Building an empire which the sun never set-Chapter 50: More inventions
The long-awaited day had finally arrived. The expedition fleets, meticulously prepared for months, were now ready to set sail. One fleet, under the command of Edward Smith, was destined to journey westward, while the other, led by James Cook, would navigate south along the Velmora continent. The primary objective of these expeditions was to survey and analyze the natural resources—both underground and on the surface—of the lands they would explore. To achieve this, teams of geologists, botanists, and other scientists were assigned to the fleets, tasked with documenting the landscapes, studying local flora and fauna, and assessing potential economic opportunities. Given that these expeditions would receive no resupply or reinforcements during their journeys, extreme care had been taken to ensure that every necessary provision was meticulously accounted for. Scientific instruments, coal, food supplies, and other essentials were stocked in abundance, guaranteeing self-sufficiency for an extended period at sea. With all preparations in place, the two fleets departed from Pendralis, embarking on their grand voyages into the unknown.
The responsibility for overseeing the extensive preparations fell upon Arthur, whose past few months had been filled with relentless work. The logistical demands of such an undertaking were staggering. Every item, from scientific instruments to provisions for survival, had to be carefully calculated, procured, and stored. Despite the presence of dedicated cargo ships within the fleets, storage capacity remained a limiting factor, making it crucial to prioritize supplies based on necessity and longevity. To streamline this process, Arthur had to coordinate between multiple entities—the Ministry of Finance, the Navy, and the scientific community—ensuring that both financial and logistical constraints were met without compromising the fleets' efficiency. The challenge of allocating coal, food, weaponry, and scientific tools demanded a delicate balance, as any oversight could jeopardize the expeditions' success. After months of tireless effort, the fleets were finally dispatched, granting Arthur a rare opportunity to step away from his duties, at least for a day.
On the day following the fleets' departure, Arthur awoke later than usual—an unusual break from his rigorous schedule. For months, he had been accustomed to waking at dawn, but today he allowed himself a moment of leisure. Skipping his usual morning exercise, he enjoyed an extended breakfast in his quarters, savoring the rare tranquility. As midday approached, Arthur decided to explore the city, a luxury he had been deprived of due to the demands of war and the fleet preparations. Dressing in a well-tailored suit, he retrieved his pocket watch and examined himself in the mirror. It was then that he noticed how his body had changed—his broadening shoulders and increasing musculature, the result of consistent training, had caused his suit to fit more tightly than before. Realizing he needed new attire, he resolved to visit Zack, the city's premier tailor, for a fresh set of garments.
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Accompanied by two discreetly armed bodyguards, Arthur left the palace and made his way through the bustling streets. As he walked, he keenly observed the city's increased economic activity. Since his last visit, commerce had visibly flourished, evident from the liveliness of the markets and the growing number of well-dressed citizens—a testament to rising prosperity. Upon arriving at Zack's shop, Arthur noted how it had expanded, now boasting glass display windows, a sign of success. The tailor's business had thrived ever since Arthur had worn one of his suits at a grand ball, sparking a fashion trend among the aristocracy, which in turn influenced the middle class. The once niche tailoring industry had become highly profitable, with other tailors following Zack's lead.
Entering the shop, Arthur was warmly greeted by Zack, who formally bowed and said, "Welcome, Your Highness." Arthur nodded, smiling. "Hello, Zack. It seems business has been treating you well since my last visit." Zack beamed with pride. "Indeed, Your Highness. After the ball, nobles began seeking me out, wanting the same elegance you displayed. Soon after, the middle class followed, leading to an overwhelming surge in demand." Arthur, pleased with the tailor's success, responded, "That is good to hear. I am here today to place a new order." Zack, ever the professional, nodded. "Of course, Your Highness. I shall take your measurements immediately." As Zack carefully noted the updated dimensions, Arthur placed his order: "I would like ten black suits. How long will it take?" Zack pondered for a moment before replying, "Your Highness, we will prioritize your order. It should be ready within a month." Arthur raised an eyebrow. "That long?" Zack offered a respectful smile. "Given the demand, this is the fastest we can manage, even with my full staff working on it." Arthur sighed but relented. "Very well. Have them delivered to the palace when completed."
With that, Arthur departed, spending the rest of the day exploring the city, observing the daily lives of its inhabitants. As dusk fell, one of his bodyguards cautioned, "Your Highness, it would be wise to return. Crime rates tend to rise after dark." Intrigued, Arthur asked several questions about the city's nocturnal dangers before eventually agreeing to head back to the palace.
That evening, as Arthur dined alone in his quarters, he reflected on his observations. With heavy industry firmly established, he realized the time had come to diversify production toward consumer goods that could enhance daily life. He retrieved a sheet of parchment, dipped his quill into ink, and paused—his eyes lingering on the outdated writing tool. Perhaps he should start with the fountain pen. He swiftly sketched out a design, understanding its mechanics well: an internal reservoir storing ink, a controlled flow mechanism preventing blotting, and a steel nib, now affordable due to cheaper production methods. With the necessary precision mechanics already achieved in pocket watch manufacturing, this innovation was feasible.
Arthur then turned his attention to another innovation: the mechanical sewing machine. He envisioned a system in which a needle, powered by a foot pedal or mechanical crank, would move rapidly in an up-and-down motion, continuously looping thread through the fabric while a tension system ensured consistent stitches. This automation would vastly reduce the time required for garment production. As he continued designing, he thought of another challenge—household labor. He imagined a steam-powered washing machine, in which clothing would be placed in a rotating drum filled with water and soap. The drum would be agitated by a steam-driven piston, causing the clothes to be thoroughly cleaned through rapid motion, before being spun dry by centrifugal force.
Finally, Arthur considered the issue of urban safety after dark. Inspired by the gas-lit streets of 19th-century England, he envisioned an expansive gas pipeline system that would deliver fuel to strategically placed street lamps. Each lamp would be equipped with a controlled gas burner, ignited at dusk and extinguished at dawn by designated city workers. This innovation would not only reduce crime but also extend business hours and improve nighttime working conditions for factories.
Satisfied with his plans, Arthur stacked his notes neatly and prepared for bed. Tomorrow, he would present these innovations to the council. With a deep breath, he reached for the candle beside him, watching the flickering flame for a moment before pinching it out between his fingers, plunging the room into darkness.
