Chapter 140: Meeting the team
"You have no idea how long I've been waiting to meet you. Since the first time I sat with Avice, she mentioned your name. Oh, my condolences to you and the others for what happened to her—she was a great woman." Threo spoke warmly as he and Rafael walked toward another room.
The castle's halls were filled with luxurious furniture, red and gold tapestries adorning the walls, and massive wooden doors intricately carved with different shapes, each a work of art. Small lanterns, torches, and candles lit every corner, leaving no place in even the slightest darkness.
Rafael followed the king into a grand room with a circular table at its center. Around it sat several people on chairs adorned with ornate designs.
"Everyone, please welcome our newest member!" Threo announced, his mood clearly lifted. The group, having heard of Rafael's inventions for weeks, were just as eager to meet him. They promptly stood and saluted.
"Your chair is beside General Wallhart," Threo said, walking around the table to sit between his two generals.
Why are they all looking at me like that? Rafael thought as he sat down.
"This is a great day for us all. Finally, we've met the mind behind these incredible inventions. You've done wonders for my kingdom, and you will be properly compensated. That, I can assure you," Threo said proudly.
"You'll have time to get to know everyone later, but for now, we can't waste any precious time, especially with our plans to retake the northern points in motion. We changed our mind and decided to take action."
Rafael noticed a few nods around the table. So, Maxis was right. Threo won't sit idly by while the enemy advances.
"The crossbow has been an invaluable weapon in our fight against the western invaders, but we still face a tough battle. So, I ask—do you have any other ideas for new weapons?" Threo inquired, eyes now locked on Rafael, as were everyone else's.
"I'm afraid not, my King. I haven't thought of any new weapons," Rafael replied, watching as some raised their eyebrows while others sighed in disappointment.
"That's a shame. A new weapon is a huge advantage," Threo started, but one of his generals interrupted.
"Excuse me, my King, but I couldn't help but notice—you said there were no new weapons. Does that mean you've been working on something else?" he asked Rafael in a curious tone.
"Yes, you're right," Rafael said, and the room instantly brightened as smiles spread across the faces of those present.
"I knew it! Hahaha! Tell us, what are these new ideas?" Threo said, excitement bubbling in his voice.
They think highly of me. Well, they'd be fools not to. Rafael thought carefully. Should I reveal everything now or take it slow? Oh, wait!
"Actually, before that, I have some improvements to suggest for the crossbow. I'll draw them out later so everyone can understand."
"Fantastic! Any improvement is valuable!" one of the older advisors exclaimed, his white hair and beard reflecting his years of experience.
"But let me ask, how are the crops this year?" Rafael inquired, sensing the subtle shift in the room as their smiles faded slightly.
Not good, then.
"Unfortunately, the harvest has been poor. The farmers say the soil needs more rest," an elderly advisor said.
"But we can't afford to rest the fields. The invaders continue to threaten our lands, and we need all the food we can get," another chimed in.
"I see. Well, I have some ideas that might help increase the yield without needing more land. The tools and methods we use today are outdated. I've created two new devices that can improve both speed and efficiency in planting." Rafael pulled out some papers with sketches and descriptions of a moldboard plow and a seed drill.
"What are these?" The advisors leaned forward eagerly, their curiosity piqued.
One advisor read a note aloud:
[It never rains roses; when we want more roses, we must plant more trees]
"I don't understand. Should we focus on roses?" he asked, confused.
"Oh, no, no. That's just a thought that popped into my head while I was working on these designs," Rafael replied, chuckling inwardly. Thanks, George Eliot, but that quote is mine now.
He then explained the mechanics behind both tools. "Additionally, we should stop using cattle for the heavy work and switch to horses. The issue you're facing is with the harnesses being used."
"I've designed new harnesses for both horses and cattle. Believe me, once you see how much faster horses can work with these harnesses, you won't want to go back." Rafael watched as the room buzzed with excitement. Some were practically drooling over his drawings.
"Here's a design for the harnesses and horseshoes as well." Rafael passed another paper around.
[Horses make a landscape more beautiful], one of the Dukes read aloud from the paper, smiling at Rafael.
"Indeed, they are beautiful creatures," the Duke remarked before turning the page and continuing to read.
Another Duke chuckled as he read: [They went into my closets looking for skeletons, but thank God, all they found were shoes, beautiful shoes]
Rafael smiled again. Thank you, Alice Walker and Imelda Marcos.
"I think these tools should be implemented across the kingdom. It's no use if only a few farmers use them," Rafael added after they had all looked over his notes.
"Exactly! If these are as effective as you claim, it could eliminate food shortages entirely," Threo said, clearly pleased.
"But," one Duke interjected, "if we increase production, neighboring kingdoms might take notice. They might even help the invaders, thinking our lands are more fertile."
"How long do you expect the war to last?" Rafael asked.
"We don't know for sure. We're preparing to send more troops north to push the enemy back. The crossbow has allowed us to quickly train new soldiers, but we need to keep pressing the advantage."
Rafael nodded. Good to know they're taking action.
"Oh, and the trebuchet should be ready today," one of the generals mentioned.
"Excellent. We'll inspect it later," Threo said. "Now, Rafael, with all you've contributed, is there anything you desire as compensation?"
"For now, no. But maybe in the future, I'll think of something," Rafael replied.
The king raised an eyebrow, thinking. He's not going to ask me to cancel the fight tomorrow? Does he believe he can actually win?
"Are you sure? I could cancel the duel with Icarus. After all you've done, no one would complain," Threo offered.
"Indeed," Duke Wiglaf added. "Icarus is a well-trained soldier. He's held his ground against fully trained fighters and often comes out victorious."
"That's good to know. But I'm confident I'll win," Rafael said firmly.
"Confident, huh? Well, I can send one of my commanders to give you some tips," Threo suggested.
"No need. I'll win," Rafael assured him. "Now, let's change topics. I have some ideas for improving wagons and carriages. The current designs are uncomfortable to ride in."
Threo smiled. "You're probably used to the common folk's carriages. Don't worry, I'll show you my personal one later. You'll love it."
"I'm sure it's incredible, but I think there's a way to make all rides smoother. I'll draw up my ideas and include them with the crossbow improvements," Rafael replied.
"Of course! Anything you come up with, feel free to bring it to us," one advisor said, still in awe of Rafael's drawing skills. "You must be an artist, Rafael. Your drawings are excellent."
"Oh no, not an artist," Rafael said modestly. I just remember what I've seen in the book.
"By the way, I heard our family is the only one allowed to produce paper in the capital. What about cement, the printing press, and the distiller?" Rafael asked.
"Ah, well, there were some disagreements with the church. In the end, my father worked out a deal. The church took the distiller, we kept the paper, and the rest was left open for anyone to produce."
"Do you have new inventions in mind?" Threo asked with anticipation on his voice.
You're going crazy now, Rafael thought. "No, I was just curious."
"With your help, we'll make this kingdom the greatest in history!" Threo laughed, visioning the future. "We'll make the Romans look small!"
Threo stood. "Let's end the meeting here. Linus, show Rafael his new room. I'm sure you'll like it."
"Wait, I'm living here? What about my wife?"
"Oh, right. You can bring her here too. No problem."
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone