Chapter 818: What Darian Built

From there, they continued deeper into the city, and Trafalgar allowed his focus to shift away from the brief exchange and back to the surroundings, where the changes in Thal'zar territory became increasingly difficult to ignore.

The improvements were not limited to commerce alone. The streets they walked through were noticeably clean, with little of the grime or neglect that often accumulated in rapidly growing cities. Drainage channels had been rebuilt and expanded along several of the main roads, suggesting long-term planning rather than temporary fixes. Between the older Beastkin-style structures, new buildings had been constructed with more uniform spacing, giving the city a sense of order that had not been present before.

In the larger squares, public fountains had been installed, their water flowing steadily as people gathered around them without crowding or disorder. Organised transport stops had been placed at key intersections, allowing carriages and pedestrians to move without constant interference. Even the presence of guards around the market districts felt measured rather than oppressive, enough to maintain order without making the city feel like it was under occupation.

After observing this for a while, Trafalgar finally spoke, his attention still on the flow of people around them. "How large has the population become?" he asked.

The guide did not answer immediately, as if considering how best to summarise the scale of the change. "Much larger than it used to be, especially in this region," he said at last, gesturing ahead toward a cluster of taller buildings. "At first, it was mostly workers who arrived when construction began expanding. After that, merchants followed once the trade routes became stable enough to rely on. Only then did families start settling permanently instead of moving back and forth across the borders."

Trafalgar absorbed that in silence for a moment before continuing. "So outsiders can live here permanently now?"

"With permission, yes," the guide confirmed. "Property laws are stricter for foreigners, but it is entirely possible. Lord Darian preferred it that way. He wanted people to spend their money within the territory rather than simply entering, trading, and then carrying everything back across the border without contributing to the local economy."

At that, Trafalgar allowed a faint, almost imperceptible smile to form, as if acknowledging the practicality of the approach.

"That sounds reasonable enough," he admitted quietly.

The guide nodded, as though pleased by the response. "It has proven effective."

Trafalgar hesitated briefly before continuing, shifting the topic slightly. "And taxes?"

The question earned him a short laugh from the guide, who glanced at him with mild amusement. "You really are a lord, aren't you?"

"Occupational habit," Trafalgar replied without much emotion.

The guide shook his head slightly, still smiling. "For new businesses, the taxes are lower than most neighbouring territories during their first few years. After that period, they gradually rise to the standard rate. It was designed to give merchants a reason to establish themselves here early, before any competing region could offer them a better deal."

Cynthia looked around at the crowded streets as they passed another busy intersection, taking in the steady flow of commerce and movement. "I'm guessing it worked," she commented.

"Very well," the guide confirmed without hesitation.

Trafalgar did not respond immediately after that. Instead, he allowed his thoughts to settle as they walked, taking in the broader picture of what he was seeing.

Darian had clearly been busy.

Opening the territory in this way had not been a simple decision, especially for a Beastkin Great Family that had historically placed so much value on independence and tradition. Yet from what Trafalgar could observe, this was not a reckless expansion or a sudden policy shift. It was structured, deliberate, and carefully managed.

There were rules in place.

Infrastructure had been built to support growth rather than simply react to it.

Incentives had been designed to attract the right kind of people while discouraging instability.

'He's doing a good job,' Trafalgar admitted inwardly.

At one point, he had placed Darian in a position of influence largely for convenience, because having someone inside House Thal'zar had been useful at the time. It had been a calculated move, nothing more.

Somewhere along the way, however, that same person had apparently learned how to actually govern what had been placed in his hands.

Their guide eventually led them away from the busiest central avenue, guiding them instead toward a quieter transport district located near the western edge of the city. The atmosphere shifted noticeably as they left the dense commercial zones behind, replaced by wider, less crowded streets and more controlled movement.

Several private carriages were stationed beneath covered stone structures, with stable hands moving between them in an organised manner, preparing vehicles and checking equipment with practiced efficiency.

Among them, one carriage stood apart from the rest.

It was larger than the others, dark in colour, and designed for comfort without drawing unnecessary attention. Unlike the more official-looking transport nearby, it bore no obvious Thal'zar crest or insignia, as if intentionally kept discreet.

"That one is ours," the guide said, pointing toward it. "From here, the journey will take a few hours. Lord Darian specifically requested that the final part remain private."

Trafalgar studied the carriage for a moment before asking, "How private are we talking?"

The Beastkin did not answer immediately. Instead, he walked forward and opened the door for them, holding it in place as he finally responded.

"Private enough that no one is even aware he is meeting anyone today," he said simply.

Rhosyn entered first without hesitation, followed closely by Cynthia.

Trafalgar lingered for a brief moment before stepping inside as well, pausing just long enough to cast one last look back toward the city they were leaving behind.

Open markets stretched through the streets.

Foreign merchants moved freely among Beastkin residents.

New roads connected districts that had once been far more isolated.

The Gate hub they had arrived through was now just one part of a much larger system, filled with travellers who no longer needed to hide their identities simply because they did not belong to the dominant race of the region.

The Thal'zar territory he remembered was still there, but it was already becoming harder to recognise beneath everything Darian had built over it.

Trafalgar finally stepped fully into the carriage.

The guide climbed into the front seat, taking up position to drive, and a moment later the wheels began to turn, carrying them away from the city.

As the buildings slowly receded into the distance, Trafalgar settled back into his seat and turned his gaze out through the window, watching the road stretch ahead of them.

He had not even reached Darian yet, and already House Thal'zar had given him more than enough to think about.