Urban Planning

Translator: Cinder Translations

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"I think this version of the planning proposal is quite good. If no one raises any objections, then it's settled." 

In Paul's office, a group of people gathered around a map-like piece of paper, pointing and discussing.

They were discussing the latest planning for the urban construction of Alden Town.

In recent years, Alden Town had experienced rapid expansion, with a swift influx of population leading to new buildings being constructed daily. Now, in addition to the original island area of over 600 acres, the new urban area expanded nearly 8,000 acres on the southern shore of Wes Lake, including residences, schools, shops, factories, and other places, with the total population of the city approaching 100,000.

In light of this situation, Lord Paul Grayman felt it was necessary to create a solid plan for his city, rather than allowing it to develop chaotically. Therefore, he sent Hansel to invite Sir Smollett from Crystal Glare. This urban planner was well-known in the south and had previously overseen multiple renovations in the Crystal Glare area.

"Oh, esteemed Earl Grayman," Sir Smollett, a tall, slender middle-aged man with exquisitely artistic curly hair and a somewhat proud long face, stood beside Paul, "I must admit, your city is the most vibrant one I have seen since I crossed the Reismen River to the north. I believe that with our efforts, it will undoubtedly become the most dazzling pearl in the northern kingdom."

Since Paul recognized his proposal, the knight didn't hold back on flattering comments. Of course, his praise had a significant element of sincerity; after all, the towns under Earl Grayman's jurisdiction truly stood out among the many rustic places in the north, especially in terms of cleanliness and tidiness, surpassing other territories' towns by several streets—even better than Crystal Glare, where cleanliness was only found in the upper district where nobles and the wealthy lived; other areas were equally dirty and chaotic, whereas Earl Grayman's towns were immaculate.

When Smollett first discussed the proposal with Paul, he was quite surprised by some of Paul's requests. For example, Paul insisted that the main road should accommodate ten medium-sized carriages traveling side by side. Smollett couldn't understand why Earl Grayman needed such a wide road. The Earl replied that it was to prepare for busy traffic in the future. Additionally, Earl Grayman repeatedly emphasized the design of the sewer system during their discussions, insisting that it should be wide enough to allow horses to pass through. Finally, he raised his head at a 45-degree angle and stated something that struck a chord with Smollett: "The sewer system is the conscience of a city!"

Smollett carefully pointed with his pinky finger at a specific area on the map, located in the island district. "I need to remind you, my lord Grayman. I wonder if you've noticed that if we go ahead with this version of the plan, the graves in this area will need to be relocated."

Graves? Paul was taken aback; he hadn't noticed that. He picked up a magnifying glass, focused on the area indicated by Smollett's pinky, and said, "I think… there's nothing wrong with that."

"Ahem!" the butler, Philip, interjected, "According to the customs of our Northwest Bay, moving graves is something that should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. If handled poorly, it might provoke public resentment. Besides, my lord Grayman, there is also your family's mausoleum in this area, which holds the remains of your parents and your deceased brother. So, could we ask Sir Smollett to modify the plan here?"

"No!" Paul rejected Philip's suggestion. "I believe the current proposal is perfect. As for public sentiment, fine, I'll take the lead on relocating the graves. With a lord setting an example, I don't see why they wouldn't follow. Of course, the Government Council must prepare some funds; all relocation expenses will be covered by the council. That's settled."

Philip didn't press the issue further, only sighing, "Alright, I'll begin preparations to relocate the Grayman family mausoleum right away. I hope your parents won't hold it against us."

The group continued discussing some details, when suddenly Paul's secretary, Bernard, raised a question—given the city's expanding size, was it still appropriate to continue calling it "Alden Town"?

"You have a point," Paul felt he needed to consider this, and recalling what Smollett had said earlier, he suggested, "How about renaming it 'Northern Radiance'?"

"That name is too tacky!" Hansel bluntly expressed his opinion. "Besides, it sounds quite arrogant; it might attract too much attention, my lord Grayman. Since every spring and summer, this place is surrounded by greenery, why not call it 'Emerald City'?"

"Haha!" Paul laughed and waved his hand, "It sounds too fragile. What I need is a name that is grand and majestic! A name that evokes thoughts of greatness and invincibility!"

Old Ford suggested, "Perhaps we could solicit names from the residents; they live here and have the right to participate in naming the city."

"That's a great idea, Director Ford!" Paul nodded, looking pleased. "I believe in collective wisdom. I'll post the naming contest on the bulletin board right away, and add a reward; I think it won't be long before someone approaches us."

"However, with the city's expansion, we must divide it into different zones. I'll start by naming this one!" He pointed to the island area surrounded by water and said, "This island will still be called—Alden Town."

At this point, Bernard glanced at the grandfather clock in the room and reminded Paul, "Lord Grayman, the people from the chemistry lab should be arriving shortly; they scheduled this time. Should we continue our discussion with Sir Smollett tomorrow?"

"Ah!" Paul checked the time and suddenly remembered. He stood up, somewhat apologetically, and said to Smollett, "I'm sorry, but I have other matters to attend to. Could we continue our discussion tomorrow?"

"Oh, of course, please go ahead, Lord Grayman." Smollett replied as he began to roll up the planning map on the table.

After sending off Smollett, the other officials from the Government Council, except for Ladia, also took their leave, as the upcoming discussion would be academic, which they weren't keen to hear or wouldn't understand.

Soon, several members of the chemistry lab arrived at Paul's office, ready to report their latest progress.

(End of the Chapter)

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