Chapter 1039
Chapter 1039: Decisions On Incoming Letters
Translator: TransN Editor: TransN
"Your Majesty, this is the finance for this week," said Barov in exhilaration as he presented the report . "In short, the figures show a better uptrend than we've expected . As a matter of fact, they've spiked . In the past, this would have been a miracle!"
"Yes . Well done," said Roland as he leaned back in his chair . His expression was a lot calmer than Barov because he knew how the miracle had occurred . Both the population and economy had increased during the Months of Demons this year compared to summer and autumn, the busy seasons . This meant that the Months of Demons now had very little impact on Neverwinter . The turn of events was so dramatic, it was as if the snow outside the window was not real . For the people in this era, this report would completely reshape their common sense .
After all, when the cold winter came, people tended to consume more energy than being productive . It was as if they started to hibernate . Thus, an economic slump was commonly seen in winter . In the past, the entire border town was abandoned in winter . Hence, how could the production and trade continue without people?
However, Roland was aware that the people's choice of "hibernation" was nothing but a temporary compromise to deal with the harsh environment . Humans beings had the ability to change their environment . This allowed them to top thousands of creatures on earth throughout history . The concrete boat was immune to the wind direction and could work tirelessly, making heavy snow no longer a barrier; the heating system helped people keep warm; the hospital provided medical insurance; the plants were able to run even in bad weather . As human beings became more adaptive to the environment, the "miracle" would sooner or later come .
In addition, the enthronement and the establishment of the new capital also played a role in surging these figures as people were always apt to gather in bustling places . This was a custom that has not changed for thousands of years .
Nowadays, the wide Redwater River seemed to be a bit crowded with so many concrete boats coming and going . At the end of the last year, the total number of the concrete boats manufactured in Neverwinter had exceeded 500 . They had been designed for multiple purposes . Some of them had holes for quick loading and unloading; some had two stories where the lower story was for cargo while the upper story was for passengers . Its versatile design had been favored by many in the Chamber of Commerce . Since large scale of population migration could be a rare niche, the cement boats they had purchased now could be seen in many cities' docks .
Since news of the enthronement had spread, there were 500 or 600 people arriving at Neverwinter each day . One year ago, Barov had thought it was impossible to reach the population of 100,000, but the Western Region now had a total population of near 200,000, and 90% of them lived in Neverwinter .
Furthermore, it was a fact that the new capital was completely different to the traditional cities . It had neither grand walls nor division of the inner and the outer city . Instead, it was divided by circles of streets, which enlargened towards the suburbs . The city looked as if the city was a forest of houses .
Many people had criticized Neverwinter for its similar constructures and lack of ornate architecture .
But to Roland, those criticisms were another kind of compliment .
How could Neverwinter bear the rapidly increasing population if there were not so many houses to accommodate them? 200,000 people were almost equal to the combined total residents in the rest of Graycastle's cities . If Neverwinter had to be walled and embellished with exquisite buildings such as the grand cathedrals, bell towers, and a palace, it would take him decades to complete .
Population was the basis of industrialization, they guaranteed the expansion of plants and provided the prerequisite for economic prosperity . The beauty of the city was the last thing he would care about .
Perhaps in his eyes, rows of chimneys discharging hot smokes were more beautiful than a magnificent palace .
Considering the time lag in spreading news, next year would see a more shocking growth .
"Stick to it, you'll get the reward you deserve," said Roland .
"Being the Hand of the King is the best reward I could ever have . It's your wise decision that makes such a difference . What I did is nothing but to follow your order," said Barov as he stroked his beard proudly .
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