Chapter 11Queen of Cogs

A few years had passed in the time it took for Silva to rise from cadet to corporal, Marina now 21 was a well known inventor in the merchant and commoner circles. Even a few nobles source machines and commission her to make things for them, she was slowly outpacing and outselling all other inventors.

This had earned her a nickname, the Queen of Cogs. She was disinterested in it at first but then she learned that even if no one knew her name, the mystery of the Queen of Cogs spread farther and wider than Marina could imagine. Soon she was busy working day and night to fulfil orders and it made enough that her father no longer had to work to keep a roof over their heads and keep the shop open. He only mans the front desk because he refuses to hire anyone else to do it. 

The workshop was filled with the sounds of clinking metal and the soft hiss of steam as Marina Eldheim worked diligently on her latest project. The room, a cozy but cluttered space, was adorned with an array of mechanical parts, blueprints, and tools. A large workbench stretched across one wall, with unfinished projects stacked neatly atop it. The air smelled faintly of oil and metal, the scent of progress and possibility.

Marina stood over her current obsession: a mechanized cart. The dream of a horse-less vehicle had been a long-standing one for her, ever since she had been a young girl. She wiped the grease off her hands and pushed her goggles higher on her forehead, exposing the glint of her bright eyes, now narrowed in intense focus.

The cart was a marvel of design, a mixture of gears, springs, and carefully placed metal joints. She had spent countless hours on this contraption, and though she was certain it would work, there was always a nagging doubt in the back of her mind. It had to work. The thought of seeing it drive without the pull of a horse was a dream she couldn't abandon.

Her father, Paulus Eldheim, entered the room from the back door. His gait was slow but steady, his graying hair and thick beard marking the passage of time. He was a tall man, broad-shouldered despite the years, and his hands—though calloused and aged—were still steady when they held tools.

He gave a long, deliberate look at the cart before glancing at Marina, his daughter, who had inherited his brilliance for invention.

"Marina," he began, his deep voice carrying the weight of years of wisdom, "this dream of yours... it may be impossible. You know that, right?"

Marina didn't look up immediately. She tightened a bolt on the cart's wheel, feeling the pressure of her father's words. She knew he was trying to protect her from disappointment, but she had already heard this kind of doubt countless times before. It didn't deter her.

"I know, Father. But I believe it's possible," she replied, her voice steady. "I've seen things work before that people said couldn't. This isn't any different."

Paulus sighed, rubbing his beard as he studied the contraption. "We inventors are dreamers, it's true. But we also need to face the reality of what can be done. The mechanics are there, but to make it work without horses... that's a leap into the impossible."

Marina set down her wrench and turned to him. There was a glint in her eye, a fire that always lit when she was working on something that excited her.

"You once told me, Father, that inventors are the ones who make the impossible possible. We don't stop just because something is difficult. That's what makes us different."

Her father gave her a tired smile. He loved her passion, even if it sometimes led her down paths others thought were too risky.

"I suppose so. But don't forget that the world isn't always kind to those who dream too big. There are forces in this world that will try to make you bend to them, and they won't care for your inventions or ideals."

Marina met his gaze, her resolve firm. "That's why I'm not going to stop. It'll work. I'll make it work."

Paulus chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with pride despite his worries. "Well, if anyone can do it, it's you. Just promise me you'll be careful. I don't want to lose you to some grand idea."

Marina smiled back at her father, her heart filled with warmth. She placed a hand on his arm.

"Don't worry, Father. I'll be careful."

There was a brief pause before Paulus motioned to the door. "Well, I'll leave you to it then. I'm sure there's something I can help with back in the shop."

Marina nodded, though she knew her father no longer had the same drive for invention that she did. Instead, he was content to run the small shop where they sold his earlier creations. He had retired from the limelight, but Marina was only just beginning her journey.

Just as he turned to leave, a sound at the door caught Marina's attention.

A knock, followed by the creak of the door opening.

"Ah, Eric. Good to see you," Paulus greeted warmly.

Marina turned her head, her eyes widening slightly when she saw the man standing in the doorway. He was tall, with a dignified air about him, his salt-and-pepper hair combed neatly. His clothes were finely tailored, and his posture commanded respect. It took her a moment to place him, but then it clicked—Eric Olagson, an old friend of her father's.

Eric had been a prominent figure in the past, and his connection to the Eldheims was strong. He had been a part of her family's life for many years, though their paths had diverged after Eric's move to the larger cities. Despite the distance, he still occasionally visited their small shop.

Marina stood and wiped her hands on a rag before smiling and greeting him. "Lord Olagson, it's good to see you. What brings you to our humble workshop?"

Eric gave a warm smile, his eyes scanning the room with interest. "Well, Marina, I've heard a great deal about your work, and I must say, I'm impressed. This contraption of yours... it's unlike anything I've seen in these parts."

Paulus stepped forward, clapping Eric on the shoulder. "You've always had an eye for the unusual, my old friend. But yes, Marina has a vision. It's... ambitious."

Marina flushed slightly at the compliment but quickly recovered, gesturing toward the cart. "It's not finished yet. But I'm confident it will work. It's a horse-less cart. I've been working on the mechanics for months."

