The sun rises over the Duchy of Flower, casting its warm light on the bustling streets of our once quiet village. My name is Gerad, a simple farmer living on the outskirts of what was once just a patch of fertile land. Over the past ten years, everything has changed since Vizcount Raimon Flower, now fifteen years old, began his journey alongside his father, Duke Raion Flower, to strengthen our northern territories.
His father saw potential in the land and Vizcount Raimon from a young age, involving him in the discussions and plans to revitalize our region. Today, as I walk through the newly constructed roads and sturdy bridges that connect our village to the rest of the Duchy, I can't help but feel grateful for the vision and leadership that Vizcount Raimon has brought to our lives.
The construction of these roads has not only made travel easier but has also opened up new opportunities for trade and communication. Bridges that once seemed impossible to build now span across rivers with ease, thanks to the expertise of the magi who infused them with enchantments to ensure their durability and safety. At night, magical lanterns line the streets, providing bright and consistent lighting that has made our village safer and more vibrant after dark.
One of the most remarkable changes has been the establishment of fortresses along the border with the demonic forest. These fortifications, built using both traditional masonry and magical enhancements, stand as sentinels against any threats that may arise. The mages skilled in runes were instrumental in creating these defenses, ensuring that our borders remain secure and that the peace we enjoy today is maintained.
The port city of Vienna, once a modest trading post, has flourished into a bustling hub of commerce. Goods from the southern parts of the empire now arrive regularly, bringing prosperity and variety to our local markets. Maritime trade with the eastern human empire has also intensified, creating a vibrant exchange of goods and ideas that has enriched our culture and economy. The once quiet docks are now alive with ships from distant lands, each one bringing new opportunities and connections.
Economically, the Duchy has seen a significant transformation. Almost all agricultural taxes have been abolished, allowing farmers like myself to reinvest our earnings back into our farms and communities. Commercial taxes have been reduced as well, spurring the growth of businesses and encouraging entrepreneurial ventures. This shift has activated our local economy, creating jobs and fostering a sense of prosperity that was unimaginable a decade ago.
Structurally, the creation of five first-level cities, including the capital and the ancestral land of the Flower family, has been a cornerstone of our development. These cities are centers of administration, commerce, and culture, each designed with careful planning and magical precision. Ten second-level commercial cities have sprung up near the coastal areas, serving as vibrant marketplaces and trading centers that connect us to the broader empire.
Scattered across the Duchy are now 108 well-organized towns, each equipped with modern sanitation and sewer systems. These infrastructures have improved the quality of life for all residents, reducing disease and enhancing public health. Every town, whether large or small, boasts a local police station, ensuring that law and order are maintained consistently across the Duchy.
As the capital city and our ancestral lands have grown, so too have our defenses and administrative capabilities. The planning and construction were nothing short of a miracle, blending the best of magical innovation with practical engineering. The city center, dominated by castle fortress, is a sight to behold. Its fortified walls and majestic towers symbolize our strength and resilience, while the surrounding buildings, adorned with intricate magical runes, reflect our commitment to both tradition and progress.
Encircling the entire city is a massive wall, a formidable barrier infused with protective spells and surveillance enchantments to guard against future threats from the demonic beasts that have plagued our northern borders. This wall is not just a physical barrier but a symbol of our preparedness and unity. It is designed to accommodate between 100,000 to 150,000 permanent residents and an additional 100,000 floating population, ensuring that our city remains a bustling hub of activity and resilience.
Over the past ten years, the Duchy has transformed from a struggling region into a thriving center of commerce, culture, and defense. The meticulous planning and execution, guided by Vizcount Raimon's vision and supported by the dedicated workforce, have paid off beyond our wildest dreams. As I witness the final stages of construction and the flourishing of our port city, I feel a deep sense of pride and hope for the future.
In the last few days of Vizcount Raimon's vacation, as the city nears completion, the excitement is palpable. The Coliseum stands tall, its grand arches and towering pillars a testament to our ambition. The magical towers rise alongside the castle, each one dedicated to the brightest minds and most powerful mages in our society. The final touches on the infrastructure are being applied, and the city is ready to welcome a new era of prosperity and strength.
Vizcount Raimon is preparing to return to the Ducal Institute with his siblings, Edward and Guillermina, and his friend Elara, who has now mastered her unique powers. As they embark on this next phase of their journey, the entire Duchy stands as a beacon of what can be achieved through vision, unity, and unwavering dedication.
The transformation of our territory over the past decade is a story of hope and resilience. From the creation of magical infrastructure and fortified defenses to the flourishing of commerce and the activation of our local economy, every change has been a step towards a brighter future. As a commoner witnessing these incredible developments, I am filled with gratitude for Vizcount Raimon and his father's leadership, knowing that our Duchy is now a cornerstone of the Solar Empire's strength and prosperity.