Chapter 488: Big and Beautiful(3)
Chapter 488: Big and Beautiful(3)
Protests had broken out in Machina, the nation of dwarves. I learned the news through the newspapers.
From my perspective, the protests erupted without any warning, which left me quite flustered. Machina was a fairly important country to me, after all.
While the Minerva Empire is known as the nation with the strongest economy, its productivity is actually lower than one might expect.
Productivity is directly linked to economic power, but the reason Minerva’s economy is so strong lies in its intricate economic structure.
They were the first to issue a 'Central Bank' to strictly manage the national treasury, and they even have institutions dedicated to managing finance.
Their productivity isn't lacking, either, as the Minerva Empire boasts the largest population in the world.
The combination of the productivity stemming from that population and their unique economic structure allows them to flaunt immense economic power.
Though they are currently reeling because demon worshippers printed 'counterfeit currency,' it’s only because it’s the Minerva Empire that they’re holding on; any other country would have spiraled straight into a Great Depression.
However, even the Minerva Empire falls far behind Machina when it comes to raw 'productivity.' To exaggerate slightly, Machina is no different from the Soviet Union during its rapid expansion.
Furthermore, unlike other nations, every single citizen in Machina is an artisan. Short on production? Just pick anyone off the street and put them to work. Problem solved.
What humans call 'technology' is nothing more than 'child's play' to a dwarf. They are truly a race of artisans.
[King Bourgeois V of Machina: "Nothing happened."]
[Protesters have currently dispersed and returned to their workplaces.]
But being a race of artisans doesn't mean they are 'machines.' The recent protests were an explosion of grievances that had been building up for a long time.
As seen in the newspapers, the protests ended quickly, and the King himself claimed nothing happened, but I could sense it.
They definitely suppressed them. They likely met the protesters with ruthless violence or dragged them off to prison.
I could guess because there was a similar history on Earth—no, a history that was far too identical. The only difference was that this was happening before an Industrial Revolution had even fully ignited.
Such darkness hides beneath unparalleled productivity. Machina was no different.
"One of the printing presses has currently ceased operations. It simply couldn't keep up with the demand."
As I was carefully scanning the newspaper, someone spoke up quietly from across from me. I took my eyes off the paper and looked forward.
It was Musk, his face cast in shadows unlike his usual self. His cheeks had hollowed out, showing how much he had been struggling lately.
The protests—specifically, the fact that the dwarf factories related to papermaking had protested—must have impacted the publisher.
I heard that as the protests broke out, supply could no longer keep up with demand. The situation was already precarious, and now they were on the verge of a total shutdown.
Currently, not only Blood and Iron but also the Xenon Biography are still being published. Above all, this period should be considered the golden age of 'books.'
Commoners didn't used to read much, but after the Xenon Biography, the amount of reading has increased dramatically. The fact that the number of students entering the Literature Department has skyrocketed is a bonus.
The Xenon Biography acted as a sort of bridge, causing an explosion in the number of people who became familiar with books.
"The printing press is fine. Then, the new volume..."
"I'm sorry, but even if you give me the manuscript, it will be difficult to print it immediately. We need at least fifteen days to build up a surplus."
Paper production—that is, papermaking—is mostly done by hand. Even if there are machines to assist, it requires a human touch.
The massive supply of paper required, starting from the Xenon Biography and continuing through Blood and Iron... this was, quite literally, the result of grinding down the dwarf factories.
In other words, the fundamental cause lay with me. The thought that I was just writing books but causing such harm made me feel uneasy.
But why didn't I know about this until now?
Unlike when I first investigated Machina, the deep-seated evils were worse than expected. There is media control, but I had heard almost nothing about the known information—specifically, the suffering of the dwarf factories.
Why was that? If I had seen the reality of Machina, I would have written about the founding of the Soviet Union in much more detail.
As I wore a puzzled expression, Musk looked at my face and spoke quietly.
"Is something bothering you?"
"Huh? Oh, no. It's not that, I'm just a bit puzzled."
"Puzzled by what?"
"Why didn't this news reach me? If I had known the dwarf factories were suffering like this, I would have adjusted things."
