"My Lord, the sun has now set."
Thorpe's voice stirred me awake. My eyes snapped open, and I heard the faint crackling of joints as I stretched my arms. Sliding away the heavy metal lid of the coffin, I was greeted by Thorpe, standing dutifully as I emerged.
"You seem well-rested," I remarked, raising an eyebrow. "Though I'm fairly certain that shouldn't be the case. Care to explain?"
"The last thing I want is for you to push yourself too hard, Thorpe," I added, narrowing my gaze.
"My Lord, do not worry," Thorpe replied with a calm demeanor. "I am rested and well."
"Alright, I'll take your word for it," I said, stepping out and brushing off lingering doubts.
As we ascended from the catacombs, the transition to the citadel's quiet corridors was almost eerie. The halls, often filled with the clamor of soldiers training, now lay silent with most of the men either resting or too fatigued to move about.
"So, are you the only one who isn't on the verge of collapse, or what?" I teased, a mischievous grin spreading across my face.
"Hmph," Thorpe huffed, his expression hardening. "Those men need far more training if they're to advance and stop being such embarrassments to you, my Lord."
"Thorpe, calm down," I said, bewildered by the vehemence in his voice. "They're developing at a decent rate compared to Central. Don't you think?"
"My Lord," Thorpe replied, clearly unimpressed. "It is expected that they surpass Central. Their current deficiencies, however, are inexcusable."
I sighed, trying to diffuse the tension with humor. "Honestly, I don't know how you managed to court Selma with that rigid demeanor of yours."
Thorpe bristled, his posture stiffening. "Whatever do you mean by that, my Lord?" he asked defensively.
"Well," I continued with a smirk, "Selma's far more spirited than this. I'm just surprised she actually liked you."
Thorpe's stoic facade cracked, and for a fleeting moment, he flushed.
"I will have you know, my Lord," he countered, his voice unyielding, "she loves me dearly."
That was it. I couldn't hold back anymore. Laughter bubbled out of me uncontrollably. "Hahaha! Thorpe, I never knew you were capable of blushing. This is a rare find indeed!"
"Sir," Thorpe protested, his tone as indignant as it was flustered, "this is a highly unjust provocation."
"Alright, alright," I said, waving a hand to signal my retreat. "I'll stop now. I wouldn't want James to catch wind of this. He'd never let you hear the end of it."
Thorpe gave a curt nod, clearly relieved as I finally decided to give him a break.
"So, I take it Norman and John have gone to govern the two conquered cities?" I asked, glancing at Thorpe.
"Yes, my Lord, they have departed," Thorpe replied. "However, before the sunset, they sent an economic report that requires your judgment."
"Oh, really? I see. Anything else I should be aware of?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, my Lord. Marquis Raven's soldiers are stationed here."
At this statement, I unintentionally shot a sharp look at Thorpe, startled. "Wait The Raven Knights are here? Why?"
"Apparently, the Marquis has taken to conquest ideals, or so it seems," Thorpe answered evenly.
His words stopped me in my tracks. A cold sweat ran down my back as I rubbed my face, trying to process the implications. I let out a long sigh.
"Marcel is an unhinged lunatic," I muttered, shaking my head. "He honestly makes James's recklessness seem almost childlike in comparison."
Thorpe gave a solemn nod of agreement as we reached my office. I pushed the door open, entered, and made my way to my desk. Taking a seat, I began reviewing the economic reports from the newly acquired cities.
"So," I began, scanning the first document, "the city that John will govern is reported to have extensive forests, which will provide a significant lumber supply. However, it lacks stone quarries, and the fields are of average quality, so the food supply will be standard at best."
I spoke aloud, contemplating how best to utilize the city's resources, but Thorpe interrupted my thoughts.
"My Lord, may I suggest something?" he asked.
"Go right ahead," I said, gesturing for him to proceed.
"I believe one of the two cities preferably the one closest to us should be designated to train and shelter the new unit we plan to establish for defensive duties," he recommended.
I paused, considering his suggestion carefully. After a moment of thought, I nodded. "That's a solid plan, Thorpe. We'll proceed with that arrangement."
Thorpe inclined his head respectfully, and I turned my attention to the next report.
"It seems the city Kalrick conquered has an extensive stone quarry but is nearly barren of forestry, relying solely on its fields," I murmured, scanning the document. "Judging by the first set of espionage reports, this city is likely the closer of the two. That would mean it's the ideal candidate for hosting the defensive infantry training," I reasoned aloud.
Picking up the Declaration sheet, I made a note. "The city we conquered will be named Green Glade City, and the city governed by Norman shall be called Black Stone City." With a flourish, I stamped the sheet with my seal a falcon with one claw outstretched in an attack stance.
"So, Black Stone City will become the defensive hub, while Green Glade City will bolster our offensive efforts. This way, we can launch attacks from two different locations rather than relying on a single point," I explained, drafting two separate letters to John and Norman. Each letter outlined the cities' designated roles and their primary uses moving forward.
Thorpe, standing at attention nearby, asked, "My Lord, does this mean the cost of goods will decrease once we can ship additional materials from these two cities?"
I paused to consider his question before replying, "In all honesty, it's entirely possible. However, there's one significant hurdle: we'll first need to develop marketplaces in each city to handle the transportation of resources on that scale. It will require swift action and a considerable workforce, but it is feasible."
Handing over the letters to Thorpe, another thought struck me. "Speaking of which, send word to Marquis Malcray. Inform him that his request has been fulfilled and that payment is now due."
Thorpe nodded sharply. "At once, my Lord."
"I need to take a proper bath," I muttered to myself. "I didn't have time to be thorough this morning with all the rushing around." With that thought, I made my way to the room that would have my shower room.