Chapter 85: The Fortress is Completed
Due to the separate interrogations of the pirates, they were unaware of each other's confessions.
Thus, under the coercion and inducement of Idar's soldiers, they quickly revealed the truth.
The pirates' statements were largely consistent, greatly increasing the credibility of the existence of the Franz Archipelago.
The Franz Archipelago, located east of the Idar Territory…
This was the first time Bruno had heard a description of the waters beyond Idar's eastern border from someone else's mouth.
Bruno had always felt a peculiar connection to the ocean.
After all, in his previous life, the Age of Exploration had opened a door for humanity one that led from a life confined to the land to the discovery of the New World. This era had also sparked a century long wave of colonial expansion and plunder.
To most nobles of the empire, distant and unknown islands like the Franz Archipelago held no value. But to Bruno, the Franz Archipelagos could very well be his first step beyond Idar!
The vast ocean might hide countless dangers, but it could also conceal endless treasures!
Even though this was a world of magic, the potential wealth within the ocean made Bruno's heart burn with desire.
The name Franz Archipelago was now deeply etched into Bruno's mind.
The Franz Archipelago must belong to Idar only to Idar!
From Captain Jack's confession, there were hints that the notorious pirate Kelvin Plato was also eyeing the Franz Archipelago…
A famous pirate leader dared to encroach upon the seas outside Idar's borders?
Bruno would never allow that!
For the first time since arriving in this world, Bruno felt an urgent external threat!
Though he was an Earl of the Norman Empire, the ocean was not his domain yet.
Bruno had to build a naval force capable of defending Idar's waters before Kelvin Plato could seize control of the Franz Archipelago.
To Bruno, the Franz Archipelago were his ticket to the ocean.
If he could command the seas, he could control maritime trade routes, expanding Idar's influence far beyond its current borders!
This was of immense significance not just for Bruno, but for the Stuart family, rulers of Idar for generations.
However, shipbuilding posed the first major challenge before him.
While Idar had craftsmen skilled in building fishing boats, they had no experience constructing the warships Bruno needed.
Fortunately, Idar no longer lacked manpower.
Thanks to the construction of the Idar Highway and the efforts of Idar's spies, who spread word in nearby noble territories, a large number of migrant workers had flooded into Idar within just over a month.
Most of these newcomers were poor commoners, gambling on the hope of a better life in Idar.
Under Lister's management at the Idar Immigration Bureau, these migrants were registered, quarantined, and assigned housing.
Most of them had already settled into the worker communities along the Idar River, proudly becoming Idar laborers!
As Bruno began planning Idar's next steps, great news arrived from the Soren River
The long a waited Citadel of Namur was finally completed!
Upon hearing the news, Bruno immediately set out for the Soren River with Lister and his men.
It was perfect timing as if a pillow had been delivered just when he was feeling sleepy!
Idar's craftsmen might not know how to build warships, but…
The system's shop had ship blueprints!
Not only were they available, but they came in a vast variety, covering every possible need!
The thought of the glory points he was about to receive from the system reward filled Bruno's heart with joy.
In two words: absolutely thrilled!
From a distance, the towering Citadel of Namur came into view.
Unlike the elegant grandeur of the Hanging Garden, the Citadel of Namur radiated an overwhelming sense of power and dominance.
Especially after its high walls were coated in cement and concrete, making them appear solid and impregnable.
The citadel's massive footprint, its impressive scale, and its pre installed defensive facilities far exceeded imperial fortresses of the same tier.
With enough manpower, its multi-layered defenses could hold against any assault.
From the outermost wall to the innermost stronghold, an enemy would have to breach three walls just to reach the center!
The citadel was firmly rooted on the southern bank of the Soren River, with the river's swift currents forming a natural barrier to the north making it an unassailable fortress.
It was said that the recovering Earl of Soren could see the Citadel of Namur's imposing figure from the terrace of his castle…
And it nearly angered him to death again.
Poor man…
When Bruno and his party arrived at the Citadel of Namur, White Barrel was already waiting at the main gate, leading the workers who had labored on the fortress.
"My lord…" White Barrel greeted him excitedly.
Unlike the Hanging Garden, the Citadel of Namur was White Barrel's first major project as Chief Engineer of Idar.
Thus, he had poured his heart and soul into its construction, spending nearly every waking moment at the site—aside from his periodic visits to inspect the highway project.
"Well done! I knew I didn't misjudge you!" Bruno praised him the moment he dismounted.
"T-Thank you for your praise, my lord…" White Barrel stammered emotionally.
His lord hadn't even entered the citadel yet, and he was already receiving compliments…
What did this mean?
It meant unparalleled trust from his Earl!
He had truly followed the right lord!
Overcome with emotion, White Barrel's eyes filled with tears.
"I will devote myself even more to serving you, my lord!" he choked out.
Of course, the real reason Bruno had immediately praised White Barrel was that—
The moment he set foot near the Citadel of Namur, a familiar system window appeared in his vision.
[Wonder Name: Citadel of Namur][Completion Rating: SSS][Location: Southern bank of the Soren River, Idar Territory, Exeter Province, Norman Empire]
Bruno couldn't be happier.
With warships on the horizon and the Citadel of Namur complete, Idar's future was brighter than ever!