Steel Empire
Monument Construction

With a relatively stable peace that enveloped the mountainous region of Tyrol after the Berengar conquest, the young Count took the time to build the construction of several monuments since his return. Each monument is made for various aspects of propaganda. The first monument built was intended to represent the glory and personal authority of Berengar von Kufstein. The monument was built with a scale and design similar to the Hermannsdenkmal statue from Germany in Berengar's previous life. 

The monument was placed on a hill above the city of Kufstein, which disregarded its territory as an eternal guardian. The huge statue was meticulously crafted from bronze to represent Berengar's figure perfectly. The statue itself was designed with Berengar mounted atop Erwin's flagship horse, although the horse itself had no barding, and Berengar wearing his exquisite three-quarter plate armor. With a pair of cavalry boots that were knee-deep his Landschneckt like clothes, the statue was designed without Berengar waffenrock, an iron skull cap, and a feathered hat. In one hand, Berengar held the sword of the Heavy Cavalry of 1417 and pointed it towards the city of Rome. 

The position of the statue, and especially its sword, is a double statement. First and foremost, brandishing his sword to Rome represents the struggle of the ancient German people against the Roman Empire. The second meaning behind it is a sign of resistance to the Papacy and its corruption. As well as provocation against Berengar's personal enemy, becoming Pope Simeon II 

Almost a month had passed since Berengar returned from Tyrol, and during that time, the construction of this grand monument was completed; when it was finally completed, Berengar stood before the symbol and smiled. It was truly an extraordinary work of art and showed that the skill level of its people began to advance into the renaissance era. After all, Berengar had inspired his people to pursue art; however, he himself could never teach art because he was so incompetent on the subject; he could at least create a society that allowed craftsmen and craftsmen to explore the depths of their talents. The fact that the statue was so majestic proved that he had made the right decision to spend a small portion of the treasury to subsidize artists and craftsmen with great potential. 

Standing beside Berengar staring at the majestic look was Linde, who was holding her son in her hands; she was staring between the immaculate facial features of her lover, and her statue and praising the work.

"That's really similar to you!"

Berengar's grin could not be wider, for so long this medieval world did not have any advanced art form, since the collapse of the Roman Empire, the art of the European world has suffered greatly, retreat to the point of being ludicrous, yet for the first time in centuries great creation has taken place in Europe on par with the great works of classical antiquity! He could not help the excitement he had for the other monuments being built; if his personal statue turned out to be this good, then the others should be even grander!

After staring at his own statue, Berengar finally responded to Linde's claim with a nod. 

"It's amazing; I didn't expect this to go so well. Really, the talent I have been building over these past few months is worth it!"

Berengar did not exaggerate about taking some degree of credit for the project; after all, it was his vision that came true, and without his economic support, he said, the artists in his territory would not be able to improve their skills to the full. Although Berengar did not have the ability to create art himself, his mind was filled with creative ideas that could be developed and turned into masterpieces when explained to the right artist. 

The main designer of the statue walked over to Berengar and noticed the Count's wide smile; therefore, he was very happy to see Berengar enjoying the piece. However, he still wanted to ask if that was what Berengar wanted, he voiced his thoughts.

"I hope it is to your liking, Your Majesty!"

Berengar was immediately jolted back to reality after being fascinated by the monument, ascended to the project lead, and happily shook his hand.

"Gerlach, you and your team have really beaten yourself. This is truly inspiring; this monument will stand as a testament to the strength of our people for centuries to come!"

Although the man named Gerlach knew that the statue was more related to Berengar's personal prestige and his Dinasti authority, it was still pleasant to hear such praise. In fact, this is not the only project Gerlach is working on; he is also overseeing the construction of a monument dedicated to those who have fallen in Schwaz, the capital, it was being built on the site of Ambush where Berengar and his army suffered on that cold winter night. Therefore, the man discussed the progress with the other monuments assigned to him.

"I'm glad to hear that Your Majesty is happy! I'd like to tell you that the Monument to the fallen soldiers at Schwaz is being built completely and will be completed in a few months."

Due to the much larger scale of the monument in Schwaz, Berengar was pleased with the timeframe. However, he did not have time to enjoy the statue anymore. He's needed in Kufstein. Therefore, the young Count spoke to the handyman before leaving.

"Good! keep up this good work. I'm expecting big things from you. However, I am needed elsewhere, so I am worried that we should keep the rest of this conversation for another time. Hope you are lucky in your efforts. "

With that said, Berengar and Linde left the monument and enjoyed their walk back to the Castle in Kufstein. He had a lot of work to do when he returned, and as such, he enjoyed the short time he had with his lover before he threw himself back into the endless pile of documents. The Teutonic Order quickly advanced into Kufstein, and would soon be within the borders of Tyrol. At this point, Berengar had a maximum of two months before they arrived, and preparations needed to be made as Berengar would be very busy in the coming months.