Exploring Technology in a Wizard World

Chapter 122: Chapter 121 Do You Have Dihydrogen Monoxide?
 

Vici, as the manager of a Glass Factory, was somewhat wary when he saw Prince Gro come in with Richard. He feared that Richard had successfully deceived Prince Gro and was coming to steal the glassmaking techniques. But Richard’s subsequent actions convinced him that this was not the case. In fact, it was the exact opposite, judging from Richard’s familiarity with everything, it appeared that he might possess even higher levels of glassmaking expertise. The production of Cobalt Blue Glass was proof of this.

So, when Richard began to explain the making of colored Cobalt Blue Glass, Vici decided to conduct some preliminary experiments to inspect the effects of the Cobalt Blue Glass. He discovered that Cobalt Blue Glass was indeed quite beautiful, but because its hue was on the colder side, it had limited use. Other than for decorating church stained glass windows, the Nobles generally wouldn’t fancy this type of glass. The Nobles preferred larger and more transparent glass.

Therefore, Vici didn’t overthink it, obediently made the Cobalt Blue Glass, and prepared to hand it over to Richard and be done with it. To his surprise, Richard seemed unsatisfied and put forth a new request, introducing a new type of material.

Out of curiosity, Vici still decided to experiment with it in advance, and the trial was astonishing. He found that, by adding Richard’s powder to the glass at the concentration Richard had specified, the glass, which originally had a green tint, suddenly became crystal clear, like the purest condensed snow water.

Vici was greatly shocked and immediately called over the most renowned craftsman in the factory to inquire about what exactly the grey-white powder provided by Richard was. If he could understand what Richard’s powder was, and add it to all the glass in the future, the entire Jade Kingdom’s glass manufacturing would ascend a significant step.

But after the craftsman had carefully examined the grey-white powder for half a day, he frankly admitted he didn’t recognize it and speculated that it could be something that did not exist in this world at all.

Vici didn’t believe the craftsman’s answer one bit. If it didn’t exist in this world, then how could it be in Richard’s possession? It must be that the craftsman’s knowledge wasn’t sufficient and he simply didn’t recognize it.

So the question arose, how could he possibly obtain the method of producing the grey-white powder from Richard? If he could, he would make his fortune.

Vici was thinking feverishly about this problem while ordering the requested glass to be made.

As he brought the second batch of glass to Richard, Vici was still contemplating a solution to the problem without having come up with one. His heart was filled with excitement, void of any viable plan.

“Lord Richard, your… your glass,” Vici said with a trembling hand, as he handed the finished Cobalt Blue Glass to Richard, swallowing nervously.

Richard gave Factory Manager Vici a slightly puzzled look, casually took the Cobalt Blue Glass, and examined it closely. After a thorough inspection, he nodded with satisfaction. After the addition of Manganese Powder, the Cobalt Blue Glass was indeed up to standard.

And rightfully so.

After all, adding Manganese Powder was an advanced technology on modern Earth; manganese alone wasn’t separated until the eighteenth century on Earth. If he hadn’t already had some in stock from his time in the Blue Lion Kingdom for immediate use, it would have taken some effort to obtain some.

Unaware of Richard’s thoughts, Vici’s eyes sparkled as he continued to contemplate ways to acquire the new technology from Richard, tentatively starting a conversation, “Lord Richard, that…”

Unfortunately, Richard was uncooperative and said, “Thank you for your efforts, Manager Vici.”

“Eh, it’s no trouble at all, it’s just that…” Vici replied.

“Then let’s meet again when the opportunity arises,” Richard said, not wanting to waste any time. He glanced at Vici, picked up the Cobalt Blue Glass, and turned towards the exit of the Glass Factory. He didn’t forget to call out to Gro, who was nearly asleep in a chair next to him, “Gro, let’s go.”

“Hmm? Are we leaving? Is it over already?” Gro mumbled as he stood up from his chair, following Richard out.

