Chapter 17: The Lane Duchy Overview

After two hours poring over maps in the library, Sean rubbed his tired eyes. To understand a nation, nothing beat visual analysis. Comparing differing cartographic versions, he pieced together Lane Duchy's geography:Size: ~170,000 km² , with a climate ideal for wheat.

Location: Resembled medieval Dali Kingdom, bordered by:• Northwest: Dwarven Plateau (trading forged goods for food).• Southwest: Elven Forest (trade halted a century ago).• Northeast: Anjou Kingdom (Lane's overlord, 3–4 times its size)

Five Major Cities:

 (Paromia): Capital and political/economic hub.

 (Vernis): Northwestern trade hub controlled by Hill Family.

 (Kapur Harbor): Wealthiest city via maritime trade.

(Telford Fortress): Garrisons 80% of the army.

(Yorn): Sean's current locale, now agriculturally focused.His efforts yielded Level10 37/100—20 EXP in two hours. Slower than chatting with Benjamin, but comparable to his dwarf smith conversation.…As he reached for Lane's History, a teenage librarian approached. "Lord Sean, your steward Henry awaits at the entrance.""Admit him.""Regrettably, only mages and nobles may enter.""Understood. I'll meet him outside." Sean requested to borrow the book, paying 2 gold deposit.…In the carriage, Henry reported:Gold transfer: Scheduled for later.

Lucky Matthew: Awaiting lunch at the residence.

Mercenaries: Dark Gold Rose, Flame Cross, and Wolf Den accepted the Gnoll mission (Silver Hourglass declined). Henry handed Sean their proposals.

Refugee supplies: Ready for distribution post-lunch."Excellent. After lunch, we'll visit the refugees, then retrieve the gold. Finalize the supply list—I'll reward you handsomely."Henry hesitated. "One matter requires your decision: Will you enforce right of first night in the fief? It would necessitate additional funds."