Building a Kingdom and Conquering the World - Chapter 144

Chapter 144: Foundation
The gentle sunlight pierced through the gray clouds, casting a warm glow upon the bay, giving birth to a new day and inviting the villagers out of their wooden huts. They picked up their harpoons and fishing nets, ready to embark on their daily routines. However, as they approached the harbor, an unexpected sight greeted them.

Instead of the usual quiet and deserted docks, nearly one hundred people knelt upon the wooden planks, their mouths muffled with gags and their bodies stained with blood, some even missing limbs. Blood trickled through the craks in the wood, staining the sea below with a somber hue. They fearfully bowed before a royal figure, a dark-haired man with an air of authority, his hands clasped behind his back as he looked at them.

Holding their harpoons and nets, the villagers stood back. The guards surrounding the king formed a line behind the king, making it impossible for them to step on the harbor. The villagers could see traces of blood on the soldiers’ blades, making them even more unwilling to step forward.

“Have you found it?” – Henry’s voice cut through the tense silence, his eyes fixed on the kneeling figures before him. These traitorous sailors had braved the unknown sea for months, returning with good news.

“Yes, my liege” – Leier replied, handing a parchment to the king before stepping back. The kneeling bandits trembled at the sound of her voice, their eyes involuntarily darting up to see her blood-stained garments before quickly lowering them in fear once more.

They still remembered this woman invading their ship and killing dozens with her daggers, her single eye coldly flickering in the night as she reaped soul after soul. Her attacks flooded the ship in blood, painting the floor in a crimson color.

Henry unrolled the parchment and carefully examined the rudimentary map drawn upon it. It depicted the route to the harbor discovered further sout, a basic and simple representation created by the captain himself. He had only noted down key landmarks or obstacles along the way that could be identified if someone tried to follow it. Fortunately, they appeared to have some understanding of cardinal directions.

Passing the parchment to Benjamin and Graham, Henry instructed them – “I want you to make a copy of this map and send it back to the capital for safekeeping. Furthermore…” -His gaze shifted to the duo as he inquired – “Do either of you have knowledge of cartography?”

Benjamin shook his head as he spoke, his eyes analyzing the map on the parchment in his hands – “Forgive us, my liege, although we can draw simple land maps, we don’t have expertise to create these sea maps. And…” – he briefly paused before continuing – “I don’t think we will find anyone within the kingdom with this expertise.”

Henry nodded in understanding, sighing at the great lack of masters within the kingdom. However, he realized the necessity of acquiring more knowledge in these fields to venture farther into the sea. Currently, the inhabitants were limited to coastal fishing, and the bandits had embarked on their sea journey with little more than bravery. Nonetheless, their discovery of another harbor to the south was a fortunate development. It made these bandits seem even more valuable.

“Although they are bandits, they possess primitive knowledge that can kick-start our maritime project” – Henry muttered, deep in thought, scratching his forehead, contemplating about the future.

“Graham, tell me the plan for Frostwave Bay thus far” – Henry instructed, turning to the scribe. Graham stepped forward, his eyes briefly meeting those of the injured bandits, steeling himself against their fierce and painful gazes. He unfurled the parchment in his hands and began to recite the plan outlined by the king.

“According to your majesty’s orders, we are to establish a center where knowledge about the sea will be freely shared among members. The shipbuilders’ family will instruct these members on boat construction and development to enable further navigation beyond the bay. The throne will finance all associated expenses. Additionally, the throne will provide quality materials for ship testing and construction.” – He relayed.

Together with Graham’s words, Henry revisited his plans. He wanted to build a solid and strong foundation for the future of navigation in this country. However, despite his craving for rapid innovation, he understood that everything had its time. He only had to put the right pieces into the right places.

Henry directed his attention to Tim, the bandit leader, whose pallid complexion and sunken eyes betrayed the pain and loss of blood he had endured through the whole night – “Tim” – he called, prompting the man to raise his head, fear palpable in his gaze -“I have a proposal for you. You and your people are free to refuse, but—”

Before Henry could finish, Tim prostrated himself, his face pressed against the wooden planks – “We obey your majesty!”- he exclaimed, surprising the sailors who had known him as a leader unwilling to bow to anyone.

Henry smiled, his plan for the East finally taking shape. “Good choice” – he commended – “The sea will not be lonely for much longer. You and your comrades will join the center, teaching others to navigate waters beyond the bay. And since you crafted that route map, I need you to train others and refine this craft. We will need it. Additionally, I will send soldiers for you to train and accompany on a voyage to the harbor you discovered to the south.”

With this, Henry laid the groundwork for the East to begin its expansion, becoming the connection between Stahl and the rest of the world. He understood that some knowledge couldn’t be restricted and only passed down through the family. If he wanted to develop something, he needed to manage the people and make them work together.

The only problem ahead was getting these bandits under him, without worrying about them backstabbing him. And, for that he needed to integrate them even deeply into this community, making them rightful subjects.

“I will also pardon all of your crimes.”