Kingdombuilding: All My Inventions Are Novelty

Ten days passed in the blink of an eye. After the successful launch of the galleon ships, another joyful occasion arrived: New Year.

As if unwilling to disturb the festive spirit in Brambleford, the heavy snow that had lasted over ten days finally stopped on New Year’s Eve.

At the entrance of the royal residence, Roland, the head steward, stood with his hands on his hips, barking orders.

”Yes, yes, hang the lanterns higher! You brats, I’ve only been away a few months, and already you’re ignoring me? Don’t forget, I’m still the chief steward of this castle!”

With the roads blocked by snow, Roland had returned to Brambleford. After a year of hard work, he wanted nothing more than to spend New Year’s at home, and this royal castle was his home.

Ysabeau stood beside him respectfully. Now that the real steward was back, she’d naturally step aside. She was well aware that her standing in Prince Simon’s heart couldn’t compare to Roland’s. Still, since he had always treated her and Joan well, she admired and respected him from the bottom of her heart. As soon as he returned, she took on the role of his assistant.

On New Year’s Eve, Simon slept in, reluctant to leave the warmth of his quarters. The temperature outside had plunged to nearly minus fifteen degrees Celsius. Curled up beside the brazier, he had no interest in going outside.

He couldn’t help but feel a little melancholy. After today, they would officially step into the 18th century. In this world, the Eldorian Empire, like many ancient dynasties in history, was plagued by arrogance, self-absorption, and a near-total rejection of science.

If his guess was correct, by now most of the world, especially beyond East Asia, was likely colonized by Western powers. Yet the Eldorian Empire was still caught in internal strife and backwardness, not unlike the late Dynasty. If the reavers managed to invade, the next regime might be even worse, like the corrupt dynasty from his past life. Frowning, Simon felt a growing sense of helplessness. He was perhaps the only person who truly understood the global situation from a historical perspective. Everyone else was still lost in their fantasy of being a heavenly kingdom above all others.

Just then, Roland’s voice called from outside.

”My Lord, the sky’s cleared up. Why not come out and get some fresh air?”

Simon mumbled. ”It’s too cold. I don’t feel like going out.”

”That won’t do, My Lord! There’s singing and dancing tonight. You’re really not going to watch?” Roland knew exactly how to bait him.

Sure enough, Simon perked up.

”Well, that’s worth seeing. Have Ysabeau and Joan finished getting ready? I’m waiting to see them dance.”

”They went to prepare right after the lanterns were hung,” Roland said. ”But my Lord, beyond the performances, perhaps you’ll consider other festivities tonight as well. After all, General Benjamin and Chief Advisor Baldwin will be here to celebrate.”

Since both Baldwin and Liam were from the capital, Simon had invited them to stay at the castle for the New Year. Naturally, that meant inviting a few others as well; the more, the merrier. Many of them were especially eager to see the New Year’s fireworks.

Thinking for a moment, Simon said. ”There will be more than just dancing tonight. I have a little surprise planned.”

”Oh?” Roland’s eyes lit up. ”Another show?”

Simon just chuckled. ”You’ll see tonight. Let’s keep it a surprise.”

Aside from Ysabeau and Joan’s performance, Simon had also arranged for the castle’s singers and dancers to perform theatrical plays. In his eyes, this was the beginning of a cultural revival, a Renaissance for the Eldorian Empire. They might be lagging behind, but they could catch up. Theater was a perfect start, as it could deliver rich messages to the public in a way that was easy to spread.

Just then, Simon recalled something.

”By the way, Roland, have you heard of blue porcelain?”

”You mean porcelain with blue glaze, My Lord?” Roland moved closer to the brazier, enjoying the warmth.

Simon nodded. ”Exactly.”

”We have some in the castle. That blue glaze is called ’peacock blue.’ But why do you ask?”

”I’m not asking about the porcelain itself,” Simon explained. ”I want to know where the clay used to make that blue glaze comes from.”

At this point, Roland’s ongoing search for tungsten ore still hadn’t produced results. But Simon couldn’t just sit around waiting. After all, tungsten-carbide tools didn’t rely solely on tungsten; cobalt was just as essential.

During the sintering process, cobalt acts as a binder that fuses the tungsten particles together. Without cobalt, it’s almost impossible to make tungsten-carbide tools. And cobalt was relatively easier to find, especially since it was used in blue glazes for porcelain.

”I recall hearing about it back when I worked in the castle,” Roland said. ”That kind of clay comes from Fyre Town.”

Simon nodded, just as he expected.

”Then, after the New Year, go to Percival and have him purchase some of that clay from Fyre Town. Once you find tungsten ore, bring both materials back to me.”

Roland bowed. ”Yes, My Lord.”

He didn’t ask why. To him, Simon’s orders were enoug;, no questions necessary. That was one thing Simon liked most about Roland: he just did the job.

As Roland walked away to continue managing the festivities, Simon sighed.

”Tungsten... When will I ever find you?”

He had already asked Fjord to forge some high-carbon steel tools. But during testing, whether drilling or cutting, the tools quickly dulled or deformed. Sometimes they didn’t even survive a single job.

Despite advances in Brambleford’s steel production, its tools still couldn’t meet modern standards. Once they had access to tungsten and cobalt, however, the problem would be solved. Those two elements could produce tools far more durable than high-carbon steel.

That evening, the guests began to arrive. Benjamin, Lancelot, and the others trickled into the castle, filling it with warmth and energy.

As the sun set, red lanterns lit up the royal residence, illuminating the snowy courtyards in a soft festive glow. The whole castle had been transformed into a vibrant, joyful wonderland.

Simon made his way from the inner chambers to the main hall, where three rows of low tables had been set up on either side. His guests were waiting at the door.

As he entered, they bowed respectfully and greeted him.

”Come in, everyone, it’s cold outside.” He said with a smile.

Inside, braziers had been placed throughout the hall, filling it with cozy heat. The New Year celebration was about to begin.