A few days went by since I was brought into this world. I've learned some things about Cyrus as well, specifically how he's more than willing to do the work of a 'common man", one of the reasons he isn't well-liked among the Nobility save for a small few Houses. That's why he's solidly built with skin like leather. Farming, cutting wood, tanning, mining, he did it all in addition to learning how to craft and House Gearforge's engineering techniques. Plus, he studied a rudimentary form of martial art designed to fight an opponent in armor. That bodes well with my fighting style, so no issues there. 

I have had to slow down my production of Iron Golems or make smaller ones. See, the standard Iron Golem weighs 5,000 pounds and stands at 10 feet tall. My original two Iron Golems are 12 feet tall and weigh 5,500 pounds funnily enough. Iron, especially that much, is hella expensive and I don't want to bleed Gearforge's coffers dry to make Iron Golems. 

Right now, I'm attending a trial in the Court House, which is hella boring by the way. See, my dad got a Judge and an Esquire (Lawyer) from the kingdom because no one else was qualified. Since he's busy most of the time, they could get away with some pretty heinous stuff. I happened to be free with Angeline, so I came to a trial to see just how corrupt these two were....and I was not surprised.

Judge: These heretics stand accused of the most heinous crime: sacrificing an innocent soul to their blasphemous deity, the so-called Eternal Flame!

Let me get you up to speed. See, someone found a group of 20 people, but about 6 were caught, praying around a pretty big fire and assumed they were sacrificing a random woman. In this kingdom, they mainly worship a being called the Goddess and their religion is similar to Christianity back in my world. Because it's the main religion, there's an unspoken, unwritten, and unofficial rule about worshiping a deity other than the Goddess, something a lot of people take to the extreme. As the Goddess is a monotheistic deity, they see those who are polytheistic 

Every witness that was called wasn't even a citizen of this fief. Hell, one was a fucking priest of the Goddess! One underlying theme was that they all had a rosary in the shape of the Goddess's cross, so I know they're all in on this.

Angeline: I feel a little bad for them, but human sacrifice is just so-

Cyrus: That's your perspective, Angeline.

Angeline: But Lord-

Cyrus: When humans reach a certain point in development, they develop a weird complex in their morals. People here may see human sacrifice as an evil act, but other cultures may practice it for other reasons. Plus, the only guilty one here is this crooked ass judge.

Angeline: Crooked?

Cyrus: Watch this.

Judge: I sentence you to death-

Cyrus: Bullshit!

Everyone gasps at me, not that I care. See, the old Cyrus cared little for political duties or nobleman activities, especially what went on in courts because he knew the whole system was corrupted. If you didn't abide by what was considered normal or if you were poor, everything was stacked against you. The guilty party didn't even have anyone to defend them, but there was a prosecutor to speak against them.

Judge: L-Lord Cyrus! What a-!

Cyrus: Can it you crooked ass Judge. You'd condemn these people to death for practicing their religion? What's so bad about kindling a simple flame to pray around?

Judge: You misunderstand, Lord Cyrus. They stand accused of murder, not mere religious observance.

Cyrus: Where's your proof? What is it, the fact they don't worship the Goddess is proof enough?

Prosecutor: If I may Lord Cyrus, that's exactly it. These heretics have defied the laws of our land and spurned the teachings of the Goddess. They must be punished for their crimes, lest we allow the flames of heresy to spread unchecked. 

The courtroom was silent and the tension was thick enough to cut through. Most people in this fief do worship the Goddess, but they aren't assholes about it. Yeah, they talk with merchants and visitors about religion, but mostly to learn about other cultures. Hell the old Cyrus had a book an old man made about stories from an Eastern Country's religious customs and folktales, which is VERY similar to Asian countries.

Cyrus: Heresy? You do realize that you two have zero understanding of the laws you're supposed to uphold. Has no one here ever heard of the separation of Church and State?!

Everyone looks at me with confusion, even Angeline. Right, that was established in 1905 before people were accused of being Witches for fucking whistling.

Cyrus: What I mean is, religion has no place in politics, especially when you're making up laws based on your own close-mindedness.

Judge: Order-!

Cyrus: Shut! Anyways, what I'm saying is that you're disobeying the Decrees of the First King, specifically the one about religious freedom.

Everyone is silent, good. I studied some of the laws of this place but luckily the System catalogs them for me. Though I wasn't able to read all of the First King's Decrees because they're in a thick history book. I was only able to make out the decree of religious freedom.

Judge: But my Lord-

Cyrus: You are not above the law, your religion is no better than anyone else's, and frankly, neither of you are fit to practice law.

