Adrian spent the next two days thinking about waterwheels.
The idea was simple.
Instead of relying entirely on workers to operate equipment manually, flowing water could provide continuous mechanical power.
The difficulty was making the system efficient enough to be useful.
Traditional waterwheels already existed in Eldoria. They were commonly used to grind grain, pump water and perform other simple tasks.
But Adrian wanted something different.
He wanted a system capable of powering multiple machines.
During his next meeting with Professor Aldric, he explained his idea.
“Imagine a large wheel connected to a rotating shaft. The shaft transfers motion through gears and belts to several machines.”
Aldric listened carefully.
“That would require considerable mechanical coordination.”
“Yes. The wheel alone isn’t enough. We need to control the speed, transfer the power and prevent unnecessary losses.”
“Have you designed such a system before?”
“Not personally.”
Adrian wasn’t going to pretend otherwise.
He understood the principles, but designing a complete industrial power system in an unfamiliar world would require experimentation.
Aldric smiled.
“Good. At least you understand the difference between an idea and a working machine.”
The professor arranged access to an Academy workshop.
Adrian was still a prisoner, but the Royal Academy had obtained permission to supervise his technical work.
He began with drawings.
The first design used a horizontal waterwheel connected to a vertical shaft.
The arrangement was rejected after Aldric pointed out several structural problems.
The second design was simpler.
A waterwheel would rotate a main shaft, which would transfer power through a system of gears.
Adrian wanted the system to operate a grain grinder and a mechanical pump.
After several days of work, the craftsmen began assembling a small prototype.
The first test was unsuccessful.
The wheel rotated, but the shaft vibrated violently.
One of the craftsmen shook his head.
“That thing will destroy itself.”
Adrian examined the connections.
“The problem is alignment.”
He marked several adjustments.
They tried again.
This time, the wheel rotated more smoothly.
Aldric watched the mechanism with growing interest.
“You’re attempting to turn a traditional waterwheel into a source of general mechanical power.”
“Exactly.”
“That could change manufacturing.”
Adrian looked at the rotating shaft.
“It could change much more than manufacturing.”
For the first time, he was no longer thinking about producing individual products.
He was thinking about building machines that could produce other machines.
CHAPTER 58: THE KING’S ATTENTION
News of the waterwheel project travelled beyond the Academy.
At first, it was only a small report written by Professor Aldric.
But the report eventually reached the Royal Ministry of Industry.
The minister read it twice.
“A mechanical system capable of powering several machines?”
“According to Professor Aldric, yes,” his secretary replied.
“Who developed it?”
“Adrian Vale. A merchant from Westbrook.”
The minister frowned.
“Isn’t that the young man involved in the dispute with Baron Reinhardt?”
“Yes, Your Excellency.”
The minister placed the report on his desk.
“Why is a merchant being imprisoned while developing machinery for the Academy?”
“We don’t know.”
“Find out.”
The secretary bowed.
Meanwhile, at the royal palace, King Edward III was reviewing reports from the western territories.
He was a man in his early fifties, experienced in politics and more interested in practical results than extravagant promises.
His adviser stood beside him.
“Your Majesty, the Royal Academy has submitted an unusual report.”
The King looked up.
“What is it?”
“A young inventor from Westbrook has developed an improved mechanical power system.”
“Improved how?”
“It may allow several machines to operate from one source of power.”
The King leaned back.
“That sounds useful.”
“There is another matter. The inventor is currently imprisoned by Baron Reinhardt.”
The King’s expression changed.
“Why?”
“Officially, illegal industrial operations and suspected tax irregularities.”
“Are those charges proven?”
“Not yet.”
The King looked toward the window.
“Send a message to the Academy. I want Professor Aldric to explain this invention personally.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“And investigate the Baron’s actions.”
The adviser hesitated.
“Should we involve the Royal Intelligence Office?”
“Not yet. First, I want to know whether this young man is an inventor, a fraud or a political troublemaker.”
The adviser bowed.
“As you command.”
The King returned to his documents.
He had no idea that a simple industrial report would eventually become one of the most important documents of his reign.
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CHAPTER 59: A ROYAL SUMMONS
Adrian was reviewing the waterwheel’s performance records when Professor Aldric entered the workshop.
The professor looked unusually serious.
“Adrian, we have a problem.”
Adrian put down his pencil.
“Another failed experiment?”
“No. Something considerably larger.”
Aldric placed a sealed document on the table.
Adrian recognised the royal crest.
“What is this?”
“A summons from King Edward III.”
Adrian stared at him.
“The King?”
“His Majesty has requested your presence at the royal capital.”
Adrian opened the document.
It was brief and direct.
He was required to appear before the Crown to explain his manufacturing activities and the mechanical developments currently being conducted at the Academy.
There was also a reference to the investigation surrounding his imprisonment.
Adrian read it again.
“Does this mean I’m free?”
“Not officially. But the royal summons changes your situation considerably.”
“Can the Baron refuse?”
“Refusing a direct royal summons would be politically dangerous.”
Adrian placed the document on the table.
“When do I leave?”
“Three days from now.”
Adrian nodded.
He needed to prepare.
There were still problems in Westbrook.
Peter and Sarah were looking after the remaining workers. Elena was managing commercial negotiations, while Frederick was attempting to protect their agreements.
Adrian asked Aldric to arrange a private meeting with Elena.
That evening, she arrived at the Academy.
“You’re leaving?”
“Apparently, the King wants to meet me.”
Elena stared at him.
“That’s not something people usually say casually.”
“I’ve had an unusual week.”
She sat opposite him.
“Be careful. The royal court is more dangerous than the Baron’s estate.”
“Because there are more nobles?”
“Because there are more people who can smile while planning to destroy you.”
