Chapter 112: Civil Case [2]
Chapter 112: Civil Case [2]
"Explain to me how bricks are made."
"Hmm. That, that…" The eldest son, Jansen Bandro, glanced at the people, mumbling. It seemed like something was on his mind.
'Oh, right.'
I nodded as if I understood everything, knowing what the other person was thinking.
"I'm not asking you to reveal your know-how. I'm just asking you to explain the general method. After all, I'm the only one who's going to see it up close."
"That is true, but…"
"If you're still worried, there's one more thing I can do."
I went straight back to the audience and said, "Is there anyone here who has any expertise in brickmaking? I would like to ask for some advice."
Then, surprisingly, several people raised their hands.
'So that's why he hesitated.'
Of course, there would be people from competing companies, so they might be a bit reluctant, even if there isn't any special secret recipe.
Only after they were all cleared did Jansen's expression brighten somewhat.
"Then let's get started. Our bricks are made from clay mined from floodplains…"
Soon the explanation began. A careful voice and deliberate actions. He seemed a little nervous.
It's only natural to break out in a cold sweat when the most powerful person in the country is watching him. Still, there were no major problems with the progress.
Jansen poured the clay into a mixed mold and shaped it into a straight form.
"We will now begin the drying process."
Deliat boasted the perfect climate for drying things. It was the dry season, and the sun shone brightly all day long.
Soon, the audience began to leave one by one, unable to overcome the boredom from the lengthy process.
But I waited without wavering an inch. While the bricks were drying, Jansen lit a fire in the kiln.
"It's all done. Now we will begin the firing process."
Soon, a sweltering heat rose inside the factory as bricks lined up in a row were placed into the kiln. I nodded slightly as I watched the scene.
'It's not much different from what I know.'
In fact, baking bricks did not require advanced technology. Ultimately, the mixing ratio, drying time, and firing temperature would determine the quality of the brick.
How consistently well they execute that process will be the standard for judging a craftsman.
By the time evening was almost over, Jansen had finished laying ten bricks.
"I had a bit of a hard time doing it as fast as I could, but the result isn't bad."
"Thank you for your hard work. Mr. Jansen, you can go home."
"Yes."
Although it was quite late, I called the defendant straight away. The second son, Asen Bandro, approached, hesitating. His face was filled with irritation and discontent.
"If you ask me to make bricks in just half a day, how is that any different from asking me to produce defective products?"
"Are you saying you need more time?"
"Of course. Our factory does not make ordinary bricks. They have regular and beautiful patterns."
Come to think of it, the colors of the bricks Jansen made were also quite unique.
They looked pretty good, comparable to marble. When I fostered various businesses along with the New Deal policy, these were the results that emerged.
I shrugged my shoulders, feeling inwardly pleased. "I never gave you a time limit. I just told you to try to make it themselves."
"Okay, then."
Only then did Asen's expression soften, and he brought out several kinds of clay. The molding process began by placing them layer by layer in a mold.
It was a very quick and skillful move. But, strangely enough, I felt a sense of discomfort.
'Why is that?'
To be called a craftsman, one must be able to make smooth progress with even the slightest movement.
Clearly, Asen Bandro was moving in that direction. Actions without an inch of hesitation. Quick and accurate hand movements.
This person was clearly a craftsman.
'I just can't figure it out.'
When I said that I would verify it myself, Asen looked confident.
Just now, didn't the eldest son finish his work while sweating profusely?
If that's the case, then the answer is definitely out there. Perhaps the second one is the real craftsman and true successor.
'He said you needed more time, but it's so fast?'
After the molding process was completed, Asen placed the bricks outside. Compared to the first one, Jansen, the time required was shortened by almost half.
"Since we started in the evening, it takes at least two days. It needs to get enough sunlight to bake well."
"Okay. Then I'll see you when we do the firing."
"Yes."
I asked the court reporters to guard the brickyard, then returned to the official residence.
