Chapter 207 Technology Monopoly in the Steam Age
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Digos talked about some knowledge about steam engines, and Hobert felt that he also liked these big guys.
After chatting for a few more words, Hobert said the purpose of this visit: "My adoptive father, Mr. Christian, told me a lot about Mr. Rex, who is my biological father.
"But he never told me anything about my biological father's deeds after returning to Backlund. Now that I have taken over Mr. Rex's burden and want to investigate the family's curse, I really want to know Mr. Rex's actions after he came to Backlund and left the army."
He spread his hands: "I once talked to Christian about this topic, but when I saw his sad expression, I couldn't bear to continue talking to him."
"Of course, Commander Christian is unwilling to say," Digos said, "That was the darkest period of the two commanders."
He sighed, as if he had fallen into memories. After a few minutes, he said, "We have made too many contributions in the Southern Continent, and Commander Rex and Commander Christian are both very good strategists. Under their layout, the situation in half of East Balam has been eased.
"Of course, this will be feared by the Loen royal family. It is inevitable that they will be transferred back to Backlund on the grounds of promotion.
"In order to prevent accidents in Backlund, Commander Rex took the potion and became a demigod on the way back to Backlund.
"As Commander Rex expected, they were treated unfairly as soon as they were transferred back to Backlund. This was a demonstration by the Loen royal family.
"Commander Rex, who had long been uninterested in continuing his service, took this opportunity to leave the army and began to explore some Fourth Epoch ruins or monuments."
Hobert nodded, which was similar to his previous guess about Rex's whereabouts.
"I don't know exactly which ruins Commander Rex explored," Digos patted his injured leg and said, "Because of my injured leg, I can no longer follow Commander Rex to adventure. I had to come back to take over my father's business.
"But I remember that in a conversation between Commander Rex and Commander Christian, he mentioned that he put the exploration notes in a place where only his descendants could get them."
Hobert was stunned: "Is there such a place? Why don't I know?"
Digos smiled and said, "Young man, don't worry, Commander Rex has made many arrangements for you.
"When he made his will, I was by his side. He gave most of his property and knowledge to Commander Christian for safekeeping, and he made a simple plan for when to give you what."
Digos sighed: "These two commanders are really rare close friends."
Hobert nodded: "Okay."
Digos' implication was that he would not reveal too much information about Rex either. Hobert had questions now because it was not yet time for him to know that information.
So the two people's topic returned to the steam engine. Digoa was surprised to find that Hobert's understanding of mechanics was far beyond his imagination.
In this era, knowledge of mechanics is still cutting-edge knowledge that can only be learned in universities, and it is generally not open to international students.
In the AD era, there was a systematic description of mechanics in junior high school physics.
Especially for Hobert, who had seen internal combustion engines, the mechanical structure of steam engines was not too difficult to understand.
In a blink of an eye, the two of them chatted for more than an hour. Although they still had some unfinished business, it was time for Hobert to say goodbye.
When leaving, Hobert pointed to a water pump about the size of a locomotive outside and asked: "What is the approximate price of this model of water pump?"
"About 800 pounds." Digos smiled and said, "If you trade with merchants from other countries, you may sell it for 1300 to 1500 pounds.
"And we will also add an anti-disassembly structure, welding the outer shell of the important structure and adding a mechanism inside. As long as there is a forced demolition, the important structure will be destroyed."
Hobert thought to himself, this structure is advanced, but can it prevent apprentices?
Hehe, this is the mystical world, the main thing is to be caught off guard.
"Since you know I'm here, come and chat with me often." Digos said, "Next time I'll take you to visit the new crane."
Hobert nodded and smiled: "Okay."
At this time, a water pump was assembled and started to test the machine. When steam "hissed" from the mechanical structure, and when the huge wheel "buzzed", Hobert deeply felt the charm of this era.
On the way back, Hobert roughly estimated that the cost of a locomotive-sized water pump was at most two or three hundred pounds!
What a profit, it can be sold for 800 pounds, and if it is exported, the price will double.
Hobert seemed to see the shadow of technological monopoly. In fact, the application of steam engines has been very popular throughout the Northern Continent, but Digos produces the most cutting-edge steam engines, which represent the most cutting-edge production level of the Loen Kingdom.
These cutting-edge applications have obvious differences in mechanical structure compared with common steam engines on ships or trains. According to Hobert's understanding, it is similar to the difference between second-generation fighters and fifth-generation fighters.
Back at the office, Hobert just got off the carriage and paid the fare. Before he could enter the door, a maid-dressed girl came over and said: "Mr. Hobert! I am Annie, Miss Audrey's maid. Miss Audrey has an urgent matter and requests your help. Please come with me to Viscount Glaint's residence."
Hobert was slightly stunned. After recalling, the girl in front of him was indeed Audrey's personal maid.
So he got into the luxurious carriage with the Hall family crest and came to Viscount Glaint's residence.
As soon as he entered the study, Hobert saw the four people in the study breathe a sigh of relief together.
Hobert took off his windbreaker: "I heard Annie say that you have been waiting for me since morning?"
In an era without mobile phones or telephones, it is still quite inconvenient to find someone in Backlund.
Audrey said: "Yes, I initiated an emergency meeting of the 'Justice League'."
Everyone took their seats around the desk according to their previous seats.
Hobert took a sip of tea and asked curiously: "What difficulties has our beautiful Miss Audrey encountered?"
Audrey said: "I have a task to announce at the party: to assassinate Intis's ambassador to Loen, Backlund."
"Cough cough cough" Hobert, who was thirsty and had been drinking water after sitting down, choked on the tea.
When Audrey and others saw this scene, they found it both funny and disappointing. They found it funny because it was the first time they saw Hobert lose his composure. They felt disappointed because even Hobert was so surprised that he might not have a channel to complete this task.
It's just that they were all wrong. What surprised Hobert was actually: Mr. A did not accept the commission to assassinate Backlund?
Suddenly, he recalled that at the Nighthawks team meeting last week, Thomas informed everyone that Hillman had secretly invited a Sequence 5 helper.
Although the two senior members of the Aurora Order had escaped, they were also severely injured by 2-365.
Hobert knew the power of that glove. Even Sequence 5 spirits would be traumatized and difficult to recover for a while. Especially for the Beyonders of the "Secrets Supplicant" pathway, a severely damaged spirit would be a greater blow to them.
At that time, Hobert was still wondering if that helper was Mr. A? Now it seems that it is indeed Mr. A. He is in a very bad state now, so he rejected this commission.
Hobert thought for a while and then said: "I have a channel to complete this task."
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