Sending food from Orway—a land still rebuilding and lacking almost everything—had been a painful expense, but it seemed to have arrived safely. If the people sent to replace the criminals and prisoners contributed to the recovery efforts, perhaps next year would be a bit easier.
I planned to request skilled craftsmen and technical workers next. Although I had support from my former tutors, there simply weren’t enough people to bring my ideas to life. If craftsmen were going to die pointlessly in war, I’d rather put them to work here.
“Madam, a traveling stonemason has arrived and wishes to discuss the city’s design with you.”
“Send him in.”
In five years, the enemy would launch a counterattack. I aimed to establish at least a minimally defensible city structure within three years.
To support the protagonist’s ongoing campaigns, we needed warships. Developing Orway as a hub for maritime trade, improving shipbuilding techniques, and recruiting sailors were essential steps toward building a capable navy. Preparing now was the only way to justify the sudden appearance of Orway’s naval fleet during the sea battles in Part 5.
To attract good ships and profitable trade, Orway would need a unique specialty product.
“Luxury goods like alcohol, tobacco, tea leaves, and spices are tempting, but cultivating them locally would require finding skilled growers and processors, as well as verifying if the soil and climate are suitable, which takes time.”
Land-based trade with inland regions, the origin of many such products, is also hindered by the weak state of the transportation network.
“Improving the highways is essential, but we don’t have the funds to tackle everything at once.”
The road connecting the capital to Orway could be built using national funds if my father lobbied hard enough in the Senate. But for that to happen, Orway itself needed to prove it was worth the investment.
If cultivating rare luxury goods was going to take time, it would be more practical to focus on products with easily obtainable raw materials that could be transformed into high-value goods through craftsmanship.
“Pottery, glassware, and textiles might be promising.”
In this world, daily necessities are incredibly plain. Storage jars and tableware are usually made of unglazed ceramics or feature simplistic patterns, with little regard for design. While intricate embroidery and patterned weaving do exist, they are not widely available. The dyeing techniques are also rudimentary at best.
As the protagonist continues to win battles and annex territories, this nation will grow into a great empire, expanding its wealthy class. People with newfound peace and modest fortunes will inevitably seek a lifestyle richer and more beautiful than their parents’—a lifestyle more elegant than their neighbors’.
And I am better acquainted than anyone in this world with the transformative power of integrating artistic design into everyday life.
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