Chapter 21
Chapter 21
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Translator: Wjin
Chapter: 021
Chapter Title: Eye of the Typhoon (3)
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The next day, Duke Lobkowitz finally laid eyes on the results that Franz had promised to deliver.
He might not be able to manufacture it himself, but he was an expert with a keen eye for distinguishing top-quality glass.
Bohemian glass, which had seen explosive development in the 18th century, was renowned for its exceptional transparency and refractive index, allowing it to reflect light far more brilliantly than glass from any other region.
Even Spain had tried to imitate it by establishing a royal glass factory, but objectively speaking, the quality gap was so vast that they couldn't compete.
Honestly, he quietly took pride in the thought that this was the pinnacle of glassmaking.
But that pride vanished into a rat hole the moment he saw the glass presented by Franz and his master craftsman.
"This is..."
"Yes. Not bad, right?"
"Not bad? This is far beyond that!"
The duke's study was filled with master glassmakers he had summoned in advance.
How could they stay away when word spread that the platinum prince had succeeded in improving Bohemian glass itself?
"What do you all think? Is it truly superior?"
These craftsmen were as proud as they were skilled.
No matter how noble someone was, they wouldn't take kindly to anyone surpassing a lifetime of their own research.
They had come prepared to call out flaws, even if it meant facing the future duke himself.
However...
"How did they achieve this brilliance and transparency...? No, upon closer inspection, the transparency is similar, but the light reflection and refraction are vastly improved."
"No, wait—this one's quality seems even higher overall..."
They had been ready to pounce on any weakness, but the products before them were so flawless that they couldn't find a single fault.
In fact, they were burning with curiosity, desperate to know how it had been made.
"May I ask a few questions?"
Noticing their inner turmoil, Duke Lobkowitz raised a hand calmly.
Franz, seated leisurely across from him, nodded without hesitation.
"Of course."
"There are several types here, but can we assume they've all been improvements on our existing glass?"
On the table lay a dazzling array: glass that reflected light even more vibrantly than before, clearer variants, French-style sheet glass, and even pieces adorned with unfamiliar gold leaf.
Franz patted the shoulder of his master craftsman beside him and said,
"My craftsman here, Andreas Steiner, will explain that. Andreas, give these gentlemen a brief overview of our improvements."
"Yes! First, this glass maximizes light refraction and reflection by partially adopting the lead glass technique recently developed in England."
"Mixing in lead? Ah, I've heard rumors of that new method."
"Adding lead produces a more dazzling reflective effect. But lead is toxic to the body, and too much weakens the glass's strength. Thanks to His Highness Franz here, we found the perfect ratio."
The duke and the other craftsmen blinked, glancing back and forth between Franz and Andreas.
'He just figured out how to melt platinum recently, and now he's already refined and applied the latest lead glass technique?'
Was this the work of a seventeen-year-old—eighteen this year? It felt utterly incongruous.
For a fleeting moment, the duke wondered if this was all the result of long imperial research, propped up to favor the emperor's future son-in-law.
But that didn't hold up. Franz wasn't even betrothed yet, let alone married—propping up a total stranger like that made no sense.
"Next, this one uses refined raw materials and additives. As you know, we add glass soap—manganese compounds—to decolorize it, switched to higher-purity quartz sand, and incorporated a small amount of arsenic. Saltpeter would be ideal, but it's too expensive."
The craftsmen fired off more questions, but Andreas's explanations were seamless.
In truth, as a veteran of Bohemian glass workshops, Andreas knew many of these men personally.
That's why they couldn't believe what was happening.
A craftsman who had been on their level before leaving for Austria had suddenly leaped several tiers ahead.
"Uh... Andreas, were you already designing these improvements back when you were here...?"
"Of course not."
Andreas answered without a second's pause.
"His Highness Franz shared countless inspirations and concrete methods to realize them. We built on that foundation through diligent development."
"S-So that means..."
"If you adopt His Highness Franz's suggestions, you can achieve this too. Bohemian glass will reach an unrivaled level no other nation can touch."
The craftsmen’s eyes gleamed with fervent zeal.
They turned to the duke, silently pleading with their gazes.
Please let us work with Franz.
The duke chuckled and picked up a glass from the table.
"With results like this, convincing the local nobles will be effortless. But there's one condition."
A faint twitch crossed the eyes of Franz, who had been listening relaxedly.
"What is it, Your Grace?"
"First, replace every piece of glass in my castle with this new product. Naturally, we'll pay generously."
The room erupted in laughter.
Franz bowed politely with a smile.
"It would be my pleasure, Your Highness."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Having wrapped up negotiations, I returned to Vienna.
With Duke Lobkowitz's full cooperation secured, establishing glass factories under my influence across Bohemia was now a certainty.
Everything was unfolding exactly as planned.
Well... not quite everything.
—His Highness apparently has no taste for mature women...
I had no idea which lunatics spread that vicious rumor, but what really drove me mad was my inability to fully dispel it.
—Your Highness, to be clear, that's all nonsense.
—Then was it also mere gossip that His Highness Franz devoted himself utterly to Archduchess Theresia?
When they phrased it like that so slyly, how could I deny it?