I snap my fingers and two of my Guards burst into the courtroom. One of them empties a sack in front of all who attended the trial.

Cyrus: I had my men do a little digging around their site and you wanna know what I found? A charred piece of wood. No cloth, no human remains, no nothing to back up your claims.

By this point, the judge is fuming, the prosecutor is shitting bricks, and their 'witnesses' are sweating bullets. I nod to my guards, who arrest everyone involved, much to the attendees' shock. 

Judge: A Priest saw with his own eyes the innocent woman these heathens sacrificed! Are you saying he is lying as well?

Cyrus: Yes. And pray tell, who is he a "Priest"-

I say with air quotes

Cyrus: -of?

The judge, Priest, and Esquire say nothing as a I cross my arms.

Cyrus: Thought so, if there's nothing else; as heir to House Gearforge, I sentence the judge to 5 years of labor in the mines, the prosecutor to 3 years of labor around the fief, and those who acted as witnesses to convict these people to death will be sentenced to 1 week in the Pillory and 1 year as Serfs to the Gearforge army.

Angeline: B-but lord, the kingdom will punish you for doing this to a Priest of the Goddess!

Cyrus: Oh, then he's exiled from here and a new Priest will take over his duties. Come along Angeline, I wish to speak to these "cultists".

Timeskip
I was with the Followers of the Eternal Flame and Angeline in my dad's office, which he gave to me so he could use another one. He was happy I finally want to do some noble duties with him, even if they have nothing to do with the kingdom's politics. Their leader sat in front of me while the others stood next to him. Funnily enough, they were just normal laborers or artisans, damn good ones at that. 

Leader: I can't thank you enough Young Lord.

To tell you the truth, the System woke me up early in the morning to prepare for this whole thing. The reward was a Fire Magic crystal, but I had to save them to get the most out of it. I may have an advanced form of magic, but I don't have experience in ANY kind of magic. I just follow the gut feelings I get when making a Golem to create it's..."skeleton" if you will.

Cyrus: Think nothing of it, but I want to speak to you about something.

Leader: I will do whatever I can to aid you.

Cyrus: Good. I'd like for you all to work for House Gearforge as our Pyromancers. You can use Pyromancy, right?

Leader: Well...yes but are you sure about this Lord Cyrus? Those who do not follow the Goddess are never treated well and hearing you not only protected them but employed them will tarnish your reputation. 

Cyrus: And? Tell me, what makes their religion right and yours wrong? Because a bunch of old men read it in a book? Because the Goddess is a kind being? Because everyone says it is? None of those makes a religion righter than another one. So I ask again...

I hold out my hand.

Cyrus:...will you become the Pyromancers of House Gearforge?

The Leader looks at his subordinates, who smile and nod at him. He grabs my hand and shakes it, making me nod.

Cyrus: Now that it has been settled, I need help with something. An experiment if you will.

They tilt their heads in curiosity, prompting me to get out and motion them to follow me. I lead them to my workshop where my Golems are staying for the time being. The sight makes them go wide-eyed, and rightfully so. Golems are expensive to make and hard to control because they need a considerable amount of magic to power them, kinda like a battery. My Archgolemancy makes it so my Golems and Constructs take ambient mana from the air and world. The rate of their passive recharging is based on my mastery of Archgolemancy, but they do enter periods of recharge as they do run out of power.

Cyrus: You're aware of the nature of Iron Golems, right? Just brutes who follow orders and fight with brute strength.

They nod. I order Iron Golem 01 to kneel so I can take its core out. When I do, I feel the magic system that kept it alive slowly leave the metal shell it calls a body. Then, I show them the Fire Magic crystal I got as a reward, almost making them faint from the surprises today.

Cyrus: I need you to help me enhance this Fire Magic Crystal while also protecting me from any mishaps. I have a theory on Golem Cores I want to test out.

Leader: But Lord, are you sure you want to risk something like this for a theory? You can sell this for a handful of Gold coins or even convert it into a strong Magic weapon.

Cyrus: If this works, I'll personally ensure you have a place to freely worship the Eternal Flame. Plus, the original core will still have magic within it so I can still make a magic weapon. 

Though he's skeptical, they all get in a circle with me in the center. They channel their magic into the Fire Magic Crystal as I focus on transferring the Golem's Magic into it. The way it works is two processes working together. The Eternal Flame followers channel magic into the Fire Magic crystal to protect me while I transfer the old core's magic into the Fire Magic crystal. It's...pretty hard but easy. I don't know how to do this because I've never learned magic before, but I instinctively know how to do it. It took about a solid hour but we managed to do it. Now comes the hard part...actually putting the core in the Golem. Handing the now normal Magic Crystal to Angeline, I install the new Core into the shell and we stand back. 

