"Komon, I asked you to find any technology related to Valyrian Blackstone in the Citadel. Were you able to uncover anything?" Gaimon's voice carried a mixture of curiosity and authority.
"Your Highness," Komon began, bowing slightly, "I am afraid the Citadel holds only some brief descriptions of the Blackstone. I've gathered all the available information, but most of it is rather superficial. However, after carefully analyzing the data, we suspect that the forging process of the Blackstone is closely related to dragons."
Gaimon blinked in surprise. "Dragons? You mean the process of forging a building material is tied to dragons?"
Komon nodded. "Yes, Your Highness. According to the records we found, forging Blackstone requires an extremely high temperature, far beyond what ordinary fire can achieve. Only dragonfire is capable of reaching such temperatures. The color of Blackstone itself is a result of this intense heat. To put it bluntly, the black hue is essentially the result of being burned in dragonfire."
Hearing this, Gaimon's mind raced. The process sounded remarkably similar to steel forging. While iron becomes steel through the combination of various materials, the key to melting them together lies in achieving a temperature high enough to bind them—something only dragonfire could accomplish.
"Dragonfire… Bahamut should be capable of providing it," Gaimon said thoughtfully, "but the exact forging process remains unknown."
His tone, however, remained calm. Since the destruction of the Valyrian Freehold, the secrets of Blackstone had been lost. Gaimon had requested Komon's assistance with the hope of finding clues, knowing well that success was not guaranteed. Yet now, even this hint—that the material required dragonfire—was invaluable.
"Your Highness," Komon continued, "although I cannot yet replicate Blackstone completely, I have found some leads that might allow me to forge a material similar to it. It may not match the original in quality, but it could serve as a substitute for certain uses."
Gaimon smiled faintly. "Then we will try. Relying solely on the stone from the quarry will never be enough for our projects. We cannot afford to halt construction for lack of materials. And if your experiments succeed, even partially, it will be a great step forward. We should pursue this with all the resources at our disposal."
Satisfied with Komon's report, Gaimon shifted focus back to the city construction plan. The discussion turned to practical matters. Komon led him to a large wooden table inside a nearby wooden house. There, a sprawling map was laid out, stretching over a meter wide and two meters long.
"Your Highness, this is the map we created after surveying the terrain around the city," Komon explained, pointing carefully at various markings.
Gaimon approached the table and studied the map. Every detail mirrored what he had seen from the sky during his flights. Rivers, forests, hills, and roads were all meticulously noted. Some areas even included finer details than his aerial observations.
"This is remarkable," Gaimon said, his voice tinged with admiration. "There is no discrepancy between this map and what I saw from above. The accuracy is impressive. Well done."
Komon shrugged modestly. "It was our duty, Your Highness. Mapping the terrain accurately is essential before we begin construction. At present, the city exists only on paper. Only the newly paved roads have taken form in reality. I suggest we prioritize building the ports and docks. Transporting materials without them will be time-consuming and inefficient."
Gaimon nodded. "Agreed. The docks must be our first priority. If trade expands, and we lack proper infrastructure, we will waste valuable manpower and resources. Every person's strength in this territory is precious; we cannot afford idle labor."
"Based on my observations," Komon continued, "I recommend sourcing stone and timber upstream along the river. This will streamline transportation significantly. Otherwise, relying solely on overland routes will be slow and labor-intensive. Transporting large logs or stones overland would require enormous manpower and beasts of burden, which is inefficient."
"Exactly," Gaimon replied. "The port and dock should form the backbone of our city. Additionally, we need to raise and reinforce the embankment along the riverbank. This will protect the city from flooding and prevent soil erosion."
"No problem, Your Highness. While constructing the wharf, we can simultaneously lay down the city's water supply and sewage systems. Doing so now will prevent costly rework in the future," Komon said confidently.
Gaimon's expression grew serious. "The water supply system is critical—not only for daily use but also for the city's long-term safety. I cannot allow mistakes here. Komon, you must pay extra attention. I will personally oversee the critical areas of construction."
