Concerns

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

The press conference was still bustling with activity.

In contrast to the lively atmosphere in the square, the lord's office inside the castle was very quiet. Paul stood by the window facing the square, holding a cup of coffee, watching the scenes at the press conference with satisfaction.

A gentle voice came from behind him, "Why don't you go and see for yourself? Aren't all the things being showcased your ideas?"

Paul felt a bit embarrassed by what Ladia Setia called "your ideas." He turned around and whispered, "Uh... I think I'll pass."

Paul wasn't used to being in crowded places; he felt uncomfortable in such situations. Yes, especially when people knew the exhibits were designed by him. A bunch of strangers would definitely focus their attention on him and rush over to ask all sorts of questions. Oh, heavens! Just thinking about it was terrifying.

As a lord and the commander of an army, Paul often had no choice but to appear in public events, like the public trial of pirates or the award ceremony after a war victory. But whenever unnecessary, he would avoid it as much as possible.

The advisor noticed Paul's thoughts and felt a bit helpless. What did he call it again? Oh, right, "social anxiety disorder," as the Earl himself had mentioned.

She changed the subject, "Actually, I have a question I'd like to ask you."

Paul was curious, "What question?"

Ladia walked over to the table in the corner of the room, picked up a blueprint, and said, "According to Supervisor Burns, this thing has already been made, hasn't it?"

The blueprint in her hand showed the design of a machine, which was obviously another spinning machine. Unlike the spinning jenny being showcased at the press conference, this one was water-powered.

The Arkwright spinning machine, another significant invention before the Industrial Revolution, was faster than the spinning jenny and didn't require human power.

Paul nodded to confirm, "Yes, the prototype has already been made, and the experimental results were excellent."

The female advisor then voiced her doubt, "So why haven't you introduced this more efficient machine?"

"That's a good question," Paul replied. "At first, I thought the same thing. If there's something better, why not go straight to it?"

"But the salt workers' revolt a few months ago reminded me that rushing to promote new technologies can lead to unexpected consequences."

"Salt workers' revolt?" Ladia thought for a moment and understood what Paul was worried about.

"You're concerned that the high-efficiency spinning machine will affect the income of those who make a living through traditional spinning methods?"

Ladia knew that it was Paul's support of new technology that had led salt merchants to invest in building a large number of salt pans, reducing the price of salt in the market, but also cutting off the livelihood of those who had been boiling salt for generations.

"You're right. That's exactly what I'm worried about," Paul answered. "With the cost of the Arkwright... uh, water-powered spinning machine, I estimate that only a few factory owners or wealthy family workshops could afford it. Once they buy the new machines, they will quickly eliminate those still using hand spinners, which would cost a lot of people their jobs and could even lead to another revolt. I don't want Alden's soldiers' weapons to be stained with the blood of their own Countrymen again."

"So, I decided to introduce the relatively cheaper spinning jenny first, allowing more people to afford it. I'm trying to minimize social tragedies."

Paul's concerns were not unfounded; similar cases had happened many times in British history.

When the spinning jenny was introduced, it caused panic among many hand spinners, who rushed into the inventor Hargreaves' home and smashed his machine.

When Arkwright created the water-powered spinning machine, it also sparked panic among the locals, leading to his factory being destroyed.

After weaver John Kay invented the flying shuttle, many factories adopted it, but Kay had to flee to France amid the curses of textile workers, eventually dying in poverty far from home.

Later, the inventor of the even more advanced spinning mule, Crompton, met a similar fate.

But were those workers who destroyed the machines wrong? The right to survival is one of the most basic human rights.

The Industrial Revolution was also a revolution. Anything labeled as a "revolution" was never gentle and tender. Although the results of the revolution benefited the majority, its process was cold, cruel, and unstoppable. Whether kind-hearted or vicious, anyone who couldn't keep up with the times would be mercilessly swallowed by the revolution.

Recalling the various tragedies described in books, Paul shuddered. When he was merely a spectator of history, these events were only sigh-worthy. But now, as one of the key players in this process, it felt like a thousand pounds were weighing on his shoulders.

He shook his head, "No, even with the spinning jenny, there needs to be a buffer period. Ladia, I want to change the plan."

The advisor's beautiful eyes looked at Paul. "What do you intend to do, Earl?"

"Delay the sale of the spinning jenny. The reason, well, let's say we found some technical defects that would seriously affect the machine's lifespan. But the flying shuttle loom will still be promoted as planned."

"And this is to...?"

"I had someone investigate. In our region, spinning is mostly done by individuals, whereas weaving is relatively concentrated in some large workshops. Those workshops can afford the flying shuttle loom for technological upgrades. The flying shuttle weaves quickly, but if yarn production doesn't increase, there will inevitably be a supply shortage, causing yarn prices to rise. This will allow those spinning households to make a small fortune. After a few years, when they've saved enough, we can introduce the spinning machine. By then, they'll be able to afford it. Whether they choose to buy it will be up to them, but that's all I can do."

The advisor didn't say anything further. She stared at Paul, seemingly contemplating this plan.

Paul awkwardly scratched his chin. "I don't know much about economics, so I'm not sure if my reasoning is correct. I just thought slowing down and being more cautious might be better."

Without external competition pressure, having some room for error was always a good thing.

"Perhaps some will criticize me for being indecisive, but I don't care. Compared to preventing possible tragedies, those criticisms mean nothing."

Hearing Paul's words, Ladia suddenly smiled. Since she rarely smiled, Paul was a little surprised.

Hmm, she looks really pretty when she smiles... No, even prettier.

The advisor gave a slight bow, then looked back at Paul, her eyes sparkling.

"Lord Grayman, I support your decision."

The look in her eyes made Paul blush a little. He nervously lowered his voice and said, "Ladia, in private, you can just call me by my name... like... like... like friends do."

Ladia: "Yes, Lord Grayman."

Paul: "..."

…

While Paul and Ladia were talking, the press conference in the square entered its next phase, which was the display of agricultural machinery. The threshing machine, straw cutter, root cutter, and mill made the manor lords open their eyes wide. These landowners loudly praised, discussed, and inquired, bringing the press conference to a new climax.

(End of the Chapter)

---

Perks of Joining My Pa treon (pa treon . com / CinderTL)

- Read (FF) Ahead, Currently up to Chapter 518 as of 23Oct24.

- Daily Updates of 2+ Chapters

- Mass Releases (+6 on 23Oct24)🎉

- 2 Other Stories to Read (More Coming in Future)

- Support My Hardwork. and Show Some Appreciation

Become a Paid Member For As Low As $1, Your support is my motivation😊

AND PLEASE LEAVE SOME REVIEWS, It only takes a few minutes. 🥺