Chapter Two: The Manor of Beginnings

The morning sun rose over Aedric's fledgling domain, casting its golden light across the newly built structures that marked the beginnings of his empire. From the top balcony of his manor, Aedric stood with arms crossed, surveying the land below. Though still small and incomplete, the view was promising. His dream was coming to life, and the Dominion System was already proving invaluable.

The Versailles-Style Manor, while modest compared to the grandeur of its full inspiration, was an architectural marvel in its own right. Nestled atop the hill overlooking the settlement, it was a blend of elegance and functionality—a beacon of his authority.

The manor's façade was dominated by neoclassical symmetry: tall columns flanked the main entrance, carved from white marble with subtle gold accents. Intricate wrought-iron railings bordered the second-floor balcony, each piece crafted with swirling flourishes. Large arched windows adorned the front, allowing natural light to pour into the interior.

Inside, the entry hall was a masterpiece. The polished marble floor reflected the soft glow of brass chandeliers, their lights powered by the Arcane Generator. A grand staircase with dark mahogany bannisters rose to the second floor, splitting gracefully into two curving flights. The walls were adorned with delicate frescoes—depictions of magical energy intertwined with industrial steam, a nod to the unique fusion of the world.

The main hall opened into several rooms:

The Sovereign's Study, complete with a large oak desk, towering bookshelves, and maps detailing the surrounding island.

The Dining Room, where a long table with carved edges stretched across the space, set with silver candlesticks and fine glassware.

The War Room, featuring a detailed table-sized map of the island that could be updated in real-time via the Dominion System.

Upstairs, the personal quarters were modest but refined. Aedric's room was spacious, with dark wood furniture, velvet drapes, and a four-poster bed. The windows overlooked the entire settlement, giving him a commanding view. Adjacent rooms were designated for key staff, including Sebastian, who managed the household with precision.

At the rear of the manor, a small courtyard was being landscaped. Workers had begun laying cobblestone paths and planting ornamental shrubs. A fountain was under construction, its design featuring a steam-powered mechanism to create a misty, ethereal effect.

Aedric stepped out onto the balcony, his eyes scanning the land below. The settlement was no longer just a wilderness—it was beginning to resemble a planned and organized domain.

Using the Dominion System, Aedric had spent the evening mapping out a layout for roads and key structures. His strategy prioritized functionality, defense, and aesthetics in equal measure.

Settlement Layout:

Central Plaza:

At the base of the manor's hill, Aedric had designated a circular plaza as the heart of the settlement. Cobblestone roads radiated outward like spokes of a wheel, connecting to various districts. A central fountain, designed to reflect the steampunk aesthetic, was being constructed to symbolize unity and prosperity.

Residential District:

To the east of the plaza, rows of Neoclassical Worker Housing were arranged in neat grids. Each house was crafted with functionality and style in mind, featuring flat roofs, reinforced brick walls, and iron-framed windows. The houses were spacious enough for families, with small front gardens for individuality.

Industrial Zone:

To the south, closer to the forest, the Steam-Powered Sawmill stood in operation. Workers busily fed logs into the mechanized contraption, its spinning blades producing a steady supply of processed wood. Nearby, the Coal Refinery was being constructed, with towering smokestacks designed to vent steam rather than soot—a result of magical filtering technology.

Fortifications:

The Germania-Style Fortress loomed on the northern cliffs, a sharp contrast to the refined elegance of the manor. Its dark stone walls and steel-reinforced gates were built to withstand any attack. Watchtowers with steam-powered spotlights ensured the settlement remained vigilant through the night.

Roadwork and Infrastructure

Aedric opened the Dominion System and selected the Roadwork option. Roads were essential for efficient movement of resources and workers, and he intended to implement a design that mirrored the grandeur of the settlement itself.

Road Options:

Dirt Path: Quick and inexpensive, but prone to wear.

Cobblestone Road: Durable and aesthetically pleasing. Increases worker efficiency.

Cost: 10 Stone per segment.

Paved Road with Streetlights: Advanced roads lit by steam-powered lamps. Enhances productivity and morale.

Cost: 20 Stone, 5 Steel per segment.

"Cobblestone for now," Aedric decided. "The dirt paths are an eyesore."

He outlined a series of roads connecting the Central Plaza to the residential district, industrial zone, and fortress. Workers were dispatched to begin construction immediately, hauling stone from the nearby quarry.

Sebastian approached as the first road segments were being laid. "The cobblestone roads are a fine choice, my lord. Shall we integrate drainage channels as well?"

"An excellent idea, Sebastian. Proper drainage will prevent erosion and flooding."

The workers carved shallow trenches alongside the roads, lining them with smaller stones to channel rainwater. Aedric couldn't help but admire the efficiency of the process.

With the manor, fortress, and roads underway, Aedric turned his attention to expanding the settlement's capabilities. Using the rewards from the Dominion System for reaching the milestone of constructing the manor, he initiated several key projects:

Marketplace: A circular structure of wrought iron and brick, designed for trade and resource distribution.

Cost: 1,000 Wood, 500 Stone, 100 Steel.

Schoolhouse: A neoclassical building to educate future generations.

Cost: 500 Wood, 300 Stone.

Steam Workshop: A facility for crafting advanced tools, machinery, and weapons.

Cost: 800 Wood, 600 Steel.

As the workers dispersed to their tasks, Aedric walked through the settlement, taking in the sights and sounds of progress. The rhythmic hammering of construction, the hiss of steam from the sawmill, and the chatter of workers all spoke to a domain on the rise.

That evening, Aedric sat in the War Room, pouring over the table-sized map of the island. Using the Dominion System, he marked potential locations for future expansions: fertile farmland near the rivers, docks along the coastline, and a factory district further south.

Sebastian entered, carrying a tray of tea and documents. "My lord, reports from the workers. The roads are progressing ahead of schedule, and the fortress's eastern watchtower is nearing completion."

"Excellent." Aedric leaned back in his chair. "But this is just the beginning, Sebastian. A settlement like this is fragile. We must ensure its survival and growth."

Sebastian nodded. "Shall I begin drafting plans for additional defenses?"

"Do so. And allocate some funds from the treasury to increase rations for the workers. I want morale to remain high."

"As you wish, my lord."

Standing once more on the manor's balcony, Aedric watched as lanterns lit the settlement below, illuminating the cobblestone roads and the skeletal outlines of unfinished buildings. The island was slowly transforming, taking its first steps toward greatness.

"This is the dawn of Vandemir," Aedric murmured. "And I will ensure its light never fades."