One Month later—

The once-abandoned village had transformed into a thriving town.

Over a thousand homes now stood firm—stone foundations, timber beams, brick walls, and tiled roofs.

Under the designs of Joanna and Kaen Eowenríel, every house followed a unique layout, all arranged in a pattern that circled and guarded the central royal residence of the town.

Wide streets, green-lined pathways, public squares, lavatories, proper sewage drainage, clean water sources… everything was in place. Commercial zones and residential areas were clearly separated.

Kaen provided all the construction materials, while the people worked voluntarily.

As a result, each of these houses was sold to the townsfolk at half the cost price. Those who couldn't afford them were allowed to move in first, provided they paid within six Months.

The commercial district, however, remained royal property—no shop could be bought, only leased.

In just one Month, with the aid of the "×3 Territory Development Speed" buff from the panel, every citizen had a home. The entire town echoed with cries of, "Long live Eowenríel!"

Kaen personally named this town Elariel. A name meant to signify the place where the first light pierced the darkness.

….

Royal Residence

Fully armored infantry stood tall, iron-clad armor and steel shields gleaming with a cold edge.

Within the council chamber—

Military officers, civil administrators, and specialists in architecture and medicine were lined up, reporting to Kaen, who sat at the head of the table.

"Lord Kaen, over the past Month, following the foundational policies of our realm and modeling them after those you once implemented in Azure spring, we've drafted our initial civil code, penal code, and national policies. These focus primarily on encouraging childbirth and land cultivation as the first phase of kingdom development."

"Lord Kaen, our military has adopted your training manual to establish drill routines for every unit. With three meals a day and consistent exercises, the soldiers are becoming sturdier by the day. However, we must address our lack of quality equipment as soon as possible."

"Lord Kaen, during this time, I've gathered everyone knowledgeable in herbs and medicine, both from among the Dúnedain and the common folk. We've formed a basic medical team."

"Lord Kaen, thanks to everyone's collaboration and the tireless work of our people, we've managed to construct enough homes for every resident. However, with the onset of winter, the ground hardens at night, making it impossible to continue building the outer walls."

Kaen nodded, clearly satisfied.

His Month of handholding—personally instructing, correcting, overseeing—had not gone to waste. The results were solid and impressive.

After a pause, he spoke:

"From here on, the northern region of the Western Continent will enter a four-Month-long winter."

"The sun will be shrouded behind clouds. In the depths of the forest, the Rock Troll clans, and even the Orc tribes we recently defeated, may yet pose a threat."

"Before spring arrives, we are bound to clash with the darkness dwelling in the woods."

"Therefore, Cathril's light cavalry must now shoulder the burden of constant patrols."

"Lairon, I need you to dispatch rangers into the forest on a rotating basis, keeping watch for signs of dark movement."

"All remaining forces are to enter a war-ready state. We will not sit idly and wait to be attacked."

"Yes, Lord!" the commanders responded in unison.

Kaen then turned to the civil officers. "You've done well over the past Month. I was involved in much of it, and I'm satisfied. But this alone is not enough."

"We need to compare our laws and institutions to those of other kingdoms. Only then can we find our shortcomings and improve."

"Therefore, this winter, I'm ordering all internal affairs officers to travel to Rivendell to study."

"It is the last haven east of the Sea, and the Elves there have preserved much of their lore and knowledge of Middle-earth."

"I'm confident that you will learn invaluable lessons there—insight that will help us build a more prosperous and well-governed kingdom."

All the civil officers rose and spoke in unison, "We will not disappoint you, my Lord."

….

After the meeting, Kaen penned a letter and had it delivered to Rivendell by the light cavalry.

The message was simple: Kaen asked Lord Elrond to permit his officials to study politics, medicine, architecture, and craftsmanship in Rivendell.

The reply came swiftly.

Elrond expressed his warm welcome and said he was particularly intrigued by the Anglian tongue Kaen had devised. He requested Kaen to teach it to him.

Kaen, naturally, agreed with pleasure.

He summoned all internal affairs officials, medical staff, architects, and other experts.

Lairon was assigned to lead a party of 50 rangers to escort them safely to Rivendell for the winter term of study.

Gandalf, too, expressed his desire to spend this winter in Rivendell, and so he joined the departing group.

….

Just after the officials had departed—

Brie, the one in charge of managing Azure spring, sent word that the long-absent slave merchant, Balrod, had returned.

This time, he brought with him 500 strong, healthy men and 500 equally fit women—along with a few blacksmiths, stonemasons, and other craftsmen.

Kaen bought them all, paying over five thousand gold coins and requesting immediate delivery.

….

A few days later, Lady Tifa arrived as well.

Braving the harsh snow and bitter winds of winter, she had traveled from Azure Spring to Elariel, bringing with her the large batch of weapons Kaen had ordered.

Kaen greeted her with open arms and, through some subtle maneuvering, convinced her to stay through the winter.

….

In the warmth of a firelit room—

Tifa sat on the desk, frowning as she combed through the ledgers, occasionally muttering to herself.

Kaen pushed the door open, a steaming cup of tea in his hand. He stepped in with a smile.

"How are you finding things?" he asked.

"Not too bad," she replied half-heartedly. She set the ledger aside and looked at him with mild exasperation. "You seriously want a woman to be your treasurer? Will your officials even accept that?"

"As long as you're capable, no one will object."

Kaen placed the cup of tea beside her and took her soft, pale hand into his.

"I don't have anyone under me right now who can manage finances properly. This position is far too important—I can't just give it to someone unfit."

"After thinking it over, among everyone I know, you're the most suited for this role."

"Don't worry. I'm neither blind nor stubborn. Just look at Cathril, Ameliah, and Joanna—all of them hold important positions despite being women."

Tifa rolled her eyes and muttered with a hint of sarcasm, "I doubt that's all there is to it. I haven't met the other two, but the way Cathril looks at you… it's not normal."

Kaen sighed. "I know what they feel. And I've never ignored or avoided it. But the kingdom is still in its infancy—I simply don't have the time or luxury to indulge in romance."

"They?" Tifa arched a brow and scoffed. "You really are a scoundrel."

"I've never wronged any of them."

Kaen shook his head. "I'm not like those so-called noblemen who preach virtue while hiding mistresses behind their wives' backs."

"Those who love me—and those I love—I will give them a rightful place. I'll make it known to the world that they are my beloved."

Tifa raised her eyebrows. "And what about me?"

"The same goes for you. In fact… you are the first woman I've ever truly been with."

"Really?" she squinted at him.

"Didn't you notice how clumsy I was that time?"

"Bastard!"

"…"