Was Duke Lobkowitz secretly plotting to tarnish my reputation and seize control of the glass factories?
Still, the trip had been a resounding success, so I attended the emperor's dinner invitation with a much lighter heart.
Guided by a servant to the private dining room, I found the emperor elegantly slicing his steak as he asked,
"Did things go well with Duke Lobkowitz?"
"Yes. He trusted me and agreed to help."
"Good. He's capable, quick-witted, and wise. If you want to achieve anything in Bohemia, no better ally exists."
I nodded and took my seat before the emperor, picking up my utensils.
"First, I'll establish factories touched by my hand across Bohemia within a year. We'll export primarily to royal courts throughout Europe and supply the Ostend Company—massive profits are guaranteed."
"Very well. Proceed as you envision. Though, seeing you lately stirs a natural question. You're amassing such enormous wealth—what exactly do you plan to do with it? Why push so hard for these profits?"
"It's not one or two things, so it's hard to pinpoint."
The emperor silently cut his meat, a signal to continue, so I spoke calmly.
"For example, Brandenburg has mandated basic education for its citizens for several years now, however rudimentary. I'd like to expand that nationwide, ensuring every citizen receives elementary education."
As industrialization dawned, human resources would become paramount.
Spreading it across the Holy Roman Empire was unrealistic, but the Habsburg domains needed preparation for the coming new era.
And naturally, all this required money.
"...You're planning something on a grand scale."
"Yes. I'll also found a research institute under my direct oversight, inviting the world's top technicians to support their work. Not just crafts like platinum or glass, but military advancements too."
"That demands more than ordinary wealth."
"Exactly. That's why I plan to scale up operations far beyond now."
To the point where imperial budgets alone could fund major national projects, without separate allocations like in my past life.
And solid results needed to emerge within a decade at latest.
I couldn't tell the emperor, but the reason I had to accumulate assets like mad starting now was none other than the Polish War of Succession set to erupt in 1733.
Despite its name suggesting a Polish conflict, it was primarily a clash between France, Spain, Sardinia, and the Habsburgs.
In my past life, Charles VI had tried allying with England and the Netherlands as before, but both declared neutrality. With no brilliant commander to replace the aging Prince Eugene, we suffered heavy losses.
There was no clear victor, but it was tantamount to a judged defeat for us.
Subsequent wars brought near-constant defeats, marking that conflict as the turning point that made Charles VI's later years ignominious.
To smooth Maria Theresa's succession, the Habsburgs needed a standout performance in the coming Polish Succession War.
But a young me couldn't lead armies, and even if I did, victory wasn't assured.
So, the surest path: overwhelm with money.
The emperor listened to my business plans, then set down his utensils as if resolving something.
He met my eyes directly and spoke in solemn tones.
"Seeing your efforts for me and the imperial house, I believe your resolve is firm."
"Yes. I think it's the same reason Your Majesty brought me to court."
"Indeed. And Maria Theresa desires you just as much... perhaps even more. So, I'm considering publicly announcing your betrothal to her before year's end."
"...Pardon? B-Betrothal?"
"Why so surprised? I'm not saying marry immediately—just announce the engagement. Do you think I'd wed off a nine-year-old girl already? Hahaha."
The emperor laughed casually, but I couldn't join in so breezily.
Of course, announcing a betrothal at this age wasn't unusual.
I'd turn eighteen this year, and Maria Theresa was already nine—perfectly normal for betrothals, met with understanding nods.
But coming straight from Bohemia, where that rumor swirled, announcing now felt... poorly timed.
"...Your Majesty, you may have heard, but a terribly unjust rumor is spreading about me."
"Ah... that one. Did you not know?"
"Pardon? You knew?"
"Everyone in the palace knew—except you, it seems."
Even the emperor I trusted... Spreading weird rumors about one person is all too easy.
Let me be clear: I like mature women.
Despite my great bond with Maria Theresa, I'd ogle voluptuous beauties passing by, a man steeped in adultery.
Even while attending operas with her, I'd admire other noblewomen's legs—faithful to base instincts.
That was my past self.
Now reformed, I gaze solely at Maria Theresa, not because she's a girl, but because she's her.
In other words, it's her as my future wife, not a nine-year-old girl... Wait, stop. This sounds like excuses from those criminals in the news.
"Your Majesty, utter nonsense! You know best I have no such tastes."
"Ah, yes. Well... You dote on Maria Theresa more devotedly than her own father, but I see it as your own proper expression of affection."
"Thank you for believing me. But suddenly announcing our betrothal now—won't people say, 'We knew Franz would crack'?"
"On the contrary. As betrothed, they'll understand it was for your future partner, not some odd motive."
That made sense... or rather, there was no reason to refuse.
I'd planned to betroth when she reached marriageable age anyway, and an engagement brought tangible benefits.
I could openly involve myself in Ostend Company operations, and tutor Maria Theresa more deeply under the pretext.
It wasn't that I had no choice due to the rumor. Truly.
"Understood. Though still lacking, I'll strive harder."
In the end, I accepted the emperor's proposal for formal written agreement between our families.
The betrothal of Franz Stefan and Maria Theresa.
It was decided a full ten years earlier than in my past life.