Translator: Cinder Translations
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The sound of clanging and banging echoed throughout the workshop as the workers began their tasks as usual. Occasionally, someone would glance toward the entrance, where Mr. Ekins paced back and forth, hands clasped behind his back, looking anxious.
When would the Earl arrive with his guests?
As he pondered, a young man rushed over, breathing heavily. "They're coming! Boss, they've left the lord's manor!"
This was an employee assigned by Ekins to keep watch on the island and report any activity.
"Good!"
Ekins clapped his hands together and shouted, "Everyone come over! Welcome our guests! The Earl is arriving!"
Several high-ranking overseers quickly emerged from the workshop, lining up neatly.
Soon, dust rose in the distance as three carriages, flanked by a squad of guard cavalry, approached.
In no time, the carriages reached the entrance. The middle carriage door opened, and out stepped Earl Grayman, accompanied by two individuals whose attire clearly indicated they were not locals. These must be the big clients from the Horns Bay.
A broad smile instantly spread across Ekins's face as he hurried to the carriage and, with a humble tone, said, "Your Excellency, esteemed guests, welcome to Ekins's iron foundry." As soon as he finished speaking, the lined-up overseers bowed in unison, as if they had rehearsed many times.
Paul raised a hand. "Ekins, no need for pleasantries. Show us the area where you forge arms."
"Yes, yes, Your Excellency, please follow me."
The group followed Ekins into the workshop, where the incessant clanging accompanied their tour.
"This is where we forge swords."
"This is where we create spearheads."
…
Gaius and Quill had never dealt with blacksmithing, so they found nothing particularly novel in the workshop's workflow.
However, they were keen to ensure the final product's quality.
"Mr. Ekins? Could you show us some finished products? And we'd like to test them."
Ekins immediately replied, "Of course! Please follow me to the warehouse."
They entered the warehouse, where rows of wooden crates were lined up.
Gaius stepped forward and casually picked up a longsword. After examining it closely, he handed it to a nearby family guard and asked in Horns Bay dialect, "What do you think?"
The guard had sharp eyes, a sturdy build, and several scars on his face, indicating he was no ordinary character.
He silently accepted the longsword, flicked its blade with his fingers, and executed a few thrusts and slashes.
"Not bad!"
The guard replied succinctly in Horns Bay dialect, then returned the sword to Gaius.
"Alright." Gaius showed a satisfied expression and placed the sword back.
It was meant for foot soldiers, so that was sufficient.
Ekins turned to the Horns Bay translator he had summoned overnight from town and quietly asked, "What are those two Horns Bay fellows saying?"
"Uh… the one in front asked how the sword is, and the one behind said it's not bad," the translator replied discreetly.
What? Ekins felt a surge of indignation. Did the Horns Bay folk lack discernment? The products from my workshop are top-notch, renowned even throughout the entire northwest region.
He cursed silently but maintained a smiling facade.
Paul, on the other hand, was not particularly bothered. The Horns Bay had a thriving trade, and its people were accustomed to goods from all over the world, naturally having high standards.
The northwest bay had only recently begun large-scale interactions with the outside world. For many long years, they had been like frogs in a well, exhibiting a certain arrogance. Craftsmen, after all, seldom admitted their inferiority.
The guard in front, being close to the family heir, was likely an elite from the Foster family, experienced with fine weapons. A mere "not bad" was already a significant compliment.
He asked, "Sir Foster, what do you think? Do the weapons produced in our northwest bay meet your needs?"
Gaius nodded. "If the quality is consistent, then yes."
Ekins immediately pounded his chest, assuring, "Most esteemed guests, rest assured that Ekins's workshop will never compromise on quality. We strictly adhere to Lord Grayman's teachings and maintain rigorous quality control."
Gaius asked with interest, "Quality control?"
A new and intriguing term.
"Oh, it encompasses the entire process from raw material control, production and processing, product completion, quality testing of finished products, to warehousing of finished goods and after-sales quality tracking and resolution, including a complete quality control and management process."
Paul explained this to him.
Gaius pondered, "If you can truly maintain such rigor, that would be excellent. The Horns Bay Alliance will not hesitate to spend money."
"Rest assured," Paul and Ekins replied in unison.
Gaius then asked, "Do you produce armor here?"
"Yes, we do. Please, follow me."
The workshop owner led the way, and the group arrived at the armor forging workshop.
They saw a massive hammer on a machine rising and falling, pounding metal into rough plates, which were then refined by craftsmen wielding hammers.
Quill curiously asked, "Interesting, how does such a large hammer operate?"
Gaius proudly replied, "I can tell you, it is powered by water flow."
"Like a water wheel?"
"Oh… you could say that."
Gaius had already patented the water-powered hammer, so other workshops would have to pay to use it, including the Earl's mechanical factory.
Seeing Gaius's smug expression, Paul silently scoffed, "Hmph, you beat me to it. Just wait until I get my rolling machine…"
However, he felt reassured that the seeds of innovation were beginning to take root, from the surveying team's distance measurement tools to the current hydraulic hammer.
Suddenly, Gaius thought of something. "By the way, can you produce high-quality steel plate armor?"
"Steel plate armor?" Ekins hesitated, then said, "We have the technology for that."
"How's the production capacity?"
"Oh… you know, steel isn't easy to obtain, so it's not our main focus."
Gaius felt a bit disappointed. "Alright then."
But it was expected; even without military knowledge, Gaius understood how precious a suit of armor could be—it could be a family heirloom.
Standing nearby, Paul felt a stir in his heart. "Steel? Iron supply is no longer a problem. It seems we should take it a step further."
He quietly set his plans.
After a whole morning of touring Gaius's workshop, they concluded the visit. Paul invited the Foster brothers to the lord's manor for lunch and arranged for their return while he stayed behind.
"Ekins."
"Yes, my lord."
In the office, the workshop owner stood respectfully next to Paul.
"As I understand it, your workshop seems to be receiving orders from the shipyard as well."
"Haha, yes, my lord."
Driven by the profits from maritime trade and the deliberate guidance of the government council, the coastal northwest bay had seen a wave of "great construction," with shipyards of all sizes being established.
Currently, shipbuilding primarily used wood, leading to a sharp increase in demand for timber. However, the wood required for constructing ships must be prepared years in advance, and some types need to dry for up to six years after shaping.
The northwest bay's shipbuilding industry was not developed before, and naturally, there wasn't much timber stock. The little available was quickly consumed.
To cope with this situation, shipyards began to prioritize not only spending heavily to purchase timber from outside as a stopgap but also started emphasizing timber reserves.
As a result, wood prices surged, spurring the growth of the logging and timber processing industries, with a series of lumber mills rising rapidly.
But shipbuilding requires not just wood, but also a large number of metal components, which benefited many ironworks.
In addition to wood and iron, there was also a high demand for canvas.
Not only the territories of Alden, Byerldine, and Emden under Paul's control but other territories began joining the supply chain.
Manufacturing thrived across the northwest land.
"Remember, your workshop must prioritize meeting our local needs. Don't take on work for the Horns Bay just because they pay more."
Paul felt it necessary to remind these budding capitalists.
"Yes, yes, my lord. I will definitely follow your instructions," Ekins replied hurriedly.
(End of the Chapter)
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