The unidentified visitor arrived shortly after midnight.
Adrian was awakened by a guard striking the bars of his cell.
“Vale. Get up.”
Adrian opened his eyes.
“Another interrogation?”
“Someone wants to speak with you.”
He followed the guard through the corridors until they reached a small room illuminated by two candles.
A hooded figure sat behind a wooden table.
The guard unlocked Adrian’s handcuffs.
“Five minutes,” he said before leaving.
The stranger removed the hood.
Adrian recognised him immediately.
Frederick Voss.
“I didn’t expect you to visit a prison,” Adrian remarked.
Frederick ignored the comment.
“Do you understand how serious your situation is?”
“Apparently, serious enough to interrupt my sleep.”
“Your businesses have been confiscated. Your commercial licences are being revoked. The Baron intends to transfer your assets to an organisation controlled by Lucien.”
“Then Lucien is finally getting his factory.”
“Not quite. He still doesn’t understand how it works.”
Adrian smiled faintly.
“That’s unfortunate.”
Frederick leaned forward.
“I can help you.”
“At what price?”
“Your immediate release will be difficult. But I can arrange a hearing before the regional commercial tribunal. It would force the Baron to justify the confiscation.”
“Would it stop him?”
“No.”
“Then what would it accomplish?”
“It would buy time.”
Adrian considered the offer.
“Why are you helping me?”
Frederick looked uncomfortable.
“Because I have commercial agreements with you. Because my daughter believes in your business. And because I dislike seeing powerful men destroy independent merchants simply because they refuse to surrender their property.”
“That’s three reasons.”
“Take whichever one you prefer.”
Adrian remained silent.
Frederick placed a small folded paper on the table.
“This contains the name of the official who will receive your petition. There is another matter. A scholar from the Royal Academy has recently arrived in the Western Territories. He has been asking questions about your newspaper and manufacturing methods.”
Adrian raised an eyebrow.
“The Royal Academy?”
“Professor Aldric. He is investigating unusual industrial developments.”
“Does he work for the Baron?”
“Not directly. He answers to the Crown.”
Frederick stood.
“I’ll arrange the hearing. You should prepare yourself. The Baron won’t appreciate this.”
Adrian looked at the folded paper.
“Frederick.”
The merchant stopped.
“Thank you.”
Frederick nodded.
“Don’t thank me yet. I haven’t won anything.”
After he left, Adrian unfolded the paper.
There was a name and a date.
His first opportunity to challenge the Baron’s actions had appeared.
But he needed more than an opportunity.
He needed an ally powerful enough to make the Baron think twice.
CHAPTER 53: THE COST OF UNDERESTIMATING ADRIAN
The Baron’s chief administrator entered his office carrying a report.
“Your Lordship, there is a problem.”
The Baron looked up.
“What now?”
“The Voss family has submitted a formal complaint concerning the confiscation of Adrian Vale’s property.”
The Baron frowned.
“On what grounds?”
“Violation of existing commercial agreements and improper seizure of privately owned equipment.”
“Those agreements were made with Vale. His operations are currently under investigation.”
“The Voss family argues that the investigation does not automatically cancel their contracts.”
The Baron stood.
“Frederick is becoming troublesome.”
“There is more.”
The administrator placed another document on the desk.
“Professor Aldric from the Royal Academy has requested access to the confiscated factory.”
The Baron’s expression changed.
“Why?”
“He says he is investigating the recent developments in industrial production.”
The Baron looked toward Lucien, who had been sitting quietly in the corner.
“Did you invite the Academy?”
“No, Your Lordship.”
“Then why are they interested?”
Lucien hesitated.
“Adrian’s newspaper may have attracted attention beyond Westbrook.”
The Baron turned sharply.
“The newspaper?”
“Several editions contained articles about manufacturing, trade and mechanical improvements. Copies were distributed to merchants travelling through neighbouring territories.”
The Baron returned to his chair.
He had underestimated the reach of the young man’s business.
Adrian had not merely established three profitable enterprises.
He had created a network.
Merchants knew his name. Workers respected him. His newspaper carried information beyond the town.
And now scholars were asking questions.
