Chapter 200: Troubling news from Kashmir
Purana Qila, Council chamber, afternoon of 11th April 1557.
Aditya gestured to Hari Singh, who swiftly handed over a prepared parchment. As he unrolled the draft, he addressed the gathered courtiers with clarity, saying, "The bill I present today focuses on the protection of original ideas and the introduction of a patent system."
Intrigue rippled through the crowd, the murmurs of discontent pausing as they absorbed the implications of his words.
Aditya continued, "Under this patent system, anyone who invents a mechanism, whether a product or service, will retain complete ownership of their invention until they choose to transfer their interest. This ownership will not depend on the fiefdom under which the invention was created or the investment involved. Moreover, if a third party wishes to use the inventor’s creation, they must provide compensation."
He paused to let the significance sink in before elaborating. "To register for patent rights, one must submit documentation to the imperial public office. Any formal transaction receipt or contract related to the invention will be essential for registration. In cases of forgery, the regime reserves the right to punish the offender, which could result in the loss of titles, lands, and even sanctions."
Aditya outlined the categories for patent rights, clarifying what could and could not be protected to prevent misuse. "Given that the use of a private army as a mercenary force is my original idea, I shall retain complete monopoly over it," he stated firmly.
Turning his attention to Sayantika, he praised her proposal for a company to implement a graded system but recommended adjustments. "I suggest we lower the price cap and provide escorts by imperial forces instead of relying on private armies. This will eliminate any potential for factional crises and secure imperial support for my company in the process."
His words drew the curtain on dissent, establishing a clear boundary where imperial authority would ensure business stability while maintaining order.
A heated debate ignited in response, but it was swiftly silenced by the emperor, who sided with Aditya in the name of the empire’s stability and military control. With the emperor’s endorsement, the patent rights were approved.
As the court deliberated over the company registration procedures, a sudden commotion interrupted the proceedings. The doors swung open, and Intelligence Minister Jayadev Patil hurried in with urgency. He bowed before Emperor Hemu and presented a sealed missive to Prime Minister Chandrashekhar.
Chandrashekhar’s expression darkened as he read the message. "Samrat, Kashmir has fallen. The Ladakhis have captured the entire territory," he announced as his voice trembled with anxiety.
A heavy silence descended upon the court as the weight of the revelation took hold.