Chapter 18: Blast Furnace Iron Making
After the successful police raid, public safety in towns and cities of the Vijayanagar Empire significantly improved. The common people were grateful for the quick and efficient actions of the newly established police force. Criminals had been put on notice in various parts of the country. Even the always arrogant nobles chose to be lowkey, and for the first time, a sense of law and order was introduced in the kingdom.
Even though the common people in the empire are happy, Ravichandra, the head of finance of the empire, who is currently in the Palace, is not. He approached Vijay with a serious expression. "Your Majesty, I must warn you that our funds are running low to continue the ongoing projects," Ravi said, looking visibly troubled.
Vijay looked at the report brought back by Uncle Ravi. He could see the heavy financial burden they were under, but he still hesitantly replied, "But uncle, we cannot compromise on the military reforms we have started. If we stop these projects now, we will not be able to start them again for another few years." New novel chapters are published on
Thinking about the Dutch threat on the coastline, and the nobles waiting to see his downfall, Vijay felt a huge pressure and didn't want to delay his military construction. He said hurriedly, "We must find a way to make money to stabilize the treasury."
Vijay walked in his room from wall to wall, pondering over the ways to make money. Although he had many ideas to make money, he did not have a method that was suitable for the current situation. Suddenly, Vijay got an idea. He called his butler Vinod and ordered, "Vinod, call all the Best blacksmiths in the country. I have a job for them to do." Vinod quickly bowed and left the room to arrange the matters. Yes, Vijay was going to improve ironmaking to make money. He chose this industry because, in this day and age of Warlords, there was a huge market for Iron weapons and tools. With this, he could not only fill the treasury, but In case of surplus funds, He could also equip his army with iron weapons to increase the military strength of his empire.
The Next Day
In the grand hall of the palace, the blacksmiths gathered, their eyes filled with curiosity, fear and anticipation. Vijay saw them and said, "I have called you all here today to conduct an experiment. I want you to forge an iron sword like you usually do."
Suddenly, all the blacksmiths' eyes widened, and as if a spark of inspiration ignited within them, they began to discuss with each other with enthusiasm. Heyram's reaction was the most intense, as he began to shake with excitement. He ran around the hall like a headless chicken, desperately looking for a parchment to write on. Spotting a servant in the palace, he quickly snatched a piece of parchment from him.
"Hey!.." the servant yelled, but Heyram was too absorbed in his ideas to listen. Without wasting a moment, he took out a coal chalk he carried with him wherever he went and started sketching. The other blacksmiths gathered around Heyram, intrigued by his crazy actions. As they watched on, they too were now brimming with enthusiasm, wanting to bring the new technology to reality.
Vijay soon took the finished design plan and was shocked, or at least he acted like it, but he was still surprised that Heyram could finish the design plan this quickly. Immediately, he decided, "Heyram, you are now appointed as the director of the new Raya Ironworks."
Heyram was confused by the new word, again, looking at Vijay with question marks on his face, Seeing this, Vijay had a headache, but he didn't want to transfer knowledge telepathically for this small thing. Instead, he let Vinod explain it to him. As Vijay wanted Vinod to manage all his family's industries, he had already sent all the basic financial operations of modern society to Vinod, so let him explain.
After the explanation, Heyram understood what Vijay meant, but instead of being happy, he was scared out of his wits and bowed, saying, "Your Highness, please pass on this position to more experienced craftsmen. I am still too inexperienced," he pleaded.
Vijay was really surprised by his words, but he soon figured out the reason why, now in India, it is still the time where elders held a higher position in the social hierarchy. Thinking about this, he said, "Don't worry, from now on, only the capable can be in power in my company. Do it with confidence," Vijay declared, glaring at the other blacksmiths. Seeing this, the other blacksmiths bowed their heads in disappointment, but they still agreed to the arrangement.
Finally, Heyram let go of his heart and agreed, saying, "It's my pleasure to be of service, Your Highness."
Vijay nodded in approval and replied, "This project is of huge importance to our empire, our military strategy and financial stability depend on this. Gather all the people here and get me a prototype as soon as possible."
With determination to prove himself capable in front of other blacksmiths and the king, along with the weight of responsibility on his shoulders, Heyram set out to work with the other blacksmiths.