But no matter how much I lay down, I couldn't fall asleep. It seemed to be because of the feeling of discomfort I had earlier.
"No way."
I kicked off the blanket and jumped out of bed. I felt like I needed to take a walk to clear my head.
The streets of Deliat at night were extremely quiet. But the entertainment district where the bars were gathered was bustling with activity.
'It looks good.'
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Still, I didn't feel offended. Because everyone was smiling happily.
"Ugh! Life is good these days. There are even jobs that hire people like me."
"In the past, it was hard to even smell alcohol."
"Yes. It's great to make money. I can enjoy it like this."
"Isn't this all thanks to His Excellency the Governor? It is because he saved the country that such luxury is possible."
"That's a given! I bow to the Governor's residence every morning."
"Hahaha! This guy, you're really joking."
"No, I'm telling you, are you serious?"
"Then why don't I just stay still? I pour water and pray for His Excellency the Governor every day."
"Whatever you do, isn't it all for Him? Don't be needlessly angry."
I heard people talking. All of them praised me. It was just a simple drinking conversation, but my face turned red for no reason.
'I didn't do much, but... '
I'm not someone who has achieved any great moral standard.
I simply moved to develop my personal abilities according to the emperor's orders.
And yet, all kinds of praise poured in.
Perhaps it was because of the unprecedented pace seen in this era. I felt proud at the same time because it seemed like society had changed that much.
"If this continues, I'll get caught."
I quickly turned up the collar of my coat.
If it were an empire, it wouldn't be like this, but this was Deliat.
Because the clothes were so loose and roomy, there was no problem in disguising myself. Besides, since I dressed so plainly, it wouldn't be easy to recognize me.
As I passed the red-light district and headed out of town, we finally came across the brick factory. Perhaps because the surroundings were so dark and deserted, an eerie atmosphere prevailed.
'Huh? But why aren't there any guards?'
I had told the court reporters to extend their duties here.
But no one is visible? Why are they ignoring my orders?
"Oh, that's not it."
Two knights were seen nodding off, leaning against the wall near the entrance.
It's a normal situation to be upset, but I'm not that angry. When you work night shifts, it's natural to feel sleepy.
'PTSD is coming on.'
I passed the court articles with a chill, reminding me of my military days.
The inside of the brick factory was extremely quiet. That's why I couldn't fall asleep easily. There's nothing suspicious, so what are you protecting?
'But I have to look at it anyway. Who knows, someone might break the bricks?'
It was the first trial to be held since the promulgation of the new law. If there is a flaw here, I will be in trouble from the start.
I had worked so hard to create it, so I couldn't just let it fall apart so easily.
I watched the bricks quietly. I was planning to organize some of the thoughts I had had the other day.
'If I stare at this, what kind of inspiration might come to me?'
It all happened because of these uniquely patterned bricks.
As I was thinking about it, Mr. Jansen's work suddenly caught my eye. A pile of colorful clay, made with somewhat clumsy craftsmanship.
It was somewhat different from what the original brick factory owner, Lucerne Bandro, had created.
'Surely his father is much more advanced.'
Blue and white waves curve beautifully. It was so naturally connected that the entire wall seemed like a single painting.
It also felt like I was looking up at the sky. No wonder bricks are sold at high prices.
I think I understand why the two sons fought so fiercely over their share of the inheritance.
Rustle!
But that was exactly when it happened.
'hmm?'
I was quietly admiring the wall when suddenly I heard a noise.
The courtroom reporters were still nodding off. In that case, the opponent's identity is an intruder. I held my breath as much as I could and watched the movement.
He walked slowly and quietly to the place where the bricks were piled.
Soon, an ominous sound was heard.
Swish! Swish! Swish!
'Moving bricks?'
It seemed like he was touching Mr. Asen's work, which was still drying.
The finished bricks would have had a much more refined sound.
'I don't need to look any further.'
I quickly sat up and grabbed his arm.