“Find out everything about Professor Aldric,” the Baron ordered.
Lucien nodded.
“Of course.”
“And find a way to keep him away from the factory.”
Lucien bowed.
But privately, he was beginning to understand something.
The Baron could confiscate Adrian’s equipment.
He could imprison the young merchant.
He could even close his businesses.
But he could not erase the curiosity Adrian had already created.
CHAPTER 54: THE ROYAL ACADEMY
Professor Aldric arrived in Westbrook three days later.
He was a thin elderly man with silver hair, sharp eyes and a habit of asking questions before introducing himself.
His carriage stopped outside Gareth’s workshop.
“Is this where Adrian Vale worked?”
Gareth looked up from the metal piece he was examining.
“Who wants to know?”
“Aldric. Royal Academy.”
Gareth immediately straightened.
“What does the Academy want with Adrian?”
“To understand his inventions.”
“Then you’re late.”
Aldric frowned.
“Why?”
“The Baron has taken his factory and thrown him into prison.”
The professor’s expression darkened.
“On what grounds?”
“Ask the Baron. He seems to have plenty.”
Aldric entered the workshop.
He noticed several unusual tools arranged near the wall.
One was a metal measuring instrument with carefully marked divisions. Another was a specially designed clamp used to hold materials during processing.
He picked up the measuring instrument.
“Who designed this?”
“Adrian.”
“Interesting.”
Aldric examined it closely.
“Where did he learn precision measurement?”
“Nobody knows.”
“Was he trained by a master craftsman?”
Gareth shook his head.
“He was my apprentice. He knew almost nothing when he arrived. Then one day he began asking questions that even experienced craftsmen struggled to answer.”
Aldric placed the instrument down.
“Could I speak with him?”
“He’s imprisoned.”
“Then I’ll request permission.”
Gareth crossed his arms.
“Good luck.”
That afternoon, Aldric visited the Baron’s estate.
The Baron received him politely.
“Professor. Your arrival is an honour.”
“The honour is mine, Your Lordship.”
“I understand you’re interested in Adrian Vale.”
“Very much so.”
“An unfortunate individual. He is currently under investigation.”
Aldric opened a notebook.
“I would like to examine his factory and speak with his employees.”
The Baron smiled.
“Of course. Once the investigation is complete.”
“How long will that take?”
“That depends on the evidence.”
Aldric closed his notebook.
“Then perhaps I should begin by examining the confiscated equipment.”
The Baron’s smile weakened.
“That may be difficult.”
“Why?”
“Certain matters are beyond the authority of the Academy.”
Aldric looked directly at him.
“Industrial knowledge is not a private concern of any noble house, Your Lordship. If Adrian Vale has discovered something that could improve manufacturing throughout the kingdom, the Crown has an interest in understanding it.”
For the first time, the Baron had no immediate response.
CHAPTER 55: A SCHOLAR’S CURIOSITY
Aldric finally secured permission to inspect the factory.
The Baron had little choice after the professor formally invoked the Royal Academy’s authority.
However, the inspection was supervised by two officials.
Aldric entered the building and immediately noticed the disorder.
Equipment had been moved. Storage areas were mixed together. Several production stations had been abandoned.
He approached a large metal vessel.
“What was this used for?”
One of the officials shrugged.
“Soap production, apparently.”
Aldric examined its construction.
The vessel had a carefully fitted lid, a controlled heating arrangement and a drainage outlet.
“This is not ordinary workshop equipment.”
He continued through the factory.
In the candle department, he found moulds designed to produce identical candles in large quantities.
In the printing section, he discovered movable metal type and a mechanical press.
He stopped.
“Who designed this?”
“The prisoner, Adrian Vale.”
Aldric carefully examined the press.
“How many copies could this produce in an hour?”
“Nobody knows.”
“Why not?”
“The workers refused to operate it.”
Aldric smiled slightly.
“Interesting.”
He found several production records and began reading.
The records showed separate stages, quality inspections, inventory management and carefully organised labour.
He had studied manufacturing establishments across the kingdom.
Most workshops relied on individual craftsmen who controlled their own work from beginning to end.
Adrian’s factory operated differently.
