When summer came, Margaery's inland river fleet arrived at Border Town.
Roland deliberately received the businesswoman at the dock and checked the goods she had brought.
The most important thing was the three full ships of saltpeter. Now the gunpowder in Border Town had basically been exhausted, and even the First Army's shooting practice had been stopped. Although the revolving rifles had begun to be equipped on a small scale, they were only used to practice reloading, gun maintenance, and reloading ammunition. Now with this batch of saltpeter, they could finally resume the live shooting practice.
In addition to the saltpeter, she also brought two ships of ore ingots, mainly iron and copper, as well as some green vitriol ore. It would take two or three days to unload these goods.
Roland also placed the two steam engines in a conspicuous position in the yard, and as usual, draped them in red satin and tied a big red flower for Margaery's inspection. In fact, the Western Industrial Company had only managed to piece together one steam engine in nearly a month, and this was built on the basis of hundreds of scrapped parts. So Roland had to let Anna reprocess the defective parts that didn't deviate too much, so that the second steam engine could be delivered on time.
To Roland's surprise, Margaery didn't come alone this time, she also brought a merchant group from King's City.
After the delivery of the goods, Margaery and her party followed Roland back to the castle and enjoyed a sumptuous lunch in the living room.
"Your Royal Highness, this is Hogg, my old friend, and also one of the top mining merchants in King's City." Margaery introduced them one by one, "This is Gammon, who, like Marlan, belongs to the Crescent Moon Bay Caravan. Their main business is the sea trade between Graycastle and the Fjords. They are all very interested in the steam engine. I have known them for many years, so I was embarrassed to sell them at a higher price, so I brought them to introduce them to you. "
"Greetings to you, Your Royal Highness," Hogg, who had a big belly and an oily face, opened his mouth, "I heard from Margaret that this machine can replace manpower, and can quickly pump water and transport ore from the mine. Moreover, it also has extraordinary strength, and doesn't need to rest all day? Can I see it with my own eyes? "
"Of course." Roland took a sip of the wine. At first, he couldn't get used to the sour taste, but now he was getting used to it. "But if you want it to carry the ore, you need to install a rail system. After lunch, I can take you to the North Slope Mine. "
"Your Highness, I'm very curious about the use of the steam engine you've described. Can it really be installed on a sailboat and drive the ship forward instead of sails?" Marlan opened his mouth and asked, "What if it's a three-masted or four-masted ship? I'm afraid it doesn't have enough strength. "
"Steam engines are the same as horses. Some are strong and some are weak, depending on the model they are made. Of course, machines with higher output were naturally more expensive. Also, if one isn't enough, we can have two or even four, "Roland replied with a smile.
Putting a steam engine on a ship, even the most primitive paddle steamer, involved a complex system of power, transmission, and control. Apart from Border Town, there was no other place in Graycastle that had the technical strength to modify it. And to modify such a ship, the cost would inevitably be much more than the steam engine itself.
"That being the case, the Crescent Moon Bay Caravan would also like to order this machine from you." Gammon forked a steamed bun that had just come out of the steamer and stuffed it into his mouth. His eyes were squinted by the fragrant gravy.
Sure enough, birds of a feather flock together. A rich man's friend is still a rich man. He didn't even look at the actual effect and directly made the order, as if he didn't care about the thousands of Golden Dragons.
Roland shook his head. "Unfortunately, Border Town is short of manpower. Plus, the manufacture of a steam engine is very complicated. Before completing Margaery's order, I'm afraid it will be difficult to make additional machines."
"I can provide you with manpower, Your Highness," Gammon patted his chest. "Whether it's carpenters, blacksmiths, or even shipbuilders, I have a lot of them at the port. Moreover, I don't have to pay for them!"
"And then let them learn the manufacturing method for you to use?" Hogg interrupted.
"No! Of course not! "He widened his eyes." How could I dare to play such a trick in front of His Royal Highness? Ten years, Your Highness, "he opened his palms." I'm willing to let them work for you for ten years, and I'll pay for them. I only have one request, and that is to give priority to the Crescent Moon Bay Caravan when they manufacture the steam engine. "
This is an interesting proposal, Roland thought. It's similar to the technology partnership of later generations, where I only provide the technology and earn the most. Of course, the other party can also get the steam engine as soon as possible, and after ten years, they can also get a group of technicians. The salary of the workers for ten years is equivalent to the cost of purchasing the technology.
"There's no need to rush into a decision. We can slowly discuss these details after seeing the real thing," Roland pressed his hand down. "Moreover, I don't only have the steam engine here that is worth buying. There are some things that I think you will also be interested in, such as this." He snapped his fingers, and the guard next to him moved a large pile of things from the wooden box at his feet, and placed them on the table one by one.
"These are the new products of Border Town. No matter what it is, they are all of high quality, and the price is reasonable. For example, this is the simplest mug," Roland said, pointing to the colorful cups on the table. "It's light, beautiful, and not as fragile as a crystal cup. The pattern on it can be customized, and it won't get wet, so it's very easy to clean. "
"It won't get wet?" Margaery picked up a cup and carefully looked at it.
"You can try it with wine," the Prince joked. "After drinking it, you can pretend to be drunk and throw it on the ground. If it breaks, I'll pay for it."
"This workmanship, gee, it's really exquisite … I'm afraid that not every cup can be guaranteed to be of such quality, right?" The big-bellied Hogg had already filled his own cup with wine, and drank it in one gulp. "Hey, it's actually dry."
Of course it was dry, it was essentially an ordinary wooden cup, but it was covered with a layer of Soroya's painting, and the patterns on it were all designed by herself. "It doesn't conflict with a crystal cup. Compared to a formal palace banquet, it's more suitable to appear in the boudoir of a rich young lady." Roland said, "As far as I know, they have no resistance to things with bright colors and beautiful shapes."
"I also think so," Margaery nodded with interest, "You seem to have a lot of experience."
"Ahem," the Prince coughed twice, "And look at this, a complete breastplate with a uniform thickness, a total of two pieces, both made of wrought iron. Compared to the Knight's plate armor, it's not only light, but it can also be worn by one person, and when closed, there's no gap. It's suitable for caravan guards without squires. The most important thing is, it's cheaper than plate armor … "
…
After introducing all the products, the merchants couldn't help but whisper to each other. Roland simply gave them a period of free discussion, got up and left the hall, going to the garden corridor to relax.
"Your Royal Highness, I haven't seen you for a month, but you have a lot of new things here." Margaery also followed him out.
"Don't you want to exchange opinions with them?"
"No, I don't need to listen to other people's opinions when I see something, whether it's a product or a person, it's the same." She smiled and shook her head, "The caravan will probably stay here for three or four days, can you … let me see Lightning again?"
"Although she didn't recognize you, at least she didn't show any dislike last time, so I think there's no problem."
"Thank you!" Margaery said gratefully.
"It's nothing," Roland smiled, "Oh yes, since you're staying here for so long, why don't you come and see a play? Three days later, the town will hold its first theatrical performance. "
"In just one month, you've built a theater?" She asked in surprise.
"Of course not. This is an open-air performance, right in the middle of the town square, I think it will certainly be different. "
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