Kingdom of Doran – Miradol City
Karl Koch—who was once Darius Fairon—stood with his head spinning, thoughts scattered. How did I end up here? How will I take revenge on those who destroyed us? No… I'm not dead. This isn't heaven or hell…
Yet, he didn't want to go back. Here, there was hope. Slowly, he began to organize his thoughts.
The currency in this land was gold, silver, and copper:
100 copper = 1 silver 100 silver = 1 gold
A bag of wheat cost 100 copper (1 silver). Vegetables and fruits ranged between 30–40 copper. A house cost 100 gold, a horse 5 gold, and taxes were 1 silver per month.
The society was divided into Nobles, Knights, Commoners, and Slaves. The Nobles hierarchy:
King: Supreme ruler Duke: Governs a duchy (a very large region) Marquis: Governs border territories (first line of defense) Count: Governs a county Viscount: Deputy or assistant to a Count Baron: Owns a small land, usually under a Count or Duke
After researching, Karl realized he was from a fallen Baron family. He owned a house and 100 gold coins—enough to start, but not enough for his first project.
He planned a collective labor venture, but since it hadn't started yet, he would attract workers with monthly wages and paid holidays. He decided to launch an industrial project—specifically agricultural industry, since blacksmiths prioritized swords and armor.
The first workshop would be called The Black Hammer.
But to fund it, he had to mortgage his house, valued at 400–500 gold. With his 100 gold, it would be just enough.
In the city streets
The streets were lined with shops, classic buildings, and narrow alleys filled with hungry, struggling people.
Karl thought: I'm in the lands of Count Luc Ronar… I can go see Baron Kin Hart to take a loan.
He arrived at the Baron's mansion.
Gate Guard: Who are you?Karl Koch: Karl Koch. I came to see the Baron.Guard: I'll send someone to inform him. Wait for permission.
Two hours later, he was allowed to enter.
Inside, servants, two armored knights, and polished furniture filled the room. Karl climbed the stairs to the meeting room.
Karl knocked.Baron: Enter.Karl bowed slightly, showing respect."Greetings, Baron Kin Hart."Baron: Sit.
Karl: I'll get straight to the point. I need a loan—700 gold coins. I'll mortgage this house.
He spread the documents on the table.
The Baron read them carefully.Baron: Interest is 30% per year. Are you willing?Karl paused… then nodded. I'll accept.
Moments later, the Baron handed over the money. Karl extended his hand, then pulled back slightly.
Baron: And what will you do with this money?Karl: I'm opening a blacksmith shop.
The Baron raised an eyebrow in surprise, then gestured for him to leave. Karl walked out, thinking: Next time, I must not bow too much.
Karl wasted no time.
He purchased a large plot of land outside the city for 20 gold. There, he began constructing the blacksmith workshop:
Three large workshops A big warehouse Administrative building
Construction cost: 250 gold, requiring two months to complete. He ordered five furnaces for the first workshop.
During the two months, Karl searched for an iron supplier. He met Baron Rein Veron, also under Count Luc Ronar, and secured a steady supply: 1,000 iron ingots for 25 silver each—total 25 gold.
Additional tools:
20 anvils (200 gold) 20 hammers, 20 tongs, 20 bellows, 20 sharpening stones Extra tools: chisels, hand drills, molds (200 gold)
Total project cost: 720 gold.
Two months later, Karl entered the completed building, named The Black Horse Trade House, featuring the workshop The Black Hammer. Its logo—a hanging black hammer—hung proudly in the first workshop, fully equipped with 20 anvils/workstations. Two workshops remained empty.
Karl wrote a notice and posted it in the city:
Wanted: Blacksmith Workers
8-hour workdays Paid weekly holidays Fixed monthly wage: 50 silverRegistration opens tomorrow at The Golden Horse Trade House.
Many were amazed, some skeptical, and others eagerly awaited the next day.