Early the next morning, when the sky had only begun to brighten, Ang stood atop the fortress walls and watched Slock and Isi lead the mining team toward the Milaginbi Mountains.
Sunlight fell across the assembled ranks, and the banners snapped in the wind, stirring the spirits. Behind them stood the towering Western Shore Fortress and the camp slowly awakening.
It was not until morning that Preston came to find Ang within the fortress. The two soon set out on horseback, and under Ang's guidance, conducted a thorough inspection of the entire western shore.
From the watchtower-lined border to the new harbor docks near the coast, then to the newly built roads connecting the villages and towns, every place revealed an orderly plan steadily progressing.
"This place is far more developed than I imagined," Preston remarked.
"We have few people and plenty to do. We need more rules to keep everything in order," Ang replied with a smile. His tone was light, yet carried unmistakable confidence.
Afterward, the two crossed the Valagajudi River and headed for the eastern shore. There, Ang brought Preston through the territories occupied by the Pioneer Alliance and the Lesser Pioneer Alliance.
They rode along paths through hills and forests, observing neatly cultivated plots, well-organized villages, and farmers diligently working in the fields. A rare look of admiration appeared on Preston's face.
"The Pioneer Alliance seems quite well organized," he said, gazing over fields planted with alfalfa and white calamus.
"The Empire has never lacked clever people," Ang said. "It is just that there are too few who can see far ahead."
"Viscount Ang, when you first opened up the Valagajudi River region, did you never consider expanding farther east?" Preston asked as he looked toward the rolling hills of the eastern shore.
Ang urged his