Steel, Guns, and the Industrial Party in Another World

Chapter 274: Science and Technology vs. Heroes and Wise Kings

“Count, if you release him, you will earn the friendship of the Scholar’s Tower,” said Mond Landon earnestly.

‘Are you kidding me?’ thought the Count. ‘A vague promise of friendship in exchange for a prisoner from my dungeon? Cold, hard cash would be more substantial.’

However, upon reflection, he realized the significant influence of the Scholar’s Tower in royal courts. Mond’s mentor could independently decide to accept a commoner as a student, suggesting a substantial status within the tower.

Mond Landon appeared to be an honest and simple man, but the same might not be true for his mentor. The older scholars were known for their eccentricities. What if, in a fit of protective rage, the mentor used his connections to cause trouble?

‘Less trouble is better,’ he thought, deciding to release the young prisoner.

Concerns about lax law enforcement or undermining his authority as a lord seemed irrelevant. The common folk of this era wouldn’t understand such concepts, he reasoned.

Upon investigation, the only fault of the boy, Kevin, seemed to be his failure to report Baden’s lies to the lord and instead attempting to blackmail him. He had neither killed nor robbed anyone during the riot.

However, his advice to the salt workers had directly sparked the uprising, placing him among the 50 most culpable.

Resigned, Count Paul said gravely, “Alright, Scholar. You can take him, but a bail fee is required.”

Paul grunted, “You should properly discipline your junior. Encourage him to study hard and not indulge in idle fantasies. And I hope the ‘friendship’ you mentioned isn’t just lip service.”

“We will surely guide him well,” Mond assured, hesitating before asking about the fate of the other perpetrators.

Paul disclosed that of the 20 most guilty, 5 would be beheaded, 10 hanged, 5 would have their executions postponed, and the remaining 30, including Kevin, were to be sent to clear forests in the north.

Mond bowed again, relieved that Paul hadn’t sentenced all 50 to death.

“Hmph, they didn’t actually rebel, after all,” Paul remarked. He then inquired about the Scholar’s Tower’s research areas and the availability of technical talent.

Mond proudly listed various disciplines and confirmed the presence of mechanical engineers and alchemists.

Paul smiled slightly, “If you could recruit some talent for me, it would indeed honor the friendship you spoke of. They don’t have to be exceptionally skilled; even basic literacy in the Ordo language would suffice.”

Mond sweated at the thought, knowing few would desire to relocate to such a remote and harsh region. However, he promised to try his best.

After discussing the matter, the two conversed for a while longer. Mond’s fluency in the Ordo language impressed Paul, reflecting the vast knowledge and wisdom befitting a member of the Scholar’s Tower.

“I am striving to improve people’s lives through the development and promotion of new technologies,” Count Paul stated ambitiously. “Mr. Scholar, you could take a look around Alda, visit our port to see our new sailboats, the fields to observe our harvesters, and perhaps the shops…”

Mond Landon was surprised by the young Count’s ambitious vision. Weren’t children of his age more inclined towards dreams of knightly adventures or leading armies in battle?

Paul continued with enthusiasm, “The arrival of the five hundred angels taught humanity agriculture, weaving, and metallurgy, allowing us to inhabit the world’s most fertile lands. But I believe that science and technological progress have no bounds. We can elevate our lives further, feed more people, and ensure everyone has enough to eat.”

“Science? Technology?”

“Yes, understanding the principles of things is what I call ‘science,’ and applying science to improve our lives is what I call ‘technology.’ It is these two elements that have allowed humanity to progress. Not to boast, but it’s thanks to these that the lives of the people in Alda and Baylding have significantly improved compared to the past.”

Mond was noncommittal, “Count, forgive my frankness, but your territory has just…”

Paul interrupted him, “I know what you’re about to say — the salt workers risked everything because the salt fields disrupted their livelihood. But let me tell you a fact: the emergence of these salt fields has saved most families a significant amount of money.”

Mond looked incredulous.

“Mr. Landon, you live in the bustling imperial capital of Gabella and are a distinguished scholar of the tower. Naturally, you’re unaware of the hardships in remote areas like ours. The traditional methods of salt production by the salt workers were limited in quantity, making the market price high — at least compared to now. Salt is a necessity for energy and work, and though each purchase might not seem much, it adds up to a considerable expense over time.”

Paul said proudly, “Since the salt fields started mass production, the price of salt has dropped unprecedentedly, saving a lot of money. If you don’t believe me, ask any woman on the street how she feels about the reduced salt prices.”

Mond pondered, “I believe there must be a better solution that benefits everyone, a win-win scenario.”

Paul spread his hands, “I believe so too, but we are not gods. Sometimes, you have to sacrifice the few for the benefit of the many. It’s a… scar of the times. Fortunately, I am not among the sacrificed few. Unfortunately, as a lord, I am the one who has to make such decisions.”

Mond acknowledged, “You have a point, Count. That’s why a wise ruler is so important in such situations. He can take care of the majority while minimizing sacrifices.”

“A wise ruler?”

“Yes, Count Grayman.”

Mond Landon’s eyes hardened with resolve:

“Compared to the ‘science’ and ‘technology’ you speak of, I lean more towards the belief that the key to improving people’s lives lies in ‘heroes’ and ‘wise kings.’”