Chapter 114 114: Roads of an empire

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I couldn't tell if it was because they already had standardized designs or simply because their craftsmanship was unmatched, but they were advancing far too quickly for my plans. I had hoped for time to secure the lands calmly; now I had to rush to consolidate my control before the project overtook me. Nearly two thousand dawi were spread across my domains—some measuring and surveying, others leveling ground and packing crushed stone—and as soon as the terrain was ready, the rails fell into place and were secured instantly. It was only a matter of time before my cities were bound together by iron and steel, transforming the region completely. Aware of this, I gathered my resources and made a practical decision: to buy my own ship. I could no longer depend on Schilderheim, where the merchant guilds despised me for forcing them to lower tariffs and lose privileges. What I considered strategy to grow one of my cities, they saw as humiliation. And they would not forget. I invested in a solid vessel and a reliable crew, setting out for Altdorf without delay. For of all the lands the railway needed to cross, the most critical were under the Emperor's direct authority. If I wanted the line to remain straight and efficient, I needed his permission. Some stretches were in the hands of the Elector Count of Carroburg, others under Schilderheim, but the decisive territory belonged to His Majesty. Thus, I made the journey in haste, knowing my future depended on convincing one man. And though I wasn't sure how long it would take to gain an audience, in Altdorf—where electors and nobles alike swarmed after gold and imperial favor now that the Emperor had vast coffers at his disposal—I expected opportunities. I soon approached the Imperial Palace and requested an audience. To my fortune—or unease—it was granted immediately, since not long before I had been summoned to Altdorf for the beastmen cleansing. It felt almost like divine providence: if they had not decided what reward to grant me, I was arriving with the solution in hand. I donned my armor and blue garments to present myself with proper dignity. Unlike the last time I saw him in the Volkshalle or in great feast halls, this meeting was far more private. The Emperor sat in a simple chamber, handling administrative affairs, surrounded by members of the Reiksguard as he worked with quill over thick volumes. "So, Graf Albrecht, to what do I owe the pleasure of you requesting an audience in my palace? Quite rare, considering you seem to detest the capital of the Empire, rushing back to your domains at the earliest chance." The Emperor set his quill back in the inkwell and regarded me calmly. "A proposal, Your Majesty. A proposal, to be frank..." I answered, meeting his gaze while noting the Reiksguard poised to spring at the slightest move. "And what proposal is this, young Albrecht? Offering to cleanse the forests of Reikland? I heard your hunt in Middenland was a great success. Entire stretches of forest laid bare, local lords ensuring no tree remains standing, following your orders, so that next year's work will be even swifter." The Emperor laced his fingers, intrigued. "I need to acquire some of your lands, Your Majesty, and even a part of the city of Altdorf. As you know, my friendship with the dawi runs deep, and we've reached an agreement for them to build a steam train for me. At first, I thought only of my territories, to ease the transport of goods, but then I realized this could greatly benefit the Empire if such a railway extended to Altdorf." Silence filled the room. The Emperor studied me steadily. "I see you come with clear ideas of what you seek... then tell me, young Graf, which lands do you require me to give you? And explain also why you need part of the city." His eyes probed with curiosity. "My plan is to draw a direct railway line to Altdorf. For that, the track would pass through Holthusen, in territories under your governors' administration, then raise a bridge over the Schilder River and cross straight through your lands, bypassing Schilderheim. With the Count of Carroburg I can still negotiate, but the key point is to reach Altdorf, where I wish to build a railway station. There, goods would be unloaded, machines serviced, and all railway traffic centralized." The Emperor frowned, thoughtful, as though trying to grasp the scale of what I proposed. "And you truly believe this will benefit the Empire?" he asked at last. "Without any doubt, Majesty. It will allow immense quantities of resources to be transported from my domains to the capital. It will drive commerce by moving goods in bulk with ease, beyond the matter of securing the routes. It is dawi technology—solid and proven. With this, Altdorf will be supplied swiftly and safely." "Dwarven technology, then..." the Emperor murmured, leaning forward. "Indeed, Majesty. Dawi technology in its entirety. I have sealed an agreement with them to bring this project to life." "Tell me then, what can your cities offer that justifies confronting the merchant guilds with such an innovation?" "Grain, my Emperor. A great deal of grain. We've had one of the most abundant harvests in decades. With the size of my farms, my lands enjoy a surplus of food. I am considering sending that surplus to the capital, which would considerably lower the price of bread if you so ordered." I smiled confidently, knowing this argument struck a sensitive point. "It is never a mistake to ensure food reaches Altdorf. That will appease the most destitute among my people. As for me, I see no issue." The