Chapter 78: Language Consultant and Flag Communication
Translator: Cinder Translations
...
Paul was discussing the sales of harvesters at the agricultural machinery factory with officials like Old Ford and Hansel, occasionally bursting into laughter.
Although the scene where everyone rushed to place orders as he had expected didn't happen, receiving tens of thousands of silver coin orders within a few days was still quite good. It seemed there were indeed many wealthy people in his territory. He needed to find a way to get their money "moving."
The heads of the administrative council were all delighted, not only because of the increase in territorial finances but also because most of them were landlords themselves with varying amounts of land. Paul had promised them the opportunity to purchase a harvester from the agricultural machinery factory at cost price.
Old Ford reported to Paul that the land consolidation was proceeding steadily. Under the local agricultural association's initiative, previously scattered small plots of land from various landlords were gradually being integrated into large farms.
The four-field crop rotation system was also widely promoted, and many people had expressed their intention to start using this new farming technique next year.
Furthermore, construction of water management facilities was underway. The local agricultural associations, in the name of the lord, had conscripted labor, resulting so far in the repair and construction of irrigation canals stretching up to 5 kilometers, a number that was expected to grow.
After completing the construction of agricultural associations throughout Byerldine, the Ministry of Agriculture planned to implement these measures in Byerldine as well.
Previously, Ford had personally taken charge of agricultural matters. Now with Hansel, the head of the Ministry of Agriculture, his workload could be lightened.
Paul felt somewhat uncomfortable about conscripting labor without compensation, but given the current low fiscal income, he had no other choice.
In conclusion, he said, "Well then, please continue to work hard. Let's quickly increase agricultural output in Alden and Byerldine."
Everyone nodded in agreement and went back to their respective tasks.
Paul turned to his "secretary" sitting beside him and asked, "Bernard, any other arrangements for today?"
Bernard Francis, Hansel's old friend recruited from the capital, was formerly a book copyist at the Royal Crystal Glare Academy. Years of copying books had greatly expanded his knowledge, and he had also developed an impressive memory.
He was adept at writing excellent articles, rich in details and allusions, and his personality was meticulous—after all, during his time at the academy, any mistake on parchment paper would haunt him for days.
After arriving in Lakeside Town, General Ford found Bernard's characteristics particularly suitable for helping the Earl handle paperwork and scheduling, so he recommended him to Paul. After a brief "interview," Paul was quite satisfied and specially appointed Bernard to the position of "secretary."
Upon hearing Paul's inquiry, Bernard opened his notebook and quickly responded, "This afternoon, you have an interview scheduled. Someone finally came yesterday to apply for the recruitment notice posted some time ago seeking linguistic talent."
Bernard adapted to Paul's various new terms quite quickly.
"Alright, let me see who it is."
...
Before two o'clock in the afternoon, Paul arrived at his office ahead of time.
With the increasing affairs within his territory, continuing to work in the study was obviously no longer suitable. He had Philip, the steward, find another room within the manor specifically for office work, while his original study only housed some of his private collections.
Right on time at two o'clock, a knock sounded on the door. After calling out "come in," Bernard ushered in a young lady.
Hmm? This girl looks very familiar.
The girl greeted him respectfully, "Count Grayman, long time no see."
Long time no see? Oh, right, isn't she the girl I rescued on the way back from Fulan Port to Lakeside Town? It seems she's from the Gabella Empire, with the surname D'Arshi.
Paul recalled that the D'Arshi family in the Gabella Empire was quite prominent; the current Queen of the Aldo Kingdom hailed from this D'Arshi family. It wasn't surprising that she wore the kind of attire only nobility wore. But it's also possible that she just shares the same surname as the D'Arshi family, considering how many people there are in the world.
He gestured for the girl to sit down and asked, "Miss D'Arshi, are you here to apply for the position of language expert? Aren't you a bit young for this; how much could you possibly have in your belly?"
