Advisers forgot about dogs and looked at me with renewed interest.
"A rail-road? What is a 'rail'? A new technology to develop, Father? Do you have a draft of it?" Researchina asked, pulling closer an empty wax tablet.
Sadly, I didn't have time to prepare documentation, so I had to draw it on a clear wall as I was talking.
"Ordinary dirt roads will get too muddy for travel after the first storm. Paved roads will fare better, but they require a lot of effort and bricks or stone to be made. Instead, let's use the next level—railroads! The entire road will be compressed into two smooth rails for wheels. The rails will make it easier to pull things along them, will be more durable, and might even require fewer resources."
Researchina nodded, while still furiously writing her notes.
"This sounds very effective… what is a 'wheel', though?"