73: Starry sea first formed

Time slowly passed amidst the construction of the Star Sea Territory. A year had already gone by since Payson departed the Star Sea Territory.

This year was a year of explosive growth and fundamental transformation for the Star Sea Territory.

The vast, dusty plain, once covered in white planning lines, is now a vibrant city of initial scale—Star Sea City. It is set like a meticulously carved jewel upon the western coastline of Shattered Star Island, facing the Great Wilderness Forest on the continent, whose outline is faintly visible across the sea.

In the center of the city, right beside the sparkling Star Sea River, stands a magnificent castle. It does not possess the ancient, weighty simplicity characteristic of the Count Ailisis Fief, but rather exhibits a nascent beauty filled with strength and order.

Massive granite blocks form the solid base and walls, with clean and powerful lines. Towering spires overlook the entire city and the bay, and the flying star flag snaps in the blue sky above the sea. The scale and grandeur of this castle already surpass Nocturne Castle during the Salu Archipelago period, silently proclaiming the rise of the Star Sea Territory.

Centered around the castle, the streets extend outwards like a neat chessboard. Residences, shops, warehouses, taverns... are orderly arranged, the streets are wide, and the drainage ditches are clearly defined. The Star Sea River flows through the city like a turquoise ribbon; boats travel back and forth on the river, transporting goods and people, eventually merging into the azure waters outside the city, named Star Sea Bay.

Inside the bay, the expanded docks feature masts as numerous as trees; the shouts of workers loading and unloading mingle with the sound of the waves, creating a scene of bustling activity. It is already a fully functional port city.

The industrial district marked out in the north of the city is noisy all day long; the clang of furnaces and hammers is the main theme here. Under the leadership of Great Master Henry—whom Linn has officially appointed as the Star Sea Territory Chief Architect—two core workshops are operating at full capacity. In the Shipbuilding Workshop, keels have been laid, and new, larger ships are being developed; the Ironware Workshop works day and night to produce various iron goods, from farm tools to armor and weapons, supplying the territory's construction and armament needs.

This year, the Star Sea Territory's trade has also become completely smooth. Relying on Guild Master Barton's excellent management and growing reputation, the Star Sea Merchant Guild successfully established stable trade routes with the Viscount Nocturne Fief, the more distant Tianhai City Governor Aldrich, and Haige City. Timber, Ore, and potions were exported, exchanged for gold coins, grain, and most importantly—people.

The "level three potion for Slaves" transaction agreed upon by Linn and Nocturne also continued, providing the territory with a stable and relatively high-quality source of labor. Currently, the number of registered Slaves in the Star Sea Territory has broken the 30,000 mark, making them the absolute main force for construction.

What made Linn even more gratified was the flourishing of life. The policies he enacted a year ago to encourage childbirth, including grain subsidies and tax reductions for families with newborns, have shown remarkable results. The first batch of newborns in the territory has arrived, numbering over a thousand. The cries of those born on the land of the Star Sea Territory symbolize hope and the future.

Half a year ago, with the growth of the population base and resources, Linn carried out a new, larger round of military expansion. The two elite forces, the Guard Army and the Divine Arrow Army, were each expanded to 300 men, equipped with the finest gear. The original First, Second, and Third Battalions were directly upgraded to "Armies," with their establishment expanded to 1,000 men per Army. The Orc warriors who had newly submitted and undergone a year of integration and training were separately organized into the Orcish Army, numbering 300, commanded by Batu and assisted by Augus. As a result, the Star Sea Territory's standing combat strength reached 3,900 men.

Not only did Linn encourage population growth, but he also researched a new type of potion that could significantly increase the fertility rate of the Orcs, leading to their complete submission. Linn also released the contracts held by Batu and others.

The growth of high-end combat power was equally gratifying. Linn himself, thanks to ample resources and his own tireless efforts, steadily consolidated his strength at Gold Intermediate Rank, and is expected to achieve another Breakthrough soon, with his understanding and control of magic becoming increasingly profound.

Elise advanced to Gold Intermediate Rank through talent and hard work. Augus, however, remained at Gold Intermediate Rank.

Ocean Jack, who already had a strong foundation, successfully achieved a Breakthrough to High Gold Rank. Including Batu, the Star Sea Territory now boasts two High Gold Rank warriors.

Clay, Carl, and Angus have firmly stepped into the Gold Initial Rank. Shirei and his brother, along with the core members like the vice-captains of the various armies, have generally reached the standard of High Silver Rank. If this list of combat power were placed in the Aolai Kingdom, it would be enough to make any Viscount, or even some slightly weaker Counts, take notice; it is an emerging force that absolutely cannot be underestimated.

