Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 118: The Order
After the negotiations were concluded, both sides immediately began drafting the contract.
To make it feel more formal, the contract was drawn up on parchment as usual.
Handled personally by Clive, two copies of the contract were quickly prepared.
Just as both parties were about to sign, Heinte suddenly spoke up:
“Today has indeed been a very fruitful day, but I still feel a tiny bit of regret.”
Hearing this, Owen paused with the quill in his hand and looked up at him curiously.
“Oh? What regret could that be?”
“I wonder if Marquis Owen might be deliberately keeping something hidden.”
Heinte revealed a meaningful smile.
“Before I arrived at Bianshu Town, I heard some rumors. They say you have even more extraordinary products here.”
“Extraordinary products?”
Owen was slightly stunned, realizing that Heinte had come well-prepared. From the way he phrased it, Owen already had some idea what she meant.
Heinte slowly elaborated:
“Rumor has it that you possess a miraculous black iron creation, one that only needs fire and water to operate by itself—strong beyond compare, no human strength could rival it. In addition, there is said to be a terrifying thunder-weapon that can produce earth-shaking explosions, able to level small hills with ease.”
“Oh, you must mean the steam engine and black powder.”
As expected, those were the two things Heinte was asking about—clearly rumors spread by refugees who had fled south from Bianshu Town.
“They even have names! So they truly exist.”
Heinte’s eyes lit up.
“I wonder if Marquis Owen might allow me to see them for myself?”
“Well…”
Owen stroked his chin, thought for a moment, and then said:
“I’m truly sorry, but black powder is a military secret of BianshuTown. I cannot show it to you, at least not for now.”
At these words, the brightness in Heinte’s eyes dimmed instantly, and disappointment spread across her face.
“As for the steam engine, however—that’s no problem.”
Owen continued.
“The only issue is that it’s a little far from here. If you’re willing to go, I can take you to see one in person.”
“That would be most appreciated, Marquis!”
Heinte said quickly, standing up in excitement.
So, Owen and his party mounted their horses and rode north, eventually arriving at the mining district.
At the mouth of a mine, Heinte finally laid eyes on the legendary steam engine.
That great hunk of iron was churning at full power, belching out a deafening noise.
Since iron ore production had surged recently, Owen had ordered Jita to build rails and minecarts. Mining inside the tunnels was now far easier than before.
Watching the fully loaded minecarts being pulled out of the shaft bit by bit, Heint was left dumbfounded.
When she tried to step closer to examine the steam engine, the operator, Huck, barked sharply:
“Stop! Don’t approach the steam engine while it’s running! The white steam it spews can burn your skin!”
Startled, Heinte quickly stepped back, not daring to come any nearer.
Owen, watching from behind, nodded in satisfaction. Though Huck was still young, he carried out his duties conscientiously—entrusting him with the machine had clearly been the right decision.
Because the noise was so loud, Heinte had to shout back over her shoulder:
“Marquis Owen, may I try operating it myself?”
“Of course.”
Owen shouted back.
He then turned to the foreman nearby:
“Have Huck teach President Masha how to use the steam engine.”
“Understood!”
The foreman gave Huck a few quick instructions, after which Huck stepped aside and let Heinte approach the control station.
Under Huck’s careful guidance, Heint followed the proper steps, pulled the lever, and successfully hauled out several carts of ore, each piled high.
Heinte stepped back, satisfied after having tried it out.
“How do you feel?”
Owen asked.
Heinte stared fixedly at the steam engine, his voice trembling:
“After operating it myself, I can only say—it’s unbelievable! This steam engine far surpasses my imagination. It’s even more marvelous than the rumors described. Surely it can do more than just haul ore?”
“Indeed. Over there, another steam engine is being used to pump water out of the mine,” Owen explained.
“In truth, the applications of the steam engine are extremely broad. Anywhere large amounts of manpower or animal power are needed, it can be of use—grinding wheat, pulling carriages, even being mounted on ships, allowing them to sail without relying on the wind.”
Hearing Owen’s explanation, Heinte’s eyes lit up once again. She practically wished she could buy the steam engine on the spot.
But she also knew Owen hadn’t tried to sell it to her before, which suggested these machines might not be for sale.
After some thought, Heinte asked,
“By the way, Marquis, I also heard that you’ve recently been buying up large quantities of residue left after using up magic stones, as well as saltpeter. Is that true?”
“That’s right. Why do you ask?”
There might be an opening. Heinte smiled elegantly.
“I don’t trade in magic stones myself, but I do own four saltpeter works—two outside the capital, and two near Eastrise Fortress.”
“What?! You have four saltpeter works?”
Owen’s voice shot up several decibels, his shock plain to see.
So, his need for saltpeter was real. Heinte went on:
“Marquis, if you’re willing to sell me a steam engine, I can promise to supply you with saltpeter from those works at ninety percent of market price.”
Saltpeter was a key ingredient of black powder—there could never be too much of it.
Right now, Owen could still purchase saltpeter from outside sources. But once summer came and the weather grew hotter, other nobles would also need it for ice-making. At that point, saltpeter merchants might prioritize supplying the nobles closer to them.
Then even if Owen offered a high price, he might not be able to buy enough.
If he could secure steady supplies from Heint’s four saltpeter works, and at a cheaper price too, the powder demands of Border Town’s garrison would be fully met.
No matter what, he had to secure this deal.
But since Heint demanded a steam engine in return, that was a bit tricky.
Owen hadn’t offered to sell the steam engine because each one was already assigned to critical work, and Jita’s team was far too busy to build extras.
“I’m truly sorry,”
Owen said with a regretful look.
“But I still need every steam engine we have to maintain production. I don’t have any to spare for sale.”
Then his tone shifted:
“However, if you’re willing to place a deposit for a pre-order, once we manufacture new ones, you can pay the balance and take delivery.”
“Hm… very well. How much is each steam engine?”
Heinte agreeing to wait was a huge relief. Owen secretly exhaled.
As for the price, he glanced at Clive.
Clive stepped forward at once and said,
“President Masha, these steam engines don’t come cheap. The price is this much.”
He raised five fingers.
“Five hundred gold coins.”
The profit margin alone was over four hundred gold coins—so high it almost felt absurd.
But when Owen turned back to look at Heinte, he found that she wasn’t shocked at all.
Heinte simply nodded calmly at the price—and then, right there on the spot, ordered ten steam engines.
Owen froze, swallowing hard.
“Are you certain? Steam engines may break down during use. You’ll need to spend money constantly on upkeep.”
“No problem…”
Heinte said with a smile.
“It’s no different from ships requiring regular maintenance. I understand perfectly. As for the cost—it’s nothing I can’t afford.”
Hearing that, Owen shut his mouth obediently. After all, his counterpart represented a powerful and wealthy trading association—this was hardly something he needed to worry about.