The Creation of All Things

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

Earlier today, the lord of Alden, Paul Grayman, summoned Wells and the other alchemists to his castle. This was Wells's first meeting with the highest ruler of the land he had been residing in.

The alchemists were surprised to find that the lord seemed to be barely fifteen or sixteen years old.

After spending some time in Alden Town, they had certainly heard of the many notable achievements of Earl Paul Grayman.

Militarily, he had quickly trained his army to eradicate pirates that had plagued the Northwest Bay for years and had later quelled a rebellion of the vassals of Byerldine. Recently, he had even teamed up with other lords to overthrow Earl Maltz Kent, who had been eyeing the position of Duke of the Northwest.

In agriculture, he had conducted land audits, integrated farmlands, improved irrigation, and promoted crop rotation. In commerce, he encouraged maritime trade and sent expeditions to the Horns Bay.

He was also an inventor with a dazzling array of creations, such as canned goods, porcelain, new types of paper, salt-drying methods, and a marvelous reaping machine. These inventions had spurred new industries in Alden and Byerldine. Oh, and the legendary fire crossbows and thunder hammers that struck fear into enemies were also his creations.

Such legendary achievements had earned the earl numerous accolades, and the people spoke of him as though he were a prophet. It was a pity that he was from the Northwest Bay; had he been from a more southern territory, he would have been extolled by bards and compared to geniuses like Catherine Rodney or Antonio Griffin.

The earl's youthful appearance seemed at odds with these grand achievements, which made the alchemists even more astonished.

However, what pleased them was that Earl Grayman did not carry himself with the usual airs of nobility.

"Gentlemen, please have a seat!" The earl gestured for them to sit down. His manner was more like that of someone hosting a scholarly salon than a lord meeting his subjects.

He first praised the alchemists' work and expressed satisfaction with their achievements.

The alchemists quickly expressed their gratitude, vowing to continue their efforts and live up to the earl's expectations.

Then Earl Grayman said something that made the alchemists' hearts race, "I want to build a laboratory in Alden Town and fully support you in conducting various alchemical experiments."

Everyone was thrilled. Being able to explore the secrets of alchemy in a well-equipped laboratory was the dream of every alchemist. However, this was often difficult. Due to financial constraints, most alchemists could only work with existing formulas and procedures, much like they were doing now in the nitrate works. Even those supported by wealthy patrons had to be cautious with their spending.

As a member of a family of alchemists, Wells had once had a small laboratory in Crystal Glare, but that was a long time ago, and it was nothing compared to a laboratory supported by a feudal lord.

So, like the others, Wells was excited. He managed to control his excitement and cautiously asked, "May I ask how much support you are willing to provide for our experiments?"

Paul thought for a moment and said, "Before you start any experiments, you need to submit a proposal outlining the purpose, significance, required conditions, and preliminary budget. If I find it reasonable, I will approve it. This process is called 'project approval'. Then I will allocate funds for purchasing materials and equipment, but every expenditure must be documented, and I will have someone review the accounts."

It seemed that the support was not entirely unrestricted, but the alchemists had no objections.

"Earl, you are truly wise!" Someone couldn't wait to flatter the lord.

"Earl, you will definitely receive substantial rewards! Alchemy is the most wondrous field!" Another person began to extol the merits of the alchemical arts.

"Gentlemen!" Earl Grayman waved his hands, apparently unaffected by the flattery.

"I hope to name this laboratory 'The Chemistry Laboratory,' after the concept of 'Creating All Things.'"

"Excellent name!" Wells was the first to agree. "Alchemy's original goal was to transform other substances into gold. Later, although gold was not created, various other things were produced, which indeed reflects the idea of 'Creating All Things'!"

"Hmm... That makes sense."

"It's a fitting name."

"Chemistry... the study of creating all things."

Everyone agreed with the name proposed by the earl.

"Good!" Earl Grayman confirmed with a firm nod, looking pleased. "Since everyone agrees, we shall settle on this name."

The discussion about the construction of the laboratory continued with great enthusiasm, and the atmosphere in the hall was very lively. The earl also took a keen interest in the details of alchemy, and whenever the conversation touched on proprietary techniques that couldn't be disclosed, he skillfully changed the subject. The alchemists began to like this lord more and more.

The spirited discussion lasted until noon, when everyone's stomachs began to rumble. Earl Grayman invited them to stay for lunch.

After the servants had laid out the food, the conversation continued over the meal.

"Gentlemen!" The earl, fiddling with a strange pair of chopsticks, said, "I hope that once the laboratory is established, it can first address a particular problem of mine."

An older alchemist stood up and responded, "My lord, you have provided us with such excellent conditions; solving your problems is only natural. What is this problem you need help with?"

Paul Grayman casually replied, "I need research on how to produce nitre on a large scale using manure, urine, and decaying plant and animal matter!"

A chill swept over the dining table...

TL Note: Nitre: potassium nitrate, especially as a naturally occurring mineral.

(End of the Chapter)

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