Kingdom Building Game: Starting Out With A Million Upgrade Points! - Chapter 45

Chapter 45: Steam And Steel
A murmur rippled through the room. Seraphine raised a brow, her golden armor gleaming as she folded her arms. “A train system? Forgive me, Emperor, but what exactly is a ‘train’? You didn’t explain it to me yesterday.”

Arkanos allowed himself a faint smile. “A train is a series of carriages propelled along tracks by a steam engine. It can transport goods, soldiers, or citizens far more efficiently than any carriage or caravan.”

Arkanos’ faint smile remained as he continued to address the room. “Trains operate on tracks… metal rails laid out in precise paths across the land. The train’s wheels lock onto these tracks, allowing it to move swiftly and efficiently along a fixed route.”

Thalion’s silver brows furrowed slightly as he leaned forward, his fingers tapping thoughtfully on the table. “These tracks… how extensive are they? Surely, laying them across the capital will be no small task.”

Arkanos nodded, his tone firm. “You are correct, Guildmaster. To accommodate these tracks, we will need to clear significant areas within the capital. Homes, shops, and even existing roads may need to be demolished to make way for this progress.”

The officials leaned in to examine the blueprints. Thalion Dawnstrider, the silver-haired guildmaster, traced a finger over the meticulous designs, his blue eyes narrowing in curiosity.

“Your Majesty, if I may… this concept is fascinating, but how do you propose we gather the materials and forge these so-called steam engines and the tracks? Such an endeavor will surely demand resources beyond our current capabilities.”

Arkanos nodded. “Precisely why you all are here. Master Grundar, I expect you and the Dwarven Guild to take the lead on crafting the engines and the tracks. The first step will involve identifying and securing the necessary raw materials: iron, coal, and timber.”

Grundar stroked his braided beard thoughtfully. “Iron’s not a problem, not with the mines under our control. But coal, now… that’ll take some effort. We’ll need to send teams to the Blackstone Veins in the north.”

“I’ll assign adventurers from the guild to escort the miners,” Thalion interjected smoothly. “The Blackstone Veins are known for their wild beast infestations. Proper protection will be crucial.”

Arkanos gave an approving nod. “Good. Thalion, see to it that your adventurers are well-prepared for the task. In the meantime, Seraphine, I’ll need your knights to oversee the transportation of the materials back to the capital. Ensure no caravan is waylaid.”

Seraphine saluted sharply, her golden armor glinting under the chandelier light. “It will be done, Your Majesty. I’ll assign my most disciplined squads to safeguard the supply routes.”

Arvel tapped his chin thoughtfully. “Your Majesty, there’s also the matter of funding. A project of this magnitude will require significant financial resources. I’m sad to inform you that our treasury doesn’t have the capacity to support this.”

Arkanos’s gaze fixed calmly on him. “I will address the funding personally. Arvel, once this meeting concludes, lead me to the treasury. For now, let us continue refining our plans.”

Lady Calista Emberveil, the Minister of Trade, adjusted the clasp of her crimson cloak, her dark purple eyes gleaming with a hint of skepticism. “Securing resources is one thing, but the logistics of trade will need refinement. Transporting such bulky materials could disrupt our existing trade routes. I propose we designate specific roads for this project to avoid interference with regular commerce.”

“That’s an excellent suggestion,” Arkanos said. “Coordinate with the city planners to map out these routes. Once we’ve finalized them, I’ll authorize the necessary adjustments.”

Isolde Marrowind, the Head Priestess, placed her delicate hands on the table, her serene expression unchanging. “Your Majesty, while these projects are vital, have you considered the potential displacement of families whose homes lie along the proposed railway paths? The church can provide temporary accommodations, but we’ll need more permanent solutions quickly.”

Arkanos’s gaze softened slightly, though his voice remained firm. “A valid concern, Isolde. But have you forgotten what I did with the church? The elven artifact in my possession can enable me to construct new homes in an instant. We will use this power to ensure every displaced family has better accommodations than they currently do.”

The realization dawned on Isolde, and she inclined her head in gratitude. “Of course, Your Majesty. That will certainly ease the transition for those affected.”

Calista smirked faintly. “And with a little ingenuity, we’ll make it profitable as well.”

Grundar grunted, folding his arms across his barrel chest. “And what of the manpower needed to lay down these tracks? This’ll be backbreaking work, no mistake.”

Arkanos nodded. “We’ll employ citizens as laborers, offering fair wages. This project will create new jobs, ensuring economic growth. Thalion, I trust you to manage the recruitment process.”

Thalion inclined his head. “It will be my honor, though we must also consider the tools needed for such a monumental task.”

Grundar grunted. “Tools, you say? Leave that to me. I’ll ensure the laborers are properly equipped.”

“Good,” Arkanos said. “Now, onto the steam engines themselves. I’ll personally oversee their design and construction. The concept may be foreign, but with our combined efforts, we’ll make it a reality.”

The officials exchanged glances, the sheer scale of the plan dawning on them. Arkanos’s gaze swept across the room, his voice calm yet intense.

“This project is unlike anything our empire has ever attempted. There will be challenges… dangers, even… but I trust in all of you to see it through. The success of this endeavor will define the future of our capital and our people.”

Isolde clasped her hands together, her voice calm but resolute. “With the blessings of the gods, we will see this vision realized, Your Majesty.”

Thalion chuckled. “Count on the Adventurers Guild to keep the chaos in check.”

Grundar slapped the table with a hearty laugh. “If it’s metal ye need, ye’ve got the finest smiths in the land at yer service.”

Arkanos allowed a rare smile to grace his lips. “Then let’s get to work.”

As the meeting concluded, Arkanos gestured for Arvel to follow him. The two exited the strategy room and made their way through the grand halls toward the treasury.