Weeks had passed since Justinian's conversation with Julius and Augustus.

And within that time, Snowkeep became the hub of trade of the south, fully utilizing Elberich's resources and connections to establish connections with the capital itself.

The newly created Theodosian walls were also a good income generator as tourism from all around the kingdom soared through the roofs just to get a peek of the almighty walls that were claimed to have survived a god's wrath.

All in all, the war had benefited them more than it had harmed.

Even Herdrin and Bridgeton had started to develop with Martin and the guild's help.

The Snowkeep from before didn't just change in leadership, but also in every other way possible.

***

"How's our population?"

Justinian entered a room where Darius was working, and to his surprise, Darius was lounging casually on his desk without a care in the world.

"Surprisingly well, our population is rising due to tourism, and the census has given nearly everyone the proper jobs; we're pretty much set for life, even though in winter we'll likely survive."

The census had made Snowkeep's manpower issue completely null; the crisis with the overabundance of homes was solved due to the census, and the farming and disease issue was already solved through the divine construction miracle.

If there was any time anyone could describe as a time of peace.

This was the perfect time to do so.

"What about our neighbors?"

"Other than the Archduke, everyone is fairly unhappy due to your status as a rising power, but your influence as his liege is enough to stop them from acting."

Darius had memorized nearly everything now, and it didn't help that almost nothing had happened this entire week; it was almost like an extended vacation for him.

'If I remembered correctly... he was also a great fighter.'

Justinian smirked, something that Darius caught immediately.

"You're planning on making me suffer again, aren't you?"

"Say, what do you think about becoming a knight?"

Darius's eyes widened, and he spat out the coffee he was drinking. While he might be talented and have the highest potential this kingdom had, he had never even touched a sword in this timeline yet.

"My lord... are you drafting me!?"

His reaction was a mix of pleading and pure and utter offense. I got my answer before he even needed to say it.

"Relax, I was just making a suggestion; it's still your choice."

Justinian sat across from him, his face looking disappointed, the exact opposite of what Darius had expected from their success.

"Is there a problem?"

"Give me an estimate on the top of your head, how fast are we progressing?"

Darius took a generous second before he replied. "Probably one of the fastest growing capitals in the kingdom."

Justinian grumbled. While it may sound good, it definitely wasn't enough. "But we also have nothing else to do to change that, right?"

"If you're thinking about expanding, we don't even have the proper casus beli, and if we were to expand south and into tribal lands, then Lord Augustus and Julius will need to win before we even do that."

Justinian fiddled with a stray quill across the table, deciding on what's the best thing to do.

A month-long break would definitely benefit his health, and surely opportunities would come to him where he would be able to do more.

"You're right, I'll be patient."

Justinian left the room quietly, leaving Darius alone and in thought.

"I've never really thought about that," Darius muttered, sipping his coffee. "After being in chaos for so long... it does get boring being at peace."

***

Months had passed since that meeting, Snowkeep growing more prosperous as ever, but despite that, Augustus and Julius still hadn't won.

According to reports, they were managing to get pushed back due to Raven's strange magic, constantly messing with the heads and thoughts of their armies.

While they didn't face any major casualties, Raven's gift was still highly annoying when leading a marching army, and even if Augustus and Julius are literal men among men, they still needed an army if they wanted to win against a vast territory.

"Seriously..."

Justinian crossed his legs on the edge of his bed. He had just woken up, and he started the day with terrible news.

"Justinian, someone wants to see you."

The voice of Cassia was outside the room, apparently called to meet an envoy.

"Enter, who is it?"

"It's... the princess, apparently she's here on vacation?"

"What...?"

***

The carriage that entered the city was opulent to say the least, guarded by nearly a hundred caped paladins that served the king and his marshal directly, unlike the owls, these were bred for war.

Each one was trained from a young age, even they would give Julius a run for his money at this stage in the novel.

"That's incredible..."

Maria glanced at the huge aqueduct that spanned from the city proper and into the mountains; it was enough that you could even call it a national wonder.

And not only that, when they passed a river, Maria almost yelled out in surprise when she saw their advanced sewage system.

It was a design the royal capital was theorizing but never got to execute, so seeing it in practice in a former crumbling domain was enough to shake her to say the least.

"I knew he was impressive..." She bit her nail. "But I never expected this..."

And the biggest surprise? the cult of Justinian that was preaching just by the city's plaza, their robes a bright white and crimson as they preached about Justinian's divine nature.

She wasn't sure if she should be appalled or laughing, because while it was heresy in the highest degree... the gods didn't seem to mind for now.

Even the patriarch was allied with Justinian, and that made it all the more weird.

"We've arrived, princess."

The coachmen of the carriage spoke, and when the door to her carriage opened, Justinian was there to greet her.

"Thank you for gracing us with your presence, your majesty."

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