Developing III

Artys was currently in a sparring session with Ser Julius. It had been some time since Artys had first picked up the sword and incorporated its training into his weekly exercise routine. By this time, he had a high level of swordsmanship. Although Artys had already implemented firearms in the army, it was good for him to be a great swordsman, you never know when you might be forced to wield a sword in combat.

After the sparring, Artys invited Ser Julius for a drink. After sharing a drink, the two men made their way to the Barracks' training ground, where they quickly dressed in their combat attire and began personally leading troops to combat exercises.

The young lord sided with his troops and conducted shooting drills with them. By this time, the already equipped troops had graduated from basic training and were undergoing specialized training. The training ground was constructed with makeshift buildings and barriers that acted as a simulated village for when they were in urban combat. Grenadiers cleared buildings by throwing their grenades inside and waiting for the explosion before storming in with their muskets loaded and ready with bayonets affixed.

Line tactics, anti-cavalry tactics, urban warfare tactics, siege tactics, these were all things he wanted his men to be well used to. The peaceful days they had lived in were quickly coming to an end. It wouldn't be long before Westeros was embroiled in a bloody conflict for the Iron Throne. However, for an ambitious young man like Artys, this war was an opportunity to seize power. As the war continued, the realms would be weakened and he would have the opportunity to soar like an eagle. As such, the young lord had a cruel smile on his face as he watched his men perform the tasks he required of them with ease. Soon a new era would dawn, an era of steel and bullets, an era of industry.

After a long day of arduous training, Artys returned to the village where he visited Gunther, who was overseeing his agricultural implementations. When he visited the man's farm, he saw that all his advances had been implemented and that Gunther's farm in particular was extraordinarily prosperous. With the introduction of animal-powered mechanization, nearby farms were incorporated under his supervision as their former workers began to shift into the industrial workforce. So many families working a piece of land was no longer necessary. While these tools had not yet been mass-produced, nor had they been installed on every farm around Runestone, the fact that Gunther and his large family were able to take care of such a large farm boded well for the future.

When Gunther noticed Artys approaching, he immediately came to attention and smiled as he addressed the young lord.

"Milord, this year's harvest is sure to be bountiful! The cattle are also growing in numbers now that they can be raised year-round!"

Artys squeezed the man's shoulder in greeting. It had been some time since he had personally checked his progress.

"That's excellent news!"

Gunther smiled and accepted Artys' greeting.

"So how can I help you, my lord?"

Artys smiled and started walking around the farm, personally inspecting his progress as Gunther followed.

"Tell me, how is the implementation of the system of four fields, phosphate fertilizer and irrigation on the many farmland of House Royce?"

Gunther followed the progress throughout the territory, and word eventually spread through contact with the other villages and villages for Gunther.

"As far as I know, their innovations are fully implemented here around Runestone. In the other regions, we've seen the four-field and fertilizer system being used. Although irrigation is on the rise, it will still be a few months before it is used in general. of unemployed farmers from other regions are flocking to Runestone City in search of work; as far as I know, they fit in well with the locals. Soon, this city could become a real city!"

Artys smiled upon hearing this news. Clearly, construction was underway, and the town development plan he had asked his father to use was in the works. Before long, a new city would appear here in the Vale. Artys had many plans afoot to reduce poverty and homelessness. Keeping the city organized was a priority.

"That's exactly what I wanted to hear! Now tell me, Gunther, when will we see the new machines implemented in agriculture in the nearby lands?"

Gunther smiled and shared the good news with Artys.

"About three months my lord, and farming will be mechanized as you said. Perhaps a year later, the rest of the Royce lands followed suit."

Artys was pleased with this news; hopefully, Royce lands would have mechanized animal-powered agriculture when the plot begins. If not, at least it would be close to it. He couldn't be happier with the way things were going. After chatting a bit with Gunther about what he had been up to since Artys' last visit, the two parted ways for the day. Artys still had to check out Axel and the industrial sector.

After returning to the industrial sector, it was a completely different view from when he was last there. It now had two steel production lines, a weapons factory, an arsenal, an agricultural equipment factory and a textile factory. The industrial sector was bustling with hundreds if not thousands of workers who worked hard to produce the products needed to usher in the new era. Whenever necessary, there were assembly lines to facilitate the creation process. As such, the operation went well. The best part is that it was growing every day.

As Artys approached Axel's old shop, which was now his office, he saw that the older man was hard at work looking at a set of blueprints that Artys had given him. The office was completely cluttered with projects, and paperwork was strewn about. Artys knew all too well the difficulties of paperwork; after all, he had his nights full of it. As such, he was able to sympathize with the old man who worked so hard that he didn't notice Artys' entry. It was only when he cleared his throat that the man noticed the young lord standing before him.

"Milord!?! I'm sorry I didn't see you there."

Axel said as he got up quickly. However, Artys quickly signaled that he could sit down, and as such, Axel was only halfway down the seat before he sat back down in his old leather chair.

"What brings you here, my lord?"

Artys chuckled and went over the paperwork Axel was reviewing at the moment before speaking his thoughts.

"I'm just checking things out. How are you?"

Axel let out a deep breath and vented his frustrations to the young lord he knew would take it easy.

"I'm fine, just a little overworked, although I'm sure you are the same way."

Artys agreed.

"So how's it going with my factories?"

Axel smiled quickly with a hint of pride on his face; his hard work was paying off.

"What was the saying you used earlier? Is everything running like a well-oiled machine?"

Artys laughed at that phrase, definitely out of place in this medieval world.

The exponential growth of his family's wealth and of all the businesses he did, allowed workers to have higher wages, which guaranteed food and basic clothing, and still had money left over. As such, a new middle class was finally forming in Runestone City. Although still in its early stages, Runestone was beginning to shift from the feudal age of nobles and peasants to an industrialized world with a multi-class structure.

After a few drinks with Axel and talking about the past, present and future, Artys parted ways with his friend and headed back to the Castle.