Vol 2. Chapter 12: Interlude: The Merchant Leader (6)
Telek Harbor.
Unbeknownst to the rest of the Afrazia United Kingdom, isolated by its severe information disconnect, Telek Harbor is currently the most prosperous city in the nation.
While <Paraiso>, the administrative AI of The Tree Fortress, categorizes it merely as a "town," it ranks among the largest population centers in the kingdom. This, however, reflects more on the kingdom's decline than Telek Harbor’s growth.
“It’s finally starting to recover...”
The leader of Telek Harbor, from his newly built mansion’s office, looked out over the city. Below, bustling streets stretched toward the sea, with a grand avenue running straight from the port to a newly constructed five-story mansion at its terminus. Building above three stories had previously been impossible with local technology, but with <Paraiso>’s assistance, the unprecedented structure became a reality.
Recalling the elegant white ship of <Paraiso>, Kulavia Telek felt as though it had docked only yesterday, though it had been over a year. That ship had arrived at a time when the nation, ravaged by civil war, faced logistical stagnation and economic collapse. Telek Harbor had been on the brink of ruin, its reserves dwindling rapidly. Kulavia had even seriously considered fleeing the country. Then <Paraiso>’s trade ship appeared and overturned everything.
Its polished white hull and striking crimson banner left a lasting impression. Though Kulavia could not comprehend its mechanics, the paddle wheels churning through the water while emitting smoke were unforgettable. That ship brought a wealth of resources to Telek Harbor.
Kulavia understood that this was, in essence, economic infiltration. Yet, he did not resist. His desperation played a part, but more than anything, <Paraiso> approached with sincerity. The crew grasped his dire circumstances yet refrained from exploiting them. They continued trading without taking advantage of his vulnerability. While extending a hand of support, they demanded fair compensation, understanding that maintaining the appearance of business was more dependable than charity. They consistently offered options and respected his decisions.
“Maybe it’s time for a festival...”
The thought struck him. Perhaps a celebration commemorating <Paraiso>’s first arrival in Telek Harbor? In a few months, it would mark two years since their first contact. The townspeople would likely embrace the idea. As for <Paraiso>’s response, while hard to predict, their past interactions suggested they wouldn’t reject it outright.
“There hasn’t been a founding day festival, harvest festival, or New Year’s festival in ages...”
Until now, there hadn’t been the resources or morale for such celebrations. But Telek Harbor was regaining its vitality, and Iron Town had stabilized. The two towns had developed a steady trade connection, with goods regularly transported by wagon. A joint festival celebrating <Paraiso>’s arrival could unify Telek Harbor and Iron Town. It would be a testament to their survival and future growth. # Nоvеlight # While the outside world remained inaccessible, there were no immediate plans for external negotiations.