Chapter 190: Luxury Merchant Group
The Ministry of Magic will manage these captured wizards in a unified manner and assign them to jobs that require magic.
For example, a wind magician can cast wind magic that can effectively increase the temperature of the flame in the furnace.
Working in conjunction with a fire magician can greatly reduce mana consumption and increase the number of firings.
After all, the higher the temperature required for the flame produced by magic, the more magic power it consumes.
Owen and Winston had done tests before, and found that temperature and magic power are exponentially related.
Water magicians can cast water magic in the fields to irrigate crops.
It should be noted that the water produced by magic is very pure and does not contain any impurities. It can also be used as laboratory water.
Earth mages can raise earth walls or modify the terrain bit by bit, so they’ll definitely be very useful in the Construction Department.
For this purpose, Owen specially called Viru to conduct an experiment. They raised the four enclosing earth walls, reinforced them, covered the roof, broke open the doors and windows, and soon they could build a simple adobe house.
After seeing the convenience of magic, Owen and Viru renegotiated the construction project of the lower wooden shed area and decided to cancel the original plan and rebuild a large number of adobe houses instead.
Thanks to this, the construction of the temporary living area for the serfs was faster than expected, so Owen wrote to Kuros to inform him that the serfs could be transported in advance.
After the first batch of serfs arrived, Owen gathered them together and told them that they had the opportunity to escape from their slavery.
At first, the serfs didn’t quite believe it.
Even if it is true, probably only a very few lucky guys can successfully escape from slavery, and the vast majority of slaves will not change at all.
Until Owen announced several paths to advancement to freemen, such as continuing to farm, working in factories, etc.
As long as the conditions are met, everyone can escape from slavery.
This condition is not a vague one, but an exact value. For example, farming requires reaching a set output, and working in a factory requires accumulating sufficient working hours.
Such detailed explanations gave many serfs real hope.
One of the serfs mustered up the courage to ask.
“Is what you say true, my Lord?”
“I guarantee in the name of the lord of Bianshu Town that I will never deceive you.”
Owen made the promise solemnly.
After receiving the guarantee, the serfs were very excited and knelt down to thank the lord for his great kindness.
When they were finally allowed to choose their own path to become freemen, most of them had no idea what the factory was doing and chose to continue their old trade, which was farming.
…
The Gemini Chamber of Commerce’s fleet arrived at Bianshu Town a little later than scheduled, and Owen received President Heinte Masha at the dock.
“I’m so sorry that our fleet arrived so late.”
Heinte said apologetically.
“The southern border has been quite unstable lately.”
“I heard that and I understand.”
The Royal Capital and Lion’s Roar City are at war, and as a result, the trade routes in the southern border will definitely be disrupted.
Next, Owen went on board to check the cargo, which included various necessary raw materials in addition to saltpeter.
After confirming that the goods were in good condition, Owen delivered the two steam engines in accordance with the contract.
Due to the improvement of technology, these two steam engines are much more refined than the black iron lump that Heint saw at the entrance of the mine. They are smaller in size and make less noise when running.
After listening to Owen’s explanation, Heinte stroked one of the steam engines with sparkling eyes, and was very satisfied with it.
As previously agreed, Heinte brought with her a businessman friend, Sharp Holly, who operated several mines in the West.
In addition, several businessmen from the Royal Capital and the Gorge Moon Federation also followed.
Especially Andy Gena, the president of the Gorge Island Chamber of Commerce that controls Gorge Island, and Garden Daniel, the president of the Crescent Moon Chamber of Commerce that controls Crescent Moon Island, they also came. What a luxurious merchant group.
These two people are the two most powerful chamber of commerce presidents in the Xiayou Federation. The Xiayou Federation was also initiated and established by the former presidents of the two chambers of commerce.
Considering that it was almost noon, Owen took Heinte and her party back to the castle and treated everyone to lunch in the living room.
“Apart from the mining merchants I promised to bring you, other merchant friends are very interested in the new products I sell, so they followed me here specially.”
Heinte explained.
“That’s fine.”
Owen smiled and said.
“I’ve expanded our production. The output of the goods I sold you before has increased significantly. Moreover, I’ve also prepared other new products.”
“Oh? Then I’ll wait and see.”
Heinte said expectantly.
“Marquis Eisen.”
Sharp, the mining businessman brought by Heinte, ate a large piece of tender beef that was dripping with fat, and his lips were covered with grease.
“I just saw a steam engine at the dock. Can that machine really replace human labor, pumping water and transporting ore from deep within the mine? And it can work all day without stopping to rest? Can you let me see how it works?”
“No problem.”
Owen took a sip of wine and put down the glass.
“After lunch, I can take you to the Sky Mining Area for a field trip.”
“Then I’ll leave it to Marquis Eisen.”
After saying that, Sharp continued to eat the fatty beef on the plate with big mouthfuls.
“Marquis Eisen, I heard that you built a cargo ship that can sail on the river without sails. Because of its unique shape, it has become quite popular in the East.”
Heinte speculated curiously.
“I remember you said that a steam engine could be installed on a ship. I guess that’s what was done on that ship, right?”
“Yes, you guessed right.”
Owen readily admitted it, and then added.
“Also, unlike common wooden sailing ships, the ships we build in Bian Shu Town are cement steamships, with the main body made of solidified cement.”
“Wow!”
Heinte exclaimed in surprise.
“Cement can be used to build ships? It’s amazing.”
Owen had sold a batch of cement powder to Hinete before, so she knew about cement.
Garden, president of the Crescent Chamber of Commerce, was very interested in this and asked.
“I wonder if Marquis Eisen could take us to see that cement steamship?”
“I’m so sorry, that cement ship is not in Bianshu Town right now. It’s out there doing transportation.”
Owen said this with a look of regret at first, then changed the subject.
“However, the second cement steamship is still under construction and has entered the final stage. I can take you to see the ship that has not yet been launched.”
“Okay then.”
Garden responded.
Andy, president of the Gorge Island Chamber of Commerce, finished his drink and inquired.
“I wonder if Marquis Eisen is interested in selling cement steamships? I’m planning to order a few from you.”
“Hey! Andy Gena, you’re not doing this right.”
Someone ordered it first, and Garden immediately became unhappy.
“You’re rushing to place an order without even seeing the actual product. Don’t you want others to buy the cement steamship?”
After saying this, he turned to look at Owen and hurriedly stated.
“Marquis Eisen, I would also like to order a cement steamship from you, no matter the price.”
Without even asking the price, they competed to order cement steamships. The two most powerful chambers of commerce in the Xiayou Federation were indeed generous.