The Minister of Finance’s office was located inside the eastern wing of the royal palace.
Adrian arrived shortly before noon.
The minister, a thin middle-aged man named Duke Alistair, welcomed him with a polite smile.
“Mr Vale. His Majesty speaks highly of your potential.”
“That’s encouraging.”
“Please sit.”
Adrian took the offered chair.
On the desk lay several documents.
The minister pushed one toward him.
“The Crown wishes to establish a royal industrial partnership with you.”
Adrian examined the document.
The proposal was straightforward at first.
The Crown would provide funding, land and access to royal resources. Adrian would establish manufacturing facilities capable of producing soap, candles, metal equipment and other essential goods.
However, the final clauses were less attractive.
The Crown would own all facilities established using royal funding.
All inventions developed within those facilities would automatically become royal property.
Furthermore, Adrian would be required to disclose his existing manufacturing methods.
He placed the document down.
“Does His Majesty know about these conditions?”
“Naturally.”
“And he agrees with them?”
“The Crown must protect its investments.”
Adrian nodded.
“Then I have a counterproposal.”
The minister raised an eyebrow.
“Already?”
“I am willing to establish factories with royal assistance. However, my existing inventions and manufacturing methods must remain my property.”
“And the Crown receives what?”
“An agreed percentage of profits, preferential purchasing rights and access to products at negotiated prices.”
The minister frowned.
“You expect the Crown to finance your expansion without owning the resulting technology?”
“I expect the Crown to invest in a profitable enterprise without attempting to confiscate it.”
The minister leaned back.
“Young man, you are negotiating with the kingdom.”
“And the kingdom is negotiating with a private inventor.”
The minister stared at him.
Then he slowly smiled.
“You certainly have confidence.”
“I have experience.”
The minister closed the document.
“I will present your proposal to His Majesty.”
Adrian stood.
“Thank you.”
As he reached the door, the minister spoke again.
“One piece of advice, Mr Vale.”
Adrian turned.
“Yes?”
“Many men have entered this palace believing they could negotiate with the Crown as equals.”
“And what happened to them?”
The minister smiled without humour.
“Most eventually learned the difference.”
Adrian left without responding.
He had no intention of becoming another man’s property.
CHAPTER 63: THE PRICE OF ROYAL PROTECTION
Two days later, Adrian received another summons.
This time, King Edward III wanted to speak with him privately.
The meeting took place in a smaller royal chamber.
The King was examining a map when Adrian entered.
“Come in, Vale.”
Adrian bowed.
“Your Majesty.”
“Your negotiations with the Minister of Finance have become rather interesting.”
“I hope that’s a good thing.”
The King laughed.
“That depends on whom you ask.”
He pointed toward a chair.
“Sit.”
Adrian obeyed.
The King placed the map aside.
“Tell me something. Why are you so determined to maintain complete control over your inventions?”
“Because I understand what happens when someone else controls them.”
“Explain.”
“An invention is more than the object itself. It includes the knowledge, improvements, production methods and experience required to make it useful. If I surrender all of that, I surrender the ability to build anything independently.”
The King studied him.
“You could become extraordinarily wealthy under royal protection.”
“I could also become extraordinarily dependent.”
The King smiled faintly.
“You dislike dependence.”
“I dislike having my future decided by someone who can change their mind whenever convenient.”
For a moment, the King said nothing.
Then he walked toward the window.
“Baron Reinhardt has been a loyal noble for many years. He controls an important territory and provides soldiers to the Crown.”
Adrian remained silent.
“However, his actions concerning your factories have raised questions.”
“Your Majesty, I would prefer to discuss what happened rather than what people have said.”
The King turned.
“Then tell me.”
Adrian explained the original agreement, the attempted seizure, the arrest and the confiscation of his businesses.
He also described the involvement of Lucien Blackthorn.
The King listened carefully.
When Adrian finished, he asked:
“Do you have evidence?”
“Some. My commercial agreements, witnesses and production records. The Voss family also possesses documents relating to the attempted takeover.”
The King nodded.
“I will order an investigation.”
Adrian bowed.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“But understand something. Royal protection has a price.”
Adrian looked up.
The King continued.
“I expect you to contribute to the kingdom’s development. Your inventions must not become tools for foreign powers or individuals seeking to destabilise Eldoria.” Read the latest chapters at novelping . com.
