The Mechanical Era

Samuel was minding his own business in his workshop, building what his rich customers requested for him to make. He had his brother working with him, and a lot of friends and connections to get the parts he wants.

One day a message arrived, informing him that Prince Kant himself was coming over to his workshop on an invention of his. He wanted to help guide the craftsman to build it and was willing to pay handsomely. Though it was a shocker, he was a bit curious.

He had heard many tales about the man, including the ones from the factory workers, on what he was really like. Now, he gets a chance to test to see if their words hold. He made sure that he and his twin brother, Victor, were well-cleaned and prepared for his arrival.

Both of the men were in their 30s, maiden-less. They had focused solely on their passion for becoming master artisans. While Samuel and Victor both had short bronze brown hair; Samuel had a thick beard while his brother rocked a thick mustache.

There were knights stationed outside the door, waiting for him to arrive. The twins stood by the window upstairs. In the distance, they saw a white horse carriage, with two knights on the front and back of it. They quickly went back downstairs to greet the man himself.

There was a knock on the door. Before Victor went over to open it, they did a little prayer.

"May your god bless you," he said.

On the other side, Kant stared back at him. His heart, like many others, started to beat a bit faster as he looked at them. On his left hand was a strange black bag, rectangular and made of black leather.

After a moment of silence, Kant decided to respond.

"Good Afternoon Mr. Peterson. May I come in?"

"Oh. Yes, sire. Welcome, Sire Kant. We are honored that you have chosen our humble workshop."

The place, like every other building. It was made with ground stone bricks, with a wooden floor on it. The windows themselves were made of glass, which is rare, as it is very expensive to produce at this time.

"The pleasure is all mine. Shall we sit down and talk?" Kant asked. They sat on the wooden chair and desk. The twins had prepared him a cup of tea, to welcome him.

"Before we get on to the main business. I have a rather few questions to ask you two. Is that okay?"

"It's fine sire," Vincent replied.

"First of all, what are your names?"

"Does sire not know?" Samuel asked.

"I do, I just want to confirm your identities. Know which one is which."

"My name is Samuel Peterson sire."

"And my name is Victor Peterson. We are both about 29 years old."

"Now, I was informed that you two have many connections regarding your suppliers and loyal customers?"

"Well yes, sire. We have gathered these connections over the 16 years we have worked in this workshop.

The business had many loyal customers and great suppliers for items such as nails."

"In that case, do you two happen to know any merchant willing to take a substantial risk in a product I am trying to sell off?"

"I would recommend Mr. Oswald Audley. He is one of the richest merchants on the continent and is infamous for his risky investments."

"Thank you. Now to the main reason for my presence. I am sure you know the reason for my intent of coming over to your workshop. I need your help in making a mechanical device."

"What is the function of the device sire?"

"Its purpose is to allow me to print texts quickly, and efficiently. I call it the printing press."

They were a bit taken aback. They did not expect the Prince to even request such a thing unless those workers were right.

"I have drawn a blueprint on how we can achieve how to build one. It is right here." he opens up his briefcase. He took out a piece of white paper and passed it over. The two inspect it.

"Allow me to explain.

These small metal things with a reverse letter attached to them, are what I call a movable type. They are arranged over a flat wooden plate called the lower platen.

The ink can be applied using a bowl with calfskin on the bottom and a top handle.

Once the ink is placed, the paper is laid on top of the moving type. The upper plate is then brought down to meet the lower plate. Then it is pushed under the presser, and it is pressed."

"This looks suspiciously similar to a screw press. No?" asked Samuel to Kant.

"That is where I got the design yes," he said as he smiled.

"Well Sire, this looks like a brilliant invention. But what will his majesty think?"

"I have been allowed to make 2 printing presses for now. You are free to work on the project. 5 gold coins on successfully building a prototype."

"Well sire, it would be a great honor, but there is a question I have to ask."

"Go ahead. I will be happy to answer."

"Why did you decide on this shop? Instead of any other workshop nearby?"

"Cora, my maid recommended you two. She told me that you all are friends."

There was silence. Samuel and Victor looked at each other, whispering something to their ear.

"Give us a moment will you sire?"

"Of course."

The two went out to the backroom. Kant couldn't hear what they were saying, nor he had any clue what. He assumed that they were talking about whether they should accept, or talk about how long it would take to build the presses.

They came out after about 15 minutes, with Victor behind Samuel's back.

"It could take us about a week at the most to make one. Is that fine with you sire?"

"It is completely fine by me. Please, take your time. I will visit again this time to see if it would have gone smoothly."

"Oh, before you go sire..." Victor handed over a letter.

"Please, give this to her... sire." Kant looked upon the envelope and then at Victor. He looked at the wall, seemingly for no reason. 'Could it be some sort of love letter? In any case, it must be personal.'

"I fully understand. I will make sure only Cora will receive it."

"Thank you, sire."