Gerd Rodney 2

Translator: Cinder Translations

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Gerd had heard from Eileen during his time in Crystal Glare about the measures that should accompany the development of industry and commerce. However, many of these ideas were not suitable for the royal territory.

"In fact," Gerd said, "His Majesty the King does not intend to start with a large-scale initiative but rather to selectively introduce a few technologies and build one or two factories first to see the results."

"That is a prudent decision, as the situations in different regions vary," Hansel nodded in agreement. "Truly, His Majesty the King is very insightful."

"Well then, Sir Abbot," Gerd asked, "which technologies should we use, and what kind of factories should we establish to quickly obtain profits?"

"Of course, it's porcelain!" Hansel blurted out without hesitation.

"Porcelain is simply a money-making machine; even with all the layers of tariffs, it remains the most lucrative product in Alden."

Gerd nodded, "Oh, that is indeed true."

He had witnessed the noble families in Crystal Glare scrambling for porcelain; nowadays, no one could claim to be a noble without at least one or two pieces of porcelain displayed in their home.

Hansel pondered, "However, the technique for firing porcelain is likely not easy to acquire."

"Why is that?" Gerd asked, initially puzzled, then quickly realized, "That makes sense; a money-making technology like this, no one would want to share it with others. So, even with the so-called patent laws, does Earl Grayman still keep the porcelain firing techniques to himself?"

"Yes," Hansel nodded in response. "Even with patent laws, not all technologies are open for sharing, such as porcelain and firearms."

Gerd inquired, "Firearms? Those legendary fire crossbows and thunder hammers? Are their powers truly that formidable?"

Hansel confirmed, "They are indeed one of the important reasons Earl Grayman's military strength can intimidate various lords in the Northwest Bay, including Duke Ferdinand."

Yuriko Rodney's eyebrows shot up. "As a subject of His Majesty the King, Grayman should offer these advanced technologies to the kingdom free of charge, whether it be porcelain or firearms."

Hearing his brother's words, Gerd frowned but still asked, "If we made such a request, would Earl Grayman agree?"

"Uh…" Hansel did not answer.

The lords of the kingdom's border territories historically only had the obligation to follow the kingdom into battle; this was a rule established since the founding of Aldor, as a reward for the lords who ventured into desolate lands to claim and expand territories.

This rule had remained unchanged, and although the Northwest Bay had developed significantly over the years, it was still considered a border area of the kingdom.

"That's outrageous! That shows disloyalty."

Yuriko Rodney shouted, taking Hansel's hesitation as a reflection of Grayman's attitude, as Hansel was also appointed as the agricultural director by Grayman.

"Be quiet, Yuriko."

Gerd reprimanded his brother. Loyalty does not mean making unilateral sacrifices; if Grayman proved his loyalty in this manner, could the royal family provide a reward worthy of such loyalty? The royal family couldn't even settle the southern nobles who lost their lands due to loyalty.

Seeing Gerd's demeanor, Hansel felt a mix of emotions. Could the royal family truly be this weak?

He sighed inwardly. His earlier proposal of porcelain and firearms, followed by his choice not to respond, was also a test. As a member of the technology review committee, he certainly knew which technologies could be shared and which could not.

All along, he had viewed the Kingdom of Aldor as powerful and glorious, with the king's rule over his vassals being strong. Even with the current rebellions from Giles and Vibern, he thought of them as minor issues; the kingdom would eventually overcome these challenges, just as one would scratch an itch.

However, the experiences of the past two years had begun to make Hansel doubt.

Giles and Vibern were still thriving and had expelled the loyal lords from their lands; the kingdom had merely signed a somewhat decent agreement with them to cease hostilities.

The king could not even pacify his loyal subjects who lost lands and was now seeking solutions all the way in the Northwest Bay, a place previously looked down upon by the nobles of Crystal Glare.

When facing the newly risen Paul Grayman in the Northwest Bay, Gerd Rodney, as one of the heirs to the throne, did not directly command him to relinquish what was desired but intended to approach him with a conciliatory attitude.

Ah, if it were the kings of previous generations when the royal power was at its height, things would have been much easier; a royal command could compel vassals to willingly hand over anything desired. If the king was pleased, he might even reward them with substantial wealth—like a large piece of territory to compensate them.

But now, the royal family had very few bargaining chips to make the vassals willingly offer their contributions, including both military might for intimidation and wealth for rewards.

However, Earl Grayman's status among the many nobles of Aldor had indeed risen significantly, Hansel thought.

"I have ordered Earl Gerd to act as the royal family's plenipotentiary to the Northwest Bay to discuss the introduction of secondary industries with Earl Paul Grayman, Duke Henry Fraule, and other lords of the Northwest Bay."

In this letter, the king first emphasized Earl Grayman and politely mentioned Duke Ferdinand, while the other lords were simply categorized as "others."

Gerd did not intend to continue on the issue of how Grayman would prove his loyalty.

He asked, "Besides the technologies that Earl Grayman plans to monopolize, are there any other high-return technologies that can be introduced to the royal territory?"

"Oh, if we have to settle for alternatives, there are indeed many technologies to choose from."

The atmosphere, which had been somewhat awkward, was alleviated as Hansel made an effort to ease the tension.

"For instance, the salt drying technology can increase the yield of salt by multiples—dozens or even hundreds of times—compared to the traditional boiling method. Salt is an essential seasoning for everyone, which can generate significant profits."

"There's also the loom, specifically the flying shuttle loom; one machine can replace the work of five or six skilled weavers."

"Additionally, there are various agricultural tools; although the manufacturing techniques are not shared, buying the finished products is also a good option, significantly promoting agricultural development."

"There's also the manufacturing technology for paddle-less sailing ships; due to the rapid development of maritime trade, the merchant ships in the Northwest Bay are in high demand. I believe Earl Grayman would welcome the establishment of new shipyards to alleviate this situation."

"Oh, and there's the technology for manufacturing briquettes, which can greatly improve the winter heating for the people in the royal territory. Although Crystal Glare is located in the south, it can still get quite cold during winter."

(End of the Chapter)

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