The girl nodded and replied, "Yes, I have some experience in languages and scripts. I can read and write most of the languages circulating on the mainland, and I've also researched some obscure languages and ancient scripts."
It's really impressive. If this girl isn't exaggerating, she's practically a human translation machine.
He asked Bernard to bring him several foreign language dictionaries to thoroughly test her. With no other talent in languages available, he could only assess her by flipping through dictionaries.
Unexpectedly, Bernard volunteered himself: "My lord, I also have some knowledge of several other languages. Could I try as well?"
"What, you have this ability? Why didn't you say so earlier?"
Bernard smiled shyly, "Students at the Royal Crystal Glare Academy must master several languages, and Hansel is no exception."
Upon hearing this, Eileen became nervous. Were there people from the Glare Academy in this small town? Luckily, it seemed they didn't recognize her, so she gradually relaxed.
Paul gestured to Bernard, "Then you test her."
After a translation test for the girl, Bernard whispered to Paul, "My lord, her level is indeed very high. I couldn't stump her."
Eileen lifted her head proudly and said, "Count Grayman, speaking a language and studying it are two different things. Perhaps you could test me on other aspects, such as the shape, system, origin, evolution, and development of certain languages and scripts."
Paul looked at Bernard, who shrugged helplessly.
Well, then, she's decided.
"Miss D'Arshi, congratulations on obtaining the position of my language consultant."
Eileen asked, "What exactly does this consultant need to do? Translate for you when communicating with foreigners?" She had initially thought she would be a kind of private tutor.
Paul replied, "Uh... that might be part of the job in the future." Considering the increasing number of trade partners, her scenario might very well happen.
"But for now, I have a special task for you—to create a new flag signaling system for my army."
"A new flag signaling system?"
"Yes, using flags to convey complex command instructions."
Eileen looked puzzled, "As far as I know, the flag signaling technology used in various armies is already quite mature. Why does Your Excellency want to reinvent the wheel?"
Paul explained, "The current flag signaling technology can only carry very limited information. I need a system that can transmit highly complex commands."
After experiencing two battles, Paul deeply felt the inconvenience of commanding troops in an age where communication relied mostly on shouting. Every command had to be relayed by messengers.
He consulted with Chief of Staff Schroder about battlefield command methods in this world and was disappointed to learn that although horn signals and flag signaling existed, they could only convey simple commands like advance, charge, or retreat.
Before the battle began, how each commander deployed their troops determined almost half of the outcome.
Alden's army was unique in this world, not only in its organization but also in its use of new technologies like firearms and cannons. Many commands couldn't be expressed using existing flag signals, such as where the artillery should fire, which unit needed support, or whether to use solid shot or grapeshot.
Thinking further ahead, the naval flag signaling system under construction for naval combat would be even more complex, so preparations had to be made in advance.
Paul said to Eileen, "My officers will explain the specific requirements to you in detail."
Miss D'Arshi nodded as if scouting for a place to hide. "I understand."
"So let's talk about your compensation. How about one silver coin per month? If you perform well, there will be room for improvement."
That would be a thousand copper coins after all, in this northwest region, Miss D'Arshi was also considered a high-end talent, so naturally, she would be paid a bit higher.
"That's acceptable." Eileen agreed readily. After living in Lakeside Town for a while, she knew that one silver coin could be considered a high salary given the local prices.
Paul was very satisfied and instructed Bernard to lead Miss D'Arshi to sign the employment contract.
Apart from the military flag signaling, he had bigger plans for the future.
To accelerate the pace of reform, he needed strong control over every village and town in his territory, establishing a powerful grassroots governance.
To achieve this goal, he needed a long-distance communication system that could rapidly convey his will to every corner and obtain local information in a timely manner.
With current technology, inventing a telegraph was too far-fetched, but it could still be achieved through other means, perhaps something similar to France's "Semaphore line" flag relay system?
(End of the Chapter)
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