Steel, Guns, and the Industrial Party in Another World

Chapter 329:

TL: Etude

In the early days after the patent law was enacted in Lakeheart Town, public response was sparse, with most people viewing it with skepticism. After the initial novelty wore off, the majority came to believe that this was simply a scheme concocted by the lord to protect his own inventions. This wasn’t surprising, as historically, skilled individuals rarely shared their trade secrets freely. It seemed that Count Grayman, the lord, was no exception. It was difficult for everyone to watch others profit from their inventions without receiving a share of the benefits.

However, Paul Grayman was the lord, and he certainly could demand others to comply with his laws. But would the lord himself be bound by the laws he enacted? The very thought was laughable.

Therefore, those who initially sought patents were mostly fame-seekers, presenting obscure inventions to gain recognition. Paul had no choice but to instruct the Administration Council to strictly vet the applications, preventing the unworthy from taking advantage.

“I think we should give it a try. The lord must be serious about this,” said a student named Jim, his eyes shining with excitement, as a group sat around a table in a classroom at Weiss Academy, discussing the patent law.

Nick, sitting opposite him, hesitated, “I do believe the lord’s decree is serious, but… but…”

These students had just returned to Lakeheart Town from their geographical survey work in Emden and had learned about the patent law. Someone suggested that they patent the “lens rangefinder” they had invented during their survey. They found out from the Administration Council’s patent system that inventions created through collective brainstorming could be patented as a team.

“But what? Nick, what are you still hesitant about?” Jim asked loudly, discontent with Nick’s hesitation. He was the one who first suggested patenting the rangefinder. Ever since learning about the patent law, Jim felt restless, fearing someone else might patent the rangefinder first. It wasn’t impossible, considering other survey teams from Weiss Academy could have had similar ideas during their work.

In Emden, senior military officers, led by Bryce, had shown great interest in their lens rangefinder, noting its potential benefits for artillery and scouts. If they managed to secure the patent, it could mean earning money effortlessly. Was there a more reliable customer than the Alda army?

Jim even maliciously wondered if the military might preempt their patent application, as the officers and artillerymen had also been exposed to the rangefinder. The patent law didn’t restrict the identity of the applicants.

Thus, Jim was quite displeased with Nick’s reluctance. But he couldn’t do much about it since Nick played a major role in inventing and improving the device.

Nick raised his head, speaking hesitantly, “But, without that mysterious letter, we wouldn’t have thought of using lenses to improve the rangefinder. It doesn’t seem right to apply for a patent without finding the author of that letter.”

The initial version of the rangefinder, designed for artillery, had proved impractical and inaccurate in the field. While they were brainstorming improvements, they received an anonymous letter detailing how to enhance the rangefinder using a telescope. After extensive experimentation, they achieved significant results, and the artillerymen no longer had to use long ropes and multiple people for measuring distances. However, they couldn’t figure out who sent the letter. The author’s deep understanding of geometry suggested they were from Weiss Academy, the military, or the Administration Council, with the latter two being more likely, as they were aware of the issues the students faced.

“Why do you even care about that…”

The students were divided into two groups, arguing whether to apply for the patent immediately.

“What are you discussing, students?”

A pleasant female voice came from outside, and a charming figure entered the classroom. Everyone turned to see it was Ms. Betty — the head of the Education Bureau of the Administration Council and their dean.

“Good day, Ms. Betty,” greeted the students. Since Eileen took over Weiss Academy, she had been diligently improving teaching quality and daily management. Recruiting teachers, dividing classes, refining courses, implementing strict exam systems… Weiss Academy was no longer the makeshift group it was during Paul’s early days. It had become a legitimate school in every respect.

Despite being younger than some of the students at the academy, the beautiful Ms. Betty was highly respected by everyone. Her scholarly status and expertise in linguistics, particularly, garnered admiration. Everyone knew that the recently popular telegraph communication project was designed and overseen by Ms. Betty.

“Ms. Betty, it’s like this…”

Nick stood up, representing his classmates, and shared their dilemma with Eileen.

“Oh? May I see the letter?” Eileen asked, intrigued.

Nick handed her the letter.

Eileen almost laughed after reading just a few lines. She was all too familiar with the style of writing and the deliberately disguised handwriting.

She wondered why the writer didn’t sign their name, finding it somewhat puzzling.

After reading the letter without revealing her amusement, Eileen advised the students, “I suggest you boldly apply for the patent. I recognize the handwriting on this letter; it’s from a friend of mine. I’m certain he would be very pleased to see you obtain the patent.”

“But…” Despite the dean’s assurance, several students, including Nick, still had doubts, “Could you introduce us to him? We would like to talk with him. The patent should also include his contribution.”

“No need for that,” Eileen waved off the suggestion. “My friend’s identity isn’t convenient to disclose, so let’s not involve him.”

The students speculated — could it be someone involved in secret work?

“Thank you, Ms. Betty,” Jim smiled happily, elbowing Nick beside him, “The lady has confirmed it, what are you still hesitant about?”

“Well… okay, let’s write the application.”

Finally, Nick agreed. In truth, he was quite keen on applying for the patent; he just couldn’t get past the earlier hurdle.

The classroom buzzed with excitement.

“We could establish a factory to mass-produce rangefinders for the military and civilians. The market potential is vast.”

“But, establishing a factory would require a lot of money, not to mention hiring staff…”

“Then… let’s start with a small workshop, and build a factory with our first earnings.”

“Remember, the telescope used in the rangefinder is patented by the lord. We can’t forget that.”

“We just need to pay a usage fee…”

“Haha, even though the device is simple, with the lord’s legal protection, we don’t have to worry about copies.”

The students discussed enthusiastically, envisioning a bright future.

Eileen watched the excited group, feeling a sense of satisfaction. Using law to protect and promote technological advancement — this was a phrase Paul often used, and now it was finally showing results.