On this day, the autumn sky was clear and the air crisp. After Linn finished his morning administrative duties, he strolled up to the highest observation deck of the Lord's Castle. A breeze brushed his face, bringing the salty tang of the distant ocean and the warm scent of cooking smoke from the city. He leaned on the railing, gazing out, taking in the entire Star Sea City, as well as the fields and bays beyond.

Looking at this territory before him, shaped entirely by his will and rising from the desolate island, an indescribable complexity of emotions surged within Linn's heart. There was pride, emotion, and a heavy sense of responsibility.

"One year... a whole year has passed," he murmured to himself. His mind flashed through the bloody battle when they first landed on Shattered Star Island, the scene of everyone sweating profusely during the initial construction, the bonfire and laughter of the banquet night, and Payson waving from the ship's bow as he departed. "From an exiled pioneering lord of the Salu Archipelago to a powerful lord who now commands a city, with elite troops and sufficient provisions... this step was truly difficult."

He saw small transport boats shuttling along the Star Sea River, arranged by Morton, carrying newly forged ironware from the workshop district to the warehouse; he saw faint pillars of smoke rising above the northern workshops, indicating Great Master Henry was directing production; he heard faint drill commands coming from the direction of the Orc tribal settlement south of the city, where the Orcish Army was training; he also saw a merchant ship flying the Star Sea Merchant Guild flag unloading cargo at the dock, its busy sailors full of energy.

"Let's go down and walk around." On a whim, Linn decided to temporarily set aside the documents in his study and personally measure and feel the land that belonged to him. He only took Elise as an attendant, without alerting too many people.

They first walked through the residential area. The streets were clean, children chased and played in the alleyways, and women sat outside their doors working and chatting. Seeing Linn pass by, they all stood up and greeted him respectfully and sincerely: "My Lord!" Their eyes were full of affection and security. Linn smiled and nodded in response, occasionally stopping to ask about the year's harvest or whether a new child in the family was healthy. This approachable yet authoritative demeanor had long since won the hearts of the people.

Arriving at the northern industrial district, noise and heat rushed toward them. Great Master Henry, bare-chested and wearing a thick leather apron, was personally supervising the pouring of a batch of molten steel. Sweat glistened on his bronze skin, and his shouts were like thunder. Seeing Linn, he only gave a hasty nod, his attention fully focused on the task at hand. Linn was not bothered; instead, he admired this level of concentration.

He carefully inspected the quality of the newly produced batch of farm tools and standard longswords, expressing satisfaction with Great Master Henry's skill and the workshop's capacity. "Great Master Henry, in the future, we will need more and larger ships, and better armor and crossbows. I entrust these to you," Linn said solemnly. Great Master Henry slapped his calloused hand against his chest, his voice booming: "Rest assured, my Lord! Leave it to Henry! I guarantee the quality won't be inferior to the goods from any Royal Capital workshop!"

Afterward, Linn arrived at the military camp area outside the city. The soldiers were full of spirit, well-equipped, and their tactical coordination was impressive; they were clearly a well-trained, powerful force.

Finally, he arrived at the Orcish Army training camp, located between Star Sea City and the Orc settlement. The atmosphere here was distinctly different, rougher and wilder. The Orc soldiers roared like thunder even during routine drills; war dances and strength training were their specialties. Having received word, Batu and Augus were already waiting at the camp gate.

"My Lord!" Batu's voice was still booming, but the respect in his tone was no longer merely contractual obligation; it contained more recognition following genuine allegiance. Over the past year, Linn had fulfilled his promises, designating fertile land for the Orc tribes to recuperate and thrive, granting them equal status and trade rights, and even gradually equating their access to education and medical care with that of human subjects. The Orcish Army, in particular, received the same treatment and respect as all other armies. All of this led to a fundamental change in the mindset of Batu and his tribesmen.

"Batu, Augus, thank you for your hard work." Linn looked at the Orc soldiers in the camp—their appearance was fierce, but their eyes were no longer solely filled with savagery; instead, they were full of discipline and honor. He felt quite pleased. "The Orcish Army is a sharp blade in my hand and an indispensable part of the Star Sea Territory. I am very happy to see that you have adapted so well."

"We pledge our lives to the Lord!" Batu and Augus answered powerfully, kneeling on one knee. The surrounding Orc soldiers also stopped training, saluted Linn, their eyes burning with fervor.

By the time he returned to the castle after the tour, it was evening. The setting sun dyed Star Sea City in a warm orange-red; cooking smoke curled upwards, and sails returned to the harbor, presenting a scene of peace and prosperity.