Banquet

After installation in Dragon's Paw, Casa Page quickly began to consolidate its presence in the city.

Drake organized a series of strategic meetings with his advisors and local leaders, including merchants, artisans and city guards, to better understand the current situation and identify the first areas of development.

Among the priorities were the fortification of the defenses and the reconstruction of key points of the city. Engineers and builders began to evaluate the walls and buildings, especially those near the central square and entrances, to reinforce security.

New watchtowers were planned to monitor the surrounding region and ensure protection against possible invasions.

In addition to defenses, Drake wanted Dragon's Paw to become a center of trade and prosperity. He brought together local merchants to discuss new trade routes, especially taking advantage of the proximity to the copper mine and the Sea of Glacium to the west. The idea was to establish the city as a connection point between different regions, attracting merchants and increasing the flow of goods.

As these projects took shape, Drake also invested in ties with the local population. He and his mother organized a celebration in the central square to get closer to the residents, where the people had the chance to meet them and express their concerns and hopes. This event was important to gain the trust of the inhabitants and establish Casa Page as a legitimate and respected leadership

Thus, by settling in Dragon's Paw, Casa Page not only transformed the city with physical and economic improvements, but also began a new relationship with the people, uniting everyone under the promise of a more prosperous and safe future.

After two weeks of pure physical and mental work, the Page family was already becoming familiar with the city.

"Sarah, make roads interconnecting all our villages with cities and the like, I want us to have a good infrastructure."

"Yes, sir!"

"And besides, how are the Viscounts by our side?"

"Sir, they are relatively calm, after they learned about our seizure of power, I believe they are still thinking about the measures to be taken."

"Okay, when you finish the infrastructure, make two surveillance posts at each end of our borders."

"I want our armies to be ready in case something happens or they attack."

"Yes, sir."

After a week the projects were already in progress.

The family began the construction of two robust fortifications at the ends of its territory right on the borders with the two neighboring viscounts.

These fortifications were designed to be imposing and resistant, offering not only protection, but also a symbol of authority and dominance.

Each fortification was equipped with high stone walls, strategically positioned watchtowers and archers for defense against possible invaders.

The elite warriors were designated as captains to command the warriors and thus garnish these structures, and there was a Knight commanding the place, with this administration they could respond quickly to any sign of threat.

Inside the fortifications, there were housing for soldiers, supply depots and weapons, ensuring that they were well equipped for long periods of guard.

The fortifications also had advanced alarm systems, such as message crows, which could be aired to alert Dragon's Paw in case of emergency.

Well-maintained roads connected these fortifications to the city, allowing reinforcements or supplies to arrive quickly if necessary.

With these fortifications at the borders, Casa Page consolidated its territory, turning the ends into bastions of security and deterrence.

At the end of this month Drake would have a banquet, to celebrate his twentieth anniversary and celebrate the conquests of the territory.

The Housekeeper sent invitations to everyone in the territory and abroad, inviting several barons, viscounts and even the count.

Most confirmed their presence, after all the Page family was a rising family and not going to their patriarch's birthday would be the same as slapping him in the face.

Only the count and the two viscounts who had border territory confirmed their presence.

In the great hall of the city the guests were arriving, with the winter starting, the snow was already taking shape in the northern territory.

The banquet was at its peak. The table was filled with sophisticated delicacies, such as hunting roasts, fine cheeses, fresh breads and rare wines, all prepared to please the nobles, knights and family members present.

The snow already covered the windows, and the cold night wind blew outside, but the heat of the hall made the atmosphere cozy and lively.

Drake sat next to his family, while knights from his lands were around, talking and rejoicing in the conquests.

The conversation flowed between laughter and praise for the progress made so far, while the fire in the fireplace smaked and illuminated the hall.

Drake raised his glass and addressed the present.

"We are here not only to celebrate another year of my life, but also to celebrate the achievements of Casa Page and the future we are creating together."

"The construction of fortifications on the borders, the improvements in the city, and the strengthening of our position in the region are just the beginning."

Looking around he continues.

"May winter bring us the time of reflection and preparation for what is to come."

The nobles around agreed, toasting with him. Lord Donovan, a county baron was the first to speak out after the toast.

"My lord, your actions are impressive. Dragon's Paw is already stronger and better than the last time I saw it. It is rare to see a territory grow with such speed and efficiency, in our lands."

He said with curiosity in his voice.

Lady Isolde, a beautiful woman, with eye-catching curves, was a widow for years and was looking for a suitor, went and approached Drake, smiling, said

"I've been following the changes and I can't help but marvel. Even with winter coming, I see your land bloom, and this is only possible because you have made the right choices, Lord Patriarch."

With a charm in her voice she said.

Drake smiled with interest, but his gaze was sharp.

"It wasn't a one-man effort. Casa Page is made of warriors, engineers, and each one who puts their hands to make our territory stronger. We are together, that's the reason for our strength."

After an exchange of conversations, Drake found this widow interesting, writing her down as a fun, after all only he knows how feelings don't affect him so much."

The night continued with conversations about the next steps, plans to further strengthen the defenses and discuss the trade routes that could be established for next year.

As the wind outside increased and the snow fell gently, inside the hall, the feeling of union and purpose was stronger than ever.

Everyone knew that when they returned to their lands, there would be a very interesting new lord getting back up.

The next day, the snow was coming down in threads, and the city floor was turning white. At the top of the castle in the city, there was a man standing there, looking at the city in his sight.

"I can hardly believe that in half a year, my view would have changed so much."

"My powers and subjects are stronger, I believe that with a slow growth but I continue we will come to power in this kingdom."

Drake was looking out the window in his room, more specifically on the horizon.

"With a maritime territory, I would need a force to protect us, my next focus for the family would be on our navy."

"Call Throne my brother."

With a smile that would make your enemies shiver.

After a while he arrives at his office.

"Tell me, my brother, how is the espionage network."

With an insightful look he said.

"We are taking the first steps, but we have already managed to position some informants in the most important cities of the kingdom."

Thorne said, keeping his voice low, as if any echo could betray his secrets.

"It's still a fragile, vulnerable network, but the first results are promising. Our spies are already starting to send us information about troop movements, veiled agreements, and even rumors about the nobles."

Drake listened carefully, his gaze fixed on his brother.

"Important cities, you say... Which ones exactly?"

With a calm voice, but an underlying urgency.

"We started with some of the largest Thornbridge the capital of the kingdom, Eldenhall the main city of Count Bonfim and Blackstone the capital of our duke."

"They are places of strategic interest and where the main commercial and political activities are concentrated. If we know what happens in these cities, we will know how our rivals move."

Drake lightly tapped his fingers on the table, thoughtful.

"It's not much, but it's already something," he murmured.

"But Thorne... you know the risk we run. If they are discovered, we will lose what we have barely begun to build. The cost will be high, but the rewards will be higher."

Thorne nodded, agreeing.

"I'm aware. That's why I'm sending only the most discreet, people we can trust, but that takes time, Drake."

"This type of network is a precision weapon, and we are riding it under the watchful eye of other lords and viscounts."

Drake let out a deep sigh, but with a glow of determination in his eyes.

"Keep up the work, Thorne. We need to know everything about every secret alliance, every plan of our neighbors. Let's anticipate each movement."

"They may not yet see the power that Casa Page is conquering, but when they do, it will be too late."

Thorne sketched a sly smile and said.

"You can leave it. Winter can bring silence, but in the shadows there is a lot of noise. Let's know every whisper before the whole kingdom can suspect it."