Arriving back at Heaven's Reach after months of being away due to the war, Maximus was relieved to finally return to the comfort of his palace. It was also a sight to see the difference between Heaven's Reach and the other cities of Essos.
Sure, each city had its own uniqueness and beauty, but none of that compared to Heaven's Reach which was already heavily favored by merchants from around dozens of places. Merchants coming from across the Bone Mountain, merchants from the Seven Kingdoms, and merchants from the other Free Cities could be seen coming and going to the city.
Most of the trade routes were through land, but a recent one had just opened up through Volantis, which would allow merchants ships to travel along the Rhoyne river and to the Port of Heaven's Reach. This would open up a new trade route for sea merchants and reinvest into the economy of Volantis as selling slaves was no longer an option.
Right now, one of the Imperial Union's main exports was food and alcohol which brought in the most profits, while other high-quality things like perfumes, glassware, and jewelry were among the other things exported.
Thanks to the modern agricultural tools and methods combined with magic, Heaven's Reach was able to produce massive amounts of food from the surrounding farmlands that were established. Farmers were mostly former slaves as Dothraki were not too keen on working the land.
So those former slaves who are now free and an Imperial citizen were mainly hired as farmers.
Medicinal herbs and potions were also a very popular export as the nobles of Westeros and other wealthy people enjoyed the benefits the potions brought to their life.
Landing within a clearing inside of the palace walls which was specifically cleared for Nyxara's massive size, Maximus was greeted by Eonwe and Olorin.
"Your Excellency, it's great to see you again," expressed Olorin as he bowed his head slightly. Eonwe, standing beside him offered a warm smile. "Welcome back, Your Excellency. We trust your journey was fruitful."
Nyxara laid her head on the ground while Maximus extended a rope to climb down safely. Despite her head laying on the ground, she was still massive requiring Maximus to climb onto and off of her back via rope. Once he hit the ground, he rubbed his hand on her neck feeling the connection the two of them shared.
Nyxara continued to lay down feeling the soft touch of her Lord, her eyes half open as she enjoyed the attention. As Maximus stopped, she kept lying on the ground while the Imperial Dragon tamers came to take care of her. She trusted them only because Maximus trusted them, so she obeyed what they said to an extent that it was reasonable.
"It's good to be back," Maximus replied as he handed his sword over to one of the palace maids who was in charge of taking care of his weapons. Next his armor was removed leaving only the clothes he wore underneath which was a simple finely tailored tunic adorned with the sigil of his House.
He stretched, feeling a rush of relief as the weight of the armor was removed from his body. He didn't wear full plate armor, but pieces of armor that could be easily attached and removed from his body.
"What's changed since I left," Maximus asked as he started walking into the Palace. Eonwe and Olorin followed him alongside the Palace Imperial guards.
"Well since you left the dwarves have finished creating the magic train about 2 months ago alongside the tracks that would provide the path for the train the follow. As of now the magic train has attractive positive attention from the public and the people continue to praise you for this godly creation, but I made sure that the dwarves got the popularity they deserve and the credit on your behalf." Olorin explained as detailed as possible.
"Good," Maximus replied. "Credit should always go to those who actually invented it rather than those who were just on the sidelines." While it was true he funded the dwarves, the idea of magic trains might not have been possible this fast without them.
"Tracks have already been laid out throughout the city, to Vaes Dothrak, New Rhoyne, and various other places. We are still constructing the tracks from New Rhoyne to Volantis and eventually the new cities which have been brought under Imperial control." Maximus nodded in satisfaction at this news since it would allow for faster transportation between the cities.
Eonwe chimed in next, "The population of the city has reached 2 million registered residents in addition to thousands of unregistered people moving here from various other places. I already put out an incentive of military service being the quickest way to earn citizenship for those born in places outside of our controlled land." Eonwe reported.
"2 million!" Maximus said out loud as that number was surprising for a city during this time and in this world. Such a staggering number of people meant that Heaven's Reach had effectively become the heart not only of his empire but of Essos itself.
For some empires or kingdoms, it might sound like a logistical nightmare to manage such a large population, but thanks to careful planning and continued expansion of the city and development of the surrounding lands, the city did not suffer from any food problems, but there was another problem.
"With this massive number, unemployment has also risen with many jobs being filled swiftly due to the efficiency of the automated systems and magical constructs we've introduced," Eonwe continued, "While the citizens are well-fed and sheltered thanks to the Imperial welfare system, there is unrest brewing among some of those who are unable to find meaningful work. Idle hands, as they say."
"Idle hands indeed," he murmured, thinking aloud. "This could become if left unchecked."
Olorin stepped in, his staff slightly tapping against the marble floor. "It would be wise to create additional avenues for employment, Your Excellency. Perhaps expanding infrastructure projects or fostering new industries? It could also be an opportunity to integrate more cultural events or festivals, something to keep the people united while providing jobs."
"I agree, let's also create more large-scale projects to keep transforming the city. Additionally, set up an exploration guild to hire people to explore the land to the far east alongside any land in Essos that we have not discovered. We still have the Basilisk Isles to the South of Slavers Bay and the islands of Ibben to our North." ordered Maximus. He had been putting off the exploration of these places for some time.
Eonwe nodded thoughtfully. "A wise strategy, Your Excellency. This will create hundreds possibly thousands of more jobs and increase our exploration capabilities."
"Make it so," he commanded as they climbed the spiral staircase leading to the central council chamber.
This is when Olorin remembered another topic, "Also, your Excellency, those lords from the Seven Kingdoms sent represent their King have been wanting to see you for months now and are getting more eager by the day. Though I know for a fact it's just to see what type of person you are and see what they can try and leverage from you."
Maximus thought for a moment as he sat down. He was at the top of the hierarchy when it came to the Imperial Union, and the power of the Seven Kingdoms was not too weak to challenge him. Allowing them to even think that they can try and find a weakness within him would be a dangerous precedent to set.
"It seems the wolves of Westeros are sniffing at our doors, hoping to find a crack in the walls," he said aloud. "Do we know which lords they've sent, Olorin?"
"Yes, Your Excellency. Representatives include Lord Mace Tyrell from Highgarden and Ser Davos Seaworth, seeking to strengthen economic ties and study our strength and weaknesses."
"And what have they stated their purpose is?" Maximus asked.
"While their official reason is diplomacy," Eonwe interjected, his arms folded behind his back, "it's clear they aim to understand the empire from within. They wish to gauge our defenses, resources, and political structure, likely with hopes of either future alliances or potential leverage against us."
Maximus leaned back in his chair as he thought about this for a moment. He wanted to keep them guessing, never getting a face-to-face meeting with him, but allowing them to speak to his subordinates as they were officially here representing the Seven Kingdoms.
In the end he decided to do just that, he believed that both Olorin and Eonwe knew what they were doing, and he trusted them to handle this matter as they saw fit, ensuring the empire would gain benefits from dealing with the Seven Kingdoms.