Chapter 36: Four major projects

A/N: Hey guys,

The first chapter in the kingdom-building chapters,

Thanks to everyone who supported me.

The kingdom building chapters are already on my Pàtreon. The romance chapter would be uploaded next.

https://www.pàtreon.com/Gnanaa

We are almost there, If we reached 40 Pàtreons, there would be a mass release with 6 new chapters. If we reached 50, we would have another release of 5 new chapters.

Enjoy.

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Edward at once started executing his business plans. The dormant projects in his mind could finally see the light. He decided to start with four of those projects simultaneously. They were the core project that would help him in the long run.

First of all, He had to secure a large source of money to provide gold coins for the other projects that Edward wanted to implement. And although the Baratheons had many assets and small projects, which made them the third on the wealthiest Houses rank, It was still not enough to satisfy Edward, who wanted to make Stormsland the kingdom of gold, instead of the Lannisters. Plus, His final project was to establish a bank, so How would he do this if The Stormsland was not the land of gold, literally?

So he decided to start with the projects that would make him a lot of gold. He had decided to start with the different alcohol and wine projects. He would not build the paper or glass processing factories till he had finished the first project. He wanted to wait till he was sure that these technologies would not fall into the Lannisters' hands or the other houses.

He started recruiting workers with large volumes. He had announced the payment, which was high compared to the others, to the workers. And that was why there were a lot of them. After eliminating the different spies, Edward ordered them to build the factory in an empty land near the castle. And he would supervise the project himself. The factory would take six months to start production, but he could build the other factories after finishing this one, which would take nearly three months.

Edward did not forget to divide the manuals between different groups of workers. And that was because even if a part fell in the hand of spies, the other party would still not be able to finish it.

The workers and even his family did not know what those diagrams were or what Edward was doing. But since he was the lord and Edward told them it was a way to earn gold, they chose to believe him. Of course, his family was going to ask him later.

After preparing for the money part, now it was the time for the navy. Since Stormsland had two of the widest forests in Westeros, It was perfect to say that Stormsland was the ideal place to have a strong navy. He always wondered how The Baratheons could let the Lannistars have the title of the strongest navy. Although there were many factors, the Baratheons still should have used their gold mainly on their fleets. They were one of the closest kingdoms to Essos, so How could they not concentrate on the trade?

Edward at once took out the blueprints of different ships from the Spanish Armada and the English Armada. He drew all the blueprints that he knew. Edward ordered to Expand the Seaward of Storm's End and start building the ships. He gave this project under the care of his right hand, Clinn. He did not forget to instruct Clinn about how he should deal with the spies. Not to mention dividing the blueprint between the different groups of workers.

Edward then turned his eyes toward the Shadow Legion. It was in his mind all the time. He had to build secret forces that would help him in spying and assassination. And he had the right man to the mission. His name was Robb Stone.

Edward had discovered Robb's talent when the man chose to train with short swords and bows rather than the spear as his second weapon. Edward was delighted to find such a talent and at once called for him. Robb was expecting to be reprimanded by Edward for training with short swords and not training with spears like the rest. But instead, Edward started praising the man and tried to groom his talent.

Now, it was the right time to use such a talent. Edward ordered Robb at once to build this organization based on Edward's instructions. Edward also told Robb to gather those that did not have anything and were willing to do such a job. He also provided their training manuals and the different way to make poisons. In the end, he let Robb go and told him that he would see the organization's progress every three months.

Now, it came to the military. Edward ordered to increase the number of men under House Baratheon's banner from 35000 men to 50000. Edward also ordered to forge new equipment with the new way to process the iron and materials that he had taught to the forgers.

Edward knew that an increase of 15000 would be ideal for the time being. Any more than that, and it would be a heavy blow to the Baratheons' finances. That was why he was not going to increase the soldiers more than that for the time being. He would prefer elite forces to forces with more numbers but week. Look at the reach; for example, The Tyrells were able to recruit one hundred thousand soldiers but a ten thousand Lannister was all it took to defeat them.

Edward appointed his men as trainers to the new army and told them that he needed them to be ready in two years. He knew he expected a lot from his men, but he wanted this project to end as quickly as possible. He had prepared other plans for the commanders under him, so he could not wait for long.

Edward also wanted to build new castles and forts. He wanted to house his commanders and let them control the lands around these castles. Edward had already chosen the location of those forts. He wanted to spread the net and make these forts the spearhead to launch attacks on the reach and Dorne during the rebellion, not to mention the three houses that would act against him. He estimated this plan would take at least three years to finish. It would Harrenhal tournament by then.

Edward was now looking at everyone present. He could see his mother, Stannis, Renly, His uncle, the commanders under him, the master, and his father's men. Edward called them all here to make some appointments and talk about the future of Stormsland.

"Thanks, everyone. Now, let's start our meeting." Said Edward while looking at everyone.