Seeing that there was no chance with Richard, Factory Manager Vici quickly stepped forward, lightly tugging at Gro’s sleeve, and whispered, “Prince Gelo, Prince Gelo…”

“Huh? What’s up?” Gro yawned and his eyes welled up uncontrollably as he frowned and looked at Vici.

“Ah, well… it’s like this… Lord Richard… No, Master Richard seems to have a technique that can make the glass extraordinarily transparent, which is very important to our Jade Kingdom’s Glass Factory,” Vici said, rubbing his hands together and speaking somewhat sheepishly, “Prince, you seem to have a good relationship with Master Richard. Perhaps you could ask Master Richard to teach us the technique. If so, our Jade Kingdom’s Glass Factory will definitely…”

Rubbing his eyes and wiping away tears, Prince Gelo came to his senses and cast a somewhat puzzled glance at Vichis. Without a hint of politeness, he interrupted the latter mid-sentence, asking directly, “What does that have to do with me?”

“Uh, well, you see, Prince, the craftsmanship is really important to the glass of the Jade Kingdom…”

“But what’s in it for me? I’m just a prince, not the king. My lands haven’t even been determined yet. You should be speaking to my elder brother about this, right?”

“Uh, that seems to be…” Vichis trailed off, at a loss for words.

“Let me tell you, Lord Richard values fair trade. If you want something from him, you have to offer something he needs in exchange,” Prince Gelo lectured. “Do you know why I’ve been assisting Lord Richard all day? Because that’s his requirement. In doing so, Lord Richard could quickly produce the so-called Cobalt Blue Glass, and as a reward, I could keep a mysterious potion—dihydrogen monoxide.

You know what dihydrogen monoxide is? Hmm, don’t bother answering; by the look of you, you have no idea. All you need to understand is that it’s a very mysterious and useful potion for me. I aided Lord Richard, and therefore, I could receive three doses for use. What if I were to request some craftsmanship? If Lord Richard cut the potion grant in half, what would I do? The lost dihydrogen monoxide—would you compensate me for it? Do you have any?!”

“Uh, this…” Vichis’s face began to sweat, and as he lightly wiped it, his palm was soaked with water. He didn’t have dihydrogen monoxide, only a face full of sweat.

“So, regarding any craftsmanship, figure it out yourself.” Prince Gelo said huffily to Vichis, flinging his seized sleeve and striding out of the Glass Factory quickly to catch up with Lord Richard.

Inside the glass manufacturer, Vichis wiped his sweat again and sighed helplessly in resignation.

…

Outside the Glass Factory, Prince Gelo walked alongside Lord Richard and couldn’t help but speak up, “Lord Richard, you must be done with your tasks by now, right? You see… can I return to the Palace now, to experiment with that mysterious potion of dihydrogen monoxide you gave me? After all, you mentioned the potion has only a three-day shelf life. Wouldn’t it be a pity if it expired…”

Lord Richard understood Prince Gelo’s feelings and nodded, “Of course, you can.”

Prince Gelo was ready to rapidly return with his guards.

Suddenly, Lord Richard remembered something and “kindly reminded” Prince Gelo with a wave, “Oh, the potion I gave you is best used about two hours after nightfall.”

“Huh?” Prince Gelo was taken aback. “Why’s that?”

“If you do that, there will be a mystical connection with the stars, leading to a better meditation effect,” Lord Richard explained. Of course, the real reason was that he didn’t want to wait up all night for Prince Gelo’s meditation; he’d rather just help out during a set period and finish, as he had other business to attend to during the rest of the time.

“Oh, is that so?” Prince Gelo, unaware of Lord Richard’s true thoughts, nodded as if he understood and responded earnestly, “In that case, Lord Richard, I’ll definitely pay attention to the time and not miss it.”

“That’s good.”

“Shall I be off then?”

“Yes, goodbye.”

“Goodbye.”

Prince Gelo mounted his horse along with his many guards and rapidly disappeared into the distance.

Lord Richard’s eyes flashed as he withdrew his gaze and turned to walk away as well.