Steel, Guns, and the Industrial Party in Another World

TL: Etude

Upon seeing Paul solicit their opinions, everyone was at first taken aback.

Lord Count had always been decisive in developing his territories, and the results of his strategies were mostly positive. Even for the few setbacks they had encountered, they, as core members of the Administration Council, could judge that in the long run those strategies would greatly benefit society as a whole.

Used to acting in accordance with the Count’s will, everyone furrowed their brows and plunged into deep thought.

Guy Burns was the first to jump in. Raising his hand, he exclaimed enthusiastically, “We should definitely expand the scale of the mechanical plants and agricultural machinery factories to produce more machinery…”

“Ah!” He suddenly clapped his hand as if something had just occurred to him.

“Inspired by you, I’ve made significant progress in my research on steam. If you could set up a project for me too, just like you did for those alchemists, and allocate special funding, we’ll surely be able to create even more efficient machinery!”

Ever since Guy Burns had heard from Paul about the idea of using steam as a power source, he had been obsessed with it. However, Lord Count had strictly forbidden him to use the resources or workforce of the mechanical factory for this pursuit, restricting it to being merely a personal hobby for now.

“This… let’s put it on hold for now.”

Paul pondered for a moment and cold-heartedly cut short Burns’ dream. The factory manager retreated to a corner with a crestfallen face, drawing circles in the air.

But the Count showed no pity for him. It had not been easy to cultivate a skilled working class, and they couldn’t risk losing it to a handful of machines. Based on the current transportation capabilities and consumption levels, Paul believed that if steam engines really were used on a large scale, most of his cherished workers would end up unemployed, returning home to farm. He wasn’t sure if his assumption was correct, but he figured it was better to err on the side of caution since his small territory couldn’t withstand much upheaval.

However, he wondered if it might be worth considering researching boring machines—a piece of equipment not only useful for manufacturing cylinders but also capable of producing better cannons…

“Lord Count!”

The discourse of Old Ford interrupted his contemplation.

“How about starting with the fishing industry?”

“Oh? Let’s hear it.”

Old Ford, stroking his beard, proposed, “Over the past two years, under your command, we have improved the transportation between Lakeheart Town and Port Fran, and there are several roads under construction from Lakeheart Town to Baylding and Emden. This means we can transport a large quantity of fresh fish to the inland for sale. Additionally, our coastal residents are adept at curing fish, which can be preserved for a long time. Now that we have a plethora of salt-making methods, we can develop and expand this industry, selling cured fish to other places.”

Paul nodded, “That’s a great idea, Bernard, make a note of that.”

The chief secretary, responsible for keeping records of the meeting, immediately started scribbling furiously with his quill on the paper.

Old Ford continued, “To develop the fishing industry, we’ll need a large number of ships, so our shipbuilding industry will also be stimulated.”

Paul agreed, “You’re right. Only with a high volume of orders can our shipbuilding capacity be maintained in the long term. However, the scarcity of shipbuilding craftsmen is a major problem.”

“Lord Grayman, I imagine it won’t be long before private shipyards emerge. According to news from Port Fran, merchants are already heading to Horn Bay to recruit craftsmen. Our current two shipyards mainly serve the military; I guess they want to be self-sufficient.”

Paul was delighted, “That’s a good trend. As you see, gentlemen, as long as we utilize the profit-seeking nature of merchants, many things will smoothly fall into place.”

Yet, he did have some concerns, “The northwest bay has always been seen as a barren land in the eyes of outsiders. Even with the power of the Administration Council, we’ve only managed to establish two shipyards…”

Cecil, the Director of Intelligence, interjected, “My lord, the situation in Horn Bay currently plays into our favor. The witch-hunt there is intensifying…”

He glanced worriedly at Ladi seated next to the Count, relieved to see her expression unchanged, then continued, “This movement has begun to impact the daily lives of commoners, including the wealthy. I reckon a significant amount of discontent and even hatred must have built up behind the increasing clout of the local church. There must be many who wish to move elsewhere, including skilled craftsmen, wealthy individuals, and well-connected merchants. Over the past two years, our northwest bay, thanks to goods such as porcelain and paper, has gained a certain level of recognition in Horn Bay, and many there have done business with us. If we put more effort into our promotion, the northwest bay could very well become an alternative for them.”

