The Land of Fire Capital was always bustling.
When the first ray of sunlight pierced the clouds, crowds had already gathered outside the city gates.
Artisans, young men, farmers...
They had come from every corner of the Land of Fire, exhaustion on their faces but hope for the future gleaming in their eyes.
"I heard you can earn five thousand ryo a day in the city. Is that true?"
"More than that! As long as you're willing to work, the Daimyo Manor workshops provide food and lodging, and there are dividends at the end of the month!"
"My neighbor's second son sent home thirty thousand ryo last month. He said he was building roads in the city and got meat with every meal!"
The Daimyo Manor's series of recruitment orders and generous welfare policies were frantically drawing laborers from the surrounding villages and towns.
Prosperity was fermenting in this capital at an unprecedented pace.
Chiba Ran stood atop the highest pavilion in Daimyo Manor, looking down at the sea of people below with a deeply furrowed brow.
His chief steward, Minamoto, stood behind him with a respectful bow.
"My lord, the City Guard and the Ministry of Internal Affairs have just submitted reports. The population in West City has surged, and conflicts involving public security and people's livelihoods have already emerged."
As Chiba Ran's most trusted steward, Minamoto oversaw all submitted intelligence and documents.
He knew that his master valued matters of livelihood most highly, so the moment the documents were delivered, he reported them.
Chiba Ran lightly tapped the windowsill.
"I ordered the Ministry of Works to handle that new residential district in West City half a month ago. What? Construction hasn't begun yet?"
"My lord," Minamoto replied, bending even lower, "the Ministry of Works... seems to have encountered