18 Everdawn 2 (2/2)
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As everyone gathered in the study, Aureus began.”Well done on the southern settlement, Tarin.”
”Edward helped with that. His improved designs on the various homesteads intrigued the mason guild so much that they were highly motivated to begin building.” Tarin inclined his head as he replied.
”Brandon, how goes the monster core trade?”
”One more week and I would have a monopoly of that trade.” Brandon replied.
Aureus nodded then turned to face the room.
”Gentlemen, what do you think of the potential of this southern settlement compared with the Iron Range?”
The room lapsed into silence.
Tarin appeared to realize something as he looked at Aureus and declared that he will further stock on lumber stockpiles.
Aureus nodded and looked towards Brandon.
Brandon appeared to be deep in thought and intrigued as he considered.,
”Highness, there are two steps that are imperative if Everdawn wishes to have a derivative of the Iron Range.”
”First, the infrastructure must be in place. Both in terms of equipment and skilled labor. In order to create a high level of industrial output, an army of skilled workers , engineers, magi and such are required.”
”The various Dwarven, Gnomish and Goblin Kingdoms were the main reason the Empire's production industries could never bridge the gap between them and the Coalition's industries.”
”Hence, only if we could assimilate those underground tribes from the Coalition's holdings, then can we even begin to emulate the Iron Range's success.”
”Should we be able to assimilate them, the issue of equipment will also be resolved as there are various machinery and magi building techniques of the underground races that far surpass most humans.”
”Second, the governance of Everdawn must work in tandem with those who would drive such an economy. For example, the integration of different races with the primary race here in Everdawn, humans. How will infractions be handled amongst those who would seek to to cause divides along the racial lines?”
”Even in the Iron Range, the various races are segregated and each work about their own races and such.”
”Everdawn may be able to call upon a skilled pool of human labor in time and the various resources in our holdings that can be harvested. However, without the two aforementioned factors, emulating the Iron Range will only remain a pipe dream.”
Brandon looked at Edward for a moment before continuing,”Even in the event that our engineering and magi technology were to surpass the Iron Range even with a human only pool, we would certainly not be able to emulate their flexibility in technology adoption nor adaptability in manufacturing capabilities.”
”I say this with the guarantee of a scion of House Agrea.”
Johan's eyebrows were flying into his hair after Brandon's narration.
Both Tarin and Edward were nodding in a vigorous manner..
Aureus's eyes gave a slight glow as he said ”You know, when I left to mentor under Consul Varus, I thought of bringing you along with me. I am glad I did not.”
Brandon looked embarrassed as he cupped his hands towards Aureus, ”Aureus, I would not have lasted a week in a war camp. Especially if we were facing demons.”
”Perhaps, though I think you are made of sterner stuff than what you proclaim,” Aureus smiled and turned to his right.”Edward, as our favorite outworlder, what opinions do you have?”
Edward adopted an open stance as he related how it is his belief that an economy is determined by its people. Human resources as his world terms them. Such resources can be far more valuable than the elemental ores one can mine in the Three Realms.
”An interesting perspective,” Brandon said as he considered Edward's words. ”Hardest to manage though.”
To the side, Johan made an analogy about how having skilled workers in a workforce was equivalent to having skilled troops in an army.
”In essence, yes. Johan, do you fancy a career switch? You are still young, you know.” Tarin said in a jovial tone.
”Like his highness mentioned, everyone has their talent. I believe mine lies on the battlefield.” Johan replied with a smile.
”I would hope that you will not spend your entire life on the battlefield though, Johan. There are far more things that can be accomplished off the battlefield than on it.” Aureus spoke up in voice that carried itself through the study.
Johan bowed in acknowledgment at Aureus's words.