Cyrus:...

Angeline:...

E.F.Followers:...

*Crackling and catching on fire sound effect*

It worked! I think...The shell starts to contort and heat up with parts melting to make room for a new design. The face and chest melt into a sort of furnace grate pattern and holes melt on the shoulders to let flames shoot out. The head also has flames shooting out the top of it. Any cracks on the shell are immediately filled with magical flames. All in all, I say this was successful.

Leader: My word....

E.F.Follower 1: Any trace of Null Magic has disappeared and replaced with Fire Magic...

Angeline: What do you intend to do with the old core my Lord?

Cyrus:...is anyone here a Blacksmith? I also need a Leathersmith.

Two people raise their hands, making me nod.

Cyrus: I need to make a set of gauntlets for combat. One of them will have the Golem Core within it so we'll also need someone who can cut crystals. The rest of you will take this to the tailors of Gearforge Manor, they'll make your new outfits while you get situated with your roles. 

They nod and leave me with Angeline and my notes. I wave off my Flaming Iron Golem and go back to my sketches and drawings. Angeline looks over my shoulder in intrigue.

Angeline: You've been making more of these sketches and diagrams lately but I have yet to see you create them.

Cyrus: There's a lot of factors that go into inventing and creating. I can make drawings and do tests all day, but resources and labor are what create things. 

Angeline: Is that what this little map is for?

I look at the map she's pointing at, specifically the map of the mines owned by House Gearforge. It takes a while to get here since they don't have a set route but I plan on changing that.

Cyrus: Yeah. I have something in the works to increase production in raw minerals, and potentially lumber. Plus, they'll make mining faster if my father is willing to go through with it.

Angeline: I believe he will, Cyrus. Marquess Gearforge is always intrigued with your ideas and the things you do. I believe you could convince him to cut a baby in half!

Cyrus: Thanks, Angeline.

I give her a kind smile and a pat on the back.

+5 Relation with Angeline Alchemara. Relation is at 60.

Angeline: Thank you, but what exactly will this do?

Cyrus: It's simpler than you think. It's a cart with wheels on it, but the wheels are made to drive on rails that'll lead to stations in Vlyanderbak. Workers take the materials so the carts can go back to their respective places and repeat. It's designed to make transportation faster with more loads, but I'll have to design something to make mining faster.

Angeline: Interesting...what makes you come up with these ideas?

Cyrus: My philosophy is that innovation waits for no one, cares for no background, lies beyond limitation, and is fueled by imagination.

Angeline: Oh, like the Dwarves and Zhargi?

Cyrus: Yes, exactly like that.

The fuck is a Zhargi? I haven't had the chance to learn about the other races in this world because this kingdom is xenophobic as fuck! I saw them drive an Elf out of the capital for no damn reason, and the elf was just selling medicine and shit! I bought his entire stock and gave him a cart so he could try to make it home. My parents weren't upset, they found foreign goods interesting and wanted to meet the Elf for themselves. I wonder what happened to that guy? Angeline takes the time to look at the other little things I've made, some of which are for military use and others just for fun. Much of the stuff I'll make or improve will require her Noble House, but I won't overwork them. They're human and feel stressed or overworked at times. 

Suddenly, my dad bursts through my workshop door with a frantic look on his face. It startled me and Angeline, who jumped into my arms like this is a Scooby Doo scene.

Lloyd: Son- nice new Golem- but come on!

Cyrus: What happened?

Lloyd: A Noble House is visiting Vlyanderbak today and we NEED this to go well!

Timeskip
So here I am, with my helper, standing in front of the Gearforge Mansion and waiting for this House Sunfire. The carriage they came in looked pretty cool: carved maroon wood with gold inlays and golden wheels. The horses pulling it are a pristine white with obvious maroon paintings on their skin and bronze armor. Even the banners the bannermen carry give off this warm and comforting vibe. 

That reminds me of House Gearforge's banner. It gives off this sort of communist, industrial, and militaristic feeling. The gold wreaths are pretty ironic when it comes to Gearforge's history: they started off as a military house but wanted to make more peaceful projects. I have this green armband with the hammer-gear-sickle symbol on a white circle. I don't wear it often though. 

The Sunfire family exits their carriage after some horn player introduces them. System, you know what to do...

