Alden sat at the breakfast table, lost in thought. There was much on his mind as he pondered his next steps. He needed to deliver the blueprints for the new equipment to his mother. She handled most of the administrative affairs of the barony, while his father was preoccupied with foreign and military issues.
He was confident that the barony would benefit greatly from the new equipment, but the difficult part lay in convincing his mother of its worth without exposing his involvement. Additionally, there was a chance that the locals would reject these improvements. Thus, it was crucial to persuade his mother of the long-term benefits and secure her approval to finance the villagers' equipment at a lower price.
He picked up another omelette slice and ate it. Yes, he was finally getting some adult food, but he didn’t care. His thoughts were diverted, occupied with more urgent concerns.
After breakfast, Alden slipped into his brother's study. The familiar scent of aged paper and leather eased his anxious thoughts. A cool, gentle breeze passed through the open window, rustling the leaves outside.
He glanced around the study before focusing on a quill and paper on the table. Dipping the quill into the inkpot, he began to draft the blueprints. The Heavy Plough was a significant advancement over the Ard. It was equipped with a metal blade and mouldboard to turn the soil, allowing it to cut deeper, break up compacted earth, and bury weeds, thereby improving soil aeration and fertility.
A daunting task lay before him as he embarked on his first attempt at Elarian script. His small hands fumbled with the unfamiliar characters, posing a tough challenge. After spoiling several sheets of paper, he finally became familiar with it.
Completing the Heavy Plough schematic, Alden proposed a sharp and durable metal for crafting the blade and mouldboard, while sturdy wood would suffice for the frame and wheels. He meticulously detailed the Heavy Plough's superiority over the Ard.
As he scrutinized the page, he couldn't help but gasp at the scribbles he had made. Thankfully, the meaning was discernible.
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The Seed Plough was an incredible invention due to its ingenuity in planting seeds. Equipped with a seed hopper and intricate mechanisms, it guaranteed even distribution as it moved along the field. With the schematic completed and its advantages outlined, Alden was finally halfway through the work.
After securing the blueprints, Alden cleared the entire study. Moments later, he emerged with a smile on his face, clearly pleased with his work.
The following morning, Emily, who was cleaning Alden’s room, was surprised when he woke up an hour earlier than usual. After preparing himself, Alden ventured outside. It was the time when his parents typically strolled through the garden, engaged in discussions about the barony.
Alden wanted his mother to go over the designs of both tools in the presence of his father and himself. Therefore, the morning provided the optimal opportunity for this, when everyone would sit at the breakfast table mentally refreshed.
Alden's attention was drawn by the bustling activity in the hall. The servants meticulously prepared the breakfast table, carefully arranging each dish. Olivia authoritatively supervised, ensuring everything was rightfully placed.
He knew he lacked a comprehensive plan, but he also knew that no one would believe a boy his age had created the blueprints. So, he chose the crudest way to carry out his plan. He came out of hiding and, when no one was looking, discreetly tossed a crumpled ball of paper onto the carpet, where it wouldn't be noticeable unless someone looked closely.
Olivia heard a noise behind her and turned around. "Young Master!" she exclaimed, surprised to see Alden running towards her. Alden, noticing Olivia turning, rushed even faster, giggling as he hugged her legs.
A warm smile graced Olivia's lips as she caressed Alden's hair. "Colt," she gestured to a servant, "please inform the lord and lady that breakfast is ready. And please fetch young master Augustus."
Bending down, Olivia straightened Alden's tunic. Moments later, Mary and Frederick entered the hall. Mary was surprised to see Alden waiting for them. As Alden rushed towards her, Mary stooped down and enveloped him in a hug. "My baby," she whispered, pecking his face.
Alden, buried in thought, observed the others as they enjoyed their breakfast. He squirmed in his seat, trying to get everyone's attention.
Mary noticed Alden moving in his chair and looking around, but she didn’t mind because this was how he behaved most of the time. He was always lost in his thoughts. Suddenly, she saw him jump from his chair and dart toward the carpet.
"Young master, please finish your breakfast before playing," Emily cautioned, hurrying towards Alden.
Alden scooped up the crumpled paper ball and tossed it into the air, chasing after it with glee. Returning, he presented the toy to Augustus, his eyes sparkling excitedly.
Mary laughed to herself, taking in the light-hearted exchange. With curious hands, Augustus claimed the ball from Alden and began to unfold it. As the papers flattened, his eyes widened in astonishment. "Magic weapon!" he exclaimed, pointing to the top of one sheet.
The exclamation startled everyone. "What happened?" Mary inquired, her voice filled with concern.
"Mom, it says 'Magic weapon'!" Augustus exclaimed, pressing the papers into Mary's hands.