Night had fallen over the Valtieri estate, casting a tranquil hush over the industrious bustle of the day. Kael sat in his study, poring over the intricate blueprints for his next project—a workshop that would become the heart of his innovative pursuits. The design merged practicality with modern aesthetics, a concept unheard of in this medieval world of stone and timber.
Kael leaned back, a satisfied smile tugging at his lips. "This will be the foundation for the future of the domain," he murmured. His vision extended beyond mere construction; it was the dawn of a new era, where the fusion of science and magic would redefine their domain.
The following morning, Kael summoned Oswald to his study. The steward entered with his usual quiet efficiency, his silver hair gleaming in the sunlight streaming through the grand window.
"You wanted to see me, young master?" Oswald asked, his tone respectful yet warm.
Kael handed him a detailed sketch. "I need the best carpenter in the domain. Someone who can follow this blueprint precisely."
Oswald's eyes widened as he glanced at the intricate design, but his expression quickly turned thoughtful. "I believe I know just the man. His name is Harlan, a master craftsman from the northern village. If anyone can bring your vision to life, it's him."
"Excellent." Kael's voice carried a note of approval. "Bring him here as soon as possible."
By midday, Harlan arrived at the estate. A burly man with a weathered face and calloused hands, he carried an air of quiet confidence. Despite his rugged appearance, his eyes sparkled with curiosity as Kael laid the blueprint before him.
"This... is incredible," Harlan breathed, tracing the lines with a trembling finger. "I've never seen anything like it. Are you certain this can be built?"
Kael nodded, his calm demeanor unwavering. "I've calculated every detail. The measurements are precise, the materials specified, and the structure optimized for both durability and functionality."
Harlan's skepticism gave way to awe as he flipped through the pages. "With this level of detail, I believe I can manage it. But... what's this material you mention here? Cement?"
Kael leaned forward, a glint of excitement in his eyes. "Cement is a mixture of limestone, clay, and other materials, ground to a fine powder and heated. When mixed with water, it forms a paste that hardens over time. I developed it myself."
Harlan frowned, his bushy brows knitting together. "You made it yourself? Would this really work?" His voice carried a note of skepticism, and his hands rested on his hips, waiting for an explanation.
Kael chuckled softly, a glint of excitement in his eyes. "Yes, Harlan, I made it myself. And it's already being used to pave the roads. I understand you have a lot of questions, but for now, let's focus on making more cement. We've used all that we've created, and we need to produce more."
He paused, his tone growing more serious and determined. "I discovered a vein of limestone in the southern quarry and clay deposits by the river. We'll use a kiln to process the mixture, creating a durable material that binds stone and brick like nothing you've ever seen."
Kael's confidence and enthusiasm were palpable, as he envisioned the transformation this innovation would bring to their domain.
Harlan's brow furrowed in concentration as Kael continued, explaining the steps in painstaking detail. By the time they finished, the carpenter's doubts had melted into admiration.
"You truly are remarkable, young master," Harlan said, his voice filled with genuine respect. "If we succeed, this workshop will be a marvel."
The construction began with Harlan overseeing a team of skilled laborers. True to Kael's calculations, the cement proved revolutionary, holding the stone foundations with unparalleled strength. Kael visited the site daily, offering guidance and ensuring the workers adhered to his exacting standards.
Keira often joined him, her Veilbreaker Staff glinting in the sunlight. She watched in fascination as Kael adjusted pulleys, measured beams, and demonstrated the use of tools he had designed himself.
"You really do think of everything," she remarked one day, leaning casually against a stack of timber. "I'm really curious of how and where did you get all this knowledge, Young master?"
Kael smiled, looking up from his workbench where he was mixing an improved batch of cement for testing. "I learned them all from books," he replied, a hint of mystery in his tone. "Let's just say I've had a lot of time to learn and experiment."
She tilted her head, her curiosity unabated. "You can't just leave it at that!"
Kael chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief. "Well, what do you want me to say? I really did learned it all through books," he replied, a playful tone in his voice. Though it was a half-truth, it wasn't entirely a lie. Part of his knowledge indeed came from the countless hours he had spent buried in books when he was still living as Ivan back on earth, but there was more to his story that he wasn't ready to share.
She raised an eyebrow, not entirely convinced by his playful deflection. "Books, huh? You must have had access to some incredible libraries," she teased, her curiosity still piqued. "I have access to this estates library and I really can't find any of these book you are talking about."
Kael's smile widened, maintaining his air of mystery. "Ah, well, let's just say my sources were quite... unconventional," he said, his tone still light but with a hint of seriousness. "Knowledge can come from the most unexpected places, you know."
She crossed her arms, leaning in with interest. "Unconventional, huh? You're quite the enigma, Young master. I can't help but wonder what other secrets you're hiding."
As the workshop neared completion, Kael unveiled his plans for a five-story structure—a marketplace designed to house merchants and artisans, fostering economic growth. The blueprint resembled a modern mall, with open spaces for stalls, storage rooms, and even a central atrium.
Harlan stared at the design in stunned silence before breaking into laughter. "You never cease to amaze me, young master. A building like this... it'll change everything."
"That's the goal," Kael said, his voice steady. "Once the roads connect every corner of our domain, merchants will flock here. And with them, opportunities for our people."
Weeks later, the workshop stood tall, a testament to Kael's vision and Harlan's craftsmanship. Its sleek, modern design blended seamlessly with the natural surroundings, its interior equipped with tools and machinery powered by a combination of mana and Kael's ingenious inventions.
Standing before the completed structure, Kael felt a surge of pride wash over him. The workshop stood tall and sturdy, a testament to his relentless determination and vision. It was more than just a building; it was the embodiment of his dreams, a place where his innovative ideas could finally take shape.
Turning to Keira, Victor, and Harlan, Kael grinned and said, "Let's get this party started." It was a phrase he often used back on Earth whenever he was about to dive into something that excited him.
"Are we having a party right now?" Keira asked, tilting her head in confusion.
Kael laughed. "No, well... yeah. Okay, let's make one hell of a party," he said, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
And so, the Valtieri domain continued its transformation, each new endeavor bringing them closer to the future Kael envisioned. With every project they tackled, the blend of modern knowledge and ancient magic reshaped their world, creating a legacy that would be remembered for generations.