Adrian had spent the previous three days working inside the Royal Academy.
His waterwheel design was improving, and Professor Aldric had assigned two experienced craftsmen to assist him.
However, Adrian had begun working on something else.
A steam-powered machine.
He knew it would take considerable time to develop. The kingdom lacked suitable materials, precision equipment and the manufacturing experience required for a reliable industrial steam engine.
Still, he wanted to establish the theoretical foundation.
He began with simple drawings showing how heated water could produce expanding steam, which could then move a piston.
Professor Aldric examined the sketches.
“You’re suggesting that heated water could produce mechanical movement without relying on a river.”
“Correct.”
“That would be extremely useful.”
“Potentially. But the machine would require strong materials, reliable seals and careful pressure control. A poorly constructed system could be dangerous.”
Aldric studied the drawing.
“Have you built one before?”
“No. This is a preliminary concept.”
Adrian deliberately avoided pretending that he had a working machine.
The professor nodded.
“Then we should keep the drawings within the Academy until the design has been properly examined.”
Adrian agreed.
That evening, he stored the documents inside a locked cabinet.
Unfortunately, someone had already taken an interest in them.
A young assistant named Victor, who worked in the Academy’s administrative department, had been watching Adrian’s activities.
He had recently received money from an unknown noble’s representative.
His instructions were simple.
Obtain copies of Adrian’s most important technical drawings.
The following morning, Adrian discovered that one folder was missing.
He immediately informed Professor Aldric.
“What was inside?”
“Preliminary steam-engine designs.”
Aldric’s expression changed.
“Who had access?”
“Only a few people.”
The professor summoned the Academy’s security officers.
After reviewing the records, they discovered that Victor had entered the workshop after working hours.
But Victor had disappeared.
Adrian looked at the empty cabinet.
The Baron had wanted his manufacturing knowledge.
Lucien had wanted his production methods.
Now someone in the capital was attempting to steal his newest research.
He had a feeling this was only the beginning.
CHAPTER 68: THE ROYAL ACADEMY’S PROPOSAL
Professor Aldric arranged a formal meeting with the Academy’s director.
The director, Master Roland, was an elderly scholar who had spent most of his life studying engineering, chemistry and mathematics.
He welcomed Adrian into his office.
“Mr Vale. Your work has attracted considerable attention.”
“I’ve noticed.”
Master Roland smiled.
“The Academy would like to offer you a permanent research position.”
Adrian remained silent.
“You would receive access to our laboratories, workshops, craftsmen and research funding. In return, you would teach selected students and cooperate with Academy projects.”
“Would I be permitted to continue my private businesses?”
“Certainly.”
“Would the Academy own inventions developed outside its facilities?”
“That would depend on the agreement.”
Adrian already knew where this conversation was going.
He asked for the proposed contract.
The document contained several reasonable clauses.
However, it also stated that inventions developed using Academy resources would belong jointly to the Academy and the inventor.
That was not necessarily unacceptable.
But the Academy would have final authority over commercial licensing.
Adrian placed the document on the desk.
“I have a problem with this clause.”
Master Roland adjusted his spectacles.
“Which one?”
“The Academy controls all commercial licensing.”
“That is standard practice.”
“Then the Academy could prevent me from manufacturing or selling my own invention.”
“Only if there were a legitimate reason.”
“Who decides what is legitimate?”
Master Roland smiled.
“You negotiate like a merchant.”
“I am a merchant.”
Professor Aldric chuckled.
The director considered Adrian’s objection.
“What would you propose?”
“Joint ownership of inventions developed through Academy collaboration, with licensing agreements requiring the consent of both parties. My independent inventions remain entirely mine.”
Master Roland exchanged a glance with Aldric.
“That is unusual.”
“So is my work.”
After a lengthy discussion, the director agreed to review the terms.
Adrian left the office with a temporary research invitation.
It wasn’t everything he wanted.
But it was a beginning.
CHAPTER 69: THE KING’S REAL INTENTION
King Edward III summoned Adrian again.
This time, the meeting included Duke Alistair, Minister Severin Malrec and several senior military officials.
Adrian immediately recognised the atmosphere.
The King pointed toward a chair.
“Sit, Vale.”
Adrian obeyed.
“I have received reports about your proposed steam-powered machine.”
Adrian glanced at Professor Aldric, who stood nearby.
“The design is still theoretical, Your Majesty.”
“Could it work?”
“Possibly. But it requires further research and suitable materials.”
The King nodded.
“Good. Then let us discuss something more immediate.”
He gestured toward a map.
The map showed the northern and western territories.
“Our kingdom has several problems. Transportation is slow, agricultural production is inconsistent, and our military supply network is expensive.”
Adrian examined the map.
The King continued.
“I want you to develop machinery that can improve these systems.”
Adrian nodded.
“That is possible.”
“How long?”
“That depends on funding, materials, skilled workers and the specific machinery required.”
Minister Malrec interrupted.
“Surely an inventor of your reputation can provide a more definite answer.”
Adrian looked at him.
“An inventor’s reputation cannot change the properties of metal or make a machine appear without materials.”
One of the military officials laughed quietly.
Malrec frowned.
The King raised his hand.
“Enough.”
He returned his attention to Adrian.
“I am prepared to provide substantial funding. In exchange, I want priority access to the machinery you develop for the kingdom.”
“Priority purchasing rights?”
“Yes.”
“At negotiated prices?”
The King nodded.
Adrian considered the offer.
It was reasonable so far.
But the King wasn’t finished.
“There is another matter. I want you to establish a central royal manufacturing organisation. It will supply the Crown, the military and the kingdom’s major institutions.”
Adrian looked at the map again.
That was much bigger than a factory.
