5: Territory Arrangement

A full map of Tengfei Island unfolded before his eyes.

Its outline, though irregular, was harmonious, with a north-south depth of about 11 kilometers, an east-west width of 9 kilometers at its widest point, and a total area of 100 square kilometers.

Though not vast, it was exquisitely compact.

The northern pier of the island, like a bright pearl, moored ships of various sizes, with fishing boats providing basic food supplies for the territory.

Five kilometers south of the pier was Brian’s castle, built from huge stones, with thick and sturdy walls, watchtowers, and arrow towers; its gates were tightly shut and heavily guarded.

The interior of the castle was lavishly decorated, with exquisite furniture and artworks in the great hall, showcasing the lord’s noble status.

The five-kilometer stretch from the castle to the pier formed a central line, extending two kilometers east and west, creating the town area.

Streets crisscrossed, and houses, made of wood or stone, were scattered in an orderly fashion.

At the edge of the town area were farmlands and pastures.

Further south was a dense forest, with three small lakes at the foot of the mountains; their clear waters reflected the lush trees, forming a unique ecological landscape.

A mountain range stretched across the central to southern part, extending 6 kilometers long and 4 kilometers wide, with its highest point at an altitude of 800 meters; the peaks were shrouded in mist, appearing like a fairyland under the refracted sunlight.

This forest was both a treasure trove of resources and a hidden danger; previously, Brian, due to his insufficient strength, had not dared to venture deep into it.

Looking at the map, Brian began to plan.

He decided to increase investment in agriculture to boost grain production and to encourage commercial development to attract merchants and promote economic prosperity.

For the forest, he planned to organize a 10-person Knight Order to explore resources under safe conditions.

Regarding defense, he intended to establish watchtowers and fortifications at the junction of the town area and the forest to promptly detect and deal with threats.

“Gude, go call Beethoven Administrator and Draven Commander to see me,” Brian commanded.

Gude nodded quickly and left in a hurry.

Soon, he returned with the two men into the study.

Beethoven Administrator was dressed in a neat official uniform, with a kind face;

Draven Commander was clad in knight armor, with a tall and straight posture.

Beethoven bowed respectfully, saying, “My Lord, may I ask why you have summoned us?”

Draven knelt on one knee and declared loudly, “My Lord, the Knight Order is always at your command!”

Brian gestured for them to rise and said,

“Beethoven, I plan to increase investment in agriculture; you are responsible for drafting a detailed plan, including expanding cultivated land and introducing new crop varieties.”

Beethoven nodded and recorded, “My Lord, rest assured, I will formulate a comprehensive plan as soon as possible.”

Brian then looked at Draven and said, “I intend to organize a 10-person Knight Order to explore resources deep within the forest. You are to select experienced and strong knights and make thorough preparations.”

Draven’s gaze was firm as he replied, “My Lord, I will go immediately to select elite knights and equip them with the best gear, ensuring the mission is completed.”

“Additionally, watchtowers and fortifications must be established at the junction of the town area and the forest. Draven, you are responsible for overseeing their construction, ensuring threats are detected and dealt with promptly.”

“Yes, My Lord! I will personally supervise to make the fortifications incredibly sturdy.”

Brian continued to Draven:

“Currently, there are only 6 small teams of knights in the territory, which is far from enough. Since there are 9 intermediate knights and 1 advanced knight, we will recruit people based on each intermediate knight leading one medium team (three small teams), and the advanced knight will command the Knight Order and lead one medium team, requiring a total recruitment of 240 knights.”

A hint of surprise flashed in Draven’s eyes as he replied solemnly:

“My Lord, if this is done, the strength of our Knight Order will be greatly enhanced! I will complete the recruitment work as soon as possible and train an elite army!”

Brian then looked at Beethoven and said:

“Recruiting knights requires funds. You are to allocate a portion from the territory’s treasury, and at the same time, encourage young people among the residents who aspire to become knights to actively sign up, offering rewards for outstanding performers.”

“My Lord, I will properly arrange the funds and formulate a reasonable reward mechanism.”

“I intend to vigorously develop agriculture. In addition to existing crops, we must try to introduce crops with higher economic value, such as rare fruits or medicinal plants. You can organize personnel to visit other territories or cities for inspection, learn from their experience, and bring back new varieties suitable for our territory’s cultivation.”

Beethoven’s eyes lit up as he responded, “My Lord, this idea is excellent; I will arrange for people to conduct inspections immediately.”

Brian then said, “Commerce must not lag either. We need to plan a dedicated commercial area in the pier district to attract more merchants, while also ensuring order and safety in the commercial area.”

Beethoven carefully recorded, nodding, “My Lord has considered everything thoroughly; I will formulate a specific plan for commercial development as soon as possible.”

Brian looked at the two with satisfaction and encouraged them:

“You are both pillars of talent in this territory, and I believe that with your efforts, the territory will only get better and better. You two must work together, dividing tasks, to ensure that the territory’s defensive strength and agricultural and commercial development all reach a higher level.”

Beethoven and Draven responded in unison, “Yes, My Lord! We will not fail to live up to your expectations.”

Afterward, the two hurried out of the study to carry out the tasks Brian had assigned.