Adrian laughed.
“That’s encouraging.”
Elena became serious.
“Don’t agree to anything immediately. Whatever the King offers, ask for time to examine the terms.”
“I know.”
“And don’t reveal everything you know.”
Adrian looked at her.
“Do you think I would?”
“No. But I wanted to make sure.”
She handed him a small pouch.
Inside were several documents and a letter from Frederick.
“My father has arranged introductions with two merchants in the capital. They may be useful.”
Adrian closed the pouch.
“Tell him I appreciate it.”
Elena stood.
“Come back in one piece.”
“I intend to.”
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then Elena smiled.
“Try not to insult the King.”
Adrian returned the smile.
“I’ll make an effort.”
CHAPTER 60: BEFORE THE THRONE
The journey to the royal capital took five days.
Adrian travelled with Professor Aldric, two Academy guards and a small carriage carrying his documents and personal belongings.
The capital was unlike anything he had seen in Eldoria.
Its outer walls were enormous, reinforced with towers and guarded by soldiers wearing royal insignia.
Beyond the gates stood rows of buildings, merchant establishments, workshops and crowded streets.
The city was alive.
Carriages moved through busy roads. Merchants shouted prices. Craftsmen displayed their products.
Adrian watched everything carefully.
The capital represented an enormous market.
It also represented an enormous opportunity.
But first, he had to survive the palace.
They arrived at the Royal Academy, where Aldric arranged accommodation.
The following morning, a royal messenger arrived.
“Adrian Vale, you are required at the palace.”
Adrian adjusted his coat.
“Then let’s not keep His Majesty waiting.”
The palace was decorated with marble floors, enormous paintings and golden ornaments.
Guards stood at every entrance.
After several inspections, Adrian was escorted into the throne room.
King Edward III sat on an elevated throne.
Several ministers and nobles stood nearby.
Adrian bowed.
“Your Majesty.”
The King examined him.
“So this is the young merchant who has caused so much trouble in the Western Territories.”
Adrian kept his expression neutral. Get faster updates on g.com.
“I wasn’t aware that developing businesses was considered trouble.”
A few people exchanged glances.
The King raised an eyebrow.
“You’re either brave or foolish.”
“Sometimes the difference depends on the outcome, Your Majesty.”
The King laughed.
“At least you can speak.”
He gestured toward a table.
“Professor Aldric tells me you have developed an unusual mechanical system. Explain it.”
Adrian stepped forward.
He described the waterwheel, the rotating shaft and the proposed distribution of mechanical power through gears.
He explained the possibility of operating several machines from a single power source.
The King listened without interrupting.
When Adrian finished, the King leaned forward.
“Could such a machine power an entire factory?”
“With sufficient water supply, appropriate design and proper maintenance, yes.”
“And could it operate continuously?”
“Within practical limits. The system would still require inspections, repairs and adjustments.”
The King nodded.
“Interesting.”
One of the ministers stepped forward.
“Your Majesty, I believe this technology should be placed under direct royal supervision.”
Adrian looked at him.
The King noticed.
“Do you disagree?”
Adrian chose his words carefully.
“I believe the Crown should encourage its development. But supervision and ownership are not necessarily the same thing.”
The minister frowned.
The King smiled slightly.
“An interesting distinction.”
He returned his attention to Adrian.
“Very well. Let us discuss your businesses.”
CHAPTER 61: THE ROYAL CAPITAL
Adrian was given temporary accommodation near the Royal Academy.
He had expected to spend most of his time before the King.
Instead, the royal court seemed interested in observing him.
During the first week, he met several officials, merchants and scholars.
Some were genuinely curious about his inventions.
Others wanted to discover how much influence he possessed.
Professor Aldric introduced him to several Academy researchers.
Among them was a young engineer named Marcus.
Marcus specialised in mechanical construction and had spent years studying traditional mills.
“You really designed the waterwheel system?” Marcus asked.
“With considerable assistance from the Academy craftsmen.”
Marcus examined Adrian’s drawings.
“The gear arrangement is unusual.”
“Does it work?”
“Partially. The transmission still loses too much power.”
“That’s what we’re trying to improve.”
Marcus looked impressed.
“Most merchants would have stopped after producing soap.”
Adrian smiled.
“Most merchants aren’t trying to build an industrial empire.”
Marcus laughed, assuming it was a joke.
Adrian didn’t explain.
Meanwhile, the royal court was becoming increasingly divided over his future.
Some ministers believed his inventions should become royal property.
Others argued that allowing private inventors to develop industry would strengthen the kingdom.
The King listened to both sides.
One afternoon, Adrian received another invitation.
This time, it came from the Minister of Finance.
The minister wanted to discuss a possible royal investment in Adrian’s manufacturing enterprises.
Adrian agreed to attend.
But before the meeting, he received a letter from Westbrook.
It was written by Sarah.
The message was short.
The Baron had appointed a new manager to oversee the confiscated factory.
Production had officially resumed.
But something was wrong.
The new manager had dismissed several workers, reduced wages and begun selling products under a different name.
Worse, the Baron had ordered the newspaper department to stop printing.
At the bottom of the letter, Sarah had written:
Peter says the workers are still loyal to you. But we cannot keep waiting forever.
Adrian folded the letter.
The royal capital was full of opportunities.
But his people were still suffering back home.
He looked toward the palace windows.
The King wanted his inventions.
The Baron wanted his factories.
Lucien wanted his business.
And Adrian wanted something none of them had considered.
A future in which nobody could simply take what he built.
He returned the letter to his coat.
The next stage of his life would not be about producing better soap or candles.
It would be about power.
And he was beginning to understand that the greatest machines in this world were not made of metal.
They were made of people, money, laws and authority.