Eric took a step closer, inspecting the cart with a discerning eye. "I see. It certainly looks like something that could change the way people think about transportation. But it's no easy feat, as you've no doubt realized."

Marina nodded. "It's a challenge, yes. But that's what makes it worth doing."

Eric turned to Paulus, raising an eyebrow. "I imagine you've tried to talk some sense into her?"

Paulus chuckled softly, rubbing his beard. "Many times. But Marina's mind is set on this. And I have to admit, she has a gift. She's relentless when it comes to her dreams."

Marina smiled proudly, her hands on her hips. "I'm going to make it work, no matter what. It's just a matter of time."

Eric studied her for a moment before nodding slowly. "I believe you will. There's something about your spirit, Marina. It reminds me of my own younger days, before I had to deal with the politics of the world."

Paulus looked at his old friend with a knowing expression. "You've never been one for politics, Eric. You've always been about doing what's right."

"Paulus, I must say, your daughter has a remarkable vision. This mechanized cart—it's unlike anything I've seen in these parts. But such innovation requires resources, support, and perhaps a partnership with those who can provide the necessary means."

Marina's curiosity piqued. She stepped closer, wiping her hands on a rag.

"Are you suggesting a partnership, Lord Olagson?" she inquired, her voice tinged with both skepticism and hope.

Eric smiled, a glint of admiration in his eyes.

"Indeed, Marina. I represent interests that could provide the resources you need. However, such a partnership would require certain assurances and commitments."

Paulus frowned, his protective instincts kicking in. "Assurances? Commitments? Eric, we've known each other for years. What are you implying?"

Eric's demeanor remained calm, but there was a subtle shift in his tone.

"Nothing sinister, my old friend. Simply that such a venture would require a formal agreement. Perhaps a meeting to discuss the details?" Marina sensed the underlying tension. She turned to her father, her expression thoughtful.

"Father, I think this could be the opportunity I've been waiting for. To prove myself, to take my inventions beyond this workshop." Paulus hesitated, his concern for his daughter evident. "Marina, I understand your ambition, but we must be cautious. The world outside is not as forgiving as it seems."

Marina placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "I'll be careful, Father. I promise. But I need to do this." Eric observed the exchange with a knowing look.

"Perhaps we can arrange a meeting at your convenience, Marina. To discuss the potential collaboration in detail." Marina nodded, her decision made.

"Yes, let's set up a meeting. I want to understand all the details before making any commitments."

Eric smiled, his demeanor warm.

"Excellent. I'll have my assistant contact you to arrange the specifics."

As Eric departed, Paulus watched him go, his expression a mixture of concern and resignation.

"Be careful, Marina," he muttered under his breath.

Marina returned to her workbench, her mind racing with possibilities. This could be the breakthrough she had been waiting for.

Later that evening, as Marina sat in her room, she couldn't help but reflect on the day's events. The prospect of collaborating with someone of Eric's stature was both exhilarating and daunting. She knew the path ahead wouldn't be easy, but she was determined to prove herself.

The next morning, a messenger arrived with a letter from Eric's office, confirming the meeting. Marina felt a surge of anticipation. This was her chance to take her inventions to the next level.

As she prepared for the meeting, she couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of a new chapter in her life—a chapter that would challenge her, test her resolve, and ultimately define her as the "Queen of Cogs" she aspired to be.

The day of the meeting arrived. Marina donned her best attire, a simple yet elegant dress that contrasted with the grease-stained overalls she often wore in the workshop. She arrived at the appointed location, a stately building in the heart of the city.

Inside, she was escorted to a lavish office where Eric awaited her. He stood as she entered, offering a courteous smile.

"Marina, it's a pleasure to see you again. Please, have a seat."

They exchanged pleasantries before Eric got down to business.

"Marina, as I mentioned before, I represent interests that are keen on supporting innovative projects like yours. However, such support comes with certain expectations."

Marina listened intently, her mind processing the information.

"What kind of expectations?" she asked, her voice steady.

Eric leaned forward, his tone earnest.

"Primarily, we would require exclusive rights to your inventions for a specified period. In return, we would provide the necessary funding, resources, and access to markets that could bring your creations to a wider audience."

Marina considered his words carefully.

"And what happens after this period? Do I regain full control over my work?"

Eric nodded.

"Yes, after the agreed-upon period, you would have the freedom to pursue other ventures as you see fit."

Marina felt a sense of relief. This arrangement seemed fair, but she needed to be sure.

"And what about the terms of the agreement? Will I have a say in them?"

Eric smiled, his demeanor reassuring.

"Of course. We value your input and want this to be a mutually beneficial partnership. We can discuss the specifics and make adjustments as needed."

Marina felt a surge of confidence. This was the opportunity she had been waiting for.

"Alright, let's proceed with the discussions. I'm ready to take this step."

As they delved into the details, Marina felt a sense of excitement building within her. This was the beginning of a new journey, one that would challenge her, push her boundaries, and ultimately define her legacy as the "Cog Queen."

In the days that followed, Marina worked tirelessly, refining her designs and preparing for the next phase of her journey. She knew the road ahead would be fraught with challenges, but she was ready to face them head-on.

Her father, though still concerned, couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. He had always known Marina was destined for greatness.