Chapter 94
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 94
Chapter Title: Industrial Revolution (18)
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The Emperor remained still for a long while even after the nobles had withdrawn.
Finally, with a sigh, he summoned the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister hurried over at the Emperor's call and stood by his side, listening attentively.
"Do you know the current situation?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Then I have one order for you."
The Emperor spoke without even looking at him, as if talking to himself.
"Raise the prices on all raw materials that go into those factories."
"Pardon? But..."
The Emperor cleared his throat, cutting off the Prime Minister's words.
The Prime Minister, sensing his displeasure immediately, bowed his head.
"Understood. Then, to what extent should I adjust them?"
"Until the complaints start rolling in. Of course, this is just me mumbling to myself."
"I understand. In that case, I'll return to my duties."
Now the Prime Minister would slowly start manipulating the market.
But no one would know why.
"The sweetness of victory tends to breed complacency, after all."
Even if they didn't grow complacent, it wouldn't matter.
Because this wouldn't be seen as the Emperor's will.
Even if someone suspected market manipulation, they wouldn't pin it on the Emperor.
I'd finished the tractor.
It had been tough in the middle, but thanks to my experience, I wrapped it up quickly.
The problem was finding a place to test it.
"As much as I hate to say it, Rerangbur is out."
If it failed, it'd cause all sorts of headaches.
Someone might argue other territories are the same, and they'd be right.
But the difference is that elsewhere, the blame could be spread around, while in Rerangbur, it'd all fall squarely on me.
"Huh, thinking about it that way makes me look pretty shady."
Still, if it succeeds, that's all that matters, right?
I can prove it with results!
With that reckless mindset, I started scouting places to test the tractor.
About a week of discussions with Biena led to a contact in a nearby territory.
It was Viscount Pentrin's land, where agriculture itself sustained the entire domain.
Apparently, they'd been wracking their brains lately over the factories.
Then my message arrived, leaving them both glad and resentful.
"Pleased to meet you, Edn Rerangbur."
"Likewise, Viscount Pentrin."
Upon arriving in his territory, I exchanged greetings with the viscount.
He looked ordinary, but given his focus on agriculture, he had a sturdy build.
Hmm, perfect test subject.
First, I showed him the tractor I'd brought.
A fully modern tractor was out of reach, but I'd put effort into the details.
I pulled back the cloth and introduced it.
"Here it is! The tractor from the letter!"
"Ooh, so this is the tractor...!"
His eyes sparkled as he gazed at the impressive machine.
I explained its functions and role, promoting it enthusiastically.
The large wheels kept it from sinking into soft soil.
The attached farm tools could replace a dozen men.
And a single driver could plow and harvest vast fields alone.
After hearing me out, he nodded with a smile.
"Fine piece of equipment. With this, there's no need to mourn the farmers drifting away."
"Right?"
His praise made me eager to test it right away.
But his smile faded slightly as he turned serious and asked,
"This is a prototype, isn't it?"
"...Ahem, yeah."
Busted.
I awkwardly turned my head, and he chuckled, patting my shoulder.
"Haha, I get the idea."
What? Why's he acting like he understands on his own?
Luckily, he didn't complain, but it was still puzzling.
He furrowed his brow slightly but walked past me toward the tractor.
"Then I'll take it for a spin. There's some empty land handy."
"Uh, sure. Here's the key."
"Thanks. I'll be back soon."
He took the key, hopped on with practiced ease,
started it up smoothly, and began moving slowly.
What's with this guy? A natural?
I'd explained it, but mastering it on the first try?
Anyone would think he'd ridden tractors dozens of times.
With that, he vanished from sight.
I stood there a moment, then turned at approaching footsteps.
It was an unfamiliar woman in a maid's uniform.
Clearly one of Viscount Pentrin's servants.
She brought a chair, a table, and a tray.
"Did you predict this or something?"
"I was watching from afar. We planned to serve you in the parlor originally."
She set everything up deftly and gestured to the seat.
"It'll take the lord about an hour to return. Please, have a seat and wait."
"Mm, alright. Thank you kindly."
