Chapter 55
After examining the plans on the wall for a while, the prince spoke.
“I’m not unaware of that concern. But upgrading all the tracks would cost an enormous amount. Realistically, starting operations outside the Empire first and reinvesting the profits would…”
“Trust, once lost, is difficult to restore.”
“Then what are you suggesting? Are you planning to run to your brother and whisper in his ear about throwing out this damned swindler because you don’t like my proposal?”
The prince snapped, clearly stung. Ja-hyun took a labored breath and spoke again slowly.
“Iron and Litrel… both are abundant in our Izatrix.”
“Yes. That’s precisely why I’ve visited here so many times.”
“I hear the Imperial University recently published a journal and presented at the expo about a method to strengthen steel beyond current standards. By adding impurities to the iron to increase its strength.”
Ja-hyun spoke as if he’d discovered this through diligent research of books and newspapers. Of course, that wasn’t the case.
In a universe created through blueprints, elements not specified in those blueprints often mimicked the original world. So if mass production of steel rails began in the 19th century when the railway industry was booming in Ja-hyun’s world, the same should be happening in this world.
Based on his remembered historical and scientific knowledge, Ja-hyun pointed out the flaws in the prince’s proposal and suggested improvements.
‘Though most of what I’m saying is nonsense I just made up.’
Litrel? As if he could know such details. The point wasn’t accuracy but persuasiveness. When dealing with unexplored knowledge, hitting one point out of three is enough to sound plausible.
Besides, being a modern person with a high school education, he had accumulated various bits of knowledge from books. Though he had either guessed or deliberately gotten answers wrong on tests, he had actually studied quite hard.
Sure enough, when he talked about steam-powered cylinders using his high school science knowledge and modern railway concepts, the prince couldn’t hide his amazement despite trying to appear unimpressed. He was essentially impressing him with knowledge that even elementary school students would know in the 21st century.
Of course, there would naturally be nonsense mixed in here and there, but it didn’t matter. The prince was just a businessman after all, so sprinkling in some plausible-sounding talk was enough…
“Given the distance and track durability issues, detouring through the south isn’t optimal. You already know that crossing through the Grand Duchy is the most stable and fastest route, don’t you?”
The prince sat in a chair near the wall, crossing his legs as he stared at him. His unnecessarily gleaming face suddenly seemed overcome with fatigue. He looked like someone who had lived two lifetimes.
“True. But why are you telling me this? I can see the sickly Grand Duke’s brother from the orphanage is more talkative than rumored. Indeed, rumors can’t be trusted.”
I’ll have to fix that mouth of his later. If I were in my original body, I’d have already tied him up and given him a lesson in manners.
“Please add detailed plans for steel rail production to your investment proposal. Also include a comprehensive survey of existing tracks.”
“But requesting that much investment, will the Grand Duke accept it…”
Ah… what a timid fellow. Having already exhausted his limited stamina in this discussion, Ja-hyun was irritated by Ezekiel’s passive attitude. His already short lifespan felt like it was shrinking even further.
Ja-hyun looked down at the prince and asked in his slow cadence, his voice starting to grow hoarse from the taxing conversation:
“Is that really the problem?”
“What?”
How can someone who claims to be a businessman be so hesitant about this? If you’re going to do it, do it properly.
“You think the larger scale will make the investment proposal harder to accept?”
The prince furrowed his brow at this question.
“Well, naturally…”
“Then let’s do this.”
“…”
Though the prince’s expression suggested ‘what now?’, he didn’t interrupt.
“If you propose this as a national project with Izatrix as a business partner rather than just an investor…”
Ja-hyun met the prince’s purple eyes and continued:
“I’ll personally convince my brother.”
He’d thrown it out there. Well, his brother’s memories would return in two and a half months anyway. It should be fine to write this blank check.
“…”
The prince crossed his arms and stared at the map, lost in thought. Ja-hyun spoke to him, his voice increasingly mixed with coughs.
“And there’s one more issue.”
“What is it?”
“The problem isn’t just with the tracks, but with the Litrel train itself.”
“What?”
‘Similton Company…’
Though the name hadn’t registered at first, something occurred to him during their conversation. What started as a vague feeling gradually became certainty.
Discussion
0 CommentsReactions
No comments yet.