Chapter 329 Transformation of All Things
Just this morning, Paul Grayman, the lord of Alda, summoned Wells and other alchemists in his castle. This was also the first time Wells saw the supreme ruler of the land beneath his feet.
What surprised the alchemists was that the other party seemed to have just grown up, only fifteen or sixteen years old.
Having lived in Lake Town for so long, of course they have heard of Count Paul Grayman’s series of [great achievements].
In terms of military affairs, when he took over the position of lord last year, he trained the army to exterminate the pirates who had been in trouble in the northwest bay for many years, and then led the army to quell the rebellion of Bailding's vassals. Not long ago, he teamed up with other lords to fight against the rebellion. Count Maltz Kent, who coveted the position of Duke of the Northwest, was defeated.
In terms of agriculture, they inventoried fields, consolidated cultivated land, built water conservancy projects, and implemented a crop rotation system. In terms of commerce, they encouraged the development of maritime trade and sent people to sail to the Bay.
He was also an inventor, with a dazzling array of inventions, such as cans, porcelain, new types of paper, sun salt methods, and magical harvesters. Because of these inventions, Alda and Bailding were born. A large number of emerging industries have emerged. Oh, the legendary Firebolt and Thunder Hammer that frightened enemies was also made by this lord.
All kinds of legendary deeds have given Lord Earl a lot of aura. When the people talk about him, they talk about him like a prophet-like figure. It's a pity that he was born in the northwest bay. If he were the lord of some territories further south and spent a little money, the bard would have boasted that he could compete with geniuses like Catherine Rodney or Antonio Griffin. The young talents are on par with others.
The lord's young appearance is not consistent with the rumored deeds. No wonder the alchemists were surprised.
But what made them happy was that Earl Grayman did not like to put on airs like other nobles.
"Gentlemen, please sit down!" The Earl stretched out his hand to them and asked them to sit down. He didn't look like a lord summoning his subordinates, but like he was organizing an academic salon.
He first praised the work of the alchemists and was very satisfied with the results of their work.
Everyone quickly became humble and said that they would continue to work hard to live up to the high expectations of the Earl.
Next, Earl Grayman said something that made the alchemists' hearts beat wildly, "I will build a laboratory in Lake Town to fully support you in conducting various alchemical experiments."
< br>Everyone was excited. It is every alchemist's dream to be able to explore the mysteries of alchemy at will in a laboratory with complete materials and facilities. However, this is difficult. Due to limited financial resources, most alchemists can only play with reagents and materials according to ready-made recipes and existing processes, just like they do now in the salt-burning field. This is true even if you have the support of a big benefactor. People don’t give you money to squander.
As an alchemist family, Wells once had a small laboratory in Jingyao, but that was in the past, and it was not comparable to a laboratory supported by a fiefdom lord.
So Wells was as happy as everyone else. He suppressed his inner excitement and asked cautiously: "I wonder how strongly you can support our experiment?"
Paul thought for a while and said: "Before you conduct the experiment, submit an application to clarify the purpose and significance of the experiment, the various conditions required and the preliminary budget. If I think it is reasonable, I will agree. This process is called [ Project]. Then I will give you money to purchase materials and equipment, but the whereabouts of every money must be recorded in detail, and I will send someone to check the accounts.”
It doesn’t look like it is without restraint. Spend money on them, but the alchemists don't have any messy ideas.
"Your Majesty the Earl is wise!" Some people have begun to flatter him eagerly.
"Lord Earl, you will definitely get rich rewards! Alchemist is the most magical field in the world!" Someone else drew a pie for the lord.
"Everyone!" Earl Grayman waved his hands. It seemed that the many complimentary words did not affect him.
"I hope to open this laboratory in the name of Weiss College. From now on, you will be equivalent to working for the college and be under the management of the Education Bureau."
Education Bureau? Everyone was stunned. It seemed that the supervisor was a woman. Do we, the big men, have to be restrained by a woman?
Well, it’s not impossible, as long as you can pay quickly. Moreover, the other party seems to be a female scholar, so she must understand the great significance of studying alchemy.
The Earl continued: "This is also for your convenience. You can select talented students in the academy as assistants or apprentices. Of course, after they complete their basic studies." Everyone nodded, the lord was really thoughtful.
"Your Majesty, Earl, regarding the results of the experiment..." Someone hesitated to speak, looking a little embarrassed.
His words reminded everyone of a key issue. Life in this world is nothing more than fame and fortune.
Earl Grayman's expression became serious, "Since you are conducting experiments with the financial support of the academy, the patent for new inventions naturally belongs to the academy. However, if it is a useful invention, the academy will definitely issue it to you. A generous bonus.”
Well, everyone is an adult, and we know that there will be no pie-in-the-sky things, and after all, there are still bonuses to be won, but...
"Inventors of new technologies or new theories that are publicized to the outside world The discoverer must be the real one! We will resolutely prohibit the behavior of stealing names, and I will also enact relevant laws!"
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. In fact, they were mainly afraid that the count would take credit for themselves.
“Finally, I suggest that we name the laboratory [Chemistry Laboratory], which means [transformation of all things].”
“What a name!” Wells The first one agreed, "The original purpose of alchemy was to refine gold from other substances. Later, the gold was not refined, but instead various other things were created. Isn't it just [transforming all things]!"
"Hmm...that makes sense."
"This name is very appropriate."
"Chemistry...the knowledge of transforming all things..."
Everyone asked the Earl I agree with all the names.
“Okay!” Earl Grayman made the final decision, looking very happy, “Since everyone agrees, it’s settled.”
Next, everyone happily discussed how to build the laboratory, and the atmosphere in the hall was extremely enthusiastic. The count also carefully inquired about all aspects of alchemy, and even when it was inconvenient to reveal his unique secret method, he would change the subject in a timely manner. Everyone became more and more fond of this lord.
The lively exchange lasted until noon, and everyone's stomachs were growling. Count Grayman asked everyone to stay and enjoy lunch together.
After the servants filled the table with food, everyone continued to eat and chat.
"Everyone!" the Count said while fiddling with a strange tableware composed of two thin sticks: "I hope that after the laboratory is completed, it can first solve a difficult problem for me."
One of the older alchemists stood up and responded: "Sir, you have provided us with such a convenient environment, so it is natural that we should solve the problem for you. I don't know what the problem you call is?"
Paul Greiman replied casually: "Study how to use feces, urine and decaying animal and plant carcasses to collect nitrate on a large scale!"
A cold wind drifted across the dining table...
( End of chapter)