It was built around a system.
Aldric turned toward the official.
“How many workers were employed here?”
“More than twenty, I believe.”
“And how many supervisors?”
“Who organised the entire operation?”
“Adrian.”
Aldric closed the notebook.
“Then I need to meet him.”
Later that evening, he returned to his carriage.
His assistant approached.
“Professor, what do you think?”
Aldric looked toward the factory.
“I think we have discovered something much more important than a better soap or a faster printing press.”
“What is that?”
“A new way of organising production.”
He entered the carriage.
“Arrange a meeting with the prisoner. I want to speak with Adrian Vale personally.”
CHAPTER 56: MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Adrian was brought into the interrogation room the following afternoon.
Instead of the Baron or his administrator, an elderly scholar was waiting.
The man stood when Adrian entered.
“Adrian Vale?”
“Yes.”
“Professor Aldric. Royal Academy.”
Adrian examined him briefly.
He had expected someone younger.
“You’re interested in my factory?”
“Very interested.”
“Then you should know the Baron has confiscated it.”
“I’ve seen it.”
“And?”
Aldric smiled.
“Your equipment is impressive. Your organisation is even more interesting.”
Adrian sat down.
“That’s a surprising observation.”
“Most people would focus on the machines. I found myself more interested in the way you arranged your workers, records and production stages.”
Adrian leaned back.
“What do you want from me?”
“Knowledge.”
“That’s a broad request.”
Aldric opened his notebook.
“I want to know where you learned your methods. Your mechanical designs, production systems and printing techniques are unlike anything currently taught at the Academy.”
Adrian considered his response.
“I learned through experimentation.”
“That is what everyone tells me.”
“Perhaps everyone should experiment more.”
Aldric chuckled.
“You’re an interesting young man.”
He turned a page.
“I would like to offer you an opportunity.”
“What kind?”
“An invitation to the Royal Academy.”
Adrian’s expression remained neutral.
“Under what conditions?”
“You would be allowed to use the Academy’s workshops, meet its scholars and conduct experiments. In exchange, you would demonstrate some of your methods and contribute to our research.”
“Would I own my inventions?”
Aldric paused.
“That would depend on the nature of each invention and the agreement we establish.”
“Then we have something to discuss.”
The professor studied him.
“You are unusually concerned about ownership.”
“Because I’ve discovered that people become very interested in inventions once they realise those inventions can make money.”
Aldric nodded slowly.
“That is a fair observation.”
He closed his notebook.
“Let me ask you something different. Have you ever considered using flowing water to power machinery?”
Adrian’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“Waterwheels?”
“Yes. The Academy has several designs, but their efficiency is limited.”
Adrian leaned forward.
“How limited?”
“Most are built by traditional craftsmen. Their output varies considerably depending on the water supply and construction.”
Adrian began thinking.
A waterwheel could power mechanical equipment without relying entirely on human or animal labour.
It could operate pumps, drive shafts, grind materials and eventually power more advanced machinery.
“Professor,” Adrian said, “I would like to examine your existing designs.”
Aldric smiled.
“Then perhaps we have the beginning of an agreement.”
Before Adrian could respond, the door opened.
The Baron’s chief administrator entered.
“Professor, your meeting is over.”
Aldric frowned.
“I have not finished.”
“The Baron has issued new instructions. Adrian Vale is to remain in custody until further notice.”
The professor stood.
“On whose authority?”
“The Baron’s.”
Aldric looked at Adrian.
“I will return.”
Adrian gave a small nod.
As the professor left, a system notification appeared.
[NEW KNOWLEDGE PATH DETECTED]
[Mechanical Engineering Development Path unlocked.]
[Potential research subjects:]
Waterwheel efficiency.
Mechanical power transmission.
Industrial pumping systems.
Standardised machine components.
[New Quest Available: Develop a Mechanical Power Source.]
[Objective: Establish a reliable mechanical power system capable of operating industrial equipment.]
Adrian stared at the notification.
He had entered this world wanting to survive.
Then he wanted a profitable business.
Now he was thinking about machines that could power entire factories.
He smiled faintly.
The Baron had taken his workshop.
