiffened with apprehension.
She bit her tender, crimson lip and replied with a hint of resignation.
"Yes, Master Lynn."
Standing near the private room, Janet monitored the passage of time before gently knocking on the door.
Receiving Lynn's assent, she softly pushed open the door and entered the chamber.
With the private room door now closed.
The entire reception hall descended into a profound silence.
Save for the ambient glow cast by the oil lamps affixed to the walls, no human presence was discernible.
...
Meanwhile, on the other side, under the cloak of night.
A thick, peculiar tar-like aroma, mingled with the sharp scent of charred meat, permeated the atmosphere. Wisps of dark gray smoke ascended from shattered ladders and smoldering siege equipment, gradually thinning as the flames dwindled due to a lack of fuel. On the battle-scarred city wall, several figures made their way across. Below, gazing upon the blackened, coal-like remains of bodies, Godfrey's expression was grave. Lawrence Ducas, clad in gleaming silver-white armor, surveyed the scene. "Death is an inevitable consequence of war!" he stated plainly. "As soldiers of the Ducas Clan Sword and Shield Corps, they fought for the Ducas Clan! To fall in battle is their glory!" Godfrey's already troubled heart grew heavier upon hearing this. He fixed his gaze on Lawrence's retreating back and countered, "But... there was a more advantageous method for assaulting and capturing Spirit Reef Port, one that would have minimized casualties." Lawrence halted, turning to face Godfrey. "A more advantageous method?" he inquired. "Knight Commander—no, Commander Godfrey, enlighten me. What, in your estimation, constitutes the optimal attack strategy?" "You yourself once instructed me: without formidable siege engines, the most potent assault is a night raid!" "Leveraging the darkness to lull the enemy into a false sense of security, thereby enhancing the probability of a successful incursion." "This was your teaching!" "However, none could have foreseen that Spirit Reef Port would possess wildfire!"