Steel, Guns, and the Industrial Party in Another World
Chapter 209: Iron Ambition 6

TL: Etude

Upon hearing the blacksmith announce that the molten iron was ready, Paul immediately rushed to the furnace door and stared intently, with the others gathering around as well.

The furnace door opened, releasing a wave of scorching heat. Red-hot molten iron, resembling boiling magma, flowed out, causing many to step back in alarm.

The molten iron was directed into sand molds, gradually cooling into iron ingots.

Paul looked on contentedly. Although they were only producing pig iron, which still required manual processing by blacksmiths for use, this was a revolutionary advance compared to the traditional smelting techniques of this world.

The other visitors marveled at the sight, many witnessing such a scene for the first time.

“Herman!”

“Yes, Lord Grayman.”

“Use this iron to forge a sword for me. I want to see the quality of the iron we’ve produced.”

“Yes!”

Paul rallied the craftsmen present, encouraging them to redouble their efforts and improve the production capacity of the ironworks.

He handed Conrad a bag of silver coins as a bonus, instructing him to distribute it according to everyone’s contributions.

Amidst cheers, Paul led the visitors out of the valley, with Guy Burns accompanying them back to Lakeheart Town.

“Count.”

Hansel approached Paul with a smile.

“You’ve once again realized the plans you showed me. I was somewhat skeptical about the ironmaking part, but now I wouldn’t be surprised if you could conjure a warehouse full of swords and armor in an instant.”

“Haha, then I’d be a wizard, and the Church would burn me at the stake.”

“If you really had that ability, I guess the Church would be too busy courting you. But let’s talk business, about the royal family…”

This guy, after all, was the royal representative sent to Paul’s side, still concerned about his own career prospects. Sᴇaʀᴄh the NʘvᴇlFirᴇ.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

Several shipments of food had been sent, but so far the royal family hadn’t provided any direct assistance.

However, Hansel was worth winning over. His efforts in recruiting people for Alda in the capital were diligent and effective, bringing in many refugees.

“Oh! About His Majesty the King, don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten.”

Paul patted Hansel’s shoulder, reassuring him.

“Once we build a few more blast furnaces, the iron produced will be specifically supplied to His Majesty’s army.”

Hansel beamed with joy.

“I knew you were loyal to His Majesty. Even the Lord of Light would be moved by your dedication. Count…”

Hansel was getting cozy with Paul but was interrupted by someone else.

“Sir Abbott, Sir Abbott, I have something to discuss with Lord Grayman, may I speak first…”

Guy Burns interjected somewhat eagerly.

Hansel frowned slightly in displeasure; this mechanic was too oblivious to social cues. But Burns had indeed become quite favored recently.

He quickly resumed his smile and gestured, “Please, Mr. Burns.”

“Thank you. Lord Grayman, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you.”

“Oh? What is it?”

Paul was curious. Since leaving the ironworks, Burns had been silent, as if pondering something.

“Do you remember in the office that day, when you pointed to the boiling kettle and asked me to look closely?”

“Oh, you’re talking about that! Have you figured something out?”

Paul was a bit surprised. Could it be that he had actually discerned something?

“Yes, my lord! I have! It’s the future! I see the future!”

Burns slapped his thigh, his face suddenly becoming excited.

“What do you mean by ‘future’?”

“Steam, using steam to provide power, to create machinery like windmills and watermills!”

Wow! Paul was shocked, not expecting him to actually have such a revelation.

“Burns, you are truly a genius to have discovered this yourself!”

Burns held his hands to his chest, his face full of admiration for Paul.

“Not at all, it’s you, my lord, who first thought of this. It’s a bold and creative idea indeed. I am truly impressed.”

“Ha ha, you are definitely a natural-born mechanician!”

“My lord, you are the one who is…”

Suddenly, a disdainful remark came from the side: “Tch! What kind of innovation is this?”

Burns, angered, turned to locate the source of the voice, only to find it was Betty Dias, the female consultant walking behind them.

Seeing that it was a beautiful lady, he refrained from continuing his anger.

“Miss Consultant, I admit you are knowledgeable, but your words are a bit biased!”

Paul also looked at her with an expression of ‘if this isn’t innovation, then what is’.

Eileen, who had been listening to their conversation, finally couldn’t stand their mutual adulation and decided to let them know that there are always more knowledgeable people, especially Paul Grayman, whose recent series of inventions had made him somewhat overconfident. However, his inventions were indeed very useful.

“My words are not biased. The use of steam as a power source has been done by people over a thousand years ago.”

Eileen’s words successfully captured their attention.

“Historical records mention that before the ancient Gubera Empire, a sage named Roche created a device called ‘Steam Sphere’ that could continuously rotate when water was boiled beneath it. Later, he used steam power to create a temple door that could rotate, opening magically when the faithful offered sacrifices and someone hidden would open the steam passage. Sadly, his inventions were lost.”

Paul was secretly amazed, realizing that people had recognized the potential of steam over a thousand years ago, but the technology back then was not advanced enough to create a real steam engine, and it was not practical for production.

He waved his hand, feigning disdain: “Those were just toys and tricks. The ‘Steam Engine’ I plan to create is not such a trifle.”

Burns nodded in agreement.

“Steam Engine? Good name. Yes, Miss Consultant, our aim is to create machines that provide continuous power like windmills and watermills, greatly saving manpower.”

Eileen looked skeptical.

“Humph! Fairy tales! The power of wind and water is not something that soft steam can match! Even the deeds of Sage Roche are just legends. Isn’t that right, Ladi?”

The other female consultant, Ladi, said somewhat uncomfortably, “Um… Betty, although I also can’t imagine what a ‘Steam Engine’ might look like, I believe the count can make it.”

“Ah? You’re not on my side? See how I deal with you…”

“Ah~~”

…

Ignoring the women’s squabble, Paul somewhat apologetically said to Burns, “It’s good that you see the potential in steam, but I’m not planning to work on this at the moment…”

“Why not, my lord?”

Burns couldn’t believe it.

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