“That is reasonable.”
“And you must be willing to cooperate with the Royal Academy.”
“I am willing to cooperate, provided ownership and compensation are clearly established.”
The King laughed.
“You really do negotiate everything.”
“I’ve learned that unclear agreements are usually expensive.”
The King returned to his chair.
“Very well. We shall continue this discussion.”
CHAPTER 64: A PRINCESS’S CURIOSITY
Princess Isabella had heard about Adrian Vale long before she met him.
The palace servants had been discussing the unusual merchant who had refused to surrender his inventions to the King.
Some considered him arrogant.
Others called him courageous.
The princess found the entire situation amusing.
“Father actually allowed him to disagree?”
King Edward looked up from his documents.
“Isabella.”
“What?”
“Not everyone who disagrees with me is automatically interesting.”
“But this one seems different.”
The King sighed.
“He is an inventor.”
“He is also the first merchant I’ve heard of who refused an offer from the Crown.”
“He refused the conditions, not the offer.”
The princess smiled.
“Even better.”
Later that afternoon, Isabella visited the Royal Academy.
She found Adrian examining a mechanical drawing with Professor Aldric.
“Mr Vale?”
Adrian turned.
A young woman in an elegant blue dress stood behind him.
He recognised her from the royal banquet portraits.
Princess Isabella.
He immediately bowed.
“Your Royal Highness.”
“Please, stand.”
She examined the drawing on the table.
“Is this the machine that everyone has been discussing?”
“A preliminary design for an improved waterwheel system.”
“Can it power an entire factory?”
“Not this particular model. But the principle can be expanded.”
She looked at the diagram.
“Why haven’t people built something like this before?”
“Because most craftsmen have been improving existing machines rather than reconsidering how the machines could work together.”
The princess looked impressed.
“You’re saying the problem isn’t always the machine. Sometimes it’s the way people think about it.”
“Exactly.”
Professor Aldric smiled.
“Your Highness, I believe Mr Vale has found a rather effective way of explaining engineering.”
Isabella continued examining the drawing.
“Could you show me how it works?”
Adrian hesitated.
“Certainly.”
He explained the rotating wheel, the main shaft and the gear arrangement.
The princess listened carefully.
After several minutes, she looked up.
“Father says you are difficult to negotiate with.”
Adrian smiled.
“I try to be reasonable.”
“Apparently, your definition of reasonable is different from everyone else’s.”
“That depends on the agreement.”
The princess laughed.
She had expected an ambitious merchant.
Instead, she had found someone who seemed genuinely interested in building things.
“Mr Vale, I would like to see your inventions when they’re ready.”
“I would be honoured.”
As she departed, Professor Aldric leaned toward Adrian.
“You should be careful.”
“About what?”
“The princess is curious. And curious members of the royal family tend to attract attention.”
Adrian looked at the doorway.
“That sounds familiar.”
CHAPTER 65: THE ROYAL BANQUET
The royal banquet was held in honour of several visiting nobles and foreign merchants.
Adrian received an invitation because of his growing relationship with the Royal Academy.
He arrived wearing a dark formal coat borrowed through the Academy.
The hall was enormous.
Golden chandeliers illuminated the tables, while musicians played near the western balcony.
Nobles wore expensive jewellery and embroidered clothing.
Adrian immediately felt out of place.
He preferred workshops.
At least machines didn’t pretend to like you.
Professor Aldric introduced him to several scholars before leaving to speak with another guest.
Adrian was examining the food when a man approached.
“Adrian Vale.”
He turned.
The newcomer was tall, broad-shouldered and dressed in expensive military-style clothing.
“Yes?”
“Lord Cedric Ashbourne. Duke of the Northern Marches.”
Adrian bowed politely.
“An honour, Your Grace.”
The duke studied him.
“I’ve heard quite a bit about you.”
“Hopefully, not all of it.”
The duke laughed.
“You’re the man who challenged Baron Reinhardt.”
“I believe the Baron challenged me.”
“An interesting distinction.”
They exchanged a few words before the duke became serious.
“Your inventions could be useful to the northern territories.”
“How so?”
“We have large agricultural estates, mines and military supply routes. Improved machinery would be valuable.”
