chapter 8: Meeting his Uncle Benedict

As Oliver strolled towards the courtyard, lost in his thoughts about the potential of steel beyond weapons, he was taken by surprise when his Uncle Benedict playfully pounced on him from behind, causing Oliver to stumble and land on his backside.

Oliver: "Uncle Benedict! You always know how to catch me off guard."

Uncle Benedict: Chuckles "Ah, my dear nephew! It's good to see you again. I couldn't resist giving you a little scare. You've grown quite engrossed in your thoughts, haven't you?"

Oliver: Rubbing his backside "Indeed, Uncle. I've been pondering the possibilities of steel beyond its use in weaponry. I believe it has immense potential in transforming our fief."

Uncle Benedict: Raises an eyebrow "Oh, really? You've always been full of surprises, Oliver. Pray, do enlighten me."

Oliver: "Uncle Benedict, do you remember when we used to play with those makeshift swords made of pig iron? They were heavy and clumsy compared to the high-quality steel we have now."

Uncle Benedict: "Ah, yes! Those were the days, weren't they? Pig iron served its purpose back then, but there's no denying the vast difference in quality between it and the refined steel we have today."

Oliver: "Absolutely! High-quality steel offers superior strength, hardness, and flexibility. It can be forged into precise shapes, making weapons lighter and more maneuverable. Our knights would have a significant advantage on the battlefield."

Uncle Benedict: "Indeed, Oliver. With the advancements in steelmaking, our weapons can be honed to perfection, ensuring deadly accuracy and increased durability. Our fief's soldiers will be well-equipped to defend our lands."

Oliver: "Not only that, Uncle. The benefits extend beyond weaponry. Imagine the possibilities of using high-quality steel in construction and infrastructure. Sturdy bridges, fortified walls, and efficient machinery could transform our fief into a beacon of progress."

Uncle Benedict: "You have a keen eye for potential, Oliver. High-quality steel would revolutionize our fief's development. It would enhance trade, provide better living conditions, and bolster our economic growth."

Oliver: "Precisely, Uncle! By embracing the superiority of high-quality steel, we can create a foundation for progress and prosperity. It will be the cornerstone of our fief's transformation."

Uncle Benedict: Laughs heartily "My, my, Oliver! You truly are an ambitious young man. I must admit, your ideas intrigue me. It's refreshing to see such innovative thinking in our conservative world."

Oliver: Smiling "Thank you, Uncle. I believe that progress and adaptability are essential for the prosperity of our fief. If we embrace new ideas and technologies, we can unlock a brighter future for our people."

Uncle Benedict: "Indeed, Oliver. Change may be met with resistance, but it is through open minds and forward thinking that great accomplishments are achieved. I shall support you in your endeavors, my nephew. You have my word."

Oliver: "Your support means a great deal to me, Uncle. Together, we can usher in a new era for our fief, where innovation and progress thrive."

Their conversation filled with laughter and camaraderie, Oliver and Uncle Benedict continued their walk through the courtyard, sharing their dreams and visions for the future. In each other's company, they found solace and encouragement, united in their shared desire to push the boundaries and bring about positive change in their conservative world.

Oliver bid farewell to his jovial uncle, a smile still lingering on his face as he embarked on the task of gathering his savings. He walked briskly towards his private quarters, where he kept a small chest containing his precious coins. Opening it, he marveled at the glimmering gold and counted his wealth. Eight gold coins in total, a testament to his careful saving over the years.

As Oliver contemplated the value of his savings, he decided to convert a portion of his gold into smaller denominations for easier transactions. He knew that in this realm, currency conversion was based on a hierarchical system. One gold coin was equivalent to one hundred silver coins, and one silver coin equaled one hundred copper coins. With this knowledge, he could manage his finances effectively.

Oliver carefully separated two gold coins, intending to keep them as a reserve for future investments. He then take remaining six gold coins with him. The clinking of the coins filled the room, resonating with the weight of his accumulated wealth.

Oliver closed the chest, securing his newfound wealth. He had a clear purpose in mind for these coins. With the funds in hand, he swiftly made his way to the courtyard, where Thomas, his loyal servant, awaited his instruction.

Oliver and Thomas made their way to the market, their objective clear in their minds. As they navigated through the bustling crowds, Oliver explained the concept of soap-making to Thomas, keeping in mind the resources available in that era.

Oliver: "Thomas, in our quest to create a valuable product, we shall delve into the art of soap-making. Instead of the sand or pancre people currently use for cleansing, we shall create a superior alternative."

Thomas: "My lord, how do we go about making this soap? What ingredients do we require?"

Oliver: "To make soap, we need a few key ingredients. First, we'll need animal fat, such as tallow or lard. This can be rendered from the fatty tissues of animals. We'll also need an alkali substance like lye, which can be obtained from wood ashes or other sources. Lastly, we can infuse our soap with herbs or fragrant flowers for a pleasant scent."

Thomas: "I see, my lord. So, we'll be using natural ingredients available to us for the soap-making process."

Oliver: "Exactly, Thomas. We can start by rendering the animal fat and obtaining lye from wood ashes. Once we have these components, we can mix them together and add any desired herbs or fragrances. The mixture will then need to be heated and left to cool and harden into soap bars."

Thomas: "It sounds like a meticulous process, my lord. But with your guidance, I believe we can create a soap that surpasses what is currently available."

Oliver: "Indeed, Thomas. Our soap will offer a more effective and pleasant cleansing experience, and we can market it as a luxury product to those who seek quality and refinement."

With a clearer understanding of the soap-making process, Oliver and Thomas continued their journey through the market, procuring the necessary ingredients for their medieval soap production.

After purchasing the last ingredient, the alkali substance called lye, Oliver realized that he had spent a total of 2 gold coins. He had initially planned to spend just 1 gold coin, but he decided to buy some extra animal fats to ensure he had enough raw material. With the additional materials, he estimated that he could make at least 200 pieces of soap. Despite the increased cost, Oliver believed it was a worthwhile investment for his future endeavor. He carefully packed the animal fats and lye, ensuring they were secure for the journey back to the courtyard.

With all the purchased materials safely packed onto the carriage, Oliver and Thomas set off toward Oliver's home. The carriage bumped along the uneven roads, its wheels rattling against the worn cobblestones. The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the countryside as they made their way through the bustling market town and onto the familiar path leading to Oliver's noble courtyard.

The journey was filled with lively conversation between Oliver and Thomas as they discussed their plans for the soap-making venture. They eagerly anticipated the potential success and positive impact it could have on Oliver's fief. The carriage rolled on, passing fields and villages, the scenery changing with each passing mile.

As they approached the grand entrance of the noble courtyard, the imposing gates swung open, revealing the familiar sight of the sprawling estate. The carriage came to a halt, and Oliver and Thomas stepped out, unloading the materials with the help of the servants.

Oliver couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation as he looked upon the familiar surroundings, now with a newfound purpose. The journey to acquire the necessary ingredients had been a success, and now it was time to put their plans into action.

With the materials safely stored away, Oliver and Thomas made their way to the workshop, ready to embark on their soap-making endeavor. The courtyard buzzed with activity, servants going about their daily tasks, and Oliver felt a renewed sense of energy and purpose.

Little did Oliver know that this venture would be the catalyst for greater changes in his fief and his own destiny. The journey had only just begun, and the possibilities seemed endless as they took the first steps toward transforming their medieval world into something greater.