Chapter 465 - Chapter 465: Recruiting Again, A Submarine from Another
Chapter 465: Recruiting Again, A Submarine from Another
World? His Highness’s Beloved (2)
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
“Lord Thotmudo, I have a question.
“Can alchemical technology be used to create steel ships that can travel rapidly underwater?
“Underwater steel ships?” Thotmudo looked puzzled for a moment, then furrowed his brow in thought. “1 haven’t heard of such ships, but it sounds very interesting.”
“Unlike on the surface of the sea, if you want to travel underwater, you must consider the steel’s sealing and water pressure resistance, which places great demands on the type of steel and alchemical craftsmanship.
At the same time, when underwater, the conventional weaponry used on warships wouldn’t work, so we might need other weapons capable of attacking underwater. Perhaps we can draw inspiration from the sea clan’s methods of attack…
However, the propulsion system might be similar to the propellers used on surface ships since they both operate in water…”
As he spoke, Thotmudo’s eyes brightened, and he seemed to ignore Ji Chen as he walked over to the table, picked up a pen, and began sketching on parchment.
Little did Ji Chen know, Thotmudo stared at him in astonishment, a look of delight surging in his eyes.
Indeed, Thotmudo was a legendary dwarf blacksmith. After Ji Chen merely mentioned the concept of “submarine,” Thotmudo’s mind swiftly connected a series of crucial elements.
Perhaps they could indeed create a version of a submarine in this otherworldly realm!
Seeing Thotmudo so enthusiastic, Ji Chen didn’t want to disturb him and quietly left.
Outside, several workshops were operating with a loud rumble, and the clinking sounds of various metalwork filled the air, creating a symphony of steel.
Hundreds of lizardmen craftsmen worked here, constantly producing weapons, ammunition, and various metal goods.
It was like a heart, pumping a continuous flow of blood and energy into the entire territory.
Connected to the workshops was a track leading to the surface, where a peculiar alchemical locomotive pulled dozens of minecarts, shuttling between the surface and underground, transporting surface materials and workshop products.
This was the otherworldly version of a mining locomotive that Ji Chen had commissioned Thotmudo to create. Thanks to the advanced alchemical and runic technology in this world, the construction of such an alchemical locomotive, similar to a steam train, was not very difficult.
However, the principles behind its construction seemed rather baffling to him.
He still remembered the time when Thotmudo explained the alchemical and runic principles involved. Ji Chen couldn’t help but feel utterly bewildered during that explanation.
This only reinforced Ji Chen’s belief that he lacked the innate talent for such matters.
In the future, he planned to lay tracks throughout the underground lizardmen world and the New Moon Islands, allowing goods and manpower to circulate at the fastest speed possible.
Goods produced in the underground lizardmen world would be transported via the tracks to the docks and then directly loaded onto ships for overseas markets. It was simply perfect.
A spark of industrial revolution was quietly blooming in the depths of these remote island territories, far from the mainland.
However, Ji Chen heard in chat channels and forums that there were gnomes who excelled in alchemy and possessed the technology to create alchemical mechs for mining and even warfare.
He didn’t know if he would have the chance to acquire such technology.
After all, mechs were every man’s dream, and who wouldn’t want to pilot a mech that could wreak havoc like a Gundam?
He remembered that he still had a key to the gnome’s main city, Gigantooth City, in his backpack. This gnome city was located on the Western Continent. Apart from gnomes, the dwarf tribes that Thotmudo entrusted him to gather were also located there. Furthermore, the appearance of the Radiant Commerce Guild belonging to Xhakas gave the Ocean Crown an opportunity to expand its market there.
It seemed like it was time to prioritize a trip to the Western Continent.
Ji Chen thought to himself, but first, he needed to wait for the conclusion of the Sea Beast Tide. After that, he would quickly resolve the matters between the Bass Kingdom and the Lienhardt Grand Duchy.
Thinking about it, he boarded a conveniently available train back to the surface.
Back at the Lord’s Castle.
He began contemplating how to get involved in the affairs of the two countries.
First and foremost, his enemy would undoubtedly be the Bass Kingdom, and his natural ally would be the Lienhardt Grand Duchy.
