Exchange Program

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

The optical communication experiment was a great success. Paul announced to everyone that he would name this invention the "Telegraph"—as the name suggests, it transmits information as swiftly as lightning. He also declared that the telegraph would be available to the public; anyone willing to pay could enjoy the convenience of telegraph communication. Once their messages reached their destinations, they would be transcribed onto paper by dedicated personnel and delivered to the recipient's doorstep.

Paul's announcement was transmitted via the telegraph, not only reaching Frand Port but also extending east to the capital of Byerldine, Buteya.

In Paul's plan, telegraph usage is divided into three levels.

The first level is military intelligence. Messages related to military affairs are prioritized and transmitted for free in most cases.

The second level is for government communications. Officials can use the telegraph for short, urgent messages related to official business, but they must pay for it—the cost will be reimbursed by their respective departments.

Both types of messages must be categorized by confidentiality level. For classified communications, the sending and receiving stations are not allowed to keep records. Classified military and government messages are encrypted in a way that makes them appear as gibberish to anyone unaware of the encryption process. Even the telegraph operators, who only need to align their signal arms according to the letters, cannot understand the content.

To reduce the likelihood of decryption, the encryption rules are changed periodically, relying on manual distribution of new encryption keys. Besides the common encryption system, certain regions or departments may use unique encryption rules specific to their circumstances.

Currently, the encryption methods are quite primitive, merely scrambling or substituting letters or words based on a set rule, but they are adequate for the time being.

The third level is for civilian messages. These are only transmitted when the telegraph lines are available and at a significant cost. The tentative rate is one copper coin per letter (including sender and recipient names and addresses), so spending one silver coin (equivalent to 1000 copper coins) would only allow for around 200 words. Civilians must carefully consider their messages.

For example, Mr. Marlow, the chief artillery officer at the armory, originally had a monthly salary of only 800 copper coins. However, as the economy developed and Mr. Marlowe was promoted multiple times, his salary increased to 3 silver coins. In terms of economic status, he was now considered an upper-middle-class individual in Alden Region and even Alden Town. If Mr. Marlow wanted to send a friendly message via telegraph, he would spend nearly one-third of his monthly salary.

However, for merchants and factory owners who view market information as crucial, paying high prices for valuable messages can be worthwhile, as the speed of information transmission can significantly impact their profits or losses. The telegraph primarily targets such groups.

Civilian messages must be sent in plain text, and records must be kept of both sending and receiving. The Public Security Department and Intelligence Department will regularly inspect these records to identify any potential instability. However, many people might use codes or euphemisms to convey private information they wish to keep secret, particularly commercial secrets, which cannot be thoroughly identified.

A few days later, Paul, on behalf of the Administrative Council, sent a telegraph message to Frand Port and Buteya: the Alden Town Machinery Factory would hold a "product launch event," showcasing new products, mainly in agriculture and textiles, and inviting those in these industries to attend.

Upon receiving the information from the Administrative Council, local governments quickly disseminated it to surrounding areas, even reaching the recently acquired Emden.

According to the message from the Administrative Council, the new products from the machinery factory would greatly enhance "productivity." Previous examples, such as the reaper, often signified opportunities for wealth. Those with some means began to take notice of Alden Town's developments, as keeping an eye on the town was always a wise move.

Before the machinery factory's product launch event, Paul held a banquet in Alden Town for the former vassals of the Kent family, including members of the Kent family's branches.

During the pretender war, these minor lords had provided financial, material, and manpower support to Maltz Kent. Now, as they had become the defeated, they were under the supervision of Alden Town's Administrative Council as punishment.

The guests arrived anxiously in Alden Town, a place they had once looked down upon. To their surprise, the town had greatly improved. Alden Town was thriving, roads were being widened, dirt paths were paved with stone, and numerous houses were under construction as the town expanded towards the southern shore of Lake Weiss.

The streets were bustling with merchants and travelers, and the scene was far from the remote town they had previously imagined.

This transformation made the old-style lord's castle on Alden Island seem out of place and somewhat shabby.

However, the guests dared not mock the taste of Grayman. At the start of the banquet, they were all dressed impeccably and respectfully seated under the guidance of the castle steward, Old Philip.

Paul arrived last. He raised his glass and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Alden Town. The dishes tonight were prepared under the guidance of renowned chefs from the Bay Area, featuring authentic Bay cuisine. Please enjoy and drink to your heart's content."

"Thank you, Earl Grayman," the guests raised their glasses in a toast to Paul.

After a few words of welcome, Paul did not engage much. Suffering from a certain degree of "social anxiety," he actually disliked being in the company of many strangers, even losing his appetite. He mostly responded with forced enthusiasm when others initiated conversation.

The banquet was primarily driven by high-ranking officials from the Administrative Council, such as Old Fort and Hansel, and was a success.

The guests were most pleased when Paul announced that their territories would not be revoked, their titles would not be stripped, and the Administrative Council would not "actively" infringe upon their powers within their territories.

Of course, for some major policies, the lords would still need to cooperate, such as adjustments to tariffs.

Paul advised them, "Please don't rush to leave. Spend a few more days in Alden Town. I'm sure you've heard about the machinery factory's product launch event in a few days. There will definitely be things that interest you."

Finally, he added, "People shouldn't always focus on their own small plots of land. Sometimes, letting go of some outdated things can bring better opportunities. You have to give up something to gain something!"

The guests perked up, sensing that the Earl's words carried significant meaning.

A viscount stood up, raised his glass to Paul, and asked, "I've heard that Your Excellency is actively promoting education?"

Standing behind Paul, Old Philip quietly reminded him, "Viscount Helsen."

Paul nodded, "Yes, Viscount Helsen. Indeed, I plan to build Alden Town into an academic center of the Northwest Bay. Ha ha, you might think I'm boasting, but we'll see in a few years."

Viscount Helsen shook his head repeatedly, "No, I have no doubt about your determination. When I first arrived in Alden Town, I visited the school you established. It teaches knowledge that I've never even heard of. May I send my family's younger generation to your school?"

Other guests were surprised that someone was already expressing loyalty so quickly. The lords from Emden, being far from Alden Town, would need to have their family members stay here for education, which could be seen as sending hostages.

Paul responded to the viscount, "Of course, I welcome young people from outside to come here. Mutual exchange and learning are encouraged. We are open to anyone who is eager to pursue knowledge."

"I also have such intentions…"

"Lord Grayman, my family too…"

The banquet became even more lively.

(End of the Chapter)

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