Kingdombuilding: All My Inventions Are Novelty

Tottle Village

The news about the Brambleford road construction had spread to Tottle Village as well.

After the morning paper had been read, confirming the announcement, Billy returned home from the threshing floor. "Father, I want to bid for a section of the Brambleford road construction. What do you think? It’s the off-season for farming, and there’s nothing much to do at home."

"Ha!" Before his father could respond, Lina suddenly laughed. "Husband, looks like Billy has grown up and learned to make money."

Billy’s face lit up. "Mother, you agree?"

"Agree my foot. Where would we get the silver to be tossing around?" Lina rolled her eyes, and Billy’s father laughed heartily.

Billy sulked. "You both have such shallow views. This is a money-making opportunity; how could it lose money?

"Do you have any business sense?" Lina asked, continuing to wash clothes.

Billy immediately drooped his head, unsure of what to say.

"What are you two talking about?" Just then, Collin’s voice rang out from outside the yard.

Billy was overjoyed upon hearing the voice and turned around to see his elder brother, Collin, standing in the doorway, looking tall and handsome in his dark green long robe. Behind him, a crowd of villagers gathered, pointing at Collin’s clothing.

"Brother!" Billy exclaimed. "Why is your outfit so nice? Even the wealthy in the village can’t compare to you now."

Lina’s eyes sparkled. If it weren’t for the familiar face, she wouldn’t even recognize her own son. She wiped her hands and quickly walked over to Collin. "Collin, didn’t you say you would only come back once every three months? Why are you back so soon today?

Collin raised his hand to stop Billy from touching his military uniform. "The prince has granted an additional day for family visits."

"Wonderful, wonderful!" Lina said happily. She was thrilled to see her son return.

Billy, not willing to miss a chance, quickly asked. "Brother, where did you get this outfit? I want to buy one too."

Collin smiled and said. "You want to buy one, but you can’t. This is the uniform of the Brambleford Army, and outsiders can’t wear it."

"Ah, then I’ll join the army!" Billy cried out.

"Ridiculous! Didn’t you just say you wanted to bid for the cement road? Now you’re talking about joining the army?" Billy’s father looked at Collin with pride. This was his son, the pride of Tottle Village.

Looking at the villagers outside who were still watching and murmuring, Billy’s father couldn’t help but feel even more proud. He walked up to the door and coughed lightly. "Sorry, it’s not easy for Collin to come back. Let’s have a private chat."

"Mason, your son is a real source of pride for the family. If I had known, I would have had my son join the army too. Just look at him now, so enviable. That uniform is so handsome."

Many of the younger men outside looked on enviously, quietly wishing they could join the army too. Imagine how they’d be looked up to when they visited their families in military uniforms.

Billy’s father nodded modestly. Once the crowd outside had dispersed, he closed the door slowly and said. "Lina, go and kill the old rooster. Let Collin replenish his strength."

Billy’s mouth watered. "You’re so biased! You never kill a chicken for me!"

Lina laughed and scolded. "If you had half your brother’s success, I’d kill a chicken for you."

Billy squinted. "Then give me some money to bid for the cement road."

While this was happening, Collin, who had learned about the road construction project in the army, said. "Father, Mother, let Billy try it."

"This is what the reporters mentioned, but bidding for the cement road requires money to hire workers and buy materials. Though we saved twenty caps of silver last year, it’s still not enough for such a big project." Lina said.

Collin stood up and said. "I have more than twenty caps of silver saved up from my army pay. I’ll give it to you. I don’t need it in the army; I’m provided for."

Then he added. "Also, while I was in the army, I heard about the bank. You can borrow silver from the government, but you need to pledge equivalent collateral. If that doesn’t work, we could use our land deed."

"You’ve gone mad serving in the army?" Lina immediately became angry. "We’ve only just managed to make ends meet, and now you’re talking about taking risks."

Collin explained. "Mother, you don’t understand. The prince is establishing the bank to encourage more merchants in Brambleford. If Billy succeeds, he might even join the merchant guild and become a wealthy businessman."

Billy became excited by his brother’s words. "Father, Mother, let me try. If it doesn’t work, I’ll pledge my land."

Both parents exchanged a look. Lina nodded. "Collin, is this truly the prince’s plan?"

"It’s true. I heard it directly from General Benjamin." Collin assured them.

Lina glanced at her husband and then nodded. "Well, let Billy try then."

At the Brambleford Government Office

Baldwin had been working tirelessly as the bidding for the road project had begun. Many merchants had already submitted bids for the sections they wanted to take on.

At the same time, a temporary bank had been set up within the government office.

Although Simon had tasked Baldwin with establishing a bank, the site selection and personnel appointments required time. Since the policy to support the people couldn’t be delayed, they decided to set up a temporary bank in the government office in the meantime.

"Do any citizens come to borrow money?" Simon asked.

Baldwin shook his head. "No, the people are cautious with their savings. They won’t be so bold, especially since Your Highness’ offer is somewhat like usury."

Simon wasn’t surprised. He had anticipated this reaction.

But it didn’t matter; once even one person benefitted from the system, it would become a natural course of action.

As they spoke, a Brambleford soldier in uniform entered the government office. Simon turned to look and was surprised. "Collin, what brings you here?"

"Greetings, Your Highness. I’ve come to borrow money for my younger brother. He wants to bid on the Brambleford cement road construction. Collin said, somewhat awkwardly.

Simon smiled. "Nice, nice. Baldwin, here’s our first case!"

Baldwin chuckled. "My Lord, it seems the soldiers of Brambleford have a good mindset."

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