But he had accidentally introduced Adrian to something far more valuable.
The beginning of an industrial revolution.
CHAPTER 52: A DANGEROUS NEGOTIATION
The unidentified visitor arrived shortly after midnight.
Adrian was awakened by a guard striking the bars of his cell.
“Vale. Get up.”
Adrian opened his eyes.
“Another interrogation?”
“Someone wants to speak with you.”
He followed the guard through the corridors until they reached a small room illuminated by two candles.
A hooded figure sat behind a wooden table.
The guard unlocked Adrian’s handcuffs.
“Five minutes,” he said before leaving.
The stranger removed the hood.
Adrian recognised him immediately.
Frederick Voss.
“I didn’t expect you to visit a prison,” Adrian remarked.
Frederick ignored the comment.
“Do you understand how serious your situation is?”
“Apparently, serious enough to interrupt my sleep.”
“Your businesses have been confiscated. Your commercial licences are being revoked. The Baron intends to transfer your assets to an organisation controlled by Lucien.”
“Then Lucien is finally getting his factory.”
“Not quite. He still doesn’t understand how it works.”
Adrian smiled faintly.
“That’s unfortunate.”
Frederick leaned forward.
“I can help you.”
“At what price?”
“Your immediate release will be difficult. But I can arrange a hearing before the regional commercial tribunal. It would force the Baron to justify the confiscation.”
“Would it stop him?”
“No.”
“Then what would it accomplish?”
“It would buy time.”
Adrian considered the offer.
“Why are you helping me?”
Frederick looked uncomfortable.
“Because I have commercial agreements with you. Because my daughter believes in your business. And because I dislike seeing powerful men destroy independent merchants simply because they refuse to surrender their property.”
“That’s three reasons.”
“Take whichever one you prefer.”
Adrian remained silent.
Frederick placed a small folded paper on the table.
“This contains the name of the official who will receive your petition. There is another matter. A scholar from the Royal Academy has recently arrived in the Western Territories. He has been asking questions about your newspaper and manufacturing methods.”
Adrian raised an eyebrow.
“The Royal Academy?”
“Professor Aldric. He is investigating unusual industrial developments.”
“Does he work for the Baron?”
“Not directly. He answers to the Crown.”
Frederick stood.
“I’ll arrange the hearing. You should prepare yourself. The Baron won’t appreciate this.”
Adrian looked at the folded paper.
“Frederick.”
The merchant stopped.
“Thank you.”
Frederick nodded.
“Don’t thank me yet. I haven’t won anything.”
After he left, Adrian unfolded the paper.
There was a name and a date.
His first opportunity to challenge the Baron’s actions had appeared.
But he needed more than an opportunity.
He needed an ally powerful enough to make the Baron think twice.
CHAPTER 53: THE COST OF UNDERESTIMATING ADRIAN
The Baron’s chief administrator entered his office carrying a report.
“Your Lordship, there is a problem.”
The Baron looked up.
“What now?”
“The Voss family has submitted a formal complaint concerning the confiscation of Adrian Vale’s property.”
The Baron frowned.
“On what grounds?”
The Baron stood.
“Frederick is becoming troublesome.”
“There is more.”
The administrator placed another document on the desk.
“Professor Aldric from the Royal Academy has requested access to the confiscated factory.”
The Baron’s expression changed.
“Why?”
“He says he is investigating the recent developments in industrial production.”
The Baron looked toward Lucien, who had been sitting quietly in the corner.
“Did you invite the Academy?”
“No, Your Lordship.”
“Then why are they interested?”
Lucien hesitated.
“Adrian’s newspaper may have attracted attention beyond Westbrook.”
The Baron turned sharply.
“The newspaper?”
“Several editions contained articles about manufacturing, trade and mechanical improvements. Copies were distributed to merchants travelling through neighbouring territories.”
The Baron returned to his chair.
He had underestimated the reach of the young man’s business.
Adrian had not merely established three profitable enterprises.
He had created a network.
Merchants knew his name. Workers respected him. His newspaper carried information beyond the town.
And now scholars were asking questions.
“Find out everything about Professor Aldric,” the Baron ordered.
