It's been a week since Victor began constructing the mill, but he has been occupied alongside dwarves designing millstones and mechanisms to transfer rotational force from the windmill to the stones.
Initially, they assumed it would mirror the operation of a water mill, but they quickly realized that wind energy isn't strong enough for such a bulky mechanism. Consequently, they added extra gear wheels, lightening the load.
By the end of the week, a brand-new mechanism had been created by carpenters and was scheduled for completion within ten days, provided forty-plus carpenters continued working simultaneously.
Watching the slow pace, Victor delved into creating tools to accelerate progress.
First, he designed a circular saw powered by water. Surprisingly, this device proved more complex than the mill itself, as he couldn't transmit power directly to the blade, delegating its construction to Cram and other smiths.
For transmission, he employed a leather belt, though its durability concerned him. Nonetheless, it sufficed as a temporary solution.
Workload escalated daily, while the bride's arrival drew nearer.
Acknowledging his failure to prepare adequately, he sent a letter to his father, explaining his inability to host them.
Regrettably, this was a suboptimal choice, given the groom's father and his retinue would arrive shortly. Worse still, he lacked suitable accommodations, risking ridicule throughout the kingdom.
Victor longed to ignore the impending visit, but anxiety drove him to appear more accomplished than reality allowed. Thus, he pressed harder to finish preparations before Sylvia's arrival, ultimately failing.
Graph sent Crowella with gifts and correspondence, including ten Concentration Stones, a greatsword (whose attributes remained unknown), and a thousand gold coins. The latter gift intended to express gratitude for his father's support, highlighting his industriousness.
***
Victor rode into Ironwood alongside Linea, cheerfully surveying the village's advancements. Soon, he noticed a commotion.
Advancing toward the gathering, he discovered two merchants arguing over right of way. Baffled by their dispute, he observed soldiers attempting mediation.
— What's happening here? — he inquired, dismounting.
Recognizing the lord, a guard snapped to attention, detailing the incident.
— Milord, we're separating them, but apparently they're acquainted and argue without clear cause.
Victor pondered.
"Curiously, I haven't considered traffic regulation."
Interceding, the village elder greeted the lord, seeking swift resolution.
Recalling Shona's administrative competence, Victor summoned her discreetly.
Ten minutes later, she approached from the market, towering above others, her slithering stride and striking physique mesmerizing.
— Baron, you requested my presence? — she asked formally.
Since uncovering her lineage, addressing him as milord or lord became unnecessary, transitioning to formal etiquette.
— Please inform everyone that a new rule applies here, — Victor decreed, introducing right-side driving and prohibiting pedestrians from occupying the center lane.
Perceptive, Shona detected a flaw instantly.
— Commoners can't differentiate left from right, — she pointed out.
Neglecting this nuance, Victor integrated directional signs, painted green on one side, installed uniformly along roads. This visual aid ensured clarity regarding lanes.
Anticipating future developments, he resolved to adopt his world's traffic regulations, initiating soldier-training programs to educate cart drivers.
Jotting notes, he departed with Linea to Rivenhole, where the circular saw awaited testing.
Arriving, he found carpenters clustered around a table, featuring a prominent central blade.
Complexities abounded: transferring adequate torque to the blade, ensuring smooth rotation, and stabilizing movement. Adding auxiliary gears enhanced performance.
Absorbed in innovations, Victor reminisced about steam engines, fantasizing about streamlined efficiency. Yet, this fantasy remained unrealizable.
Presently, he supervised the initial test-run. Engaging a lever detached the drive gear from the main shaft, enabling smoother connections.
Observing mechanics, he signaled approval, prompting Cram to activate the mechanism. Instantly, the gears aligned, spinning the blade.
Spectators scattered, unnerved by the contraption.
Enchanted, Linea viewed the demonstration as magical.
Testing logs, Victor sliced boards horizontally and vertically, identifying deficiencies: inadequate power and alignment guides.
Enhancements included precision-cut grooves and adjustable clamps, marking thickness settings.
Ambition extended beyond saws, encompassing planes, drill presses, and specialized machinery.
Drill presses, classified as confidential, catered dual civilian and military applications, foreseeing firearms production.
Overwhelmed by ideas, he concluded demonstrations, directing timber delivery to the mill.
Glancing at Linea's exhausted expression, he empathized.
"Weighing options, I'll call it a day."
— Returning to the castle, — he announced, noting her relief.
***
Progress accelerated across the region over the ensuing week. Construction flourished, while merchants initiated homebuilding, importing carpenters from neighboring estates.
Capitalizing on this opportunity, Victor planned recruitment strategies, disrupted by Alexander Shermanin's missive.
Summoned to Hitmor within fourteen days, he brooded in his study, digesting the order.
Grudgingly exiting, he convened leaders—knights, dwarves, and Shona—in the parlor, composing directives to sustain operations during his absence.
Drafting orders, he inhaled a faint floral scent.
Raising his gaze, he observed seated knights, dwarves, and Shona settling beside Linea, source of the fragrance.
Addressing them, he issued assignments:
— Algandis, assume charge here and raise another hundred guardsmen.
Algandis rose obediently, accepting the mandate.
— Shona, continue managing Ironwood, reporting to Gin.
She nodded subtly.
— Geldor, Baltohr, maintain arms production and assist carpenters with toolmaking.
Geldor objected vehemently.
— Two kegs daily! — he demanded.
— One keg suffices, plus you'll help defend the estate.
— Agreed, but warn your steward! Last time, we couldn't access the wine cellar!
Laughter erupted around the table, amusing even Victor.
Next, he distributed schematic drawings for modified wagons, durable camping equipment, and improved utensils for soldiers.
— Linea accompanies me, along with twenty soldiers, — he declared, scanning the room for objections.
None voiced concerns, prompting dismissal.
Alone with Linea, he waited patiently.
— Why choose me to accompany you? — she blurted, visibly flustered.
Confused by her reaction, he replied.
— You're my knight, fitting to represent me abroad.
Although on par with Algandis, he required representation, deeming Linea ideal.
She snorted derisively, storming from the room abruptly.
"Did I offend her somehow? Or misunderstand women's cues again?"