89: Building cities and expanding the army

Inside the Lords Castle meeting hall, the atmosphere was solemn and dignified as everyone took their seats in order, just as they did every day.

Linn's gaze first turned to Morton and the newly appointed chief executive officer of Star Moon City, Ronald: "Morton, Ronald, you two start the report."

Morton stood up first: "Young Master, colleagues. As of now, Star Sea City has 30,000 Freemen, 80,000 Slaves, and 2,000 Bull Demon Slaves. The number of newborns this year has exceeded 8,000. Tax revenue totals 3,200 gold coins, and after adding trade balances and deducting various policy support expenditures, there are currently 35,860 gold coins remaining in the treasury. Grain reserves are abundant and can supply the entire city for 3 years."

Ronald reported next: "My Lord, colleagues. Star Moon City currently has 5,000 Freemen and 20,000 Slaves. We have not yet started levying taxes; our main income comes from Ore trade, with a balance of 8,536 gold coins, and stored grain can meet the city's needs for 2 years."

Linn nodded slightly, sighing inwardly. Unconsciously, the total population of Star Sea Territory had already exceeded 100,000. Thanks to the fertile land of Shattered Star Island, grain production was sufficient, and there were no worries for the future for the time being.

Next, Batu reported on the situation of the Orcs tribe.

"My Lord! Under your care, the fertility of the Orcs tribe has significantly increased in recent years, and including the newborns, the total population has exceeded 3,000. The Orc Legion has been expanded to 500 people!"

After Batu sat down, Clay stood up to represent the military and provide a comprehensive report.

"Currently, the Guard Army and Divine Arrow Army each have 1,000 soldiers, nearly eighty percent of whom are professionals; the Orcish Army has 500, all of whom are professionals; the Dragon Scale Knights have 300, all of whom are not only professionals but also equipped with Dragon Scale Horses. The First to Fourth Armies total 3,000 people, fifty percent of whom are professionals."

"In addition, excluding you, My Lord, the territory's current high-end combat power is as follows—"

"Ocean Jack, Batu: Initial Earth Rank, 2 people in total."

"Clay (Guard Army Commander), Miss Elise, Karl (First Army Commander), Angus (Divine Arrow Army Commander), Shirei (Fourth Army Commander), Evan (Dragon Scale Knights Commander), Augus (Orcish Army Deputy Commander): High Gold Rank, 7 people in total."

"Hogan (Second Army Deputy Commander), Henry (Construction Executive): Gold Intermediate Rank, 2 people in total."

"Alexander (Guard Army Deputy Commander), Spark (First Army Deputy Commander): Gold Initial Rank, 2 people in total."

"Of the 20 veterans who followed you from the Count Ailisis Fief, excluding those lost in battle, among the remaining 13, Alexander and Snake were promoted by you due to their merits, while the other 11 currently serve as captains of the Guard Army's hundred-man squads, all with strength at High Silver Rank."

"Within the entire territory, including Chief Steward Morton and Guild Master Barton, there are a total of 170 Silver Rank professionals. Report concluded."

After Clay finished his report, Construction Executive Henry stood up next: "My Lord, Shattered Star Island is rich in resources. Currently, the industrial zone has equipped all troops with weapons and armor. As for warships, we possess 6 large warships that can accommodate 500 people, 18 medium warships for 300 people, and 50 small warships for 100 people, all equipped with Ballistae."

Everyone applauded. Whether in terms of population scale, military strength, or fleet numbers, the current Star Sea Territory was no less impressive than some of the weaker Count Families.

"Very good!" Linn's voice rang out clearly, "Now that the territory's population and slave system have developed steadily, I am announcing the following reforms."

Everyone sat up straight, knowing that Star Sea Territory was about to welcome another leap forward.

"The Guard Army and Divine Arrow Army will not be expanded for the time being. Karl, Angus, I want you to train all the soldiers under your command into professionals and forge a truly elite force!"