I have acquaintances all around me who are essentially national leaders. Even without a dwarf among them, I should have been able to learn about the situation.
But not a single person told me about the reality. No, it was closer to them not knowing at all.
It could be that Machina managed information control that well, but something felt off.
"...It's too complicated to put simply. Fundamentally, they're likely trying to nip the bud of revolution."
When I raised my doubt, Musk, who had been pondering while tugging at his mustache, offered his opinion.
I had a rough idea of what he meant, so I asked a question.
"Is this also because of the Jayros Revolution?"
"Yes. If a revolution were to break out even in Machina, other nations would have no choice but to be wary. With things already being so unsettled because of the demon worshippers, it's a very bad time for the social atmosphere."
"Hmm..."
I nodded at his plausible explanation. This man really should have gone into politics instead of business.
If the political situation hadn't been so chaotic due to the demon worshippers, they would have jumped at the chance to attack Machina.
They didn't have a justification, but Machina was already disliked by neighboring countries, and there were plenty of reasons to strike.
But as he said, the current situation is too dire. The Minerva Empire, in particular, is suffering greatly because of the demon worshippers.
Fortunately, things have calmed down somewhat since I held the 'event,' but they've been humiliated in many ways.
If a revolution were to break out in Machina on top of that, the sparks could spread uncontrollably.
"There's that, but the biggest reason is likely your existence, Sir Isaac."
"Me?"
"Yes. If the dwarf factories stop production, the publication of your works will naturally be delayed. If your reputation were even slightly lower than it is now, it might be different, but because it's so high, they have no choice but to keep working, even if it's like swallowing a bitter pill. Bourgeois V likely exploited this point to suppress them."
It was a matter of justification. He probably pressured them, saying, 'If the Saint's works are delayed, won't you be the ones to lose out?'
This, too, could be seen as a tragedy caused by divine right being too strong. No matter what I say, the Machina side would likely protest their innocence.
They would claim they only did it for the God. They worked hard for the God, so why are they being criticized? They are afraid of divine punishment.
I wanted to give them a refreshing "fuck off," but that wouldn't be a fundamental solution.
Given the era, it'll be hard for someone like Marx or Lenin to emerge.
Marx formulated his philosophy after seeing the treatment workers received after the Industrial Revolution, and Lenin was influenced by Marx.
But given the times, it's difficult for humans, let alone other races, to produce someone with similar ideologies.
Furthermore, Machina has such tight information control that it's hard for outsiders to know the reality. Even I didn't know until now.
Even now, the protests that broke out were treated as 'riots' and neatly suppressed at the state level.
If the internet existed, people would have noticed to some extent. But in this world, information can only be grasped through rumors and the press.
Fortunately, I have incredible connections, so I could see the truth with my own eyes, but it would be difficult for ordinary people to know.
Even the pleas of the factories are being dismissed as mere grumbling.
That was the reason Musk had come to me now. He was saying production had slowed down because the dwarves were protesting over something trivial.
I wondered how he would react if he found out that 'trivial thing' was actually forced labor. Musk is famous for treating his employees well.
So, I asked a question to both test him and gather information.
"Mr. Musk."
"Yes. Please, go ahead."
"How many hours a day do you have your employees work?"
"...?"
Musk blinked at my question. His face showed him thinking deeply about my intent.
But I just looked at him with a smile. A harmless expression that suggested no hidden motive.
At that, Musk tilted his head with an uncertain look and then answered frankly.
"Unless they're on duty, I have them work from 9 AM to 5 PM. It's been very busy lately, so overtime is frequent, but I pay them generous allowances."
"What is the monthly salary?"
"It varies by rank and position. High-level personnel like accountants are paid nearly 80 gold a month. On days when taxes need to be calculated, I pay additional bonuses."
"What if an employee has an accident?"
"We're a publisher, so accidents rarely happen, but... do you remember when I was ambushed by demon worshippers?"
Of course I did. Because of that incident, he tried to do something a normal person could never imagine—buying a temple.
Now, he's moved his company to our territory, but it was a dangerous event.
