Chapter 553: Progress of Railway Laying

Swamp Town, once the domain of Baron Lysen Thane, had begun its transformation the moment it passed into Rowan’s hands.

Dense populations, newly paved avenues, bustling market streets—after years of development, Swamp Town no longer resembled the humble settlement that once survived solely on blackwater cattle.

The reclamation of marshlands, construction of irrigation systems, coal mining, and the railway project launched at the beginning of the year had not only brought a flood of laborers to North Ur but also drawn workers from neighboring cities like Horse Pasture City and Greenhold.

This influx naturally spurred commercial growth, even giving rise to a fledgling food and hospitality industry.

During this time, the townspeople of Swamp Town benefited greatly. They earned money they once never dreamed of possessing; most no longer worried about hunger or shelter, and many now dared to purchase private property—hoes, pigs, sheep, and more.

And it wasn’t just Swamp Town. Forest Town, Threefold Town, and Blackearth Town each developed their own industries, bringing prosperity and employment to their people as well.

Precisely for this reason, Rowan—who hadn’t made a public appearance among his people in quite some time—enjoyed a reputation that burned as bright as the noonday sun.

After all, the life they now lived was entirely due to the grace of their lord.

At this moment, thirty miles from the coal depot, through a stretch of woodland, a freshly laid rail line cut straight across the forest, complete with iron tracks, wooden sleepers, and crushed stone ballast.

Further ahead, the colossal form of Calros flattened entire groves beneath him as he wielded searing flames far hotter than any forge, welding rails together with precision.

With his current reserves of spirit and magic, he could simultaneously weld multiple sections of track—an efficiency not to be scoffed at.

In truth, when steam locomotives first appeared, there had been no such welding technology. Back then, rails were joined by rivets—a method slightly inferior to Calros’ magical fusion.

“Your Grace,” said Simon, chief mechanical engineer, holding up blueprints as he addressed Rowan, “we began formal laying in April. Now, after more than four months, the railway stretches roughly thirty miles.”

He pointed to their current location on the map. “We’re here—only a few miles from Blackearth Town.”

Rowan took the route chart. It had taken Simon and his recruited assistants two full months to survey this path—from the coal base at Swamp Town all the way to the vicinity of North Ur Port, passing through Blackearth Town along the way.

Originally, on Rowan’s suggestion, the route had been shifted slightly westward, forming a gentle arc.

This adjustment would allow for a future station near both Blackearth and Threefold Towns, facilitating the transport of grain, ceramics, and textiles.

“The pace is a bit slow,” Rowan remarked.

Simon stiffened as if facing battle. “Your Grace, this isn’t slow! Everything is being built from nothing—no precedents, no references. To lay thirty miles in four months is already an extraordinary feat!”

Rowan ignored the protest. “The entire route exceeds a hundred miles. Can we speed up the remaining work?”

He set down the map and fixed Simon with a steady gaze. “Blanche is due to give birth soon. Many nobles will come to offer congratulations. I intend to use that occasion to showcase your work. Once they see this marvel, others will grow interested. This railway will extend beyond North Ur.”

Rowan couldn’t guarantee every noble would build railways—but at least one line would surely be built toward the massive iron mines near Mount Ur City.

If over a hundred miles of track in North Ur would take a year to complete, how long would it take to span the hundreds of miles between North Ur and Mount Ur?

That was why Rowan said the pace was too slow.

“In these past four months,” Simon explained, “the workers have grown familiar with the procedures. Through constant refinement, they’ve mastered the details. I’ve trained several foremen. The pace should improve going forward.”

Clearly unaccustomed to dealing with superiors, Simon spoke with earnest candor.

“Good. Push harder. Aim to finish the remainder before next spring planting!” Rowan declared.

Simon felt the weight. “But Your Grace, winter snow will cover everything—it’ll be difficult to work. I don’t mind, but the laborers…”

“Then increase wages. Provide them with proper working conditions.”

Rowan replied, “Snow isn’t an obstacle. Let Calros melt it away. Infrastructure progress must accelerate.”

“But Your Grace,” Simon hesitated, “there’s something I must mention. We only have one Calros. He can assist with welding on this North Ur line, but for hundreds of miles of future track—he simply won’t be able to keep up.”

This gave Rowan pause.

He stood in silence for a long moment before speaking.

“We’ve already designed a riveting method. For now, we’ll use that. Also, reduce the speed of the steam locomotive and limit its load capacity—to minimize vibration and impact during operation.”

“I’ll speak with Baelora and Sophia later. See if they can design a portable magi-welding tool usable by ordinary people.”

You couldn’t swallow a giant in one bite. Without proper welding, rail connections remained a challenge.

Rowan knew thermite reactions could generate the extreme heat needed for welding, but he lacked the means to produce aluminum powder.

Gas welding, electric welding—same problem.

So his thoughts turned inevitably to magic-infused energy.

Until a better solution emerged, they’d have to rely on rivets.

As they spoke, the earth trembled. A rhythmic clatter echoed through the trees from afar.

Rowan turned. Down the track came a steam locomotive, pulling two carriages and a trailing engine, advancing steadily.

Toot-toot~

The whistle pierced the air, and for a fleeting moment, Rowan was transported back to Earth. The sight struck him deeply, filling him with overwhelming emotion—and pride.

Hssss!

Steam vented as the train slowed, coming to a smooth stop near Rowan and Simon. A young man leapt down, rubbing his hands, eyes alight with excitement.

Clearly, piloting this beast filled him with immense pride.

His name was Sydon—clever, quick-witted, fast to learn. Simon had handpicked him.

A freeman from Mount Ur City, Sydon had come seeking opportunity. Now, he stood at the beginning of something great.

A locomotive—something even nobles had yet to touch—and he was its driver. Many would envy him, perhaps even resent him.

Because of this, Sydon cherished his role. Even after shifts, he’d personally wipe down the wheels, again and again.

“My lords!”

Sydon jogged over, bowed respectfully, then reported: “This was my third test run. No issues from the coal base all the way here!”

“Well done, Sydon!”

Simon praised him, then added to Rowan, “We’ll gradually increase cargo weight and number of cars. We’ll run more trials—guaranteed to be flawless!”

Rowan smiled. “Then I leave it in your capable hands.”

He meant to show visiting nobles from across the land the “great instrument” of North Ur—and that demanded absolute perfection.

Should the train derail or malfunction during the demonstration, it would be a grave embarrassment.

Time flew. By September twentieth, Blanche had gone into labor—several days past her due date.

And so, nobles and retainers from far and wide had already gathered in Swamp Town, awaiting the arrival of new life.

(End of chapter)