Chapter 42: Riverside Town’s Five-Year Development Plan

With the procurement list finalized, Sean delegated purchases, Mercenary liaison,and army coordination to Henry and Windsor. Windsor will prevent Henry from embezzling gold, he reasoned.

As he stretched, Sean checked the time—10:30 a.m. Too close to lunch for the library. Instead, he retreated to his room, poring over Henry's list and Riverside maps while drafting a five-year plan.

Development Strategy:

Agriculture First: Rebuild farms, secure grain stores.Industrial Revolution: Introduce soap, alcohol, and papermaking.Military Modernization: Train firearm militia via Dwarven Marksman tech.Infrastructure: Construct roads linking Riverside to Yorn, Vernis, and Kapul Harbor.Education: Found a junior college for farmers' children.

"No agriculture, no stability; no industry, no wealth; no commerce, no vitality," he quoted, recalling Chinese proverbs. Though critics would call his plans premature—especially with only 2,000-3,000 gold left and Riverside still occupied—Sean drew inspiration from China's High Speed Rail Miracle. Long-term projects like roads and canals must begin early.

…

At noon, a servant announced lunch. Windsor burst in before Sean could eat.

"Flame Cross and Yorn's garrison will assemble by afternoon," Windsor reported. "We can depart for Riverside at dawn!"

"Perfect. You and I will lead the garrison to clear Gnolls. Henry will follow with refugees and supplies."

"But Henry said Weapons and farm implements from Bach's forge take three days—"

"We'll secure the town first. Speed matters."

…

After lunch, Sean and Windsor headed to Slave House. En route, Sean reviewed his plan—written in Earth's languages to avoid prying eyes. Once Riverside is safe, the real work begins.