Building an empire which the sun never set-Chapter 66: The Upcoming Visit

The following morning, Arthur set out for the industrial sector, where William was overseeing the final stages of typewriter production. The city's industrial heart was alive with the sound of hammers, steam engines, and the rhythmic movement of workers assembling machines. As he arrived at the typewriter factory, he was greeted by William, who led him through the facility.

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Arthur inspected the production process closely, observing the meticulous assembly of typewriters. He examined the machinery and quality control procedures before picking up one of the newly manufactured typewriters himself. Sitting at a test station, he fed a sheet of paper into the machine and pressed the keys. The mechanism responded smoothly, stamping inked letters onto the page with precision. Satisfied, he nodded approvingly. Curious about improving documentation efficiency, he then placed a sheet of carbon paper between two regular sheets and repeated the test. As he lifted the top sheet, he saw that the copy beneath had transferred perfectly. A small but significant innovation—this would allow for duplicating documents quickly, an invaluable tool for administration and military logistics.

Arthur looked over at William. "It's working as expected," he said. "Good work, William. This will make documentation and communication across our institutions much more efficient."

William smiled slightly. "We've also been working on marketing efforts to ensure these typewriters find widespread use. We've placed advertisements in major newspapers, emphasizing their efficiency for government offices, businesses, and scholars. We've also arranged for demonstrations in key administrative buildings. Additionally, we are targeting major trading hubs and setting up agreements with merchants to ensure widespread distribution across the kingdom. Our goal is to establish key suppliers in every major city, making typewriters readily available to the professional class."

Arthur nodded. "Good. The faster we integrate them, the more effective our institutions will become. What about private sales?"

"We are reaching out to printing houses, legal firms, and merchants. Once they see the advantage of having clear, standardized documents, demand should rise. Additionally, we have secured deals with bookkeepers and record keepers who can use these machines for financial documentation. We also plan to introduce installment payment options for smaller businesses, making it easier for them to purchase our machines."

Arthur considered this and then added, "Send one of these finished typewriters to the palace. I want to see firsthand how well it integrates into our workflow."

William gave a firm nod. "I'll have one delivered to your study by the end of the day."

After the factory tour, Arthur handed William the blueprints for the new weapons. "These designs need to be brought to life immediately. They must be produced quickly and in large quantities. The mortars will provide mobile artillery support for infantry, allowing them to engage targets with indirect fire. The hand grenades will enhance close-quarters combat, giving soldiers a reliable means to clear enemy positions. The rocket launchers will be a versatile weapon for targeting fortified structures, breaking defensive lines, and creating openings for advancing troops."

William studied the designs carefully, nodding. "We'll need to repurpose some of our foundries for the mortar tubes and rocket casings. The barrels and firing mechanisms will require precise machining, so I'll need to reassign our best metalworkers to oversee the process. The grenade casings will be simpler to produce in bulk, but we'll need to ensure consistent explosive filling. I'll also have the engineering teams begin working on assembly lines for the rocket propulsion system—it will take time to perfect the fuel mixture for stable propulsion. Additionally, we'll need separate production facilities for the ignition and warhead components of the rockets to prevent accidents.

We should also establish a dedicated testing range for these new weapons. Before full-scale production, our engineers must evaluate the range, accuracy, and durability of each prototype. If necessary, we can refine the designs based on the test results. Should the prototypes meet expectations, we will coordinate with the military leadership to determine production quotas and prioritize frontline deployment. If the initial tests prove successful, we will immediately shift to large-scale production, ensuring enough stockpiles before any potential conflict arises. Do you have specific production targets in mind?"

Arthur gave a firm response. "Start with a prototype phase within two weeks. Once the initial tests are done, scale up production rapidly. We need at least five thousand mortars, ten thousand rocket launchers, and an ample supply of grenades before the war begins. I trust you to coordinate with the arms factories and ensure we meet these numbers."

William nodded. "Understood. I'll make sure production begins at once."

With the instructions given, Arthur stepped out of the factory, observing the industrial district bustling with workers and the hum of machinery. The city was transforming before his eyes—new factories rising, rail lines expanding, and streets filled with merchants and laborers. This was the engine of progress, one that would determine Pendrallis' future strength. Satisfied with what he saw, he mounted his carriage and began the journey back to the palace. As he walked through the halls, he decided to present his designs to his father without prior arrangement, knowing that the king would need to understand the significance of these new weapons.

Upon returning to the palace, Arthur made his way to his father's study. King Cedric sat behind a large mahogany desk, his sharp gaze fixed on Arthur as he entered. The room carried the scent of aged parchment and the faint aroma of wax-sealed documents, mingling with the musty air of countless leather-bound books. It was a place where decisions shaping the kingdom had been made for generations, its heavy silence pressing with the weight of governance.

