162: Provincial planning

Inside the great hall, as the encouragement for the Werewolf Clan generals came to an end, the atmosphere shifted from the stirring pre-reward moment toward more specific administrative deployments concerning the future.

Linn's gaze became deeper and more focused. He scanned the core members on the civil official side, his steady voice ringing clearly throughout the hall:

“The administrative structure must be adjusted as our territory expands; powers and responsibilities must be clearly defined. From today onwards, the internal governance of Star Sea Island proper and its thirty-six surrounding subsidiary islands will be unified under the original Chief of Civil Affairs, Morton.” He looked at the old servant who seemed to be growing younger. “Morton, you are promoted to 'Star Sea Governor,' overseeing all civil affairs, finance, construction, and internal security of the three cities on the main island, reporting directly to me.”

Morton took a deep breath, suppressing the excitement and the heavy sense of responsibility in his heart. He stood up and bowed deeply: “Morton accepts the command. I will not fail the Duke's heavy trust!”

“Payson,” Linn turned his gaze to the Governor of East Sea Province, “you will continue to serve as the Governor of East Sea Province, overseeing the province's military and political affairs. Lawrence will serve as Deputy Governor, assisting you with civil affairs and focusing on the coordination of passages and logistical support between us and the newly established Rhine Province.”

“Yes, Duke!” Payson and Lawrence, who was also in attendance, responded in unison.

“As for the newly established Rhine Province,” Linn's gaze fell upon two other highly capable middle-aged officials in the civil official ranks, “Ronald, the former chief executive officer of Star Moon City, is transferred to serve as the Governor of Rhine Province. Fellan, the former chief executive officer of Shattered Star City, is transferred to serve as the Deputy Governor of Rhine Province. You two must complete the handover as quickly as possible and depart for your posts in Rhine Province.”

Ronald and Fellan, who were called by name, immediately stood up, their faces full of solemnity and the excitement of meeting a coming challenge: “We obey the Duke's command!”

Linn nodded slightly and continued to instruct: “East Sea Province and Rhine Province will each be preliminarily divided into five prefectures based on geography and planning. Ronald, Fellan, your current primary task is to rely on the Karl Legion and prisoner-of-war labor to establish the first prefecture of Rhine Province—'Rhine Prefecture,' the core of which will be the full-scale construction of the provincial capital, 'Rhine City.' Payson, the 'East Sea Prefecture' of East Sea Province has already taken shape; you may begin planning and establishing the second prefecture. Consult with Lawrence on the specific location and plan.”

As clear appointments and instructions were issued one after another, an administrative framework covering Star Sea Island, East Sea, and Rhine was rapidly outlined. However, Linn frowned slightly, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest of his throne, revealing his inner thoughts.

“The territory has expanded suddenly, and government affairs are complex; the gap in required administrative personnel is immense.” Linn looked around at everyone, his tone inquiring, “Relying solely on existing officials and transfers from Star Sea Island has already proven insufficient. Do you all have any good strategies to solve this urgent problem and provide for the long term?”

After a brief silence, Payson, the Governor of East Sea Province, stood up. Having governed locally for many years, he felt this most deeply: “Duke, administrative talent is not made in a day. In my humble opinion, our Star Sea Territory has the Star Sea Academy; the existing Knight Academy trains military backbones, and the Magic Academy nurtures magic-System talents with outstanding results. Why not follow this example and add a 'Administration Academy' within the academy?”

His voice was clear as he elaborated on his idea: “We can select bright and steady youths from the populace, or choose the best from existing grassroots clerks and retired veterans with some education in the army, to enter the Administration Academy for systematic study of law, civil affairs, finance and taxation, agriculture and industry, clerical work, and other practical matters. Governor Morton and experienced officials like us can serve concurrently as instructors, and practical textbooks can be compiled. In this way, in as short as one or two years, or as long as three to five, we will have a batch of grassroots talents who understand the territory's laws and are familiar with administrative processes. Moreover, their loyalty and sense of identity with the territory will be far beyond what external recruits can offer.”