Lucien nodded.
“Of course.”
“And find a way to keep him away from the factory.”
Lucien bowed.
But privately, he was beginning to understand something.
The Baron could confiscate Adrian’s equipment.
He could imprison the young merchant.
He could even close his businesses.
CHAPTER 54: THE ROYAL ACADEMY
Professor Aldric arrived in Westbrook three days later.
He was a thin elderly man with silver hair, sharp eyes and a habit of asking questions before introducing himself.
His carriage stopped outside Gareth’s workshop.
“Is this where Adrian Vale worked?”
Gareth looked up from the metal piece he was examining.
“Who wants to know?”
“Aldric. Royal Academy.”
Gareth immediately straightened.
“What does the Academy want with Adrian?”
“To understand his inventions.”
“Then you’re late.”
Aldric frowned.
“Why?”
“The Baron has taken his factory and thrown him into prison.”
The professor’s expression darkened.
“On what grounds?”
“Ask the Baron. He seems to have plenty.”
Aldric entered the workshop.
He noticed several unusual tools arranged near the wall.
One was a metal measuring instrument with carefully marked divisions. Another was a specially designed clamp used to hold materials during processing.
He picked up the measuring instrument.
“Who designed this?”
“Adrian.”
“Interesting.”
Aldric examined it closely.
“Where did he learn precision measurement?”
“Nobody knows.”
“Was he trained by a master craftsman?”
Gareth shook his head.
“He was my apprentice. He knew almost nothing when he arrived. Then one day he began asking questions that even experienced craftsmen struggled to answer.”
Aldric placed the instrument down.
“Could I speak with him?”
“He’s imprisoned.”
“Then I’ll request permission.”
Gareth crossed his arms.
“Good luck.”
That afternoon, Aldric visited the Baron’s estate.
The Baron received him politely.
“Professor. Your arrival is an honour.”
“The honour is mine, Your Lordship.”
“I understand you’re interested in Adrian Vale.”
“Very much so.”
“An unfortunate individual. He is currently under investigation.”
Aldric opened a notebook.
“I would like to examine his factory and speak with his employees.”
The Baron smiled.
“Of course. Once the investigation is complete.”
“How long will that take?”
“That depends on the evidence.”
Aldric closed his notebook.
“Then perhaps I should begin by examining the confiscated equipment.”
The Baron’s smile weakened.
“That may be difficult.”
“Why?”
“Certain matters are beyond the authority of the Academy.”
Aldric looked directly at him.
“Industrial knowledge is not a private concern of any noble house, Your Lordship. If Adrian Vale has discovered something that could improve manufacturing throughout the kingdom, the Crown has an interest in understanding it.”
For the first time, the Baron had no immediate response.
CHAPTER 55: A SCHOLAR’S CURIOSITY
Aldric finally secured permission to inspect the factory.
The Baron had little choice after the professor formally invoked the Royal Academy’s authority.
However, the inspection was supervised by two officials.
Aldric entered the building and immediately noticed the disorder.
Equipment had been moved. Storage areas were mixed together. Several production stations had been abandoned.
He approached a large metal vessel.
“What was this used for?”
One of the officials shrugged.
“Soap production, apparently.”
Aldric examined its construction.
The vessel had a carefully fitted lid, a controlled heating arrangement and a drainage outlet.
“This is not ordinary workshop equipment.”
He continued through the factory.
In the candle department, he found moulds designed to produce identical candles in large quantities.
In the printing section, he discovered movable metal type and a mechanical press.
He stopped.
“Who designed this?”
“The prisoner, Adrian Vale.”
Aldric carefully examined the press.
“How many copies could this produce in an hour?”
“Nobody knows.”
“Why not?”
“The workers refused to operate it.”
Aldric smiled slightly.
“Interesting.”
He found several production records and began reading.
The records showed separate stages, quality inspections, inventory management and carefully organised labour.
He had studied manufacturing establishments across the kingdom.
Most workshops relied on individual craftsmen who controlled their own work from beginning to end.
Adrian’s factory operated differently.
It was built around a system.
Aldric turned toward the official.
“How many workers were employed here?”
