Steel Empire
Big Ambition

The snow on the ground began to melt as spring began to arrive; throughout Berengar's winter campaign, he had faced many hardships, but when the breath of life filled the air around him, he had, he felt as if he was starting a new world. In front of him was a small village within the borders of the Visounty of Kufstein. It was one of many small villages throughout his homeland. In the vicinity of this village, which housed several hundred people, there was a steel-reinforced concrete brick wall in a star fortress formation similar to the one surrounding Kufstein. 

Throughout his war for Tyrol, Linde did not disappoint Berengar. As the person in charge of guarding Berengar's plans as he left; he had overseen the construction of the Star fortress around the Visounty of Kufstein, and after months almost everything was completed. The value of this mighty fortress and the cannons mounted on it cannot be underestimated. After all, they had played an important role in Kufstein's defense against Lothair's forces.

Beside Berengar was one of the people responsible for this construction effort, and he stared at the building with a proud radiance in his eyes. Therefore, he was unable to prevent himself from commenting on the strong defense of such a small and seemingly insignificant farming village.

"It's amazing, isn't it?"

Berengar nodded in agreement as he looked at the structure. While the village itself is protected by a mighty early fortress, guarded by an army company, the farm fields are outside the walls, creating a beautiful view of the farmed fields and forts. Berengar's ambition did not end with Kufstein; he intended to build these mighty fortresses around every major inhabited region of Tyrol, forming the mountainous Regency into the heart of his future German Empire. 

The cost would be great, but with the increase of the territory he obtained and the large amount of natural resources, he was able to build it. Berengar rode into the city on horseback surrounded by a group of Cuirassier who were acting as his personal bodyguards for the time being. It was a small farming town, yet its walls made it seem like an important fortress. Locals coexist peacefully with garrisons tasked with defending them, often offering them food and water as they stand guard between the sturdy concrete wall fortifications. 

When the local villagers realized that the man driving through their village was Prince Tyrol himself, they instantly paved the way for him out of respect. Many young women started gossiping amongst themselves as they could witness firsthand Berengar's famous majestic appearance. Among the residents of the Visounty of Kufstein, Berengar has become a legend. His rise to power and defiance against Church corruption have begun to spread by wandering singers. Although these bardic epics greatly exaggerate their achievements, they quickly capture the imagination of the general public, acting as a source of inspiration in their daily lives. 

However, despite the good light in which he was portrayed in these songs, few were brave enough to approach Berengar because he was a very important and powerful person, he said, and offending him must mean the death of someone, or so they believe. Berengar noticed this trend, and for the first time, began to realize that respect for his character had been fostered among his people. Still, it was beside a strong feeling of fear towards his strength and prestige. The two emotions coexist perfectly to create a harmonious balance in the minds of their citizens. 

Being feared and respected is a balance few have ever achieved in life, yet that is what Berengar began to develop after his remarkable victory. After reaching the city center, Berengar got off his horse and looked around the neighborhood. Despite having a garrison of 120 infantry, and artillery batteries, the walls were designed in such a way that such a small force could easily sustain the village long enough for reinforcements to arrive. Although it might take years, or maybe even decades to reach it, one day Tyrol would be filled with such a fortress, he said, it was almost impossible for the armies of this world to depose Berengar in his seat of power. 

As Berengar gazed at this beautiful agricultural town, which was just one of the many cities throughout Tyrol. It may not seem like it will play a key component in his plan, but the fortifications that surround this village and one day the majority of Tyrol will give him the internal stability necessary to focus his efforts on conquest for many years to come. After seeing the level of security that allowed the people of this city to live in a happy and carefree environment, despite the massive war that was going on, Berengar realized that the cost of expanding the project to cover all of the inhabited areas in Tyrol was quite good. 

Without such a strong defense network, villagers who perform their daily tasks with friendly smiles might experience the horrors of war. A reality that Berengar thought was too cruel for the good people of his territory. Because of this, Berengar looked towards the architect who had led the construction project for this city, and instructed him to do the unimaginable.

"I want more villages like this, as much as you and other architects can build! I want Tyrol to be a symbol of my strength! No matter the level of funding and manpower you need to achieve this, just make sure that you don't take shortcuts in the process."

The architect looked at Berengar as if he was a madman; the cost of building a star fortress like this was no small amount; to build this throughout Tyrol would easily cost him a fortune. Nevertheless, Berengar insisted, and regardless of the cost, he knew he could pay for it. This war throughout Germany would definitely last for many years, and where there was a war, there was an advantage to be gained. With Innsbruck's new industrial sector nearing completion, Berengar will have double the industrial power and be able to supply all of these wartime factions with the weapons and armor necessary to defend their forces. 

Upon seeing the bold expression in Berengar's eyes that appeared as if he was heaven-defying with his ambition, the architect gulped the saliva accumulated in his mouth and lowered his head respectfully to the young Count.

"Your Majesty, I will do as you command!"

With this, Berengar's plan to turn the entirety of Tyrol County into an impenetrable mountain area had begun. Although it would take years, perhaps even decades to complete, at the end of this ambitious initiative, one day in the distant future, the Tyrol people would live in the safest region in the world.