Paul stroked his chin, “Alright, you’ll be in charge of advertising in Horn Bay. Make sure to improve our image in the eyes of the local population.”

“Yes, Lord Grayman, but…” Cecil gestured a rubbing of thumb and index finger, a universal symbol asking for funds.

Paul chuckled, “Don’t worry. As long as it’s effective, I won’t skimp on money.”

“Hehe, wise decision, my lord!” Cecil cheerfully retreated to a corner of the room.

“Bringing in outside talent is important, but cultivating local talent is even more critical.”

Paul said to the chief steward, “I think we can offer some incentives to merchant ships from afar, especially Horn Bay. In exchange, they must employ a certain number of our people to work on their ships, allowing them to learn various maritime skills in a practical setting. Of course, it must be legitimate employment, and we absolutely will not allow any form of slave trade.”

“Yes, Lord Grayman!” Old Ford nodded and took note.

“By the way, how’s the naval school that the navy and the local merchants have jointly set up in Port Fran doing?”

“Everything is going well; the first batch of fast-track students are now interning on ships.”

“Excellent. Gentlemen, I have something new to show you!”

Ah? The Lord has come up with something new again?

They saw Paul clap his hands, and two servants carried in a cylindrical object and placed it indoors, which seemed to be a container. Then they brought two cylindrical objects, sooty in appearance, lit them on fire, and tossed them into the cylindrical container, and then…

Everyone started choking! The room was filled with coughing.

“Oh dear! I forgot, I forgot: take it outside, quick!”

Paul, with his nose covered, hurriedly ordered the servants to move the contraption to the courtyard.

Everyone followed suit.

“This is what I call ‘honeycomb coal,’ made from standard coal and clay!”

Holding a piece of the sooty material he was just referring to, Paul introduced it to everyone. The flat surfaces at both ends of the cylindrical object had numerous empty spaces, rightfully earning it the name “honeycomb coal.”

“As for this stove, it’s designed specifically for burning honeycomb coal, and of course, you’d need a chimney to use it indoors.”

The group gathered closely around the stove, which was burning intensely. Autumn had not yet arrived, and waves of heat were radiating from the stove.

Ladi asked him, “Since you’ve processed coal like this, I assume it has certain benefits?”

Due to the development of the iron industry under the Administration Council, coal had been extensively mined. Aside from supplying to iron factories, coal had also become a common source of fuel for cooking and heating in households. The practice was not yet widespread in Emden, a recent addition to the Council’s territories, but it had become quite common in Alda and Baylding.

“Of course!” Paul patted his chest, “As you see, its uniform shape makes it easy to handle and stack. Moreover, thanks to all these holes, it increases the surface area in contact with air, hence it burns more efficiently than regular coal. If a piece of regular coal is too big, there’s a chance it might go out before burning through. Anyway, you’ll all notice the difference once you give it a try.”

Even though in this world no one but him knew what oxygen was, the concept of air and its significance for efficient combustion was commonly understood—the Count’s invention of the bellows was for this very purpose.

“For those who are not so well-off, this is quite a blessing.”

Steward Ford exclaimed in admiration. Many families wouldn’t dispose of leftover coal ash, as some unburnt remnants were often salvageable and re-used, a cumbersome task.

Honeycomb coal would eliminate such troubles.

“Alright. The Administration Council shall take the lead, combining efforts with the public to develop the honeycomb coal industry!”

Just like that, the fishing industry, shipbuilding industry, and coal processing industry were integrated into the new development plan.

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