It was an attempt to create a national industrial organisation.
“Who would control it?” he asked.
The King smiled.
“That is what we must decide.”
CHAPTER 70: AN IMPOSSIBLE DEMAND
The discussion continued for nearly an hour.
The King wanted Adrian to oversee the creation of a royal manufacturing organisation.
The organisation would receive land, capital, workers and access to royal resources.
In return, it would manufacture essential goods for the kingdom.
Adrian saw the opportunity immediately.
A large manufacturing network could accelerate industrial development throughout Eldoria.
But there was a problem.
Minister Malrec wanted the entire organisation placed under direct royal administration.
Adrian would merely serve as its chief technical adviser.
“That arrangement will not work,” Adrian said.
Malrec frowned.
“Why?”
“Because you are asking me to build an industrial organisation without giving me authority over its technical operations.”
“The Crown will appoint competent administrators.”
“Administrators who have never operated a factory?”
“That is irrelevant.”
“It is extremely relevant.”
The minister’s face hardened.
The King watched silently.
Adrian continued.
“If I am responsible for the results, I need authority over production, recruitment, technical standards and equipment development.”
Malrec shook his head.
“You are a merchant. You cannot expect the Crown to hand over control of a royal organisation.”
“Then don’t make me responsible for it.”
The room became silent.
The King leaned forward.
“What arrangement would you accept?”
Adrian considered his answer.
“I would establish and manage the manufacturing organisation under a long-term agreement. The Crown would own the land and provide agreed funding. I would retain control over technical operations and receive compensation based on production and performance.”
“And the inventions?”
“Existing inventions remain mine. New inventions developed independently remain mine. Joint projects would be governed by separate agreements.”
Malrec immediately objected.
“Impossible!”
Adrian turned toward him.
“Then we have no agreement.”
The minister looked furious.
“You cannot dictate terms to the Crown.”
“I’m not dictating anything. I’m explaining what I am willing to undertake.”
The King raised his hand.
“Enough.”
He looked at Adrian.
“Your proposal has some merit. However, there is one condition I cannot compromise on.”
Adrian waited.
Adrian understood the King’s concern.
Military technology was a sensitive matter.
But unrestricted access could mean surrendering every invention that might eventually have military applications.
He needed to think carefully.
“Your Majesty, I can agree to specific military research contracts with defined rights and compensation. But I cannot surrender ownership of every invention that might have a military use.”
The King’s expression became serious.
“Then we have reached an impasse.”
CHAPTER 71: ADRIAN’S REFUSAL
Adrian returned to the Royal Academy that evening.
Professor Aldric was waiting.
“I heard the meeting didn’t go well.”
“It went exactly as expected.”
“You’re refusing the King’s proposal?”
“I’m refusing the conditions.”
Aldric sat down.
“Do you understand what you’re giving up?”
“Funding, land, protection and access to resources.”
“Those are considerable advantages.”
“I know.”
The professor studied him.
“Then why refuse?”
Adrian looked toward the workshop.
“Because I don’t want to spend the rest of my life building something that someone else can take away whenever they decide I’m no longer useful.”
Aldric sighed.
“You’re determined to remain independent.”
“Yes.”
The professor nodded slowly.
“Then I hope you understand that independence will be expensive.”
Adrian smiled.
“I’ve already received the first invoice.”
The next morning, the King received Adrian’s formal response.
He thanked the Crown for its offer but declined to surrender ownership of his existing inventions or accept a position without genuine technical authority.
The King read the letter in silence.
Minister Malrec stood nearby.
“Your Majesty, this is unacceptable.”
“Why?”
“He has refused a royal development proposal.”
“He has refused certain conditions. There is a difference.”
Malrec lowered his voice.
“Allowing a private merchant to retain control over technology of national importance is dangerous.”
The King looked at him.
“And allowing ministers to confiscate every useful invention is equally dangerous.”
Malrec bowed.
“Of course, Your Majesty.”
But his expression remained cold.
Later that afternoon, Adrian received a letter from Westbrook.
Sarah reported that the new factory manager had failed to maintain production.
Several workers had left.
The remaining employees were struggling to receive their wages.
The newspaper had been permanently closed by the Baron’s administration.
Worse, the Baron had begun selling products manufactured using Adrian’s equipment.
Adrian folded the letter.
He had spent weeks negotiating in the capital while his people suffered back home.
That had to change.
He summoned Professor Aldric.
“I need to return to Westbrook.”
Aldric looked surprised.
“Already?”
“Yes. There are people depending on me.”
“What about the King’s investigation?”
“I’ll cooperate from Westbrook.”
The professor nodded.
“I’ll arrange the necessary documents.”
Adrian looked toward the capital.
He had refused the King.
He had angered a minister.
He had attracted the attention of powerful nobles.
But he had gained something important.
He now knew that the kingdom’s political structure was not as united as it appeared.
And that division might be the opportunity he needed.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
[Political Independence Development: Updated.]
[New Quest Available: Establish an Independent Industrial Base.]
[Primary Objectives:]
Recover control of at least one manufacturing facility.
Secure protection from an independent political authority.
Establish a reliable supply and distribution network outside Baron Reinhardt’s control.
[Potential Reward: Advanced Industrial Management and 30 Knowledge Points.]
Adrian closed the notification.
“Time to go home.”
But when he reached the Academy entrance, a royal messenger was waiting.
“Mr Vale, His Majesty has requested that you remain in the capital.”
Adrian frowned.
“Why?”
The messenger handed him a sealed letter.
Adrian opened it.
The message contained only one sentence.
“The investigation into Baron Reinhardt has uncovered something far more serious than the confiscation of your factories.”
Adrian read it twice.
Perhaps his problems in Westbrook were only the beginning.