Name: Baron Soro Sunfire
Noble House: Sunfire
Wife: Mirabell Sunfire
Heir: Soleil Sunfire
Fief: Solaria Reach
Relation: 24 (Has done business with House Gearforge in the past)
Vassals: 0
Status: Intact

Name: Soleil Sunfire
Noble House: Sunfire
Husband: None
Heir: None
Father: Soro Sunfire
Fief: Solaria Reach
Relation: 24 (Has heard of things Cyrus has done)

HOT DAMN HIS DAUGHTER FINE AS FUCK! AND WHAT THE FUCK IS SHE WEARING, IS SHE TRYNA MAKE ME ACT UP?! Ok calm down Cyrus, she'll think you're weird. Even Angeline elbowed you for staring, so that's a bad sign. From what Dad told me, House Sunfire is a Barony that specializes in Sun Magic and Metallurgy, so he wants me to be on my best behavior. They also export a lot of Wheat, Bread, Fruits that grow in warm areas, and Sunstone Gems. They're pretty valuable in the Kingdom, mostly because of their beauty but rich Mages buy them due to their magical properties. As much as I don't like sucking up to people, their skills in Metallurgy and potential Pyromancy teachings can help Gearforge greatly. 

Lloyd: Baron Sunfire.

Soro: Marquess Gearforge, how has your day been?

Lloyd: Busy as of late. The King and his children have been hounding me on producing more mechs, but thankfully my ties with the First King give me some leniency.

Soro: Ties with the First King?

My dad goes on a sort of rant as we all walk to the garden. Despite the industrial vibe, my mother has always loved plants and the like. As we sit down, the servants bring finger foods consisting of cookies, sandwiches, sliced fruit, and tea. The Sunfire family looks at the sandwiches a bit weirdly though, which is understandable. I can't pinpoint the year this world is in because they have one thing but not something else. Different kingdoms also have different weird development levels. This place has guns, but not sandwiches or mortars. 

Soro: What are these little bread snacks?

Lydia: Cyrus calls them sandwiches. He eats them when in his workshop because they're easy to make and quite tasty.

Cyrus: They're made with ham, cheese, lettuce, tomato, a bit of olive oil, and a mustard sauce I created with the help of the cooks.

The Sunfire family tries the sandwiches and their eyes go wide. Now I wanna give a poor peasant in this world with no magic ability a fucking Monster or Bang. Mfer gonna be tripping his ass off.

Soro: I must say, these are quite delicious.

Mirabell: I assumed the heir to House Gearforge was an engineer of machines, not food.

House Sunfire seems to be pretty laid back for Barons. As the get-together goes on, my father keeps bragging to get into their good graces. I don't blame the guy, but he's trying a little too hard. From the looks on their faces, they don't seem impressed with Gearforge's past exploits. I understand you can only fall back on past achievements so many times until it seems like you base your success on that. My dad seems to notice and clears his throat in an attempt to change the subject. That's when he sees me eating a few sandwiches.

Lloyd: Ah son, didn't you have something you wanted to show me today? Why not talk to our guests about it? It may be beneficial to them.

Cyrus: Uh, ok.

I retreat into the manor and grab the board I made along with my notes. The board has a map on it of Vlyanderbak's production buildings and their routes. I looked at a few maps and walked there myself to get the most accurate routes and measurements. Since there are no whiteboards in this world, I had to improvise.

Cyrus: So basically my idea involves a new invention. Shocking, I know.

They chuckle and giggle at my joke, good. I pin one of my sketches to the board and point at it with a perfect stick. All the boys will go "Hell Yeah!" when they see this.

Cyrus: As you can see here, this is an engine-driven cart that leads a train of other normal carts. It needs one driver to operate and moves with an engine spinning 4 wheels. Hold on.

I pin a basic diagram of the underside of a car onto the board. You know, the transaxle.

Cyrus: Something in the engine spins and it moves parts to make the cart move. The wheels are designed to ride along rails.

Lloyd: What did you make these for son?

Cyrus: Resource transportation issues. While this won't affect how fast the men collect things, it will let them transport resources faster and in larger quantities.

Lloyd: But what of the wagons and horses? How are your minecarts better than those?

Cyrus: Minecarts can transport larger loads of ore and materials compared to horse-drawn wagons. This increased capacity allows for more efficient transportation of resources, reducing the number of trips needed to move the same amount of material.

I show them a drawing of some rails, specifically where the rails will go and how they're placed.

