After Kant returned to Drondheim, many high-level meetings were held to resolve the engineering problem in Drondheim.
According to Kant’s findings, Drondheim had abundant geographical resources and had enough potential to develop into a well-connected heavy industrial city. However, Drondheim was still in a period of steady growth, it was still a little difficult to invest a lot of manpower and financial resources into it.
“Drondheim is self-sufficient at the moment, and with the freshwater resources transferred from Cumberland in the south, there is no need to add more burdens on it.” a minister said in a strong tone.
“But the population in the main city has almost reached a critical point. If we don’t expand the territory in the next two years, the living space of the citizens of Drondheim will become precarious.” another minister retorted.
“Although Durandal has enough coal resources, we can use it as a reserve of raw materials, we want to build Durandal into a complete industrial city. But with our current abilities, we can’t do it.” another minister stood out.
“Industry is the backup force that supports a country. In the early days of the founding of the country, we should try our best to nurture it regardless of the cost. If we miss this opportunity, then Drondheim’s future will be unpredictable.” a minister argued.
Kant sat silently in the chief seat as he listened to their debate.
Bunduk and Derrick also sat in their seats, seriously considering the conditions that the various ministers had proposed.
However, the meeting still didn’t reach a definitive conclusion.
When the civil servants, who were divided into two factions, left the senate hall with a puzzled look on their faces.
Derrick walked up to Kant and bowed. “Lord.”
“Yes.” Kant nodded. The past few days of meetings had left him in an awful state.
“I’m here to bid you farewell.” Derrick said respectfully.
Kant rubbed his temples and asked, “Are you ready to set off?”
“Yes. I’ll set off for Durandal tomorrow morning.” Derrick replied.
“Be careful on your way. I’ve been busy these past few days, so I won’t be able to send you off tomorrow.” Kant said as he looked at Derrick.
“Lord Kant, you’ve worked hard. This is the first time I’ve attended such a meeting. I’ve also been shocked by the momentum of the various ministers’ heated debates.” Derrick described to Kant.
“It’s the same as before. They were doing at their best at their positions.” Kant replied.
In fact, the intensity of the ministers’ opinions this time had surprised him.
The meeting continued for a few days, but the heat of the debate had yet to subside.
It seemed like Durandal’s investment had quite a deep impact.
“It’s still you, Lord, who made the final decision on this matter. I wonder what you think after listening to the opinions of the ministers, Lord?” Derrick asked probingly.
“The construction in Durandal is indeed troublesome, but it’s also unavoidable. What kind of city does Durandal need to be built into may be the key. For now, maintaining the local natural resources is the most important thing.” Kant didn’t answer directly, instead, he made a summary of what the ministers had said.
“Yes, I believe that Lord Kant will make a suitable decision in the end.” Derrick said to Kant after listening to the summary.
“How many people are you planning to bring to Durandal this time?” Kant changed the topic and asked.
“About eight hundred people. This is the number of people I selected from my own subordinates after I learned about the recent situation in Durandal from Commander Bunduk.” Derrick answered carefully.
“I see. You’ve thought it quite thoroughly.” Kant nodded in agreement. “It will probably be late autumn by the time you return from your trip to Durandal. You must pack your necessary luggage and take care of your health. Convey my condolences to the soldiers accompanying you.” Kant instructed.
“Yes, Lord.” After receiving the order, Derrick took his leave.
By the time he returned to the barracks, the evening training was about to begin.
Derrick supervised the soldiers’ drills and training tasks as usual.
When the command from the main general’s platform sounded, all the soldiers needed to gather below the stage.
After disbanding the other soldiers, Derrick left behind the 800 soldiers who were to follow Derrick to Durandal the next day.
“We will be leaving tomorrow. Please prepare yourselves before we leave tonight.” Derrick commanded.
“Yes!”
“Lord sends his regards to all of you on his behalf. He hopes that no accidents will happen during the few months that you will be stationed outside the city. You will be able to complete all your missions in Durandal. Do you hear me?” said Durandal.
“Roger!” the soldiers replied loudly, “Thank you, Lord!”
“Alright, dismissed!” Derrick saluted the soldiers below the stage and said, “Everyone, return to your dormitories and rest early.”
After the meeting was adjourned, Derrick walked out of the training ground by himself.
He discovered that Bunduk was standing there waiting for him.
“Commander Bunduk.” Derrick greeted Bunduk as he walked in front to him.
“Commander Derrick, you’re going to Durandal tomorrow, right?” Bunduk asked.
“Yes.”
The two of them walked side by side to the resting area of the military camp.
“I heard that in most area in Durandal City are construction areas.” Bunduk said worriedly.
“Construction sites are much better than sleeping in the wilderness during war.” Derrick said with a chuckle. “I heard from the Lord that General Adonis still wants to stay there.”
“Actually, it’s better to leave such a task to me. You are still not completely familiar with the military management of the main city. You should have more time to manage the military camp in the center.” Bunduk voiced his doubts.
“Lord must have noticed my current weakness and wants me to train more outside of comfort zone. There will always be you taking care of me in the main city. Nobody would even notice if I slacked off.” Derrick reflected.
“How can that be? I feel that I didn’t help you in any way, and you’ve been working hard all this time.” Bunduk shook his head and said, “I feel that you will definitely become a better commander than men in the future.”
Derrick denied, “I’m already very satisfied to be able to stand on the same level as you, Commander Bunduk. As for surpassing you, that is something I can’t imagine.”
Bunduk continued shaking his head and didn’t say anything else.
When they reached the entrance of the rest area, the two bade each other farewell and returned to their respective residences to rest.
The next morning, Derrick led his troops and set off from the military camp. Derrick said, “Let’s go.”