Once this proposal was made, many officials in the hall, especially those from the administrative and construction Systems, nodded in agreement. This was indeed a long-term strategy to solve the fundamental problem and cultivate 'their own people.'

A light of approval flashed in Linn's eyes as he looked at Morton: “What Payson says aligns perfectly with my thoughts. Morton, you will take overall charge of this matter. Effective immediately, Star Sea Academy will add a 'Administration Academy.' You must draft the regulations, select the first batch of students, organize the faculty, and determine the curriculum as quickly as possible. Resources required will be prioritized. I want to see the first batch of government affairs students capable of assisting in the governance of the various prefectures and counties of the two provinces graduate in the shortest time possible.”

“Yes! This subordinate will handle it immediately!” Morton accepted the command, his mind already starting to calculate the specific steps.

Finally, Linn leaned forward slightly and announced a decision with far-reaching impact: “Currently, the majority of our Star Sea Territory's population is still concentrated on Star Sea Island and in East Sea Prefecture. After years of reproduction and absorption, the current population of Star Sea Island proper has exceeded eight hundred thousand, and it will continue to grow naturally in the future. This island is the core Foundation of my territory; its resources and environmental carrying capacity have their limits.”

His voice carried a kind of unquestionable decisiveness: “From today onwards, Star Sea Island proper will no longer accept any external population for relocation and settlement. The household registration of existing islanders will be strictly managed. Subsequent population growth will be primarily guided toward East Sea and Rhine Provinces, as well as the surrounding subsidiary islands, for settlement and development.”

This administrative order was simple yet carried the weight of a thousand jin. The people in the hall fell silent at first, and then they all understood the profound meaning—this meant that the status of a resident of Star Sea Island would henceforth become a scarce qualification, tightly bound to the most core resources, the best security, and higher honor. In the future, a Star Sea Island household registration would likely become truly 'hard to obtain for a thousand gold.' This was both to control population pressure in the core area and optimize resource allocation, and to invisibly further elevate and solidify Star Sea Island's transcendent status as the 'Land of Dragon Rising' and the 'Core Foundation,' enhancing its residents' sense of pride and belonging.

“Everyone,” Linn's gaze swept across the room once more, “the framework is set, and the direction is clear. The construction and expansion that follow will determine the future. I hope you will each perform your duties and work together with one heart. After the meeting is adjourned, each of you shall execute your orders with full effort!”

“As you command!” The response rang out like a mountain cry again, carrying an eagerness for new challenges and a firm belief in the future. The great ship of Star Sea Territory, having already grown strong, adjusted its sails under the control of its new captain and helmsmen, setting sail once more toward the broader deep sea.

“Next is the reform of the military.”

“Before the great war, Star Sea Island recruited over 80,000 Reserve Force. 40,000 have already been drawn to join Karl's Star Shattering Legion and Yilman's Po Jun Legion respectively. The remaining 40,000 will be allocated to Ocean Jack's Star Sea Legion and Shirei's Star-Moon Legion. Ocean, Shirei, you two handle this after you go down.”

“Yes, Lord!” The two stood up to accept the command.

Linn looked at Jokic: “Jokic, although to the outside world you have nothing to do with Star Sea Territory, the internal organizational structure must be unified. Now, the Werewolf Legion is officially established with 50,000 werewolves. You are the Legion Commander, and Wade is the Deputy.”

“We obey the transfer order.” Jokic and Wade stood up to accept the command.

Thus, the four main human Main force legions of Star Sea Territory were maintained at two hundred thousand men. Including the Werewolf Legion and special units like the Guard Army and Divine Arrow Army, the total military strength was just about three hundred thousand.

“Next is the rewards and promotions.” Linn looked at everyone with a smile on his face.

Everyone unconsciously sat up straight, knowing that the most exciting moment had arrived.