The Oil Discovery and Future Ambitions

The sun had barely risen when Krishna Deva Raya walked into the imperial palace, his steps steady, but his mind racing. He had just received some incredible news—a discovery that could change the fate of the Vijayanagara Empire forever. The moment he entered the private chamber of his father, Emperor Shriranga, his words were direct and urgent.

"Dad," Krishna began, his voice calm but filled with excitement, "my team has found something significant—oil, just 11 nautical miles off the coast of Chennai."

Shriranga looked up from his work, startled. "Oil? How can that be? We've scoured every inch of this empire before. How could you have found something now?"

Krishna nodded, understanding his father's surprise. "It could be due to advancements in technology. The Royal Petroleum Company and the Energy Bureau might have missed it because the technology wasn't there. I suggest we send them immediately to investigate."

The emperor paused, the weight of the situation sinking in. "You're right. Oil is far too important. If this is real, we must control the narrative carefully. The last thing we need is other countries getting wind of this."

Krishna's eyes narrowed with determination. "Exactly. I'll go there myself. If we've found oil, we need to manage this delicately, making sure that the right people know and that it stays under our control."

Shriranga nodded firmly. "I trust you. Lead the team. If you find oil, keep me posted immediately."

"Yes, father," Krishna responded, his voice filled with resolve. He turned to leave but paused at the door. "I'll take 200 of the palace guards with me. We'll need all the protection we can get."

With a final nod from his father, Krishna headed for the courtyard, where he and his selected guards would prepare to leave for Chennai. The trip wasn't just about confirming the oil—it was about ensuring their control over what could soon be one of the empire's most valuable assets.

After a long and tiring journey, Krishna arrived in Chennai. He was determined to make this city the new hub for not only the oil extraction process but also for the economic transformation he envisioned for Vijayanagara. He immediately met with the local magistrate, a middle-aged man with a careful demeanor. Krishna's tone was firm, yet polite.

"Make sure all the required documents for this project are cleared as soon as possible," Krishna instructed. "I need the full cooperation of your office to make this a success."

The magistrate nodded quickly, sensing the gravity of the situation. "Of course, Your Highness. We'll handle everything on our end."

Krishna stayed in Chennai for several hours, ensuring the necessary steps were being taken for the project. After his meetings, he retreated to his hotel room, his thoughts a whirlwind. As he sat in his room, he couldn't help but wonder about the bigger picture. A successful oil discovery could be the first step in something much grander for the Vijayanagara Empire.

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The Discovery

It was August 15 when the news broke: oil had been discovered off the coast of Chennai, and not just any oil, but high-quality light oil, perfect for refining. Krishna's mind raced as he processed the information, his initial calculations already forming in his head. The initial estimates placed the oil reserves at around one billion tons, a staggering amount that could alter the trajectory of their economy.

He had already planned ahead, though. The number of 1 billion tons was just a strategic figure—a number that seemed significant enough to divert international attention without alarming other powers. After all, countries like Brunei had similar reserves, and no one had thought to threaten them over it. He couldn't afford to let anyone suspect that the true reserves might be even larger.

His phone rang, pulling him from his thoughts. It was his father's voice, filled with urgency and hope. "How much oil, Krishna? How much?"

"About one billion tons," Krishna replied calmly, though he knew it was a calculated figure, meant to keep others at bay.

"Good! Excellent work, my son," Shriranga responded, his voice rising with excitement. "This could change everything for the Vijayanagara Empire."

Krishna could feel the weight of the moment. It wasn't just about the discovery; it was about the future of their empire. "I'm heading back now. It's best I don't stay here too long."

"Of course, come back soon. Be careful, son," Shriranga added, his voice tinged with concern. "It's not just the oil we must think about; we must keep our plans under wraps until we have the full infrastructure in place. If this gets out, others may start showing interest."

Krishna agreed. The empire's future was at stake, and it was his responsibility to protect it.

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Future Ambitions

Back at the hotel, Krishna paced around the room, his mind working furiously. He thought about the long-term impact of the discovery. "We can't just sell crude oil like those Middle Eastern countries," he murmured to himself. "There's so much more we can do."

He could already envision it—the development of a petrochemical industry that would not only serve as a cornerstone for the empire's economy but would also reduce their reliance on foreign imports. The possibilities seemed endless. Asphalt, carbon fiber, and other crucial materials could be extracted from crude oil, materials that would help propel Vijayanagara to the forefront of technological and economic power.

But building this industry would take time, effort, and careful planning. And the empire, though prosperous, was still in its developmental stage. Krishna knew that establishing such an industry would bring jobs, stimulate growth, and enhance their strategic position on the global stage.

He would need to consult with experts, recruit the right talent, and most importantly, keep the project under wraps until they were ready to make a formal announcement.

But for now, the discovery of oil was only the beginning. There was so much more to do. The future of the Vijayanagara Empire rested on the careful management of this resource.

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To Be Continued…