Business Venture-1

Two months later, Ranav returned to Khohdwar to meet with some businessmen. This meeting was a major event for him. If it turned out to be successful, it would establish a business venture that could provide him with a steady stream of income.

Truthfully, Ranav had never considered starting a business before. It all began when Jessica designed a basic steam engine using his previous life's memories. The purpose was simple… to help his family pump water into their storage tanks. However, since the required machine parts were too delicate to be manufactured in his village, he sought help from Countess Vedika.

Upon hearing his explanation, the countess immediately recognized a significant business opportunity. She convinced Ranav that if his project was successful, producing steam engines commercially could revolutionize water supply systems and bring him substantial wealth.

Initially, the countess suggested that Ranav sign a partnership contract with a steel manufacturer, but Ranav had no interest in personally managing a business. Instead, he proposed a tripartite agreement: Ranav would provide the expertise, the countess would handle financial management, and the steel manufacturer would handle production and distribution. After negotiations, the countess secured a deal where Ranav would receive 40% of the profits, she would take 10%, and the manufacturer would receive 50%.

Now, seated in the lounge of the countess's estate, Ranav sipped his tea, deep in thought.

"Aunt Vedika," he finally spoke, "please reconsider your share. Once the design is perfected, my role in this project will be minimal. On the other hand, you'll have to manage the accounts continuously. You should take at least 20% of the profits. You'll need to hire people to oversee operations as well, and that cost should be accounted for."

The countess leaned back, tapping her fingers on the armrest of her chair as she considered his words. "I was thinking of using my estate's personnel for this," she admitted. "But you have a point. Hiring dedicated staff would be more efficient." She nodded. "Alright, I'll adjust my share slightly. I'll take 15%, and you'll receive 35%. That's final."

Ranav smiled. "That sounds fair."

After a brief pause, he added, "Did you explain to them that I don't want my identity revealed for now? Are they reliable?"

The countess chuckled. "Don't worry. Their factory operates within our county. Unless they plan to move their entire production elsewhere, they wouldn't dare break a contract with me. Besides, we'll officially register the agreement through your uncle's office. That means the documentation will remain classified."

Just then, the butler entered the lounge and bowed. "My Lady, the steel manufacturer and the registration officer have arrived."

"Let them in," the countess instructed.

Soon, three middle-aged men entered the room, bowing respectfully.

"Good morning, My Lady. It's a pleasure to meet you," one of them greeted.

"The pleasure is mine," the countess replied with a polite nod. "Please, have a seat. Butler, arrange for tea and refreshments."

The butler bowed again before exiting the room to fulfill the request.

The countess wasted no time. "Gentlemen, I won't delay our discussion. First, to our registration officer, thank you for coming in person. You will serve as the formal witness to this agreement. As we discussed earlier, I will provide the design, technical expertise, and financial oversight. You…" she gestured toward the steel manufacturers, "will handle production and sales. The design will be registered under my name, and you will receive exclusive manufacturing rights. Our profit distribution remains 50-50. Is that acceptable?"

Both businessmen nodded. "Yes, My Lady. That is exactly as we agreed."

"Good," the countess continued. "Before we proceed with discussing the design details, which will take some time… I suggest we finalize the contract first." She turned to the registration officer. "We appreciate your presence here today. Normally, we should have to visit your office for registration, but your assistance in expediting this matter is invaluable."

The maid entered, placing a tray of tea and various snacks on a side table. Meanwhile, the registration officer took out preformatted documents and began writing down the terms of the contract.

Once the paperwork was complete, the countess gestured toward Ranav. "Gentlemen, allow me to introduce my nephew, Ranav. He will be a partner in this venture."

The businessmen exchanged polite nods with him before they all signed the agreement. The registration officer then stamped the drawings, officially acknowledging them. With his task completed, he excused himself and left.

The countess turned to the businessmen. "Now, Ranav will walk you through the design. If you have any questions, feel free to ask him. He is the true inventor of this machine."

Ranav handed out two sets of detailed drawings to the manufacturers. "These diagrams are arranged sequentially," he explained. "I'll go through them one by one. It's a complex system, so if anything is unclear, don't hesitate to ask."

He took a deep breath before beginning.

"This steam engine is designed to operate using coal as its primary fuel source. It relies on high-quality steel for durability, pressure sealing, and efficiency. The boiler is the heart of the system… it must be constructed using reinforced steel to withstand high steam pressure. Beneath the boiler, there will be a firebox where coal will be burned to generate heat. The steel plates should be securely welded to ensure no steam leakage, and a chimney will be integrated for proper ventilation."

He pointed to the second page.

"Attached to the boiler is the steam release system, which directs high-pressure steam into a piston-cylinder assembly. The cylinder must be precision-forged to fit a tightly sealed piston, ensuring controlled movement without excessive friction."

Ranav turned to the next page.

"The piston is connected to a crankshaft and flywheel, which helps maintain continuous motion. When steam enters the cylinder, it pushes the piston forward, transferring energy to the crankshaft. As the steam exits and condenses, a vacuum pulls the piston back. The flywheel stores momentum, reducing fuel consumption and ensuring smooth operation. Steel valves will regulate steam flow, opening and closing at precise moments to optimize efficiency."

He flipped to another drawing.

"After steam has performed its function, it moves into a condenser chamber, where it cools down inside coiled steel pipes, turning back into water. This condensed water will be preheated before re-entering the cycle, minimizing fuel consumption."

"The purpose of this engine is to pump water automatically. To achieve this, a piston-based water pump will be linked to the flywheel's motion. As the engine runs, the pump will draw water from a pond and push it into storage tanks through steel pipes. One-way valves will prevent backflow."

"To further improve efficiency, a compressed air chamber will regulate pressure, ensuring steady water flow. All joints must be properly welded to prevent leaks."

Finally, he concluded, "Once assembled, this system will be largely self-sustaining. After the initial start-up, it will continue operating as long as fuel is supplied. Regular maintenance… such as cleaning soot from the boiler and checking valves, will keep it running efficiently for years."

Ranav glanced up to see the businessmen staring at the blueprints with wide eyes, their expressions filled with awe and excitement.

One of them finally spoke, voice full of admiration. "This… this is revolutionary."

The other nodded. "If we manufacture this on a large scale, we could change how we access water across the kingdom."

Ranav simply smiled. "That's the goal."