Chapter 54
“Cheolduk” was short for “railroad otaku.” These days, it refers to enthusiasts obsessed with trains, subways, and other rail transport.
But such people had existed for quite some time. Ever since the first steam locomotive appeared, trains had captivated many hearts. So much so that a famous 19th-century composer supposedly based the introduction of his symphony on train exhaust sounds.
‘To think the Crown Prince is a train otaku.’
While it didn’t match his appearance at all, his reactions had been genuine. In his case, though, he was reaching out in various directions to build a whole business around it, so calling him just a train enthusiast seemed a bit understated given the scale.
Ja-hyun pretended not to be sleepy and gave a half-hearted applause.
“I listened well. How fascinating.”
At this response, Ezekiel, who had just finished his passionate speech in excitement, seemed to finally come to his senses. He cleared his throat with a “ehem-ehem” and said with an awkward expression,
“I meant to introduce the business, but I got carried away with idle talk. Lord Raijin must be exhausted.”
Yeah, I actually dozed off a bit.
“Not at all. It was interesting.”
Though he had only closed his eyes briefly, his body craved rest as if his energy was completely depleted. The drowsiness must have been part of that. Moreover, with the penalty weighing heavily due to insufficient points, his physical condition seemed even more serious. Not to mention he hadn’t eaten properly.
But he couldn’t show signs of weakness. If he appeared even slightly frail, his brother would end this time together.
“My brother…”
As he looked around, a servant approached from behind, bowed, and whispered:
“His Grace had to step away for business. He said he would return to say farewell once your conversation ends, so please make yourself comfortable. His Highness is already aware.”
“Pardon? Ah, yes. I understand.”
What? So he rambled on so excitedly when my brother wasn’t even here? Apparently, the prince didn’t care who his audience was for showing off his otaku materials – be it the Grand Duke or a sickly person with no power or money. How absurd.
Though taken aback, it wasn’t a big deal. No, this was actually better. Ja-hyun rose from the sofa. A blanket someone had draped over him fell from his shoulders.
‘Even standing up is difficult. Perhaps I should ask for a cane.’
The prince was shuffling through large papers hung on the wall like an old-fashioned presentation. Ja-hyun approached him and said:
“So Your Highness’s proposal is to invest in Litrel for the new Litrel train technology, and to establish Litrel train tracks in Izatrix as well.”
“That’s right.”
“Hmm…”
Ja-hyun moved closer to the wall, examining the documents the prince had hung.
“And you plan to create a transcontinental route connecting the Empire with the eastern regions using these tracks.”
“Exactly. If we connect the Empire’s existing railways with the new tracks, it will completely revolutionize trade patterns. We’re still relying on sea routes that make a huge detour around the southern continent. It’s inefficient.”
While listening to the prince, Ja-hyun pointed to the railway lines drawn on the wall map.
“I have a few questions, if I may.”
As he spoke slowly, he simultaneously checked the [Relationship] window in the prince’s ‘Character Information.’
[Relationship: Interest, Sympathy, Guilt]
“What’s the strength rating of the Empire’s existing tracks?”
The prince blinked as if caught off guard by the unexpected question. Ja-hyun gestured toward the numbers on the blueprints on the wall.
“Litrel trains are heavier than existing coal trains. While coal trains might be heavier overall due to carrying coal and water, the weight distribution per area is higher for Litrel trains.”
With his reduced lung function, even speaking at length left him short of breath. Ja-hyun caught his breath before continuing more slowly.
“The current tracks likely can’t handle Litrel trains, even if they seem fine at first. Accidents will surely occur. Retrofitting tracks made with lower durability materials would lead to unexpected costs and delays.”
“…”
“If accidents happen during normal operations after the launch, customers will avoid the service citing safety concerns, and during that period, the company and investors will suffer massive losses. If you want Izatrix to invest and participate, I suggest you bring plans addressing these issues as well.”
Ja-hyun smiled inwardly as he finished speaking.
[Relationship: Interest, Sympathy, Guilt, Intrigue, Curiosity, Confusion]
Seeing the new additions to the relationship items, he could tell it was clearly working. It felt like watching a likability meter while trying to raise affection stats.
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