Re: Tales of the Rune-Tech Sage Chapter 764: Silk Road Plan

CH764 Silk Road Plan

***

While this was indeed a smart solution, it wasn’t the one Alex was looking for.

It relied too heavily on him personally and was not sustainable in the long run for the domain in its current state.

They needed another solution, even if it would take the medium to long term to implement.

Alex recalled an idea he had recently considered.

Turning to Milton, he asked, "According to my observations, the Rotbark River is a rather large river. Not only is it wide, but it also appears quite deep and, if I am not mistaken, flows through the north-east region towards the heartlands of the empire."

"You are correct, Sir Count," Milton nodded. "The river does run through the north-east of the empire—the old north-east, however. It does not pass through our domain. Only a much smaller tributary does. The nearest access to the main river lies within territory currently controlled by berserk beasts, west of the domain."

"That’s not a problem. We will need time to prepare before we can exploit it anyway. That should give us enough time to reclaim that region from the beasts," Alex said.

"You are planning a maritime route?" Zora immediately caught on.

"Yes, I am," Alex confirmed. "Since we have such a convenient route leading towards the heartlands of the empire, I see no reason not to make use of it."

"But, Sir Count, there is a reason nobody uses the river. Its currents are too strong, and it contains many sharp bends that make navigation extremely difficult for larger merchant vessels," Milton pointed out.

"I am aware of that. However, that is merely a limitation of existing technology. All we need to do is develop a superior shipbuilding technology—one specifically designed to tame the unruly Rotbark River." Alex grinned.

Since Milton had not known Alex for very long, he failed to grasp the significance of that grin.

His wives, however, knew exactly what it meant.

It meant Alex already had an idea in mind and was eager to bring it into reality.

Eleanore nodded to herself.

Once Alex successfully developed the ships needed to navigate the Rotbark, this maritime route would become a far more sustainable source of income than the Spatial solution she had suggested.

Alex paused for a moment as the idea continued to expand within his mind.

"Not just over water—the level of transportation technology across the board is severely lacking. If we can improve that technology, then by land, sea, and air... we can create multiple trade routes to and from our domain, opening it up to the outside world," Alex said.

"Let’s call it the Silk Road Plan," he continued. "This will be a long-term objective for our domain."

Zora and Eleanore nodded.

To them, if Alex was this confident, then it was already a foregone conclusion that it would eventually become reality.

However, Milton couldn’t help but remain sceptical.

The entire concept felt too surreal to a man who had spent his entire life as an administrator in a backward domain tucked away in the forgotten north-east.

Meanwhile, Alex’s mind was already racing ahead.

According to the cliché blueprint followed by countless reincarnated kingdom-building protagonists from the novels of his previous life, establishing vast road networks, railways, and maritime routes was practically mandatory.

Fortunately, the foundation for a road network already existed.

It was merely a matter of rehabilitating and expanding the decaying infrastructure.

The introduction of trains would also be essential, meaning he would eventually need to develop a working prototype.

’If I’m already going to introduce trains, I might as well push for automobiles as well. The current carriages are simply too slow,’ he added inwardly.

"What do you think?" he asked.

"Well, if this Silk Road Plan comes to fruition even partially as you’ve described, then it will undoubtedly stimulate growth within the domain for at least the medium term.

"Not only would we be able to transport our ores to other domains, but the initial income generated would allow us to establish and develop related sectors and industries. That would enable us to export not only raw materials—ores, gemstones, timber, beast hides, and pelts—but also semi-processed and finished products.

"On top of that, merely constructing the Silk Road routes you’ve outlined would create entirely new industries and employment opportunities for our citizens, further revitalising the local economy.

"All things considered, I believe it is a worthwhile plan to invest in," Eleanore concluded.

Alex turned towards Milton.

"It seems you have something on your mind?" he asked.

"If I may, while your plan sounds promising, I would like to point out that the domain has a limited population, most of whom currently work in the mines. If we implement your plan, we will have to divert manpower to these new projects, which would inevitably reduce mining output.

"Also, I would like to ask that we consider a concrete countermeasure against the Stronghold now. This decision will undoubtedly affect Viscount Dunhill’s and Marquis Bramford’s bottom lines. It is imperative that we incorporate a clear response to their likely reaction into the plan," Milton insisted.

Alex stared at the old man, realising that he was somewhat more rigid than he had initially assumed.

Still, since Milton’s concerns genuinely stemmed from his desire to protect the townsfolk, Alex chose to let it pass... for now.

"Output from the mines won’t decrease," Alex said. "The same technological improvements that will revolutionise transportation on land can also be applied to mining operations, increasing efficiency and freeing up labour for other industries."

"As for the Stronghold, I intend to construct a fort at the mouth of the nameless valley at the border of the domain. The fort will control all access into and out of our territory.

"It will not only prevent beasts from entering imperial lands, but it will also prevent the Stronghold—or anyone else from the south—from entering the domain without our permission.

"The former removes any plausible justification the Stronghold might use to enter our territory, while the latter removes much of their advantage should they decide to ignore that and proceed anyway," he added.

Milton was tempted to point out that constructing such a fort would be neither simple nor quick.

It would require enormous resources, manpower, and time.

Time they arguably did not possess.

However, he had enough self-awareness to realise that he was approaching the point where it would seem as though he questioned every decision the young noble made.

And regardless of whether one was a noble or a commoner, nobody enjoyed having every action scrutinised and challenged.

Thus, the old man decided that particular battle could wait for another day.

***