Chapter 348: Industrial Innovations (1/2)
At the moment, Berengar was standing in Ludwig's workshop looking at what is arguably the most important invention that he had introduced thus far. Sitting in front of Berengar was a piece of technology that was critical to the industrial age.
This essential feat of engineering was the steam engine. The steam engine was a machine that operated using water and coal to produce steam; the steam created was then used to push a piston back and forth. This pushing force could then be used for work by attaching a connecting rod and flywheel.
With this piece of engineering, trains could be built, oil could be pumped, workshops could be powered, canals could be easily dredged, fields could be plowed without beasts of burden, etc. The limitations for such technology were far fewer than what he currently used to power his Kingdom's industry.
When Berengar saw the device standing in front of him, he clasped Ludwig on the shoulder and gave the man a thumbs up while smiling from ear to ear.
”Ludwig, my friend, you have truly outdone yourself this time. With this invention and all those that follow its principles, we will rule this world!”
Ludwig chuckled when he heard this exaggerated remark and shook off Berengar's grip before commenting on Berengar's words.
”My friend, without your designs, this never would have been possible! So what will you use this for?”
In response to this, Berengar walked over to the machine and activated it. Before long, it began to power up, and as it did, exhaust began to fill the air; after a few moments, Berengar deactivated the device before expressing his immediate plans for the future.
”Well, for starters, we are going to be upgrading all of our factories to operate with machines powered by these devices. After we do this, the amount of labor we will need will vastly decrease. We will be able to produce all of our products with increased precision and efficiency.
I want to upgrade the Arms factories first. I will be giving you a list of designs for weapons production equipment that operate under steam power. When you have upgraded your facilities, let me know, and I will give you some new blueprints to work with. We have a few years before the Crusaders invade, and I want my armies prepared for it!”
Ludwig nodded his head in agreement with Berengar's vision for the future. Though he was proud of his needle rifle, it would appear that Berengar was one step ahead of him. However, Berengar's following words caught him by surprise.
”Continue to manufacture the needle rifles to the best of your ability during this transition. We will likely be going to war again within the next six months. So I want all of our troops fielded with those weapons. You have no idea how much they helped in the final days of our War for Independence.”
Ludwig immediately began to salute Berengar before responding in the affirmative.
”Yes, your Majesty!”
After saying this, Berengar laid out a series of blueprints for use in his arms factories. He had been working on these designs in his spare time for many years. Among these plans were advanced lathes, steam hammers, cold hammer-forging machines, among many other designs needed to make the arms and munitions for Austria's army.
Ludwig looked over all these plans in shock; he honestly did not know how Berengar continued to produce new technology every year, each one more advanced than the last. Despite his natural curiosity, he knew not to ask such a question and instead nodded his head as he studied the blueprints; while doing so, he commented on the ability to renovate their weapons and munitions factories.
”Give me a few months, and I will have all of Kufstein's military factories outfitted with such machinery. By the time you send your armies to war, they will be equipped with whatever new equipment you instruct me to produce!”
Upon hearing this, Berengar smiled and patted the older man on his back; after doing so, he changed the subject to something more casual.
”So, how about we go get a drink to celebrate? It has been a while since I have had the time to discuss matters of life with you.”
In response to this Ludwig chuckled, before sighing heavily; after doing so, he shook his head; this action caught Berengar off guard, however after hearing the words that followed, Berengar felt bitter.
”Apologies, your majesty, but I have way too much work to handle. I am getting on in years, and I need to make sure my son can replace me when I decide to retire. After all, you need someone competent to manage your arms industry after I am long dead, and unfortunately, most of my management team is not up to the task.”
Wen Berengar heard this. He smiled bitterly; too many of his friends were substantially older than himself. Not only was Ludwig considerably older than the young Monarch, but his Field Marshal Eckhard was also starting to age.
Out of all of his friends, they were two of the closest. When they finally retired or passed away, Berengar would be left without the support of the two capable men by his side. However, Berengar did not want to dwell on such a future and smiled before responding to Ludwig's comments.
”Alright, we will have to drink together some other time. I look forward to your progress; if you have any questions, please send word to the Palace. I will try to make time out of my busy schedule to aid you in your endeavors.”
After hearing this, Ludwig nodded before responding to the young Monarch.
”I wish you all the best, your majesty...”
With this said, Berengar departed from the Industrial District of Kufstein and headed back to his Palace. Now that the steam engine was created, there were many other areas of industry that needed upgrading. Thus he immediately entered his study and began to search through the various blueprints he had developed over the years in his spare time.
After delving through his study's files as if it were a labyrinth, Berengar finally came across two critical blueprints that he had drafted some time ago. The steam-powered loom was the first essential component of his soon-to-be-established mechanized textile industry.
When combined with the self-acting mule, Berengar would vastly reduce the number of workers needed to manufacture textiles of all kinds. These employees could then be used in other required jobs within his newly industrialized society.