“More than twenty, I believe.”
“And how many supervisors?”
“Several.”
“Who organised the entire operation?”
“Adrian.”
Aldric closed the notebook.
“Then I need to meet him.”
Later that evening, he returned to his carriage.
His assistant approached.
“Professor, what do you think?”
Aldric looked toward the factory.
“I think we have discovered something much more important than a better soap or a faster printing press.”
“What is that?”
“A new way of organising production.”
He entered the carriage.
“Arrange a meeting with the prisoner. I want to speak with Adrian Vale personally.”
CHAPTER 56: MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Adrian was brought into the interrogation room the following afternoon.
Instead of the Baron or his administrator, an elderly scholar was waiting.
The man stood when Adrian entered.
“Adrian Vale?”
“Yes.”
“Professor Aldric. Royal Academy.”
Adrian examined him briefly.
He had expected someone younger.
“You’re interested in my factory?”
“Very interested.”
“Then you should know the Baron has confiscated it.”
“I’ve seen it.”
“And?”
Aldric smiled.
“Your equipment is impressive. Your organisation is even more interesting.”
Adrian sat down.
“That’s a surprising observation.”
“Most people would focus on the machines. I found myself more interested in the way you arranged your workers, records and production stages.”
Adrian leaned back.
“What do you want from me?”
“Knowledge.”
“That’s a broad request.”
Aldric opened his notebook.
“I want to know where you learned your methods. Your mechanical designs, production systems and printing techniques are unlike anything currently taught at the Academy.”
Adrian considered his response.
“I learned through experimentation.”
“That is what everyone tells me.”
“Perhaps everyone should experiment more.”
Aldric chuckled.
“You’re an interesting young man.”
He turned a page.
“I would like to offer you an opportunity.”
“What kind?”
“An invitation to the Royal Academy.”
Adrian’s expression remained neutral.
“Under what conditions?”
“You would be allowed to use the Academy’s workshops, meet its scholars and conduct experiments. In exchange, you would demonstrate some of your methods and contribute to our research.”
“Would I own my inventions?”
Aldric paused.
“That would depend on the nature of each invention and the agreement we establish.”
“Then we have something to discuss.”
The professor studied him.
“You are unusually concerned about ownership.”
“Because I’ve discovered that people become very interested in inventions once they realise those inventions can make money.”
Aldric nodded slowly.
“That is a fair observation.”
He closed his notebook.
“Let me ask you something different. Have you ever considered using flowing water to power machinery?”
Adrian’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“Waterwheels?”
“Yes. The Academy has several designs, but their efficiency is limited.”
Adrian leaned forward.
“How limited?”
“Most are built by traditional craftsmen. Their output varies considerably depending on the water supply and construction.”
Adrian began thinking.
A waterwheel could power mechanical equipment without relying entirely on human or animal labour.
It could operate pumps, drive shafts, grind materials and eventually power more advanced machinery.
“Professor,” Adrian said, “I would like to examine your existing designs.”
Aldric smiled.
“Then perhaps we have the beginning of an agreement.”
Before Adrian could respond, the door opened.
The Baron’s chief administrator entered.
“Professor, your meeting is over.”
Aldric frowned.
“I have not finished.”
“The Baron has issued new instructions. Adrian Vale is to remain in custody until further notice.”
The professor stood.
“On whose authority?”
“The Baron’s.”
Aldric looked at Adrian.
“I will return.”
Adrian gave a small nod.
As the professor left, a system notification appeared.
[NEW KNOWLEDGE PATH DETECTED]
[Mechanical Engineering Development Path unlocked.]
[Potential research subjects:]
Waterwheel efficiency.
Mechanical power transmission.
Industrial pumping systems.
Standardised machine components.
[New Quest Available: Develop a Mechanical Power Source.]
[Objective: Establish a reliable mechanical power system capable of operating industrial equipment.]
Adrian stared at the notification.
He had entered this world wanting to survive.
Then he wanted a profitable business.
Now he was thinking about machines that could power entire factories.
He smiled faintly.
The Baron had taken his workshop.
But he had accidentally introduced Adrian to something far more valuable.
The beginning of an industrial revolution.