Ryo stepped into the lavishly decorated office of the merchant organization's manager, a middle-aged man with keen eyes and a shrewd smile. The man, known as Varnis, had built the organization from the ground up, making him one of the most influential figures in commerce. He leaned forward, his hands clasped together as he studied Ryo with intrigue.
"So, you wish to establish a merchant network along with your nation?" Varnis asked, his tone measured. "An interesting proposition, Lord Ryo."
Ryo nodded. "Yes. I intend to build a nation that can sustain itself through trade, crafting, and commerce. But first, I need time to construct the foundations. It should take around three to four months to be completed."
Varnis smirked. "That's not a long time for a project of this scale. However, I can begin the recruitment process immediately. We'll need traders, crafters, and experienced merchants to handle operations once your nation is ready."
Ryo extended his hand. "Then we have an agreement."
The two shook hands, sealing the deal. With that, Ryo left the office, making his way back to the dwarves to begin the true first step—construction.
The dwarves, known for their unparalleled craftsmanship, were already waiting for him when he arrived in their underground city. The Grand Craftsman, an elderly dwarf named Borgan Ironbeard, eyed Ryo with a mix of amusement and respect.
"So, ye finally decided to start buildin' yer nation, eh, lad?" Borgan chuckled, stroking his thick silver beard. "Good. We've been wonderin' when ye'd come back."
Ryo gave a small smile. "I need the best of your builders to begin constructing the capital. We'll start with the layout—castle walls first, then the castle itself."
Borgan nodded. "Aye, that be the right approach. But roads—ye need roads first. A nation without roads be like a weapon without a blade. Trade and travel be key to its strength."
"That's why I need roads leading to the Vampire Nation and the Dragon Empire," Ryo said. "Trade routes must be established from the beginning."
Borgan grinned. "Hah! Now yer speakin' like a proper leader." He turned to his gathered dwarves. "Ye heard 'im, lads! We're buildin' more than a city—we're buildin' a legacy!"
The dwarves roared in agreement, their spirits high.
A few days later, the construction officially began. The first step was acquiring the necessary materials. Ryo contacted merchants across the continent, purchasing vast quantities of stone, metal, and wood. The dwarves themselves provided high-quality ores and reinforced materials, ensuring the buildings would withstand the test of time.
The roads came first, paved carefully by skilled dwarven engineers. Wide and sturdy, they stretched out like veins from the heart of the soon-to-be nation, reaching the Vampire Nation to the west and the Dragon Empire to the north. These roads would serve as trade arteries, connecting Ryo's territory to the powerful neighboring realms.
Next came the castle walls—massive, reinforced structures designed to keep enemies at bay. The foundations were laid deep, infused with mana-imbued stones to strengthen their durability. Ryo watched as the walls began to rise, knowing that each brick was a step closer to realizing his vision.
The castle itself would take time, but Ryo was patient. He had already set things in motion. Merchants were being gathered, crafters recruited, and alliances solidified. This was only the beginning.
As he stood atop a hill overlooking the construction, a strong wind swept through, carrying the scent of fresh stone and earth. His nation was no longer a dream. It was becoming a reality.
And this was just the start.