Territory - Hall of Abundance

It all came down to killing Pycelle to rid the people of a scourge, with accumulated merit kicking in.

"With you here, I know what to do."

Daeren slipped the golden crescent-shaped Lucky Ring onto his left index finger and gripped the Neptune Greatsword in his right.

He could wear two rings, but only wield one weapon.

Ordinary weapons didn't count.

"It's a bit heavy, not suited for two-handed swordsmanship."

Daeren weighed the Neptune Greatsword, quickly figuring out how to use it.

Neptune Greatsword was slightly larger than a longsword, with a sky-blue blade and a dark blue hilt and guard. It was likely forged from some kind of deep-sea cold iron infused with magic.

Its appearance was incredibly luxurious, like a work of art.

He had originally planned, after planting Strawberry Seeds on the 13th of Spring, to shuttle between King's Landing and the farm, busy with the City Guard and watering.

Crops needed watering daily; failing to water them that day would halt their growth.

This would extend the time until the crops matured.

With the Neptune Greatsword, things became much simpler.

After the 13th of Spring, he would brave the 60th level of the mines, excavate copper and Iron Ore, and smelt them into Copper Ingots and iron ingots.

One Copper Ingots and one iron ingot could be used to craft a basic sprinkler.

Once sprinklers were set up, daily watering would no longer be necessary.

This would free up some of the farmer's labor.

"I wonder how the level 5 Neptune Greatsword compares to a Valyrian Steel sword?"

Daeren swung the weapon a few times, feeling the significant difference between the weapons.

With his strength bolstering it, the Neptune Greatsword could shatter a standard longsword in a single strike.

It was said that Valyrian Steel swords could also do this.

Hmm... Valyrian Steel was lighter and could also cut through armor.

Perhaps Valyrian Steel swords were superior.

After all, the Neptune Greatsword was only level 5.

His joy hadn't faded when he heard footsteps in the distance.

Daeren glanced over and put away the Neptune Greatsword.

As for the fishing Treasure Chest...

Once the item was taken out, it shattered into wood chips.

"Prince, the materials for building the castle have been transported. Lord Owen requests your presence."

Ser Jon said respectfully.

Daeren immediately moved.

A flat area east of the hills, with the Kingswood to the north and south and the Blackwater Rush nearby. To the west lay an endless expanse of plains.

White marble slabs were neatly stacked, and hundreds of stonemasons and laborers waited obediently.

Lord Owen hurried to greet him, " Prince, what do you think of the location Ser Jon and I chose?"

"I am very satisfied."

Daeren looked around; he truly couldn't find fault with it.

His princedom was vast, with several east-west running hills, a complex terrain formed by the Blackwater Rush, the Kingswood, and the East Coast beaches.

For ease of transportation, Dragon Tongue Farm was located on the northeastern side of the princedom.

It wasn't far from the Blackwater Rush and the beaches.

However, this also ruled out the possibility of imitating King's Landing and building the castle along the coast.

The effect was the same.

King's Landing was on the north bank of the Blackwater Rush, relying on the protection of Blackwater Bay to become a port city.

The princedom was on the south bank of the Blackwater Rush, at the most turbulent estuary of the Blackwater Rush.

With the area of the east coast beaches, at most a small pier could be built, lacking the potential of a port city.

Therefore, having the castle inland was perfectly fine.

"The Hall of Plenty will be built here on the Bluegrass Hills for now, and the town planning will extend westward in the future."

Daeren voiced his thoughts.

The Bluegrass Hills were the hills where Dragon Tongue Farm was located, named after the unique blue grass of Meadow Farm.

The Hall of Plenty was the name of the castle.

More than names like Summerhall, Raventree Hall, what he hoped for most was fertile land and abundant produce.

To allow him to grow more high-quality crops.

Using Raventree Hall as the reference point, the town's center would be to the west.

He didn't agree with his father Aerys's new city plan, but he was willing to develop based on that blueprint.

The Prince's territory bordered King's Landing to the north, boasting the excellent Blackwater Bay as a port.

To the south lay the vast Crownlands.

Noble lords of the Stormlands who wished to reach King's Landing would have to pass through the Prince's territory.

This offered excellent trade circulation.

Establishing a town and collecting tolls could become a stable source of income.

Lord Owen was taken aback and reminded him, "Prince, castle construction takes considerable time. The town you speak of..."

It was unrealistic!

Where would the population and economy come from?

"Just build Raventree Hall first and use all the materials."

Daeren said calmly, "The rest will come later."

Though called a "Hall," it was actually in the style of a castle.

He had initially intended to build a palace complex like Summerhall.

But considering the immense materials palaces consumed and their low practicality, he decisively abandoned the idea.

There were too many commoners in Westeros.

He didn't want to be sleeping soundly at night only for someone to break into his chambers.

The prevalence of castles in the Middle Ages was based on their practicality for defense.

As for the so-called "later comers"...

King's Landing had so many homeless orphans.

When he took up the position of Deputy Commander of the City Watch, he could legitimately take in some of them.

Clear wasteland, build houses, establish a market...

One step at a time.

With the backing of Dragon Tongue Farm, he was confident he could build a world-renowned city in the Prince's territory.

"I understand your meaning now."

Lord Owen nodded solemnly.

Every noble territory was the result of generations of effort by its nobles.

He had clearly misunderstood.

After explaining everything, Daeren intended to leave.

Lord Owen seized the opportunity, called someone over, and quickly said, "Prince, the castle's architectural style is up for discussion. Sir Elisha Thorne can offer you advice."

Daeren sized up the newcomer.

Around thirty years old, very robust, lean and stern, with curly black-grey hair and piercing black eyes.

Not bad looking.

Unfortunately, his stern expression, high cheekbones, and thin lips gave him a somewhat harsh impression.

"Who are you?"

Daeren asked first.

Elisha bowed and introduced himself, "Your Highness, I am from the Thorne family of the Crownlands. I was knighted after defeating three opponents at the tourney in Lannister's port."

He remembered who it was!

Daeren realized.

No wonder he seemed familiar; it was Elisha Thorne, the training instructor for the Night's Watch in the show.

That sarcastic cur who kept calling Jon Snow "Snow."

He had some impression of this person.

Elisha was a staunch loyalist of House Targaryen, and the Thorne family had served the royal family for generations.

During the Dance of the Dragons, Ser Rickard Thorne of the Kingsguard, who escorted Prince Maelar, was from this family.

During the War of the Usurper, Pycelle deceived his father Aerys, opening the gates of King's Landing.

Tywin led his army into the city and began a frenzied looting.

Elisha joined the resistance and fought to the last moment before being captured and brought before Robert.

Between beheading and donning the black robes of the Night's Watch.

Elisha chose to become a Ranger of the Night's Watch.

He served for over a decade, until he met Jon Snow, who knew nothing.

It's a wonder this man is so unlucky.

Jon Snow was clearly the bastard son of Rhaegar, and thus a member of the Targaryen family (arguably) to whom Elisha had sworn his life.

However, a major reason Elisha targeted Jon Snow was that, officially, he was Ned Stark's bastard.

Looking at that long, grey-haired face, so characteristic of the Starks, how could Elisha remain calm?

Ultimately, he walked down the wrong path.

"He's a useful person."

Once he understood Elisha's background, Daeren made his judgment.

Being able to meet him through Lord Owen made the man's intention to defect obvious.

"Let's talk as we walk, Ser."

Daeren smiled faintly.

"Yes, Prince!"

Elisha was overwhelmed with gratitude. His right hand tightened on the sword at his waist as he followed Prince.