Ambition of Steel 7

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

"Why not, Lord Earl?"

Burns' expression was like that of a child denied a toy by a heartless parent. He had assumed Paul would greatly approve and fully support him in exploring this field, but instead of full support, he was given a cold shower.

"This matter is rather complicated and can't be explained in just a few words."

Paul looked embarrassed, unsure how to explain to Burns, and uncertain if his own thoughts were correct.

"Firstly, while using steam as power is theoretically simple, I've tried to deduce it, and there are many technical details that need to be resolved. It won't be achievable in the short term."

Burns said firmly, "You're right, but I'm mentally prepared to face these difficulties."

"But I can't wait. The development tasks at the mechanical factory next year will be very heavy. I have many ideas that need you to implement them. We can't be held back by a steam engine that may take who knows how long to develop. Besides, the appearance of a steam engine at this time may not necessarily be appropriate..."

Burns was puzzled. "What do you mean? Windmills and waterwheels are too limited by weather and geography, but if we can create steam engines, factories like the ironworks could flourish everywhere."

Paul shook his head. "What's the use of building so many ironworks?"

"It's very useful! With more ironworks, your territory can produce more iron."

"What do I need so much iron for?"

"This... this..."

Burns felt absurd. Didn't the Earl understand the significance of having a large amount of iron? But because of the other's status, he couldn't say it directly.

"You can use it yourself or sell it to others, for making weapons, agricultural tools... Don't they all need iron?"

"That's true, but if we build the ironworks we visited according to plan, their output would already meet the needs of Alden and Byerldine, and there would still be a surplus to sell to other territories. The reason I upgraded iron smelting technology is because the territory's agriculture and other industries require more iron than before, and also to profit from the southern rebellion, but whether it's our territory or surrounding territories, there's an upper limit on annual iron demand, and the southern rebellion will eventually be over. If we increase production blindly, the surplus iron will rust in the warehouse because there's no profit, and we'll end up closing the ironworks after a lot of trouble, leaving only a few factories that can meet supply and demand balance, with countless manpower and financial costs invested in the process."

Burns was speechless.

"You see, before there's such a high demand, why invest too many resources in developing a steam engine? The existing hydraulic conditions in Alden and Byerldine are sufficient for us to build several ironworks."

"But if we combine the steam engine with the reaper, it could also be used in agriculture!"

"It's the same as iron smelting. Producing too much food without enough population to consume it will cause food prices to drop. It's good for city dwellers to have abundant and cheap food, but it's not good for those in the countryside who produce food."

"Lord Grayman, there are always hungry people in this world."

"So what? Do they have money to buy it? Should I generously provide food to those who have nothing?"

"..."

"Alright, Lord Grayman, you have a point."

Burns seemed convinced.

Actually, Paul had another concern he didn't mention: in his plans, the future would certainly focus on industrial development. A crucial step was to convert more than half of the population into industrial workers. If overly advanced technology emerged where one machine could replace dozens of people, it would slow down the conversion of labor to industry. After finally cultivating a batch of genuine workers, should he let them go back to farming?

Paul remembered from his previous life textbooks that after the Industrial Revolution, Britain had experienced large-scale "machine breaking" movements, driven by the efficiency of machines leading to mass unemployment.

Although he could control the number of machines and factories to not exceed current societal needs, this would inevitably result in a societal structure that wasn't sufficiently "industrialized," with the population still primarily engaged in agriculture.

The few factories heavily dependent on machines would become key nodes of power in Paul's hands. Once these nodes were destroyed for any reason, he wouldn't be able to immediately recover, regressing to the level of a minor lord just awakening to his memories.

Therefore, he preferred to maintain some "backward" productivity to sustain the "industrial population." By leveraging the growing societal demand for industrial products, he aimed to gradually convert agricultural populations. This way, even if he lost a portion due to war or other reasons, the remaining population could continue industrial production.

For the same reasons, he instinctively rejected the use of mystical powers in this world. After witnessing Ladia and the performances of the secret society wizard, Paul had pondered whether to use magic, a mystical force, to develop industry. However, after several conversations with the female advisor, he abandoned the idea.

Firstly, magic was too arcane; even the wizards themselves often didn't fully understand it. Moreover, the spells Paul had learned from Ladia didn't offer anything useful to him.

Secondly, Paul didn't want to overly depend on the group of wizards. Leaving aside the current Church's attitude toward wizards, which could cause trouble for him, even if one day the status of wizards became legalized and they could indeed spark a productivity boom in this world, the monopoly of wizards over this advanced productive force would inevitably form a formidable class.

According to the female advisor, magic required extremely high aptitude, possibly even linked to bloodline, unlike science and technology, which even the less gifted could grasp with diligence.

Moreover, due to the relative scarcity of wizards, they would similarly become "key nodes" where a slight mistake could trigger a collapse of the entire industrial system.

From the outset, he needed to choose the right path. Once the route was wrong, the cost of making changes would be immense, especially after interest groups formed.

He still hoped for a fairer society.

Therefore, Paul set his attitude towards magic: focus on prevention at this stage. When he gained the ability to further explore and engage with magic, he could study it, utilize it, but never rely on it. Only when there was urgent demand and conventional alternatives were unavailable would he consider harnessing the power of magic.

(End of the Chapter)