"If something like that happens, I provide medical expenses and recommend about six months of rest. Of course, the salary is paid regularly. Having experienced it once, the trauma was no joke."
"Then..."
I trailed off for a moment, recalling my past life—specifically, the abysmal conditions for workers. Though standards varied by country, I knew it was the worst of the worst.
"Sixteen hours of work a day."
"Pardon?"
"No break times, and no compensation whatsoever even if an accident occurs during work. Children can also work, but the conditions are the same."
"..."
"If such a workplace existed, what would you think?"
Musk blinked as if wondering what he had just heard. Then, he replied with an absurd tone.
"I want employees, not slaves."
"But you could make more money this way."
"I don't buy and sell human lives. No, before that, does such a merchant group even exist?"
I thought it was a very 'him' answer. I chuckled and shook my head at his words, which expressed utter incomprehension.
The exploitation in the dwarf factories is, for now, just my speculation. It would take several days to get proper information.
"Who knows. Anyway, I'll make sure the new volume is published slowly. Instead, I should take measures so that no one can do anything strange using my name as an excuse."
"If there's such a person, they'll be struck by divine punishment."
"The gods won't intervene over something like this."
If it were enough for a god to intervene, it would be something like Savior being swept up in fanaticism. I'm not actually a Saint, after all.
Of course, I need to set up some safeguards. I have no idea what they might do in Machina, where information control is so powerful.
To do that, I need Kate's help. But when on earth is that woman coming back?
It's already been three months since Kate left. I have no idea what she's doing, as she hasn't been in touch.
I'll just have to wait a little longer.
For now, let's focus on the present. After telling Musk what to say to the press, I took out an item I had prepared in advance.
When I placed the item on the table, Musk spoke with a nuance that suggested he knew what it was.
"Is this a new illustration?"
"Yes. Since the new volume will be delayed anyway, I thought it wouldn't be bad to release the illustration in advance."
An illustration of Hitler and Guderian looking at a Panzer I being produced in a factory.
Since it was the scene where the tank first appears, it was quite important, but it didn't matter. At first, everyone would look at it and wonder what kind of object it was.
Luminous said three dwarves would invent a tank and come to our territory, but...
"Is it okay?"
"I don't mind."
He didn't say when that would be, so I was feeling relieved.
*
[Xenon's sharp rebuke after seeing the protests in Machina: "Do not use me as an excuse to make the factories suffer."]
[For the sake of the dwarf factories, Blood and Iron will be published at a slower pace for the time being.]
[If there are those who try to exploit his name...]
The news of the protests in Machina spread worldwide and reached Isaac.
As discussed with Musk, Isaac slowed down the release cycle and delivered a sharp rebuke, telling people not to use him for their own ends and to consider the convenience of the factories.
Naturally, this news spread far and wide, and even Machina, though they might grumble, complied.
They couldn't dare to stand as equals against a Saint who received the gods' blessing, and they risked being targeted by neighboring countries if they did.
"Move more! I said move faster, you useless lot!"
"P-please, if you could just let us rest for a moment..."
"A mere factory worker dares to talk back?!"
"Aaaagh!"
But that didn't mean the treatment of the factories improved. Rather, as if determined not to let defiance grow, the whipping only became harsher.
The number of workers collapsing from grueling labor gradually increased, and the violence the factory owners inflicted upon them grew more intense.
Carrots? There were no carrots. If one worker collapsed, they could just be replaced by another.
They were, quite literally, like 'parts' of a machine. Even as fatigue piled up, the workers moved their limbs in silence.
"Give us freedom! Give us creativity! Give us rest!"
"Bourgeois V, give us a chance! Put a pen, not a hammer, in a child's hand!"
But that didn't mean they didn't raise their voices. Perhaps it was because they had watched the previous protests be ruthlessly suppressed.
Dwarf workers gathered in plazas and on the streets from time to time to protest fiercely.
Now, it wasn't just the papermaking factories, but workers from every field gathered together.
Having witnessed firsthand that the state didn't care about them, raising their voices was the only way.
However...
"All units, fire!!"
The state responded with even greater violence. Specially made arrows for suppression were fired, and those arrows were aimed directly at the workers.
