First Steam Engine

It took twenty days to build the first prototype, yet it still wasn't working. Ranav had to personally visit the steel factory to resolve the issue. The journey took nearly an entire day… first, he traveled to the county, and from there, he rode on Midnight to the production site. Since the stable at his house was finally ready, he informed the Countess that he would take Midnight directly to the village once his work was done.

Upon arrival, Ranav discovered that the workers had followed his design flawlessly. However, some intricate details that Jessica couldn't precisely illustrate in the blueprints had caused minor issues in the machine's functionality.

Taking full responsibility, Ranav addressed the workers with an apologetic tone.

"I'm sorry for the inconvenience. It turns out I made some errors in my design. This is the first time I've designed such a complex machine, and since I'm no expert, it would be best if I explain the corrections to someone who can refine the design and coordinate with the production team."

One of the businessmen involved in the project, Sadat Ispahani, had come to receive Ranav at the factory. He smiled and reassured him.

"It's already remarkable that you designed a complete machine without any prior trials. You may not know this, but every new invention goes through an extensive process of trial and error before a functional prototype is even built. Problems were expected, but judging from your expression, I believe they're just minor adjustments."

Ranav nodded. "The machine is built perfectly. The issues are mostly in the connectivity of its components. Let me first explain them to the experts, and then we can determine how much needs to be changed."

Sadat quickly gathered his five best engineers. Within an hour, they produced a refined design, eliminating the previous errors. They assured Ranav that the corrected prototype would be ready by the next day.

Hearing that the testing would happen soon, Ranav decided to stay overnight. He had a tent and other camping equipment in his storage ring, but Sadat insisted that he not sleep outside. Instead, he took both Ranav and Midnight to his bungalow, a resting place he and his brother, Sharif Ispahani, had built to supervise production during extended stays.

The next morning, before noon, Ranav received a message… the prototype was completed. He hurried to the factory, his heart pounding with anticipation.

This time, the engine worked perfectly. As he watched, the machine powered a pump that efficiently drew water from a nearby pond. The first steam engine of this world!

Ranav couldn't help but smile, lost in thought. So this is it… The first step toward an industrial revolution. If this project succeeds, it will change everything.

Jessica, who had been closely monitoring the engine, performed a thorough inspection and found a few minor flaws in its design. Ranav, knowing he couldn't explain how he detected the issues so easily, suggested they disassemble the machine for further improvements.

Once the parts were laid out, he confidently pointed out the necessary corrections. After discussing the next phase of production with the engineers, he returned to Sadat's bungalow to finalize distribution plans.

During lunch, Ranav and Sadat concluded an important agreement. The first two steam engines would be delivered to Ranav and the Countess. A full-scale production line would be set up immediately, ensuring that they entered the market with a large stockpile rather than producing on demand.

Piping measurements for Ranav's house had already been provided to the factory. Now, Ranav handed over the measurements for the Count's estate as well.

Sadat nodded, looking genuinely excited about the project. "With the right preparations, we'll dominate the market. People don't know it yet, but this machine will revolutionize industries."

Ranav smiled. "That's exactly what I'm hoping for."

After finishing lunch, Ranav bid farewell to Sadat and set off on his journey back, riding Midnight. Unlike his trip to the factory, the return was much faster. Since he didn't need to pass through the city, he followed a more direct route suggested by one of the factory employees. Midnight, being significantly faster than a carriage, raced through the landscape, and they reached home before sunset.

Once back, Ranav led Midnight to the newly built stable… his new home. The stable was clean, spacious, and designed to the highest standards Jessica could suggest based on Earth's best equestrian facilities.

Midnight stepped inside, looking around curiously. A moment later, he snorted in approval and trotted deeper into the stable.

Ranav chuckled. "Looks like you like it. Good. This is your home now."

As Midnight settled in, Ranav patted his neck and spoke gently, "I plan to recruit some other intelligent beasts in the future to keep you company. But for now, you'll have to endure some loneliness."

He then pointed toward the boundary. "I won't bind you here, but don't roam outside the estate. The boundary is only three feet high for now, so stray beasts might wander in by accident. If anything happens, don't hesitate to shout for help. Eventually, I'll have it raised to ten feet, making it completely secure for you."

Midnight seemed to hesitate for a moment, as if he wanted to say something but stopped himself.

Ranav smirked. "If you need to say something, just say it. You can talk now, you know."

Midnight flicked his ears and said flatly, "Nothing."

Ranav chuckled again. "Alright then. Stay here. I'll be visiting my family. Vivita will be happy to see you."

With that, he walked toward his old house.

Although their new house was nearly complete, Ranav had decided against moving in immediately. Ganesh had assured him that the ground floor was ready for use, but Ranav didn't want his family living there while workers were still finishing the upper levels.

His biggest concern, however, was his sisters' growing beauty. Over the last few months, Invigoration had significantly enhanced their appearance, except for his father, Trinav. No matter how much Ranav tried to improve his father's features, Trinav remained… well, plain.

Jessica eventually offered an explanation as always. According to her, Naveena and Vivita carried elven lineage, which was further amplified by Invigoration. Their pointed ears had become sharper, and their skin now carried a faint rosy glow, making them look almost ethereal. Camila, despite not having elven ancestry, had also been affected. Jessica concluded that she simply had exceptionally beautiful genes.

Ranav sighed internally. Great. More reasons to be worried.

Trinav sometimes grumbled about the unfairness of it all but was ultimately happy that his wife and daughters were thriving. The entire family embraced their changes… except Ranav.

Looking at the stunning women of his house, he couldn't shake off a deep-seated fear for their safety. He firmly believed in a quote he had memorized from Earth: "Beauty without power is a recipe for disaster."

And so, Ranav made a firm decision. After his next mana body upgrade, he would venture into Doon Valley to tame some fierce beasts to guard his home. For now, he would continue exploring the forest near his village, observing the valley from a distance, planning for the day he would set out.