Komon bowed slightly. "Your Highness, rest assured. We have devised a comprehensive plan for the water network. It will fully meet the city's needs and ensure a stable, clean supply."
"Good," Gaimon said. "Drainage and sewage must also be managed carefully. I do not want Oros to become like Junlin, where streets become mud with every rain, or worse, constantly stink due to poor sanitation."
A faint smile crossed Komon's face. "You haven't seen King's Landing before its renovation. Back then, it was a mess. After the renovation, conditions improved dramatically—roads were paved, and sanitation systems were updated. Compared to that, our plans here will be far more efficient."
Gaimon chuckled. "Even so, some things never change. I still remember the smell of the streets. Hard to forget!"
Komon and the others laughed, joining in on the light-hearted complaints about King's Landing. The atmosphere in the room grew warmer and more relaxed, a rare moment of levity amidst the serious planning.
Once the laughter subsided, Gaimon turned his attention back to the work at hand. "Komon, I trust the overall construction plan to you. Let me know what manpower and resources you need, and I will ensure they are provided. All I ask is that I see this city standing tall on the day I come of age."
Komon's reply was steady, resolute, and full of determination. "Yes, Your Highness. You have my word."
Gaimon nodded, satisfied. The work ahead was immense, but he felt confident. With Komon's expertise and the careful planning laid out, Oros had a chance to become a thriving city, a jewel of the Wend River territory.
For a while, they continued to review the topographic map. Komon pointed out key locations for docks, warehouses, and residential areas, explaining how natural terrain would influence construction. Every hill, bend in the river, and stretch of forest had been considered for efficient logistics, defense, and expansion.
Gaimon studied each suggestion carefully, imagining the city taking shape in his mind. He pictured ships docking at the newly constructed piers, carts carrying timber and stone along the roads, and people bustling in the marketplaces. The thought of the territory fully developed filled him with satisfaction.
"Once the ports are built, we must also focus on trade routes," Gaimon said thoughtfully. "The river is our lifeline. If we control it efficiently, we can maximize the use of manpower, reduce costs, and ensure steady growth. Make sure this is part of the long-term plan."
Komon nodded. "Yes, Your Highness. We have already identified key locations for trade hubs and warehouses along the river. Once the docks are operational, logistics will be much smoother, and resource allocation can be optimized."
Gaimon leaned back and allowed himself a moment of reflection. This territory, still in its infancy, held endless possibilities. Every decision now would shape the future of Oros, and he felt the weight of responsibility pressing on him. Yet, he also felt excitement. For the first time, he envisioned not just survival or defense, but creation—turning this land into a prosperous city with ports, trade, and thriving communities.
"One more thing," Gaimon said after a pause. "While we focus on efficiency, we must also ensure safety. Laborers, craftsmen, and engineers must be protected during construction. Accidents will only delay progress and waste resources."
Komon's expression grew even more serious. "Your Highness, safety is already a priority in our planning. We have measures for every stage of construction—from scaffolding for high structures to secure transport of heavy materials. No one will be put in unnecessary danger."
Satisfied, Gaimon finally allowed himself to relax. He could see the future forming, one plan, one decision at a time. With Komon's loyalty and skill, the city would not only rise but flourish.
"Very well," Gaimon said. "I leave Oros in your capable hands. Take what you have learned from the Citadel, the terrain survey, and your experience, and start turning this vision into reality."
Komon bowed deeply. "We will not fail you, Your Highness. Oros will be a city worthy of your name and vision."
Gaimon gave a small nod of approval. The journey ahead would be long and challenging, but with Komon and the other experts working tirelessly, the foundation of a great city was being laid. For the first time, he felt that the future of his territory was not just a dream—it was becoming tangible, one stone, one dock, and one plan at a time.
Ãdvåñçé çhàptêr àvàilàble óñ pàtreøn (Gk31)