"Aaaaagh!!"
"R-run!"
"What did we do! What did we do?!"
The protesters, who had been advancing from the plaza toward the palace, began to flee in chaos under the rain of arrows.
Fortunately, the tips of the arrows were made blunt, so there were no fatalities.
"Aaaaagh! My-my eye! My eye!!"
"B-brother! Quickly, a priest! Call a priest!"
But while there were no deaths, injuries were rampant. There were even dwarves who were blinded because an arrow tip struck their eye.
In this way, the power of the protesters was utterly helpless before the might of the state.
Now was the time for 'revolution,' not just protests. The dwarves were starting to sense it, and the social atmosphere was shifting in that direction.
"We must no longer hold our breath! What did we do wrong? Did we ask for something unreasonable? We only needed rest and a cold beer. We never wanted this kind of treatment!"
"He's right! He's right!"
"As expected, an educated man speaks so well!"
And for a revolution, just as in the Jayros Revolution, a clear 'focal point' was needed. Like Geas, the dwarf currently delivering a passionate speech from the platform.
Eins's close friend and colleague, Geas, stood before the platform and looked around at the enthusiastic workers.
Their faces were exhausted from harsh persecution and poor environments. But in their eyes, a spark was burning brightly.
If these sparks gathered, they would become a massive inferno capable of burning even the state. Geas smiled, satisfied with the response around him.
Tweet!
But even that smile didn't last long. The protesters, including Geas, turned their heads as the sound of a whistle reached their ears.
"There are the reactionaries! Arrest them at once!"
They had been caught by the soldiers on patrol. Their numbers were significant.
As protests had become frequent lately, Bourgeois V had greatly reinforced patrols. It was suppression intended to crush them.
"They're Bourgeois V's slaves!"
"Those damn bastards!"
"Everyone, run! It's not time to fight yet!"
At the appearance of the soldiers, the protesters scattered. But there was no longer any fear on their faces.
The protesters had long since abandoned hope in the state. Instead of fear, anger was slowly boiling over.
Geas also hurried away before he could be caught by the soldiers. He shook off the pursuit by ducking into alleys.
"Phew..."
Geas let out a sigh of relief, thinking he had escaped. Then, he peeked his head out of the alley.
Fortunately, no soldiers were following him. It was a bit noisy, but he didn't hear the sounds of them trying to catch him.
Soon, Geas pulled a piece of paper from his chest. Judging by the texture, it seemed to be a part of a newspaper.
"A tank..."
The paper in his hand was none other than the tank—the illustration Isaac had pre-released.
Hitler and Guderian looking at the tank with satisfied faces. But Geas focused on the tank itself, not Hitler and Guderian.
It's almost identical to what Eins is building.
Eins was also in the middle of building a weapon similar to the drawing. A steel fortress powered by a mana engine.
For powerful firepower, a 'cannon' was mounted on the upper part, and a reloadable crossbow was installed below it.
However, they had been struggling with progress lately, specifically due to the rough road conditions of Machina.
Using wheels made it too bumpy and difficult to control. They couldn't move forward because of a single wheel.
If it's this kind of structure...
Geas focused on the caterpillar tracks, the symbol of a tank. If it were this type of wheel, it could be operated even on rough terrain.
How?
How did Xenon—that is, Isaac—think of such a weapon? It was far too similar to the steel weapon Eins was inventing.
No. It went beyond similarity; it had completely cleared the part where they were stuck. In terms of technology alone, it was one step ahead.
Just like the steam locomotive in the Xenon Biography, and now this tank.
Is he really someone from the future?
He had said he wasn't, but now even that was hard to believe. Without knowledge of the future, one could never even imagine such a steel weapon.
It doesn't matter. As long as it can become the focal point of the revolution.
Geas tucked the drawing carefully into his chest. Eins and Handai were so focused on inventing the tank that they knew almost nothing of the outside world.
They had only asked him, with his eloquent speech, to be the focal point of the revolution.
This is enough.
What an artisan who has honed his skills for decades needs...
We, too, can possess military power.
...is just a single blueprint.