Adrian nodded.
“Those are all industries that could benefit from mechanical development.”
The duke lowered his voice.
“But I must warn you. Not everyone in this palace wants to see you succeed.”
Adrian glanced around.
“I’ve noticed.”
“Some fear your inventions. Others fear the wealth you could accumulate.”
“And what do you think?”
The duke smiled.
“I think the kingdom needs people who build things rather than simply inherit them.”
Before Adrian could respond, another noble approached.
It was a thin man with cold eyes and a silver signet ring.
“Duke Ashbourne. I see you’ve found our celebrated inventor.”
The duke’s expression changed.
“Lord Malrec.”
The newcomer turned toward Adrian.
“Lord Severin Malrec. Royal Minister of Internal Affairs.”
Adrian bowed.
“Your Lordship.”
Malrec examined him.
“I understand you’ve been causing considerable trouble in the Western Territories.”
“I’ve been conducting business.”
“Sometimes the two are difficult to distinguish.”
Adrian smiled politely.
“Only when someone has difficulty distinguishing business from ownership.”
The minister’s eyes narrowed.
The duke quickly intervened.
“Perhaps we should allow the young man to enjoy the banquet.”
Malrec smiled.
“Of course.”
He walked away.
The duke waited until the minister was out of earshot.
“That man is dangerous.”
“Why?”
“He believes everything within the kingdom should ultimately answer to the Crown. Including people.”
Adrian looked toward the minister.
He had found another enemy.
And this one stood much closer to the King.
CHAPTER 66: THE DUKE’S WARNING
The banquet ended shortly before midnight.
Adrian was preparing to leave when Duke Ashbourne approached him again.
“Vale. Walk with me.”
They moved toward a quieter balcony overlooking the palace gardens.
The duke leaned against the railing.
“Lord Malrec has been asking questions about your inventions.”
“Should I be concerned?”
“Very.”
“Why?”
“Because he controls the Ministry of Internal Affairs. He has influence over royal investigations, administrative appointments and several intelligence networks.”
Adrian considered this.
“Does he work with Baron Reinhardt?”
“Not officially. But they share certain interests.”
“Which are?”
“Control.”
The duke turned toward him.
“Listen carefully. The King is interested in your inventions, but he is also a monarch. His ministers have their own ambitions, and the nobles have their own interests.”
Adrian nodded.
“I’ve noticed.”
“Don’t assume that royal protection will solve every problem.”
“Then what would you recommend?”
The duke considered the question.
“Build relationships beyond the capital. Merchants, scholars, regional nobles and ordinary people. A man who depends on one powerful protector can be abandoned when that protector changes his mind.”
Adrian smiled.
“That’s surprisingly good advice.”
The duke laughed.
“Experience.”
He handed Adrian a small card bearing his family seal.
“If you ever need assistance in the northern territories, send word to me.”
Adrian accepted it.
“Thank you, Your Grace.”
The duke started toward the door, then stopped.
“One more thing.”
“Yes?”
“The Baron has been telling people that your arrest was necessary to protect the kingdom from dangerous technology.”
Adrian frowned.
“Dangerous technology?”
“Apparently, your printing press and manufacturing methods could threaten the established order.”
Adrian looked toward the palace.
That was a new problem.
He had expected greed.
He had expected jealousy.
But now his inventions were being portrayed as a threat to the kingdom itself.
The duke continued.
“Be careful what you demonstrate publicly. Some people will use anything they can to turn the King against you.”
Adrian nodded.
“I understand.”
After the duke left, Adrian returned to his accommodation.
He placed the northern duke’s card beside Frederick’s letter and the documents concerning his factories.
Then he opened his system interface.
[INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT STATUS]
Soap manufacturing: Established.
Candle manufacturing: Established.
Printing enterprise: Established.
Mechanical engineering: Developing.
Political influence: Limited.
Independent territory: Not established.
A new notification appeared.
[LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT PATH UPDATED.]
[Industrial Independence: 4%]
Adrian stared at the final line.
Four percent.
He almost laughed.
He had barely begun.
Outside, the royal capital continued sleeping beneath its enormous walls.
But inside the palace, powerful men were already discussing what should be done about Adrian Vale.
And some of them had begun to consider him more dangerous than the Baron ever had.