Cyrus: Minecarts can travel along rails at a consistent speed, unaffected by terrain or weather conditions. This results in faster transport times compared to horse-drawn wagons, which can be slowed down by rough terrain, mud, or inclement weather. The tracks can also be laid out in intricate networks, allowing for the transport of materials to different locations within the mine complex or to external facilities. This enables efficient logistics planning and resource allocation, optimizing production and distribution processes.

Lloyd: I see. And how will this not drain our funds? Wouldn't you need to build depots to load and unload everything?

Cyrus: True true, but they don't have to be complex things. And yes, while minecart tracks require initial investment in construction and maintenance, they generally have lower ongoing maintenance costs compared to maintaining a fleet of horses and wagons. With proper upkeep, minecart tracks can provide reliable transport infrastructure for many years.

House Sunfire is impressed with my idea, and rightfully so. Every faction that relies on a flow of resources would pay top dollar for something like this. Speed of transportation and high yield are two factors that can slow the development of a city.

Cyrus: I measured how long the tracks to each area should be and how much Iron will go into each trail. With your approval, I'll get right on these being made.

Dad nodded as he sipped his tea.

Lloyd: I'll notify the builders and some engineers from the capital about this. Don't worry, I'll ensure none of your secrets are released Cyrus. How about you show Lady Sunfire around the garden?

Mirabell: That sounds like a lovely idea, Soleli loves flowers.

With a nod, the two of us leave for a walk. I've never really visited this garden, even during my free time. They even have sunflowers, tall ones might I add. I took one of the seeds from one of the sunflowers and ate it, like a black person would. 

Soleli: You took in followers of another god, why?

Cyrus: Oh that? My family isn't religious, I don't think, and it's stupid to belittle someone because of their faith. Plus, I know this kingdom would see it differently if the show was on the other foot.

Soleli: So...you see the worship of other gods as silly?

She's...pretty close. Like so close that I can smell the perfume she's wearing. It makes me a little nervous, especially with that outfit of hers, but I keep myself under control.

Cyrus: No. Religion is all about faith, that much is true, but every religion is about upholding your culture and becoming a better person in your eyes.

Soleli: Hmmm....

Damn her voice is soothing. It's like velvet rubbing my brain. She gives me a small smile and plants a kiss on my neck. WE DID IT BOYS!!!!

+10 relation with Soleli. Current relation is 34 and 30

Soleli: I have grown fond of you, Cyrus Gearforge. My family is one of few who do not pledge loyalty to the Goddess.

Cyrus: Really?

I may seem calm, but I am FREAKING THE FUCK OUT on the inside.

Soleli: Yes. The Sunfire family devotes themselves to the Sun itself as our deity. It is why we combine Fire and Light magic, because of the heat and light given to us by the Sun. These flowers you've grown are Sunflowers, and I thank you for nurturing them.

Cyrus: W-well it was nothing major. My mother enjoys flowers and she bought the seeds months ago. I even planted a bed of Elven Flowers in the garden called Moon Blooms, which only bloom at night and produce a pretty blue glow.

Soleli: They sound beautiful. Perhaps I should stay for the night to see them with you Lord Cyrus.

She leans against me. If this is only 34, then I dread seeing 50 or even 100. We continue our little walk around the garden until one of the servants runs to me out of breath.

Servant: Lord....Cyrus.....come....quickly!

Cyrus: What is it? And catch your breath.

The servant takes some time to catch his breath and even sits down.

Servant: House Valoris has marched to the entrance with a small troop of men.

Soleli: House Valoris? Have you offended them Lord Cyrus?

Cyrus: I did....when I made House Alchemara a Vassal House of House Gearforge.

We all walk through Vlaynderbak to the entrance. While walking, I explain some of the facilities to the curious Soleli. Unlike many houses, House Gearforge utilizes machines for much of our manual labor, mostly to help the laborers and peasants so they don't work themselves to death. We also purchase much of our wheat and grain from House Sunfire, who grows a lot of it. I'm also interested in their Metallurgy techniques and Soleli promised me if I help House Sunfire she can talk to her father about me learning them, so that's an amazing plus. We eventually make it to the gate where my father, mother, 10 1st Company soldiers, 10 4th Company soldiers, the 2nd Squad, my first two Golems, and the Gearforge Pyromancers standing in front of House Valoris.

Befitting of Valoris, all of their soldiers are knights mounted or on foot. There's around 30 in total with two bannermen carrying their flag, 10 archers, and the men of House Valoris. 

Richie gets off his horse and puts the tip of his sword into the ground while staring daggers at me.

Richis: Cyrus Gearforge! I, Richie Valoris, heir to the Valoris Earldom, challenge you to a duel!