Chapter 424: Process
The sea breeze swept gently across the coastline, carrying the salty scent of the ocean. Waves rolled onto the white sandy beach, their rhythmic crashing filling the air.
Standing beside a stretch of coastal land, Prince Simon patiently explained the process of seawater salt production to Archie.
"Salt fields are divided into two main sections: evaporation ponds and crystallization ponds. The process of harvesting sea salt involves seven steps: constructing the tidal flats, leveling the ground, introducing seawater during high tide, preparing the brine, testing its concentration, crystallizing the salt, and finally collecting it."
As Simon spoke, Archie listened intently.
The diagrams he had studied in the technology library seemed to flash through his mind. With every explanation Simon provided, the entire salt-production process became clearer, as though Archie were witnessing it firsthand.
He gradually understood the purpose of evaporation ponds, the function of crystallization ponds, and the meaning of a saturated solution. He also learned how crude salt could be dissolved, purified, and processed into edible salt.
After finishing his explanation, Simon turned toward him.
"Do you understand everything?"
Archie nodded confidently.
"Yes, Your Highness. I understand the process now."
He paused briefly before repeating the essential steps.
"First, we construct the tidal flats and level the beach. During high tide, seawater is directed into the evaporation ponds, where the water gradually evaporates and leaves behind concentrated brine.
"We can use specially prepared lotus seeds to estimate the brine’s concentration. The method involves two seeds of different sizes: one approximately half the size of the other."
Archie crouched and picked up a small stick, using it to illustrate his explanation in the sand.
"If the smaller lotus seed floats with its upper portion above the brine, the concentration is approximately twenty to thirty percent. If it floats horizontally, the concentration reaches about fifty percent.
"When the larger seed floats at an angle, the concentration is around seventy to eighty percent. If it floats horizontally, the brine has reached the required saturation level."
He straightened and continued.
"Once the brine reaches the appropriate concentration, we clean the crystallization pond, removing the mud and other impurities from its floor. We then smooth and compact the surface before introducing the concentrated brine.
"Under suitable conditions, salt crystals will begin forming within the day. After several days, the crystals can be collected."
Archie paused, then added, "However, the salt we collect at this stage is still crude salt. To produce edible salt, we must dissolve it again, filter the solution through charcoal, and allow it to recrystallize. This process removes many impurities and produces finer salt."
Simon listened without interrupting.
When Archie finished, he nodded with satisfaction.
"Excellent. You’ve understood the essential principles."
Archie’s eyes brightened. He had always known that the coastal region possessed considerable potential, but he had never imagined that something as ordinary as seawater could become such a valuable source of wealth.
More importantly, this was only the beginning.
With proper facilities, an organized workforce, and efficient production methods, Ashenford could transform its long coastline into an enormous source of revenue.
Simon turned toward Governor Monti.
"The construction battalion will arrive within the next few days to assist with building the salt fields. You must cooperate fully with the Salt Transport Bureau and expand the workforce to two thousand workers."
"Two thousand?" Monti repeated, momentarily surprised.
"Is that a problem?"
"No, Your Highness!" Monti immediately replied.
Simon continued, "Salt production is exhausting work. If you want people to work efficiently, you must compensate them fairly. Improve their wages and ensure they have adequate food and accommodation."
He looked toward the coastline.
"Salt is not merely another commodity. It is an essential resource for the entire empire. Every household needs it, and the military requires enormous quantities to preserve food for its soldiers."
His expression gradually hardened.
"The Salt Transport Bureau must ensure that production runs smoothly. I will not tolerate officials neglecting their responsibilities, falsifying records, or secretly diverting salt for personal profit."
His voice became colder.
"If anyone believes they can exploit this opportunity to enrich themselves at the state’s expense, they should abandon that thought immediately."
Monti and Archie exchanged a brief glance before bowing.
"We would never dare, Your Highness!"
Simon studied them for a moment before giving a small nod.
"Good. I expect results, not empty promises."
He had seen enough examples throughout history to understand that a government could be undermined from within just as easily as it could be defeated by an external enemy.
A ruler might spend years strengthening the army, developing industry, and expanding the treasury, only to watch everything deteriorate because officials became corrupt and the people entrusted with responsibility grew complacent.
In the early days of his rule, Simon had devoted almost all his attention to survival. Enemies surrounded his territory, his military forces were weak, and every mistake threatened to destroy years of effort.
Now, however, the situation was changing.
The northern frontier had stabilized, the navy was becoming a genuine fighting force, and new industries were beginning to generate revenue.
Yet success brought its own dangers.
As wealth accumulated, some officials would inevitably become more interested in personal comfort than public service. Others would attempt to exploit their positions to build private fortunes.
Simon had no intention of allowing that tendency to spread.
He turned away from the salt fields.
"Let us continue the inspection."
***
After completing his discussions with Monti and Archie, Simon mounted his horse and rode along the coastline with Benjamin.
The salt fields administered by the Salt Transport Bureau were already approaching the western boundary of Ashenford.
Beyond them lay West Hollow.
Simon studied the terrain carefully.
Apart from the salt fields already under construction, he intended to establish three additional salt-producing areas around West Hollow Bay.
In his previous knowledge of the region, West Hollow Bay was famous for its salt production. In the historical landscape that inspired his plans, the surrounding coastal region had also been an important source of tribute salt.
He had previously overlooked the area’s potential while concentrating on more immediate military concerns.
That was a mistake he intended to correct.
Salt production offered several advantages. The raw material was readily available, the demand was consistent, and the industry could employ thousands of workers. Once the production process became more efficient, the region could supply both civilian markets and military depots.
Most importantly, salt could generate a stable stream of revenue without requiring the state to depend entirely on agricultural taxes.
"Your Highness," Benjamin remarked as they rode, "if all these salt fields become operational, Ashenford’s income will increase considerably."
"It should," Simon replied. "But production is only half the problem."
Benjamin glanced at him.
"What do you mean?"
"We must also consider transportation, storage, and distribution. Producing thousands of tons of salt is meaningless if we cannot move it to the people who need it."
Simon pointed toward the coast.
"Once production increases, we will need reliable warehouses, proper roads, and an organized distribution network. I want our salt to reach every major market in the Eldorian Empire."
Benjamin nodded thoughtfully.
He was beginning to understand that Simon rarely viewed any new industry in isolation.
A salt field was not simply a place where salt was collected. It was part of a larger economic system involving labor, transportation, administration, and trade.
The same principle applied to shipbuilding, weapons manufacturing, and every other industry Simon intended to develop.
Each successful enterprise would support the growth of another.
Together, they could transform an impoverished territory into a prosperous regional power.
As they continued riding, Simon’s attention shifted toward the distant sea.
A small island appeared on the horizon.
He narrowed his eyes, studying its position relative to the mainland.
The naval port’s location had not been chosen randomly. Its position offered strategic advantages that would become increasingly important as his fleet expanded.
The sea route between Ashenford and Brambleford was approximately two hundred meters. Under favorable conditions, a warship could cover the distance within a day.
That meant reinforcements, supplies, and military orders could travel between the two locations far more quickly than an enemy might expect.
If Ashenford developed into a major naval base, the region would become an important link in his coastal defense network.
Simon was particularly concerned about the outsiders who had been cooperating with coastal raiders.
These forces had repeatedly used deception to conceal their intentions. By disguising soldiers as Latin pirates and exploiting the activities of local raiders, they could attack coastal settlements while making it difficult to determine who was ultimately responsible.
Such tactics were dangerous precisely because they blurred the distinction between ordinary piracy and organized military aggression.
But Simon had no intention of allowing the problem to continue indefinitely.
Once Split Rock was secured, he would have the opportunity to turn his attention toward these enemies.
