Chapter 79
Chapter 79
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 79
Chapter Title: Industrial Revolution (3)
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To turn bituminous coal into coke, I needed to build an oven.
Someone might ask what that means, but the principle behind it is straightforward.
Unlike anthracite, bituminous coal is packed with all sorts of impurities.
To make coke, you have to strip away those impurities and leave nothing but pure carbon behind.
By the way, this process also produces coal gas, which can be used for streetlights, but I'll think about that later.
Anyway, to put it simply, coking requires sealing off oxygen while applying intense heat.
More precisely, bituminous coal contains various gases and organic compounds mixed in.
The key is to extract them without letting them oxidize.
That's why I needed an oven.
"The issue is the materials."
I needed something that could withstand high heat while blocking out oxygen.
No need for a full vacuum—just a low-oxygen environment would do.
For the high heat, I figured I'd use magic at first.
Let's start by selecting the materials.
They had to be easy to source and durable.
If this were some high-tech gadget or delicate equipment, cost wouldn't matter.
But since it has to endure extreme conditions, the materials couldn't be hard to obtain.
It's not cutting-edge tech anyway—it needs to be easy to repair.
No reason to invest in expensive stuff from the start.
"To block oxygen and handle high heat, I need refractory materials."
I'm pretty sure they use firebricks for this.
To be exact, any refractory material would work, not just bricks.
But bricks are the most convenient to shape and use.
"I can just tweak an existing brick factory a bit."
So, firebricks it is.
Firebricks require silica, which is quartz—the same stuff we all know.
In simple terms, mix quartz into bricks.
"Is that too oversimplified?"
Eh, whatever.
For starters, I decided to find a quartz mine.
I could ask the professor to help with that.
Then visit the mine, check the quality, and secure a supply contract.
Not a long-term deal—just a one-off for now.
But with the professor's name and mine, it should be fine.
"Oh, right—I need an adhesive too."
They usually use lime for that, so I'll need to source some.
I asked the professor to find me a quartz mine and a limestone quarry.
"Got it. I'll get back to you soon."
Perfect. Now I can work on other things.
While the professor hunted for mines, I signed contracts with two brick factories.
This was to produce firebricks.
They needed to tweak part of their process, but it wasn't a big deal.
A few days later, word came that he'd found both quartz and limestone sources.
I headed to the most urgent one first: the quartz mine.
The mine owner came out to greet me.
The professor had said he was a lower-ranking noble than me.
Of course, I'd only received a medal—no title of my own.
Still, as a member of House Rerangbur, I had to maintain some authority.
Well, I didn't have to, but the guy seemed to expect it.
So I had to dress up in clothes that didn't quite fit the bill.
"Welcome. We've been expecting you."
"Good day. I hear you have high-quality quartz here."
"Indeed. Please, come inside."
I followed him in.
The mine was bustling—workers hauling quartz, heading into the shafts, all full of energy.
He apologized for the commotion.
"Sorry about the mess. We've got so many orders piling up."
"No trouble... ahem. No trouble at all. Quite the operation you've got here. Big reserves?"
"You bet! It's our pride and joy."
He showed me around, trying to impress me at every turn.
I nodded appreciatively, but inwardly, I just wanted to see the quartz.
I didn't care much about the mine itself—quality quartz and reliable supply were all that mattered.
After a full tour, it was time to get down to business.
I cleared my throat unnecessarily and broached the subject.
"I've heard your quartz is top-notch. Mind showing me?"
"Of course, right this way."
He led me to a pile of stacked quartz.
He pulled a piece from a storage box and held it out.
"Here, have a look."
"Thanks."
I took it and examined it from every angle.
Visually, it looked good—no obvious issues.
High purity, minimal impurities.
But eyes alone weren't enough.
I subtly channeled mana.
He probably wouldn't notice.
Since gaining enlightenment, my mana control had improved, and I could handle higher-circle magic.
To borrow a metaphor from Earth's fiction, I'd gone from one-circle spells to three-circle ones.
Anyway, I cast an analysis spell with mana on the sly.
Info on the quartz flowed into my mind.
"Oh, not bad at all. Actually, I want to sign a contract right now."
"Really? That's great news!"
He practically jumped for joy and launched into explanations.
Price per ton, current market rates, and so on.
I raised a hand to calm him.
"Easy now. I have something to say."
"Ahem, sorry. Go ahead."
I couldn't commit to a massive contract with the quartz mine just yet.
I needed to run experiments first.
So, a small order for now... hopefully he'd understand.
I explained it politely, without being rude.
He'd been smiling the whole time, but then he glanced away.
"Tch."
"Hm?"
"Haha, nothing. So, how much do you need?"
His tone turned a bit curt.
Probably annoyed at the small order. Tsk.
What to do here?
Best option: find another mine. But that'd take days.
Pass.
So, win him over somehow.
I thought for a moment, then grinned confidently.
"As you know, I'm Edn Rerangbur."
"Yes, I know."
"And I'm working on a new product right now."
"...Pardon?"
Hook, line, and sinker.
I dropped hints about coke and steel, and his eyes lit up.
He was probably thinking: Partnering early means premium status as a founding supplier.
More business, mine expansion—the works.
No way he'd say no.
As expected, he beamed openly.
"Oh my, well then. Heh, sorry about that. So, how shall we proceed with the contract?"
"One ton for now. Starting next week, half that amount weekly. If development succeeds, we'll renegotiate."
"Understood! This way, please."
I followed him to draw up the papers, sighing inwardly.
Good thing I wrapped it up before it got more annoying.
I did this not just to avoid hunting for another mine, but because others would likely be the same.
Folks in this business are usually rough around the edges.
Miner work is grueling and dangerous, so they're tough.
And the ones dealing with them face-to-face? Same deal.
New mines would probably be no different.
Better to lock in certainty than chase maybes.
"Here we are. I'll fetch the contract."
In the office, we negotiated and got what we both wanted.
In addition to the earlier terms, I agreed to provide one upgraded-engine mining cart.
Not now, but upon the new contract.
In exchange, cheaper quartz.
"Thanks. Appreciate it."
"You're welcome! Safe travels!"
I waved as I boarded my carriage.
The moment I sat, I loosened my collar and sighed.
"Whew, my jaw's killing me."
Forcing that formal voice and tone was exhausting.
I leaned back against the seat as the carriage slowly pulled away.
First step down.
Next: the limestone quarry.
I stopped by an inn, then headed there.
Two days later, I arrived.
The owner came out to meet me.
"Welcome. We've been waiting."
"Good to meet you."
Unlike before, the vibe was calm.
And I didn't have to put on airs this time.
He gave a quick tour and rundown.
But it wrapped up fast.
"Small purchase, right? Here's the contract."
"Uh, yeah. How'd you know?"
Did the professor tip him off?
I looked puzzled, and he chuckled.
"I know a bit about you. No news on recent developments lately. For you to visit our quarry now means you're in the thick of R&D. Here for experimental materials, I'd wager."
Damn, sharp guy.
Spot-on guess—I was impressed despite myself.
Such a shame he's running a quarry.
Put him in research, and he'd thrive.
Anyway, we signed the contract smoothly, no extra terms.
I just mentioned I'd be back for a bigger deal later.
"Phew, that's done. Now to the brick factory."
I hopped back in the carriage and headed there.
I gave them instructions, and a few days later, the materials arrived. Firebrick production began.
The next day, I finally had my firebricks.
Now for the coke oven!