Translator: Cinder Translations
...
After listening to Paul's explanation, Rodney XVIII still looked puzzled. "Whether it's invention or discovery, both seem to be very important."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Paul explained his point of view. "Discoveries, or theories, cannot be directly applied to practical production activities and do not directly affect the world or change our lives. They already exist out there, and we cannot monopolize something we cannot control. From a noble perspective, they should be the common wealth of all humanity, or even all intelligent races."
"What we really need to protect are the technologies invented based on these theories. They can truly change the world, impact people's lives, and create significant material wealth. As for those theoretical discoveries, let scholars study and discuss them."
Rodney XVIII nodded repeatedly, while Catherine beside Paul listened attentively.
"Paul!" Eileen exclaimed happily, "When that academic seminar takes place, I absolutely must go to the Northwest Bay!"
Rodney XVIII said, "Alright, tomorrow I will announce it across the Aldor Kingdom in my capacity as king…"
"Your Majesty!" Paul interrupted, "If possible, I hope it's not limited to just Aldor."
"Oh, dear God! You're so greedy! When will your conference take place?"
"It's expected to be in about six months!"
Rodney XVIII smiled. "Alright, I agree. I hope those who see the announcement will hurry."
Eileen's eyes sparkled. "Yay! Scholars from all over the world gathering together to communicate; just thinking about it is exciting!"
"I'm interested too!" said August Rodney, who usually didn't say much. "Perhaps we'll see many mechanical enthusiasts there. Ah… perhaps machinery should be classified as inventions."
He smiled with a simple expression.
"Let's go together then! Ah, I really miss the Northwest Bay. I still have a house I bought in Alden Town!" Eileen enthusiastically invited her cousin. "Paul, I'm even more looking forward to it. I hope I can see familiar faces from the Tower of Scholars in Gabella."
Paul smiled at her. "I wish you could fulfill that wish."
"By the way, Paul!" Eileen's expression suddenly became vibrant, her eyebrows raised, and the corners of her mouth lifted.
"Hmm!" Catherine, the elder sister, reminded her to pay attention to her manners.
"What's the matter! We're all family here!"
Eileen's words made Catherine blush.
Eileen continued, her eyes sparkling, "Why not build a telegraph station here? This way, communication between Alden Town and Crystal Glare wouldn't take half a month! One day? A few hours? Or just a few minutes? We could receive each other's messages!"
"What a good idea!"
With a loud clap, Rodney XVIII slammed his hand on the table, startling his younger siblings. This brother was usually very composed.
"I actually forgot about this!"
He seemed to be complaining to himself, furrowing his brow slightly.
"It's all my fault for being too busy lately."
Rodney XVIII looked at Paul. "Telegraphs are great, my dear brother-in-law! You must help me set up a system in the kingdom!"
When he discussed cooperation with Paul in the Northwest Bay, he had learned about this technology and was immediately captivated by the speed of communication, realizing its immense potential, especially in strengthening the connection between the center of power and the localities.
"Hmph! The telegraph coding for Northwest Bay was designed by me!"
Eileen had a proud expression.
"Telegraph?" Catherine voiced her confusion.
She seemed to recall her sister mentioning it but had somewhat forgotten.
"I'll explain! I'll explain!"
Eileen raised her hand.
The little princess quickly and clearly explained the working principles of optical signal telegraphs to her sister.
Catherine's eyes widened. "Is it really that amazing? Ah, at that time I thought Eileen was just showing off a child's toy and didn't take it seriously."
Rodney XVIII's reaction made Catherine pay attention again.
She felt regret; they should have set one up when their father was still alive.
Eileen's explanation piqued the interest of Yuriko and August as well.
"If His Majesty is interested in this, I can help! Just…"
"And I will pay you; this is a commercial transaction," Rodney XVIII added, putting Paul's mind at ease. Establishing an optical telegraph system wouldn't come cheap.
Eileen reminded Rodney XVIII, "If you want to connect Crystal Glare and Alden, it'll need to go through many territories."
The king said, "I believe the lords will be happy to connect to our communication system."
...
"What? His Majesty wants me to stay?"
Malon Ganard looked shocked when he heard the news Paul brought back from the palace.
"Yes, the king wants to appoint you to the management committee responsible for the economic special zone."
"I… I…"
Malon stammered, "I'm afraid I'm not up to the task."
"The key is… do you want to stay?" Paul looked into Malon's eyes and asked seriously.
"Well… what do you think, Paul? What should I do?"
"Hehe, I can tell you want to stay and make a mark."
Paul said with a smile.
From Malon's tone and expression, Paul could sense that he was quite excited about the king's recognition.
This was understandable. As an ally of similar age, Malon had always lived in Paul's shadow in the Northwest Bay.
There was no helping it; after all, Paul, as a transmigrator, had a wealth of knowledge that allowed him to play a "prophet" role in a sense.
Malon didn't harbor any resentment or complaints about Paul's brilliance, but if given the chance to prove his value independently, he would be quite pleased.
After all, having been around Paul for so many years, Malon had absorbed a lot through observation.
"In that case," Paul patted his shoulder. "Tomorrow, you should come with me to the palace to respond to the king. I believe Rodney XVIII will be thrilled."
Malon looked gratefully at Paul. "I think I should consider it for a while longer."
"Alright, Malon. Regardless, I will respect your decision. Actually, if you stay, it will greatly strengthen our connection with the royal family."
"Thank you, Paul. Don't worry, if I decide to stay, I won't leak a single word about any confidential matters!"
"I trust you, Malon."
Paul smiled and embraced him.
(End of the Chapter)
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