By then, he intended to possess enough naval strength to make any further attempt at intimidation extremely costly.
For now, however, patience was necessary.
A commander who rushed into battle without securing his supply lines might win the first engagement only to lose the campaign that followed.
Simon had learned to distinguish between opportunities that demanded immediate action and those that required careful preparation.
The coming campaign against Split Rock belonged to the latter category.
***
Over the following days, Simon continued inspecting Ashenford’s defenses, ports, roads, and surrounding settlements.
The more he learned about the region, the more convinced he became that it could eventually develop into a prosperous seaport city.
Its coastline offered ample opportunities for maritime trade. Its geographical position made it suitable for naval operations, while its proximity to other coastal territories allowed goods and military supplies to be transported efficiently.
The challenge was turning those advantages into reality.
Simon had already begun considering another ambitious project.
Once steam locomotives became sufficiently reliable, he intended to construct a railway connecting Brambleford with Ashenford.
Such a railway would dramatically improve transportation between the inland industrial center and the coastal port.
Machinery, weapons, construction materials, and other supplies could be moved in large quantities without relying entirely on horse-drawn carts.
Meanwhile, salt, seafood, and imported goods could travel inland with greater efficiency.
The railway would also provide strategic benefits.
In the event of war, troops and military supplies could be transported toward the coast much faster than before.
Of course, building such a line would require enormous resources, and the technology was not yet ready for immediate deployment.
Simon was willing to wait.
For now, establishing the salt industry, strengthening the port’s defenses, and preparing the necessary infrastructure were more realistic priorities.
After several days of inspections, he had developed a much clearer picture of Ashenford’s needs.
Before leaving, he summoned Monti and O’Neill.
"Governor Monti, I have explained what I expect from you over the past several days."
Monti straightened immediately.
"Your Highness, please give your orders."
"You are responsible for developing Ashenford’s economy, maintaining order, and ensuring that the salt fields operate properly. These responsibilities are not insignificant."
Simon fixed his gaze on him.
"I appointed you because I believe you can do the job. Do not disappoint me."
Monti felt a weight settle on his shoulders.
Until recently, he had considered himself little more than a minor official stationed in a remote coastal territory.
Now he was responsible for an important seaport, a rapidly expanding salt industry, and thousands of workers.
The sudden change in his position had left him both excited and uneasy. Nevertheless, he understood that this was an opportunity he could not afford to waste.
"I will do everything in my power to meet Your Highness’s expectations." he promised.
Simon nodded before turning to O’Neill.
"The defense of Ashenford is now in your hands. Pay particular attention to the naval port and the surrounding coastline. Do not assume that the absence of an immediate threat means the region is safe."
O’Neill bowed.
"Understood, Your Highness. I will ensure that the defenses remain prepared."
"Good."
With his instructions delivered, Simon finally prepared to leave Ashenford.
His next task was to meet Prince Valeric and Prince Gerad to discuss the establishment of coastal supply points.
The coming operation against Split Rock would demand more than warships and soldiers. The fleet would require food, ammunition, repair facilities, and secure locations where supplies could be stored and replenished.
Without such arrangements, even the strongest fleet could find itself immobilized by a shortage of provisions.
Simon intended to avoid that mistake.
***
Three days later, Simon and his army returned to Brambleford.
Their round trip had taken approximately half a month, and the weather had grown noticeably colder during their absence.
Outside the city, Benjamin bade farewell to Simon before taking his men to their assigned quarters.
Simon, meanwhile, rode directly toward the royal castle.
He had several matters to attend to and hoped to spend the evening reviewing the latest reports before meeting Prince Valeric and Prince Gerad.
After so many days on the road, a quiet evening seemed particularly appealing.
Unfortunately, the moment he entered his private chambers, he discovered that someone had other plans.
Simon stopped dead in his tracks.
Before him was a scene so scandalous and unexpected that, for several seconds, he could do nothing but stare.
Then his expression changed.
"What in the world is going on here?"