28th May – 3873bc
It is a frantic day, today. The 28th of May will forever be recorded in history as a great day for the French Empire. The founding of a new settlement, called 'Lyon', will serve as a trading city between the two great empires of China and France. Situated 'around-a-bout' halfway between China's new settlement 'Shanghai' and Paris, Lyon will serve as the economic heart of the French Empire.
Well, that's what we're hoping for anyway.
And it's a frantic day because of the excitement of everyone in Paris. Large festivals and feasts are occurring in every Parisian district, and a large religious ceremony is happening in the large temple, wishing for our settlers' safety. Of course they will be safe, they will be protected by our best military units; spearmen. We originally saw these units outside of Beijing, and took notice of their awe-inspiring spears. So, naturally, we copied them.
"Sir, it's time. The settlers are ready to depart. Thanks to our maps provided by the Chinese, we have an appropriate estimate of where our settlers are headed." Elodie says. Now that the word 'diplomacy' actually has a meaning, the Diplomatic Advisor has had a large ranking up. "This city will revolutionize the French economy, and open up many new trading possibilities. Did I tell you that the hill outside of Paris was actually a great source of Copper this entire time? Unbelievable! If only we invested in Bronze Working earlier. Anyway, Lyon will also have a source of Copper nearby, allowing us to trade the excess Copper away. In fact…" Elodie says, pulling out a large letter. "We already have a trade agreement with the Chinese. It will take affect when we actually secure the copper outside of Lyon, of course." Elodie says. She has clearly been working extremely hard.
"Ah, Elodie, that is great. Now, what is this trade you have set up?" I ask her, eager to know.
"Oh, remember when you bought that Incense Stick from the Chinese market?" She asks. I nod, confirming that I do indeed remember. "Well, it seems as though the Chinese have an excess of Incense. But do you know what they don't have any of? Copper. If we trade our excess copper for their excess incense, it will be a great trade and help our population become even happier!" Elodie ecstatically says.
"That is fantastic. Now, enough chit-chat. Let's head off with the Settlers." I mention. Elodie seems to have forgotten about the settlers, and rushes out.
As we walk to the settlers who are eagerly waiting outside of the city limits, it seems as though the settlers are conversing with the Spearmen. This seems to be a good idea, as the trip will take rather long. It's good to be with those that you enjoy the company of, right?
"Alright, citizens of Paris! We will be departing for our new settlement! Now, remember this day! It will be the day that France's economy takes a positive turn! It will be the day that France's political relations take a positive turn! It will be the day, that FRANCE ITSELF, takes a positive turn!" Franco shouts, and the crowd cheers. The spearmen begin to march forward, and the settlers follow suit behind.
14th August – 3873bc
I sit in my office, looking over at the great city of Paris. I see yet another battalion of Spearmen being trained in the Barracks, a few streets away from my Palace. I hear the noise of bartering from the streets below. I close a letter I had been reading, something about increased science research, and put it on the 'accepted side'. Seems like a good idea.
A knock on my quarter's door alerts me, and I call for them to enter. Elodie walks in, with a large smile on her face.
"Sir. We have just reported news from Luic. Lyon is now up and, running, and is an official part of the French Empire." Elodie says, almost screaming of happiness.
"That's great! But, Elodie, I must ask you one thing… who's Luic?" I ask, confused.
"Sir, Luic is the newly appointed Mayor of Lyon. He is expected to do great things for Lyon, and will be working with me in organizing what the city should focus on its production. You still have the power to change that, though, may I add." She smiles.
"Ah that's great news! I think I will visit Lyon. Will you accompany me, fair Elodie?" I ask, twinkling my eyes at her. She has a faint blush, and nods in agreement.
"We shall set off for Lyon at dawn." I say. "Oh, and before I forget, could you order workers to construct a road to Lyon from Paris?" I ask. She shakes her head.
"Already taken care of!" She smiles.
"Ah, great. We will set off at dawn."