chapter 3 current situation

Criss, recalling his past life and his relatives' cement factory, saw an opportunity to establish a new industry. He also envisioned creating machines similar to those used in the 17th century for clothes production.

He called for his butler. "Butler, show me to my work office, and Commander, please wait, I also need to speak with you."

"Sure, My Lord," his butler quietly replied, leading him to an office. Criss observed an average plain table with some reports and documents. He also noticed a 17th-century pen and ink, requiring simple dipping to write, and thick paper, appearing as if it were from the dawn of paper manufacturing.

Upon seeing the paper, Criss eagerly spoke, "Butler, can you explain why this paper is so thick?"

"My Lord, smooth and light paper does exist, but it's impossible to produce in large quantities," the butler explained.

"So, how much does that paper cost compared to this paper?" Criss anticipated the thick paper would be expensive, costing four sickles, while the high-quality paper cost a silver coin.

Criss mentally noted another project, realizing that one gold coin was worth 41 silver coins, one silver coin was 12 sickle coins, and one sickle coin was 16 knuts.

"Butler, where did you acquire these?" Criss asked.

"My Lord, they weren't acquired from anywhere. We simply created this paper in your godown, and nearby, there's a farmland where we cultivate paper pulp in a large area," the butler replied.

Criss absorbed the information about the paper, his mind already reeling with the implications. The cost and scarcity of thin, smooth paper in this world presented an interesting challenge—and a potential opportunity, given his prior-life knowledge. He made a mental note of the "godown," realizing this city might possess more hidden resources than initially apparent.

"Thank you, Theron—ah, I mean, Butler," Criss said, turning from the desk. "Now, to the matter at hand. I have some... ideas. I believe that, frankly, they will get us out of this financial mess."

"Right, well, let's start a... manufacturing venture," Criss clarified, choosing his words carefully. "Specifically, we'll produce something called cement. Do you know what that is?"

Theron shook his head. "I cannot say I do, My Lord. Is it a type of rare ore?"

"No, it's a building material," Criss explained. "It's a powder, made from limestone and clay, that, when mixed with water, sand, and gravel, hardens into an incredibly strong, durable material. Stronger than any stone we quarry, and far more versatile. Imagine, Theron, structures that last for centuries, roads that don't crumble, walls impervious to... well, to many things." He subtly glanced at Elara, or his butler, standing strategically before him.

Theron's eyes widened almost imperceptibly for a brief moment. "A building material... stronger than stone? My Lord, that sounds truly remarkable. Where would we find this 'limestone' and 'clay'?"

"That's what we'll need to investigate," Criss replied with conviction. "They would not only provide us with income but also improve our living standards and strengthen our defenses. We could build more resilient infrastructure and perhaps even equip our military with superior uniforms and gear."

After a few minutes, there was a quiet knock on the door. "My Lord, may I enter?" Elara's voice was calm and controlled.

"Yes, Commander Elara, come in," Criss called out.

Elara entered, her gaze sweeping the room quickly before settling on Criss. "You wished to speak with me, My Lord?"

"Indeed, Commander Elara," Criss said, turning to face her fully. "Theron and I have been discussing pressing matters that require your insight and capabilities. This, in particular, could change how we defend Alenda."

"What is the current situation with our defense line?" Elara inquired.

Elara's stern expression softened with intrigue. "My Lord, our current army has 580 soldiers. Of these, 120 soldiers are guarding our territory in different areas in groups of 20 members, with shifts changing every 12 hours. We also need 120 soldiers for internal security, with similar arrangements. The remaining 100 soldiers are guarding here in three shifts. However, to better defend our city, we need to build new walls."

"Alright. Precisely," Criss affirmed. "I speak of cement. Its production, and the construction methods it enables, could render Alenda virtually unassailable. Your understanding of our current defenses and the city's vulnerabilities is crucial, but we can't begin large-scale construction for a while."

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "I will need your assessment, Elara. How would a new, superior building material impact our fortifications? What resources do we currently expend on defense construction and preparation? And, most importantly, what would be the tactical advantage of such a material against the threats we face?"

"Furthermore," Criss continued, his eyes gleaming with a newfound purpose, "I believe we also have the means to dramatically increase our textile production. Imagine our soldiers, well-equipped and uniformed, our people clothed in abundance. This isn't just about comfort; it's about morale, about trade, and about self-sufficiency. I'll need your input on how increased textile production could benefit our military and our overall preparedness."

"My Lord, I know that we are currently on a low budget and even facing losses. But we don't need to worry about that right now because winter is coming, and during that time, people primarily engage in trade," Elara said softly. "Our military also provides security to the richest merchants, from whom we can earn around 150 to 180 gold coins a year, which will cover the soldiers' salaries. So, in all cases, we are secure from invaders for around four to five months. We must prepare ourselves during that time."

"So, well then, here's what I need from both of you," Criss stated, his voice firm and decisive. "Theron, begin by finding out if we have accessible deposits of limestone and clay within Alenda's dominion. Also, look into any existing knowledge or practices regarding grinding and high-temperature kilns, however primitive. For the textile machines, investigate the availability of iron ore and skilled metalworkers or mechanics in Alenda who could work with precise designs. Find out what our current capacity for fabric production is, and what raw materials like cotton or wool we primarily use and produce."

He then turned to Elara. "Elara, also help him, and now you may be dismissed."

"Sure, My Lord," Elara replied without further comment, knowing Criss managed things very well.

"Butler, wait for a moment," Criss said, beginning to sketch a blueprint for a steam machine related to paper technology. This machine would use wood and steam technology instead of elementary methods, as there was no electricity generation at this time. Criss did not mention this to Theron.

"Butler, just take this to a craftsman and have it made quickly."

"Yes, My Lord."