< 2 Months later >
Ethan was sitting around the fireplace staring out the window over the horizon, he kept thinking of the reports he had just read. 2 Months ago, Ethan gave his orders and started a closed-door cultivation session, he had not stepped outside in the whole 2 months. He only came out of seclusion this morning and had a sumptuous breakfast and a much-needed bath before he read the reports of the kingdom's developments.
He kept thinking about what was said in the letter as he stared outside absentminded. After his decision to accept the trade alliance, Luna left a few days afterwards to go back to Frostfall.
The letter went as so: Your Majesty, I am delighted to convey the significant progress and developments our king.... blah blah blah.
In short, the letter's content could be summarized as such: The builders council have successfully built the docks of the port city of Valenor as Ethan decided it would be named. But the city would take more time before it would be completed. They successfully finished building one Oceanic Caravela and three Sea Sprites half a month ago and they are seaworthy. The training of the sailors was coming to a close in the next few days and after they were finished the ship could officialy set sail.
On the agricultural front, the expenditure to Blackthorn town has reaped a bountiful harvest, surpassing any of Ethans expectations. It was reported that the granaries were brimming, and there was plenty left to trade. The fruits that were growing slowly but steadily began to ripe and they would be able to pluck them soon. The extra was sold to the merchant's guild and to a few neighboring kingdoms. The livestock industry has grown exponentially and there was a greater need for some of the products like honey, milk and so on.
Due to the expanded agriculture the kingdom was able to earn almost 200,00 gold excluding the money that was used. When Ethan read the amount of gold, he had to pinch himself to make sure he wasn't dreaming. That was the most amount he had ever made.
Economically, everything was stable. The hygiene of blackthorn has improved and there were public toilets, baths and showers. The streets were clean and orderly. The construction of the roads between the capital and blackthorn was complete with cobble stone paths and was also made beautifully. The overall health of the people increased and there was very little sickness in his lands.
And lastly but certainly almost the most important, in the last 2 months the military has had a massive increase in strength. The four Knight Order headquarters was completed. The Ravens Shadow kept to themselves in the dark secluded mountain to the east, and the other 3 built the headquarters in the mountain range west of Vale city. (Capital)
It was decided that every Knight Order established will build their Headquarters in that mountain range as it's secluded and has enough space. Then, thanks to a newly advanced Knight Captain named James. The Obsidian Knight Order was finally able to start looking and working properly as an order.
The various types of mounts had also begun to be bred. Due to inefficient amount of money, it was decided that only soldiers at rank Knight and up will receive a mount instead. Every mount only had the strength of rank 1 but due to that number of resources given to the tamers, they grew quickly and some of the mounts even showed signs of reaching rank 2.
All of the Knight Orders were finally equipped after a few months. They are equipped with their corresponding armor and weapons, most of which are top grade unranked weapons. Due to the shortage of good ores stronger weapons can't be made. But with the kingdom's current strength, unranked weapons can still be used.
Now to personal strength. Asher was still at the peak apprentice realm. Magnus and Rowan were able to both have a breakthrough and they advanced to stage 8 of apprentice knight realm. And it seems that they found their suitable elements which meant that Ethan would give them corresponding breathing techniques and then their strength would have another explosive growth, probably even to the point that Verdant Vale will have 3 peak apprentice knights.
The report was comprehensive and in detail. Showing how the kingdom improved in almost every aspect. Ethan slowly began to focus as he shifted his gaze away from the horizon and to the fireplace with a smile on his face. "Looks like my session was dearly needed or I would have fallen behind." he laughed lightly. That's right Ethan was able to make breakthroughs in the 2 months of cultivation, not one but two stages. Ethan has finally advanced to stage 6 of the apprentice realm.