Fertile City was involved in infrastructure development during the winter, which didn't require special attention from Roman.
But one cannot just focus on infrastructure for multi-faceted development.
Roman then began to dispatch fleets and started recruiting population.
These people could be transported from the Northern area or from other Nobles' territories.
It was certain that some Nobles' lands harbored destitute commoners who wouldn't survive the winter. Instead of letting them freeze to death outside, it was better to bring them to Fertile City to shine and emit heat.
Roman used agricultural tools for the exchange.
The Nobles had no need to refuse.
The independence of the Nobles was strong; as long as the fire did not burn them, they did not care, and when the fire did kill them, they would care even less.
The entire political system of Black Iron Land ensured they were not united.
