The weather was growing steadily colder. The water in the wells was frigid, nearly frozen solid.
"Why don't you just freeze already," Garrett muttered, frustrated that the water wasn't converting to ice quickly enough.
But while the water hadn't frozen yet, the citizens were approaching that state themselves.
As he passed by the agricultural plots one day, he glimpsed a citizen shivering while harvesting wheat.
After working briefly, the man would hurry to a nearby brazier to warm himself, then brave the cold to continue his labor.
He wasn't alone in this struggle. It appeared that many settlers lacked proper clothing to maintain warmth.
"This isn't good," Garrett realized.
Just as he was heading to the storage areas to search for materials suitable for winter garments, the community representative, Wade, came to him first.
His purpose aligned with Garrett's concern, finding a way for the citizens to stay warm through the approaching winter.
"My lord, we'd like to request some wool or leather to craft clothing that will help us survive the cold season."
"Approved."
Those two materials had long been stockpiled in the warehouse, more than enough to make clothes for two hundred people.
"Take as much as you need. As always: don't try to save, but don't waste either."
"Take according to need."
"Take according to need? I understand, my lord."
Wade pondered over that phrase, and Garrett granted him access to the communal resource storage.
Having accepted numerous responsibilities from Garrett and helped resolve countless administrative matters, his reputation had already reached [Resident], which authorized him to access the public chests Garrett had placed and withdraw items as needed.
From an outside perspective, it appeared that he had contributed enough and was now permitted by his lord to utilize magical tools and resources.
This motivated others to work faster as well.
The settlers could use wool and thread to sew garments themselves, but with winter approaching fast, their production pace was simply too slow.
Ultimately, Garrett mass-produced a batch of standardized clothing for them.
There were three types of materials that provided cold resistance and were relatively low-cost: leather, wool, and wolf pelts.
The latter two hadn't originally appeared in his crafting recipes, they were added after he encountered the corresponding items in the world.
After addressing these basic survival needs and observing the steadily accumulating supplies and rising reputation levels above the settlers' heads, he felt it was time to plan the next tier of advancement.
At 50 reputation, one could achieve [Artisan] rank, which granted access to superior tools and the option to "specialize" by selecting a job block and learning a specific trade.
For example, a shepherd could use a loom to work efficiently.
Though looms in the base game were only used for creating banner patterns, here they functioned as actual textile equipment.
That said, citizens couldn't simply choose any profession on a whim, they had to genuinely master the craft before claiming the specialization.
Thus, a healthy development path was established.
From [Visitor] to [Resident] represented the process of gaining citizenship rights. From [Resident] to [Artisan] involved learning specialized skills. Beyond that lay further specialization and advancement to higher tiers.
"The territory is truly flourishing,"
Garrett couldn't help but feel satisfied.
Just as everything was progressing smoothly, the citizens were stable, resources were accumulating steadily, an unexpected visitor arrived.
Gandalf.
Not many days had passed since their parting. After ensuring Bilbo's safe return home, he returned the way he came, heading directly for Wayfort.
Whoosh.
Watching the rapidly rising new gate, he nodded commented as he walked inside. "Your entrance is finally more than mere decoration."
"I sense something significant has occurred here."
"Indeed something has," Garrett replied as he walked alongside the wizard. "I've recently taken in some settlers and, while I was at it, established a faction. After all, in a place this big, you need people, otherwise it's just too quiet."
"A sensible decision."
Gandalf looked at the hardworking settlers and nodded with approval. "These folk likely descend from the old Kingdom of Rhovanion, sharing heritage with the Rohirrim. That golden hair is proof enough to their lineage."
"Choosing them as your people was wise. Their bloodline carries courage and independence. In times of danger, even their women will take up arms and fight."
"And they all possess honest countenances, I sense no malice among them."
As he spoke, he suddenly paused, as if recalling something important.
"Wait... did you say you created a factio, are you certain you mean a faction, not merely a new territory?"
"That's correct."
Gandalf inhaled sharply.
"I haven't heard any word of this development. Let me surmise, it was established within the past few days, wasn't it?"
"Yep. Including Dale, I've decided to group all my lands under one name: the 'Free Settlements.'"
"Lord of the Free Settlements... Garrett," Gandalf repeated thoughtfully.
"Well, I suppose that aligns with your character."
He accepted the news without much resistance.
Having known Garrett for some time now, he wouldn't be surprised even if Garrett suddenly revealed he could summon dragons the next moment.
...Actually, no, that would still be kind of outrageous. Highly unlikely.
"Your people appear prosperous and energetic. I'm curious about your methods of governance."
"That would take a while to explain."
Garrett shook his head and, under the curious gazes of several settlers, invited Gandalf into the castle for private discussion.
He took the initiative and inquired, "So what are your plans? More travels and adventures?"
"Travels... yes. I'm planning to visit several locations."
Gandalf replied seriously, "Garrett, I suspect the Enemy's Ring hasn't actually been lost to the Sea. It may still exist somewhere, simply not yet returned to its master."
"What led you to that conclusion?" Garrett asked, genuinely intrigued.
Most of the White Council accepted Saruman's theory, that the Ring had been swept downriver into the Sea. By all logic, even if Gandalf disliked Saruman, he usually went along with the views of the White Wizard's expertise.
"Intuition."
Gandalf answered simply, "I don't believe it's so straightforward. The Dark Lord's power stirs once more. Ever since my escape from Dol Guldur, I've felt deeply uneasy."
"Soon, I plan to investigate the Vales of Anduin and surrounding regions. Perhaps I'll discover some evidence."
A wizard's intuition was rarely mistaken.
"All right then, I wish you luck."
Following that, Garrett handed Gandalf with a small request:
"By the way, if you come across any refugees or people struggling to survive during your travels, feel free to send them my way. Wayfort is big, it can house many more. Of course, it's not urgent. Just do it if it's convenient."
The idea was to let things develop naturally.
"I'll assist you with that," Gandalf nodded in agreement.
"One more thing," Garrett said suddenly. "Gandalf, on a personal note, I'd like to ask a favor of you, something that might happen in the future... or might not."
"If one day I die, could you return my body to my land?"
Gandalf raised an eyebrow and studied Garrett with a long, penetrating look. After a moment, he nodded solemnly.
"Yes, certainly. After all, we are friends, are we not? If that day should come, I will find a way. Even if... by then, I am no longer walking in this world."