Arthur bowed slightly and took a seat. "Father, I have finalized the designs for a new set of weapons that could provide our army with a significant advantage if we are to engage in war. The production phase should begin immediately."

King Cedric leaned forward. "Tell me about them."

Arthur unfolded the blueprints and laid them on the desk. "The first is a series of mortars—light, medium, and heavy—allowing our infantry to provide mobile artillery support in combat. The second is a new hand grenade, designed for easy deployment in trench and urban warfare. Lastly, a portable rocket launcher, designed to destroy fortified enemy positions and break defensive lines, creating openings for advancing troops."

The king studied the designs with interest. "And what advantage will these bring over traditional weapons?"

"Flexibility, Father," Arthur explained. "Our artillery is powerful but slow to reposition. Mortars allow infantry units to carry fire support with them, enabling rapid adjustments to battlefield conditions. Grenades will increase our soldiers' ability to clear enemy positions, and rocket launchers will provide our forces with the ability to strike heavily fortified defenses without relying solely on cannons. This will make our army faster, more adaptable, and deadlier in the field."

King Cedric nodded thoughtfully. "After the Battle of Maraz Strait, other nations have heavily invested in firearms and trained their armies in modern warfare techniques. While Pendrallis remains ahead technologically, the gap is narrowing. These new weapons could be the key to maintaining our superiority. However, they must first be tested by our forces. If the army confirms their effectiveness and the advantages you describe, we will move forward with widespread adoption. Until then, production should focus on limited deployment and evaluation."

Arthur gave a firm nod. "William has already begun organizing production. The first prototypes will be ready in two weeks, and mass production will follow soon after."

The king exhaled slowly, satisfied. "You have done well, Arthur. Continue overseeing this personally."

As Arthur prepared to stand, Cedric leaned back in his chair and gave him a measured look. "There is another matter we must discuss. The Grand Duke of Sachsenburg's daughter, Anna von Sachsenburg, will be visiting Pendrallis next month. You will accompany her during her stay."

Arthur furrowed his brow slightly. "Sachsenburg? From the Neustreich?" His mind immediately connected the name to his mother's homeland—a principality within the fragmented Neustreich states. The Haus von Sachsenburg had long-standing ties with the Pendrallian court.

Cedric gave a firm nod. "Indeed. The Großherzog von Sachsenburg's daughter, Anna, is traveling here as part of a diplomatic engagement. The Imperial League is a collection of duchies, principalities, and free cities, each maintaining its own authority while being loosely bound under a greater imperial framework. Political maneuvering, shifting alliances, and regional rivalries shape its landscape, making diplomacy as important as military strength. Stronger states, such as Sachsenburg, exert considerable influence over the League's affairs, often steering its direction based on their own interests." Sachsenburg, one of its more influential states, has long maintained diplomatic and trade relations with Pendrallis. Given your position, it is only proper that you ensure she is received appropriately. This visit is not merely a formality; strengthening our ties with Sachsenburg could solidify Pendrallis' position within Neustreich. The Grand Duke's influence is growing, and an alliance with his house could provide both economic and political benefits.""

Arthur had no illusions about what this truly meant. In his previous life, such arranged marriages were a relic of the past, an outdated practice that ignored individual choice. Even if his family saw this as a necessary duty, the thought of having his future dictated by others left a sour taste in his mouth. However, he knew that rushing to oppose it now would accomplish nothing. He would have time to stall, to maneuver around this situation once he met the Grand Duke's daughter. For now, he simply needed to play along. A noblewoman from a powerful Neustreich house being sent on an extended visit to Pendrallis was not a mere courtesy. This was a marriage prospect, orchestrated by their families. He kept his expression neutral, though he felt the weight of expectations settling on his shoulders.

"Of course, Father. I will see to it that she is properly welcomed and entertained during her visit," Arthur said evenly.

Cedric studied him for a moment before giving a satisfied nod. "Good. She arrives in a month. Make the necessary preparations."

Arthur left the study, his mind now occupied with yet another matter beyond war and industry. His family's plans were unfolding around him, and he would soon meet the woman chosen as a potential future queen of Pendrallis.

Arthur bowed and left the study, his mind focused on the tasks ahead. Returning to his chamber, he placed the remaining documents into his desk drawer and let out a deep breath. The day had been long, but progress was being made. Pendrallis had to prepare for whatever lay ahead.

As the evening settled over the palace, Arthur lay in his bed, contemplating the battles to come. His eyes drifted shut, knowing that tomorrow would bring new challenges. But for now, he allowed himself a moment of rest, preparing for what lay ahead.