I sat, enjoying the scenery and refreshments.
Sipping tea and munching cookies, an hour passed before I knew it.
Hearing the tractor engine from behind, I turned to see him returning.
So I had to ask again.
"No way... precognition?"
"No. Just a lucky guess."
Suspicious.
But with no proof, I let it slide.
I stood from the chair, waiting for the approaching tractor.
Soon it stopped in front, and Viscount Pentrin climbed down.
"Whew, this thing's a gem. One could replace a hundred farmers."
"Haha, you're too kind. But if we release it officially, would you buy one?"
He shut off the engine and stepped down fully, nodding readily.
"Of course. Honestly, I'd love this prototype."
"Ahem, safety issues make that tricky."
"It's fine. I've tried it myself now."
Whew, dodged a bullet.
Would've been awkward if he'd insisted.
Swallowing a sigh of relief, I made him a proposal.
"Still, to ease the disappointment, we'll give you one free upon official release."
"Oh, really?"
Of course— he helped with the test.
Just with a small condition.
I mentioned it as I spoke.
"First, tell me how this test drive went. And I need a few days here to collect data."
"Easy enough. Looking forward to hosting you."
"Likewise."
And so I spent several days in Viscount Pentrin's territory.
Testing the tractor, gathering data, finding improvements.
Thanks to his eager help, we finished ahead of schedule.
"That's it for today."
"Ahh, such a shame. What a machine."
He gazed at the tractor with affectionate eyes, like it was a lover.
I watched from the side, baffled, but he paid no mind.
Doesn't care about appearances, huh.
I ignored the slightly pervy vibe.
"Anyway, contract's done. Time to head out."
"Sigh, alright. It was a pleasure."
With his farewell, I loaded the tractor onto the truck and left.
Great, now just production and release left.
I pondered the parts assembly line as I returned to Rerangbur.
Roughly a month later, the first tractor rolled off the pre-built production line.
With promotion and word-of-mouth, it started buzzing among the nobles.
Especially those with farmland; it was quite the topic.
The count offered wine to his friend beside him.
"Heard about it? This new thing called a tractor."
"Of course. I've ordered three already. Two are in operation."
The count jumped in surprise at his friend's words.
Orders were flooding in; supply was scarce, like chasing stars.
The count's friend shrugged, nose in the air.
"I bought early, before the hype. Third one missed the cutoff, though."
"Lucky you. You must be near the front of the line."
The count eyed him enviously.
His friend's nose rose higher.
Then the viscount next to them clicked his tongue.
"That damn tractor this, tractor that. My ears are blistered."
"What?"
"Why the fuss over nothing."
The count bristled at the viscount's sneer.
That only egged the viscount on more.
"Hah, just a farm tool, right? Better hire people with that money."
"What? Talking without trying it?"
"Do I have to try it to know?"
The count stood, and the viscount followed.
They glared, fists clenched.
Onlookers debated intervening, then decided to watch.
"Who do you think wins?"
"I'm backing the count."
"Nah, I wanna root for the viscount."
Instantly, it turned into bets and gambling.
The count noticed the mood and hesitated, but retreat was impossible now.
Whether the tractor was good or not mattered less; it was pride now.
Same for the viscount.
He hadn't planned to butt into the counts' chat.
But hearing "tractor" nonstop lately irked him.
So he couldn't back down either; it became a matter of pride.
"Fine. Simple rules."
"Yeah. No killing. First to yield wins."
The count nodded at the viscount's words.
The viscount cracked his knuckles with a grin.
"First strike wins!"
"Sneaky bastard!"
The viscount lunged first, but the count dodged with his signature move.
He countered with a fist.
"Urk!"
Regrettably, the viscount couldn't evade and took it to the face.
But he charged again without quitting.
"Ooh, that hurt."
"Just win already!"
They traded blows for a while until the victor emerged.
"Gah!"
The viscount crumpled from the count's punch.
The count, face swollen, panted and raised his fist high.
"I win! Drinks on me tonight!"
"Woo!"
Victory declared with victor's swagger.
The nobles' tavern stayed lively for hours.