"As you command, My Lord!"

"Batu, Augus, the Orcish Army will also maintain its current size, with tribal reproduction as the priority. For the 500 Orcish Army soldiers, I want you to lead them all to advance to Bronze."

"Yes, My Lord!" Orcs are naturally physically strong and possess Apprentice-level strength upon reaching adulthood; supplemented by the divine spring, reaching Bronze is not a difficult task.

"The First Army is renamed the Star Shattering Legion and expanded to 5,000 people."

"The Second Army is renamed the Star Sea Legion and expanded to 5,000 people."

"The Third Army is renamed the Star-Moon Legion and expanded to 5,000 people."

"The Dragon Scale Knights are expanded to 1,000 people."

"The original commanders of each army are promoted to legion commanders, and their deputies are promoted to deputy legion commanders."

"As you command!" The several legion commanders accepted the orders with excitement.

After this expansion, the Star Sea Territory's army will reach 18,500 people.

Linn looked at Karl and said in a deep voice: "Karl, you are one of the first people to follow me and have gone through many tests. Now, I have another important task to entrust to you."

Karl immediately stood up: "Please give your orders, My Lord; your subordinate will certainly not fail to live up to your trust!"

"Lead the Star Shattering Legion and mobilize 20,000 Slaves to go to the eastern part of Shattered Star Island, where the original Orcs tribe was located. Choose a site there to build a city, establish villages, clear farmland, and construct docks. All Materials needed during this period will be coordinated by Morton and shipped directly from the docks to the east."

Everyone was shocked—the third city of Star Sea Territory was about to be born!

"This city shall be named Shattered Star City." Linn set the name for this city that had yet to be built.

"Your subordinate accepts the order!" Karl felt incredibly honored.

"Evan, I already have a solution for the insufficient number of Dragon Scale Horses. I will take time to go to Star Moon City to handle it. During this period, organize rotation training to ensure that new recruits can immediately form combat capability after obtaining their mounts." Linn planned to move part of the horse herd into the breath of life, and with its triple time flow speed, a new generation of Dragon Scale Horses could be cultivated in a year.

"Yes, My Lord!"

"Elise."

Elise, who was on the side and still immersed in thoughts of the territory's massive changes, was slightly startled when she suddenly heard Linn call her name: "Young Master, please give your orders."

"As a mage, starting from today, select those in the territory with magical talent to formally establish the Mage Corps. During this time, I will ask the Sea God Clan for assistance. You will serve as the captain of the Mage Corps."

The Mage Corps! Everyone's expression became serious upon hearing this. A Mage Corps, which many major powers might not even possess and is often only seen in kingdom armies—was Star Sea Territory actually going to have one too?

Elise had not expected Linn to entrust her with such an important responsibility; the status of the Mage Corps was far from comparable to ordinary legions.

"Very well, Young Master, leave it to me! I will definitely make you satisfied." The smile she revealed also made Linn's expression soften slightly.

"Clay, send someone to report to the Kingdom and apply for a Viscount title inspection. Submit the information according to the minimum standards and hide the data regarding Star Moon City and some of the troops and population."

"Yes, My Lord!" Clay's heart was stirred; his own lord was about to be promoted to Viscount!

Finally, Linn's gaze fell upon that loyal old servant.

"From the day we stepped into the Storm Sea Region, Morton has been managing the territory's administration and has done so extremely well. I now officially appoint Morton as the Grand Executive Officer of Star Sea Territory, concurrently serving as the chief executive officer of Star Sea City. All administrative affairs of Star Sea City, Star Moon City, and the future Shattered Star City shall be under your jurisdiction and handled by you first."

Morton's eyes moistened: "Rest assured, Young Master, this old servant will certainly guard the foundation in the rear for you." Everyone congratulated him in unison.

With everything settled, everyone withdrew one by one.

After the hall returned to tranquility, Linn finally let out a slow breath.