Emperor nodded slowly. "I am glad to hear that, Majesty. But there is something else. In this case it requires the use of the Imperial ambassadors, since I am no diplomat. I would need you to intercede on my behalf with the city of Marienburg to make a similar offer. If we can connect Reinsfeld with Marienburg, the commercial benefit to the Empire would be immense. We could bring goods from that port in a matter of hours." The Emperor tilted his head and smiled with a hint of malice. "Aha... so I see your request is more complex than I thought. Marienburg does not look kindly on such proposals, and what you ask will not be easy. However, in consideration of your service to the Empire, I will grant you the lands and rights you seek, young Graf... but that favor you ask of me with Marienburg will come at a price. You will also have to do something for me." The Emperor's smile widened. "And what would that price be?" I asked, already suspecting the Emperor would demand something excessive. "I have heard —and not from minor rumors— that several guilds in Altdorf have attempted to open branches in your cities and were sharply rejected. I have received formal complaints and even pressure from these guilds to force you to accept them. Before I make a decision, I want to hear from your own lips the reason for that rejection." The Emperor spoke, hands clasped calmly. "Majesty, those 'guilds' believed they were doing me a favor by moving into my cities. They came with the arrogance of demanding I hand over my industries into their hands without giving me anything in return. The blacksmiths' guild, for example, wanted me to cede all my blast furnaces and the craftsmen working for me... free of charge. The brewers' guild wanted to impose a ban on selling beer produced in my own lands. The tanners demanded I gift them pigments and treated leather as an obligatory tribute. And I could go on, one after another, all with the same vulture-like attitude circling easy prey. They did not seek partnership, nor to invest. They wanted to strip me of my resources, absorb the fruit of my people's labor, and leave me with no control over what I have built," I said bitterly, remembering their arrogant demands. "I see... it is often common practice for those guilds to take advantage of growing towns without much industry, but considering the size of Reinsfeld, the situation is different. Still, I wish to rid myself of their constant complaints, so my condition for aiding you with Marienburg is that you allow them to establish themselves in your cities. You do not have to give them anything, but at least they will stop plaguing me with letters every month." The Emperor replied firmly. "Pff... that will bring problems. The guilds are a group of..." I muttered under my breath. "Of peasants with money who abuse their economic power, I know perfectly well. I have dealt with them far too many times, demanding tax privileges or monopolies. But they are part of any city, and the sooner you learn to manage them, the easier it will be when they try to challenge you in the future." The Emperor replied, with a faint, ironic smile. "Indeed... I had already made some preparations knowing sooner or later they would try to force their way in. Very well, I accept your conditions. I hope the intervention of the Imperial diplomats in Marienburg proves successful. If the project is realized, it will be one of the greatest transformations in transportation the Empire has ever seen." I answered with a controlled smile. "Let us hope so, young Albrecht. I trust your idea will move swiftly." The Emperor remarked, taking up his quill again. "It will. Likely by next year it will already be ready. With so many dawi working, I doubt it will take long." I replied, noting how the Emperor raised both brows. "I will send the order to my diplomats. Is there anything else you wish to discuss with me?" he finished, reopening his books. "No, Emperor... I take my leave. I thank you greatly for this audience." I rose, bowing before turning away. "I almost forgot... you will be participating in the Nuln weapons contest next year, correct? I recall you were formally invited, but there were doubts about your attendance." He added before I left. "I do not think I can, Majesty. I lack the capacity to produce so many weapons at once. Even if I won, I could not supply the Empire with my own arsenal." I answered with a tense smile. "You do know you can sell the design for Nuln to reproduce, don't you?" the Emperor replied calmly. "Oh... I did not know, I thought that came with production." I feigned ignorance, tilting my head. "Just make sure you attend. Only days ago, the Elector Count of Middenheim spoke highly of the precision of your weapons. They could become the new standard model for the Empire." The Emperor said, finally gesturing toward the exit. I wasted no time. I left the Imperial Palace and returned to my residence in the capital, knowing my next destination was Carroburg. I needed to negotiate with the Elector Count of Middenland for the purchase of key lands for the railway line. Once the preparations were ready, I set sail with my guards toward Carroburg. There, with a swift audience and a few bags of gold, I obtained the stretch of land I needed. The deal included the promise of building a railway station in Carroburg, thus linking the city to the future network of lines that would change the Empire. ----------------------------- If there are spelling mistakes, please let me know. Leave a comment; support is always appreciated. I remind you to leave your ideas or what you would like to see. -------------------------------