I Picked Up the Fallen Earth

Chapter 27 Laying the Foundations (2)

“We can use the ogre tendons, a special product of our domain.”

“Ogre tendons!”

‘Why didn’t I think of that?’

Jeron unwittingly slapped his forehead.

Even in this damned world, there certainly were creatures naturally designed with materials science in mind.

And those were, without a doubt, the monsters.

The Farrow domain was vast, with more than half of it being mountainous.

This inevitably meant a large population of monsters, securing its place as the top special product of the domain.

In particular, ogres were famously useful for everything. Their skin was used for top-quality leather armor, their bones for construction materials. Their blood was processed into buff potions that slightly increased one’s strength.

Originally, ogre tendons were used for bowstrings. They were so tough and durable that, when twisted together, they could create a rope substitute that was both thin and extremely sturdy.

The wire Jeron brought from Earth was 4mm. Sir Kain explained that if several layers of ogre tendon were twisted together, it could easily bear a weight of up to one ton.

“Let’s apply it immediately, then.”

“Yes, yes. It shouldn’t be difficult; we already have some products made in the workshop.”

It turns out they were even processed into finished products ready for delivery. Lately, with the war looming between the Lapis Kingdom and others, ogre leather and tendons were in such high demand they could hardly keep them in stock.

Sir Kain thought it better to use the tendons for the development of the domain rather than selling them for use in bows, ballistae, or siege weapons. If ogre tendons could indeed bear weights over one ton without any issue?

It might be possible to construct more complex cranes. Creating a double pulley system instead of a single one would allow for work to be done with even less force.

The gym’s camshaft wasn’t made from plastic but a lightweight metal. Though its exact material was unclear, it seemed it could easily bear several tons. Could the design be made even more complex?

The foundational scientific knowledge of the people of this era was dismal, but if the principles were explained, a more advanced form of crane could be developed.

If a crane capable of bearing several tons were completed, it would significantly accelerate the development of the domain’s infrastructure.

In less than an hour, the wire was replaced. The ogre tendons, already dried and twisted, were available in a variety of thicknesses.

Jeron, using a ruler he brought from Earth, found and ordered the replacement with a 4mm finished ogre tendon product. Since it was a very simple single pulley crane, the replacement was quickly done.

The net used for lifting stones was also reinforced with ogre tendons. After loading a considerable amount of stones and a few people pulling, the net slowly rose to the top of the wall.

“Wow!”

Cheers burst out from every corner. The enthusiasm of the domain’s people was immense. After all, carrying 30–40kg of stone up was an incredibly arduous task. Having a few of these cranes would eliminate the need for such hard labor.

But that wasn’t all. The crane could be used in construction and broadly applied to foundational work across the entire domain.

“This is truly a remarkable device, milord!”

The vassals couldn’t hide their amazement. However, Sir Kain immediately expressed concern.

“This must undoubtedly remain unique to the Farrow domain. I worry about what would happen if other domains were to start making their own.”

“There’s no need to worry about that.”

“Why is that so?”

“Even though the crane might seem insignificant, it truly incorporates formidable engineering. Such an artifact could never be crafted in any other domain.”

Jeron was certain of it.

Replacing wires with ogre tendons was one thing, but the numerous components used in this trebuchet were not of this world. Within its seemingly simple structure lay countless hurricane ties, used in modern wooden house construction.

Unless the wood broke, the joints were almost never going to come apart. The steel rods used for the camshaft were no less extraordinary. The amount of hard work that went into dismantling and transporting parts from gyms was immense.

Not even a single screw could be manufactured with the technology of this world. If it were possible, it would consume the wealth of the domain. Contrary to appearances, the crane was built very sturdily.

People of this era might not fully grasp it, but the way each column was organically connected allowed for an even distribution of load.

Moreover, a mass of rocks on the other side of the crane was assembled with incredible precision to serve as a counterweight. It was the power of modern materials science.

Jeron traveled through his domain with his retainers. It was a very satisfying view. The domain was changing rapidly, so much so that the phrase ‘transformation’ didn’t do it justice.

At the very least, the streets had cleaned up, and homes were being repaired, with infrastructure finally undergoing foundational work. Given the dire state of the medieval era, these were remarkable changes.

The entire domain was buzzing with songs and cheers, “Let’s live well!”

People hypnotized themselves with this mantra, especially during hard times. It was a strategy devised by Jeron to change the entire makeup of the domain.

As the streets cleaned up and people worked hard, the domain appeared to be quite a decent place to live. Just a month ago, the people had no hope in their eyes, merely enduring each day.

It’s rather startling, but the Saemaul Undong, or New Village Movement, which fundamentally transformed the constitution of Korea, seemed to possess significant effects.

