The Lord of the Rings: Lords of Middle-earth.

Chapter 848 Inner City Construction
“As for the construction of Lagrange City, it should also be put on the agenda!” Roland tapped the table to get everyone’s attention.

"You must understand that this is the capital city! What kind of capital city only exposes its palace to the outside world? Don't forget that the capital currently has no subjects." Roland reminded him that he was now a king without any subjects! Apart from having an army, the nearest people were all a million miles away!

"So you mean to start building the inner city?" Adolf Heinrich asked Roland. He wasn't surprised at all by Roland's suggestion, after all, how could the capital be managed without anyone?

"Can our magic-patterned stone bricks keep up?" Caslo frowned. You see, the kingdom's magic-patterned stone brick production depends on Old Man Radil alone. The construction of the Swift Stream Avenue is already enough to exhaust his energy. Where would he find the extra time to prepare building materials for the capital?

“Of course, a few new earth mages have arrived in Swiftstream City. Although their levels are not high, they are enough to produce these magic-patterned stone bricks!” Roland nodded.

“That’s great!” Caslo exclaimed happily.

“So you have a mission: go to Swiftstream City and bring them back!” Roland tapped the table and gestured the route to Caslo.

Caslo, who had been laughing, suddenly stopped. At such a young age, he had already learned to use sadness to cover up his smile. However, Caslo quickly stopped being sad. His eyes darted around and he seemed to realize something. Instead, he rubbed his hands together excitedly.

Roland and no one else noticed Caslo's little actions, but Adolf Heinrich did. Looking at the expectation and excitement in Caslo's eyes, he quickly realized what was going on.

"How do you plan to build the inner city?" Adolf Heinrich asked Roland, after all, this was the capital. Adolf Heinrich felt he needed to advise Roland so that he could correct the king's illness in time if it occurred.

"Let's expand outwards first! One kilometer outwards from the palace as the center!" Roland thought for a moment.

"You want to imitate the construction methods of the capital?" Adolf Heinrich was taken aback and suddenly felt a bit emotional.

“Yes, the capital city with its nine-layered walls is the spiritual symbol of Lagrange! Now that we’re back, Lagrange will return!” Roland said calmly.

Lagrange City, the capital of the Lagrange Empire, was once surrounded by nine city walls and was the largest city in the Middle-earth! Nestled on the edge of the defenseless Lagrange Plain, backed by two rivers, it itself was a natural fortress! Roland intends to recreate the capital's former glory! However, a magnificent capital is beyond Roland's current capabilities; restoring Lagrange City's true splendor will likely require half a lifetime of effort! And this is even considering his special abilities!

"Let's build the inner city first! We don't have the resources to completely replicate it; right now, I just need it to function as a city!" Roland said pragmatically. After all, the current Lagrange City is more like a fortress than a country!
"Okay, I will do my best to allocate manpower to complete the work as soon as possible!" Adolf Heinrich breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, Roland did not make any unrealistic promises about rebuilding Lagrange. Otherwise, Adolf Heinrich would not have known how to persuade him today. After all, as a descendant of the royal family and the actual leader of the country, it was his responsibility and right to restore the former glory. Adolf Heinrich could not stop such a high-sounding act. Fortunately, Roland was still very clear-headed.

Adolf Heinrich was overthinking it. Roland knew better than anyone that taking too big a step could lead to disaster! As a pragmatist, he didn't care about empty titles. Compared to these insignificant reputations and titles, he was more concerned with how to pocket the benefits. After all, the vast Lagrange Plains were waiting for his conquest and development. The dwarves had no interest in those plains. The only obstacles in Roland's way were time and his own kingdom.

……

"Have they made a move?" Maple Forest Orchid, who had not appeared in public for a long time, appeared on the watchtower between the intersection of the Swift River and the Red River.

"Your Majesty!" Only then did the soldiers on guard tower notice that the person climbing up from below was none other than Maple Forest Orchid, the Dragon Knight Commander of the Kingdom! They quickly took off their helmets and saluted.

"Alright, no need for formalities, you've all worked hard!" Maple Forest Orchid patted their shoulders encouragingly.

"Have they made a move?" Maple Forest Orchid asked again. "No, not even a hair!" A squad of soldiers on the watchtower quickly shook their heads.

This ten-meter-high permanent watchtower was built to prevent the Eastern Yi charioteers from crossing the river and appearing directly beneath Lagrange City. Although Lagrange City is nominally adjacent to two rivers, in reality, the city is still quite a distance from the rivers at present! It wasn't until the city walls were expanded to their original nine levels that Lagrange City was practically touching the two rivers. Therefore, to better detect enemy activity, and given the occasional spying by the Eastern Yi charioteers from the opposite bank, Adolf Heinrich ordered the construction of this watchtower. Even after the watchtower loses its primary function of surveillance, it can still serve as a lighthouse to guide ferries across the river!

"Huh? Weren't they out scouting all the time a while ago?" Fenglin Youlan asked curiously. You should know that although these Dongyi chariot people were crippled by the kingdom, they did not stop for long. Their scouting forces kept appearing on the banks of the Jiliu River and the Hongshui River.

"Who knows? Maybe they're just bored?" The soldiers shrugged helplessly. They would get bored staying here all day, let alone the Dongyi chariot warriors who live a life of hardship! The watchtower was fully equipped with clothes and bedding, and the soldiers on duty could get a good rest inside. There were also soldiers taking turns on duty. Even so, these energetic young men were getting sleepy just looking at the surging river, let alone the Dongyi chariot warriors who live a life of hardship.

What? You're asking why the Dongyi chariot people don't set up a small stronghold to settle down? That's a good question. Guess what Weiss, who's always in the city, is doing? Coming over to fight guerrilla warfare with the Lagranges and take a look around is already their limit. If they stay any longer, the dragon's breath will be coming!

"You've worked hard. Keep monitoring them!" Fenglin Youlan carried Long Xi and observed for a long time, but couldn't discern anything through her dragon eyes. The reed beds on the opposite bank were quiet, with no movement except for the reeds swaying in the wind. Fortunately, Fenglin Youlan shook her head and handed over the important task of monitoring those people to the guards. She then climbed down from the watchtower and spurred her horse towards the distant city.

"Why do you think Her Majesty Youlan was in the mood for an inspection?" the guards murmured after Maple Forest Youlan left.

"I heard that his wife's injuries have healed!" someone in the know whispered.

"Really?" Everyone immediately started gossiping.

“Of course! His Majesty Youlan is such a devoted man! He didn’t even attend His Majesty’s banquets while his wife was bedridden!” another soldier quickly added.

"What a good man!"

"Truly worthy of being called a paladin!"

The soldiers immediately took Maple Forest Orchid as their role model, admired her greatly, and expressed their intention to learn from her chivalrous spirit.

Our protagonist has now returned to the castle, and he walks briskly toward the palace, his body ramrod straight.

……

“Your Majesty! Those Dongyi people haven’t appeared recently!” Fenglin Youlan said.

"Let them be. If they're so capable, let them cross the river!" Roland waved his hand dismissively.

I have a fever again... I shouldn't have drunk anything cold...