Regardless of the cause of the conflict, the Bass Kingdom had launched a reconnaissance fleet to attack the Ocean Crown, forging an irreconcilable enmity between them.
Ji Chen wanted to lend his support to the overthrow of this kingdom, while the latter aimed to eliminate the Ocean Crown, which they considered weak but troublesome.
In this stance, he naturally leaned towards the Lienhardt Grand Duchy, or more precisely, Princess Monica.
When he first met Monica, the Ocean Crown was still an inconspicuous small territory with only a few hundred troops and a human population of just over a thousand. The territory consisted of only one island, the New Moon Islands, and didn’t even have any noteworthy goods or commodities.
But after several months, his power had expanded rapidly.
Almost reaching the size of a ten thousand-strong army.
The Great Luminescent Sea’s mystic realm was brought under control, and the renowned and prosperous Starshine Islands also submitted to his rule.
The goods from the Ocean Crown were selling well on the Northern Continent, greatly increasing its reputation.
He thought that all of this would surely surprise Monica.
Thinking of that elegant and lively young girl who longed for freedom deep within, Ji Chen couldn’t help but smile.
Perhaps they would meet again soon.
Meanwhile, thousands of miles away in the city of Tressburg.
If one were to ask the indigenous people along the northwest coast of the Inner Ocean which coastal city was the most beautiful, they would undoubtedly answer Tressburg.
As the capital of the Lienhardt Grand Duchy, Tressburg was nestled by the seaside, surrounded by the sea on two sides, backed by mountains on one side, and bordered by a river on the other, boasting a long and excellent coastline.
Not only did it have excellent large sheltered harbors, but it also had long stretches of beautiful white sandy beaches. Flocks of seagulls soared in the sky, overlooking the city below, which stretched for dozens of miles.
The white-walled, blue-tiled houses clustered together, winding around the high ground and built into the mountainside, but they did not appear steep. With the nearby deep blue sea, it gave the feeling of a paradise on earth.
At the highest point of the entire city, the castle was the residence of the rulers of the Lienhardt Grand Duchy, the Valencia family.
At this moment, in a spacious room within the castle, Monica, dressed in a pristine silk gown, held a quill in her delicate hand and was fully focused on painting a piece of parchment in front of her.
Judging by the faint smile that unconsciously curled up at the corners of her mouth, her mood seemed to be quite good.
Suddenly, there was a gentle knock on the door, causing Monica to startle. She quickly stowed the parchment carefully into a drawer, then forced herself to regain composure and calmly said, “Come in.”
The door was pushed open, and several maids entered, with the mature head maid leading the way, who respectfully said, “Lady Monica, His Majesty requests your presence in the hall.”
“Father?” Monica blinked slightly, perhaps this had to do with inquiries about the conflict and war between the Grand Duchy and the Bass Kingdom.
“I understand. I will come over shortly.”
With the help of the maids, Monica put on an exquisite blue dress. The ordinary dress, when worn by her, radiated a unique beauty that made the maids nearby dazzled.
The floral shoulder straps delicately hung on her pure white, soft shoulders, and beneath the modest neckline was an astonishing curvature. The form-fitting waist of the dress outlined her slender waist perfectly. Her swan-like graceful neck was adorned with a necklace adorned with sapphires, adding the finishing touch.
“Your Highness looks so beautiful. I wonder who Your Highness’s future husband will be. He must be so lucky to marry a woman who combines beauty and wisdom,” the head maid sincerely praised.
This made a faint blush appear on Monica’s cheeks. “I won’t be getting married. I am determined to devote everything to the Grand Duchy and witness its prosperity and strength.”
However, as she spoke these words, her mind wandered to someone, and her gaze became slightly unfocused.
Seeing Monica’s expression, the astute head maid couldn’t help but realize that there was someone in her heart. She wondered whether it was a young noble from a prominent family or a prince from another country who had won the heart of their Highness.
Nevertheless, this could be a good thing. If she married into a prominent noble family, it would undoubtedly further stabilize the position of the Grand Duke and fulfill the Grand Duchy’s long-cherished wishes.
If she married into another kingdom, it would be even better. With the intelligence and abilities of their Highness, they would surely outmaneuver and outwit their spouse, and when the two countries reconciled and exchanged resources, the Grand Duchy would only become stronger and more prosperous..