Jeron thought not politically, but the idea of transplanting successful economic strategies from Earth could create an astounding sensation.

On his way, canal construction was in full progress. It was rather troublesome as the local residents knelt every time he passed, but it was a problem without a solution.

Thus, Jeron made it a point to oversee the construction from a distance, giving instructions remotely to avoid direct interference.

If one mindlessly passed by the construction site, it would only stall the work. Paying workers instead of using free labor meant it was best to avoid any disturbances.

Though called canal construction, it involved arduous digging. Without the multitude of shovels and picks brought from the forge, the progress would have been even slower.

When the canal work was proposed, it was no wonder the retainers opposed it. Digging the land with near Bronze Age tools was no easy task.

It wasn’t that there were no iron tools, but which lord would invest a fortune in farming tools instead of war weapons? The shovels seen now might be stronger than the finest swords of this era.

Still, it was hard labor all the same. An idea crossed Jeron’s mind.

‘If only there was Dig magic.’

Even in this declining medieval era, there was one advanced technology (?) – magic, now fading away. If Jeron could achieve the 1st circle and use Dig magic, the canal construction would progress exponentially.

Imagine using magic to take on the bulk of the excavation while workers followed to tidy up. Jeron pondered this as he watched the laborers toiling with shovels in the distance.

The soil outside the fortress was manageable, but the land within the walls, compacted by centuries of foot traffic, was not so easily dug.

The area was full of stones, and if a rock was encountered, it required a detour or had to be broken with a pickaxe like miners in a quarry. Though there was a method of removing the rock with a crane,

“Magic is truly supreme.”

“Excuse me? Did you say magic?”

At Jeron’s casual remark, Sir Kain reacted vehemently.

“If a magician is added, the construction work would speed up tremendously, wouldn’t it?”

“You speak of dreadful things! The finance is already very tight as it is. I’m at my wits’ end trying to find places to cut costs every day, hiring a magician would drive us straight to bankruptcy!”

Sir Kain’s temples throbbed as he spoke. True to form, Sir Kain was extremely sensitive when it came to financial matters. Jeron chuckled.

“Well, that’s to be expected.”

“The number of magicians in the north is few, and they’d not want to use their mana for such rough work.”

“We won’t be hiring a magician. I’m well aware of our territory’s circumstances.”

“Phew! That’s truly a relief. You had me quite scared there.”

Indeed, it was true. Sir Kain’s scalp, shiny enough to reflect light due to hair loss, was dripping with sweat.

‘I must visit the Count’s family soon.’

Jeron felt it was time to reach the first circle. He had a considerable amount of mana accumulated in his body already. It was only because the circle wasn’t complete that he couldn’t use it.

Since he didn’t have a grimoire, he needed to visit the Count’s family to obtain one. He wasn’t too worried about negotiations. Jeron had plenty of cards to play in negotiations.

Having finished his thoughts, Jeron moved on to his next schedule. This time, it wasn’t about the development of the territory but a visit to the training center.

He had invested nearly a fortnight to see how well the shieldsmen handled the polycarbonate shields, new technology brought in from Earth.

Although it was currently the calm before the storm, it was impossible to predict when and how a war might break out. Knowing the soldiers’ abilities would allow Jeron to command more efficiently.

As Jeron was heading to the training center, a messenger hurriedly ran from the city gate. The expression on the soldier’s face was urgent, and the citizens quickly made way. As soon as the messenger dismounted, he saluted and exclaimed,

“Milord! Viscount Revion will be visiting our territory soon.”

“What? There was no such notice.”

“We’ve just received the message through courier! He will arrive at the lord’s castle in about half a day.”

“What is this guy doing? He’s neither a day-walker nor a part of the Second Prince’s faction, coming here?”

Viscount Revion. A noble belonging to the north, his territory was adjacent to the Farrow barony.

He was a wealthy man owning silver mines in his territory and had used his financial power to sprinkle generous contributions in politics, moving from a baron to a viscount during his rule.

Since he essentially bought his nobility with money rather than earning it through feats, the traditional nobles greatly disliked Viscount Revion.

“Milord, considering an unacquainted man suddenly visits, it seems like a form of espionage. The rumor has it that you’ve appointed Duke Langton as your guardian, which might have intrigued Duke Lion from the opposing faction to order this.”

Sir Garcia provided timely advice. Of course, Jeron had similar thoughts. Viscount Revion had always belittled Farrow barony for being poor in the gatherings of northern nobles. What reason did such a man have to visit here?

The other knights shared the same sentiment as Sir Garcia. Jeron immediately canceled his next schedule.

“Wait, this calls for a change in perspective. A rich upstart comes visiting our territory, how can we just sit idly by?”

“Excuse me?”

“It could be an opportunity to make a profit.”