Communication and Project Progress

At the same time that the punitive expeditionary force sent out Cavalry to conduct reconnaissance, Victor was leading Isolde and Leo on a tour of the Golden Sunflower Territory.

"My lords, this is the Linshui Town Wharf in the Golden Sunflower Territory. We returned too late last night, so I guess you didn't get a good look at the whole place."

Victor stood on a high platform beside the dock and pointed to the dock in front of him, speaking to the two men.

"It has indeed changed a lot. When I last came to Golden Sunflower Territory, the dock was not nearly as big as it is now. It is at least ten times the size of what it used to be!"

But..."

Viscount Isold hesitated to speak.

Victor could tell what he wanted to say from his expression. "Of course, there are far fewer caravans and merchant ships now, so the docks look deserted. You know why, but I believe it will change soon. After all, it's the Grand Duke who's fighting us, not the merchant guild and other nobles, right?"

Isolde and Leo wholeheartedly agreed. Indeed, due to the Grand Duke's order of conquest in Silver Maple City, local nobles and merchants were hesitant to do business with Golden Sunflower Territory.

However, with Viscount Victor's great victory this time, there is a high probability that he will be able to force back the punitive army led by Count Black, proving his strength. It is estimated that many more people will dare to do business in Golden Sunflower Territory at that time.

Next, Victor led the two to the farm, where Victor showed them the Golden Sunflower plantation and the fields where winter wheat was grown.

Victor carefully explained to the two some of the unique agricultural tools of the Golden Sunflower Territory, such as the curved plow, the Saxon heavy plow, and the dragon-bone waterwheel.

"Viscount Victor, I really didn't expect you to have so many ingenious ideas and the wisdom to bring them to fruition. If possible, when we return to our territory, we would like to purchase a batch of agricultural tools from you, which will surely increase our territory's agricultural output."

Oh, and White Sugar too. We'd be happy to buy some if possible. The Northern Frontier Chamber of Commerce sold too little before; I only found out today that you also have a supply. I should have contacted you to buy White Sugar sooner!

"Haha, of course! I really enjoy doing business with people. Compared to fighting wars, doing business is much more comfortable."

Victor then gave the two a brief tour of the territory's infrastructure, including the cement roads and Border Fortress. When they heard that even these things were designed and manufactured by Victor himself, they were amazed.

Neither Isolde nor Leo were the kind of idle nobles who only knew how to indulge in luxury. They both had a good understanding of territorial management and military command, had participated in them firsthand, and were proud of their abilities.

After learning about Victor's many abilities and performance today, the two were very surprised. Victor is simply capable of doing what others cannot, and is indeed extraordinary.

Having experienced yesterday's crushing defeat, coupled with last night's delicious food and everything they saw today, the two men's hostility towards Victor had greatly diminished.

At least for now, unless the disparity in strength is too great, the two will not participate in the attack on Golden Sunflower Territory and become enemies with Victor.

Victor was very satisfied with their statements. Although he hadn't made them friends yet, they were no longer enemies, which would greatly help him launch his campaign in the Eastern Region next year.

However, this communication based on strength and status made Victor feel very relaxed. This was only after they had visited the Golden Sunflower Territory. If they were to visit the Two Rivers Territory again and see the factory area of Riverside Village, they would probably be even more incredulous.

Afterwards, Victor led the two back to the manor. Now all they had to do was wait for news of the arrival of people from the two territories and the movements of the expeditionary force.

The Northlands Two Rivers Territory.

Baron Wembley was leading his men to inspect the winter reserves in the territory. This year, the Two Rivers Territory had experienced a population boom, and although after more than half a year of construction, the housing needs were basically met.

However, this was not enough. According to Victor's wintering standards, in addition to three meals a day, thick cotton clothing and fuel for heating in winter were also essential.

The Baron Wembley is here to inspect these items.

"Is this batch of Black Oil Pine not enough? Powell is in charge."

"It's like this, sir. We ordered timber from Black Pine Territory a long time ago, but as you know, there have been changes within Black Pine Territory recently. These changes have affected the normal production in Black Pine Territory, so the delivery of timber has been somewhat slow."

"But rest assured, these matters have now been resolved. Viscount Markut of Black Pine Territory is overseeing logging operations and will ensure that all winter timber is replenished before winter arrives."

Baron Wembley nodded. He was indeed aware of the situation; just a few days ago, he had a few drinks with Viscount Perez was temporarily residing in the Two Rivers Territory.

"Powell, you are also a veteran of the Golden Sunflower Territory. This year, the Two Rivers Territory has added so many serfs. You must ensure their winter needs are met. I believe you can do a good job."

"Of course, please rest assured, sir. If I do not do well, not only will you and the Viscount not forgive me, but I myself will not forgive myself!"

Meanwhile, Steelworks in Riverside Village.

Veronica is leading her team of engineers in testing the second Internal Combustion Engine. If the test is successful, the diesel engine will be ready for use in transporting goods from the Steelworks to the mine.

"Prepare for test run! Non-operating personnel, leave immediately!"

The scene was bustling with activity as Veronica watched the starter read out the experimental procedures.

"Check the fuel!"

"Ready to start!"

As the operator began to crank the lever, the rudimentary diesel engine started to vibrate, and soon the front of the vehicle began to move slowly.

As the operator increased the throttle, the locomotive moved faster and faster, and the sound of the wheels rubbing against the rails grew louder and louder.

The car accelerated to a speed of about 6 meters per second, and then the engineer began to push the brake lever. With a screeching metallic scraping sound, the car slowly came to a stop, finally stopping 500 meters from the starting point.

Everyone present began to cheer loudly, "We did it!"

"Very good!"

The chief engineer ran up to Veronica and said, "Miss, we succeeded! The Viscount will be very happy to know."

Veronica nodded happily, eager to share the good news with Victor as soon as possible.

"Percy, I'm leaving the trial run to you. I have other things to do. Tell everyone that when Victor returns, I will recommend you for credit. Please keep up the good work and continue to identify and solve problems."

"I understand, Miss Veronica, please rest assured!"

Veronica then left the Steelworks and went to another factory in Riverside Village, where Victor had assigned her an important project.