Chapter 7: The Wheel of Progress
A week later. The castle library. A temple of knowledge and wisdom.
Romulus was sitting at a massive oak desk, buried in a mountain of parchments. He was sitting at a massive oak desk, drowning in a pile of parchments.
"Two wheels, a frame, a chain ... If you calculate it right, it should work. It's ingenious in its simplicity."
He remembered bicycles from his past world-simple, fast, reliable, requiring neither horses nor magic. The epitome of human ingenuity.
The system reacted to his thoughts:
[🔧 NEW PROJECT: "Mechanical Horse" ]
■ Difficulty: Medium
■ Necessary:
- Iron (10 kg)
- Leather (for saddle)
- Metalworker
Romulus took the scroll, dipped a goose quill into the inkwell and set to work, leaning over the drawing with concentration.
"What's left to think about is the pedal mechanism... We need something more efficient."
A month of trials. The price of genius.
Day 1: Treasure Hunt.
The knights looked on in surprise as Romulus personally selected iron bars in the forge, like an alchemist searching for the philosopher's stone.
- "Why do you need so much metal, young master?" - The older blacksmith asked curiously, wiping the sweat from his forehead.
- "You'll see soon enough, Master," Romulus replied cryptically, eyes sparkling. - You will be surprised."
Day 14: The bitter taste of defeat.
The first prototype collapsed under Romulus like a house of cards when he tried to sit on it.
- "The structure is too flimsy. It can't take the strain," Romulus grumbled, rubbing his bruised thigh. - We need to reinforce the frame."
Romulus made adjustments to the drawing, adding double spokes and reinforcing the frame with additional struts.
Day 28: The Triumph of the Engineer.
When the finished bicycle was rolled out into the courtyard, the servants crowded around, mesmerized by the unseen marvel of engineering.
- "What kind of witchcraft is this?" - whispered the maid, crossing herself furtively. - "Nothing but the devil's invention."
Romulus, burning with impatience, jumped into the saddle and, pushing his foot off the ground, rode, swaying slightly.
The wheels spun, picking up speed.
The crowd gasped in amazement as if seeing a miracle.
Presentation to the father. A demonstration of strength.
Count Lucian crossed his arms over his chest and examined the outlandish apparatus with undisguised curiosity, as if evaluating a trophy beast.
- "And it... moves on its own? Without magic or horses?"
- "No, father. It requires leg strength, but it's three times faster than walking! And you don't have to feed and clean the stall," Romulus explained proudly, glowing with excitement.
Romulus gave a clear demonstration of the principle of operation:
The pedals turn the gear.
The chain transmits motion to the rear wheel.
The steering wheel makes it easy to maneuver.
The count, ignited by excitement, tried it himself - at first clumsily and awkwardly, but in ten minutes he was already confidently scattering around the yard, laughing like a boy, forgetting about his high position.
- "Genius! No magic, pure mechanics! You've outdone yourself, Romulus!"
He hopped off his bike and hugged his son tightly, overwhelmed with pride in his talent.
- "You have brought something new to this world, Romulus. You are a true innovator!"
Yard reaction. The effect of a bomb going off.
Knights: At first, they were distrustful of pedals, laughing down at the "child's play", but after the first exciting race around the yard, they gained respect for the invention.
Servants: They whisperingly called the bicycle "the devil's chariot", fearing the wrath of the gods, but secretly dreamed of riding it once, feeling the wind in their hair.
Alicia: Declared she wanted the pink version with ribbons on the handlebars and a flower basket, and nothing could change her mind.
Consequences. Life at speed.
A week later, five bikes were already working at the castle, and the demand continued to grow like a snowball.
It didn't take long for the system to catch on:
[🎉 UNIQUE ADVENTURE: "Pioneer of Progress" ]
■ Effect: +10 to the reputation of House Argelion
■ Unlocked: Technology Tree (level 1)
But Romulus, not resting on his laurels, was already drawing the next project - a water mill of a new type, more efficient and environmentally friendly.
"If the bike worked... what else can I change in this world? How can I make people's lives better?"