Chapter 213: What Can Cecil’s Domain Sell?

The workers and alchemy apprentices were conducting the final inspections and adjustments on the reaction vessel. They carefully checked the seals on every connecting pipe and tested each set of runes to ensure that this reaction container—far larger than any conventional alchemy platform—would not suffer a catastrophic failure once fully operational. The most critical part, the central reaction cauldron, was personally inspected by Pittman.

As the component bearing the highest pressure in the entire system, this unassuming metal vessel represented the pinnacle of Cecil’s Domain’s cutting-edge technology. It was meticulously shaped by Nicholas Egg himself, with corrosion-resistant and high-temperature, high-pressure elemental runes engraved inside. Under Gawain’s guidance, Nicholas Egg also designed the world’s first mechanically based pressure gauge for it—a device using a flexible metal tube as a sensitive element, with gears and linkages driving a pointer to display readings. Though not highly precise, it was serviceable.

From Gawain’s perspective, the principle behind the pressure gauge was straightforward and well within Cecil’s current mechanical capabilities. The real challenge lay in standardizing the pressure scale. Fortunately, this world’s physical laws included a reasonable concept of “atmospheric pressure.” After much trial and error with the ironball starling, Gawain managed to determine the local atmospheric pressure standard. Using that as a baseline, he established a series of air pressure and pressure standards, then marked the relative atmospheric pressure values on the gauge’s dial. In a world lacking standardized parameters, Gawain comfortably assumed the role of standard-setter, planning to apply these standards across various future fields.

Beyond the advanced measuring instruments, precise pipe connections, and high-strength tank body, this setup had one special feature: it no longer used open flames to heat the medicinal liquids. Instead, fire-element runes inscribed on the bottom of the reaction vessel provided direct heating. Most druidic potions didn’t require the extreme temperatures needed for metal smelting, so the fire-element runes were perfectly capable of heating the tank. Compared to open flames on traditional alchemy platforms, these runes offered more stable and controllable heat.

Finally, the last inspection was complete. Pittman stepped away from the reaction vessel inspection area, and a young alchemy and herbalism apprentice, no older than his twenties, stepped forward—he was the factory manager handpicked by Pittman. The young man looked a bit nervous but still followed the standard procedure to start up each part of the reaction vessel. As the pre-prepared materials were poured into the feed inlet, the magical runes across the “large-scale alchemy device” began to gradually charge. Gawain could feel the flow of magical energy; under the influence of the inversion array, raw natural magic activated the ancient divine runes, and everything began to operate naturally.

Unlike the roaring noise when the first magic engine started, the reaction cauldron made barely any sound even at full power. Though there were mechanical parts like stirrers and pumps around it, the original magic engine had been optimized multiple times to reduce noise, and the machinery used here were all relatively quiet “small machines.” It was remarkably “quiet” in operation.

As for the large central container, it was even quieter—there were no mechanical components inside at all.

Rebecca watched the alchemists and workers bustling between the tanks, each face a mix of tension and excitement, and she sighed a little disappointedly, “Ah… I thought the new machine would make more noise when it started up…”

“If it made a lot of noise, it’d probably be about to explode,” Gawain glanced at the iron-headed girl, then at Pittman, nodding slightly. “Congratulations, your inversion array and divine array are running perfectly.”

Pittman’s face, already lined with wrinkles, broke into a genuine smile. This little old man, who usually spent his free time selling ointments and doing fortune-telling as a hobby, looked truly pleased. “Yeah, yeah… the path is right, the path is right…”

Amber stared at the complex tangle of metal pipes and reaction tanks in amazement and couldn’t help but ask, “Such a huge setup… how many potions does this produce every day? By the way, old man, what exactly is this tank used to make?”

Pittman was clearly in a good mood and didn’t mind Amber calling him “old man.” Stroking his beard proudly, he said, “Reaction Tank No. 1 produces the druids’ signature ‘Rejuvenation Potion,’ basically a healing agent. Since farming pauses in winter, agricultural potions aren’t needed for now, but there’s plenty of construction work during winter, and the domain’s injury reports are frequent. These potions come in handy. As for output… now that we have raw materials supplied from Kant Domain, with no shortage of ingredients, this thing can produce enough potions daily to cover the domain’s consumption for a whole week. And that’s a conservative estimate…”

Amber’s eyes widened. “You produce a week’s supply in just one day?! Won’t you fill up all the warehouses in the domain in no time? What are you going to do with so much output?”

Gawain smiled and glanced at the half-elf. “Sell it.”

“Sell…” Amber hadn’t thought of that before—not because she was narrow-minded, but because Cecil’s Domain had always been in a state of expansion and construction, where supplies were always scarce. They were usually buyers, never sellers. This was unprecedented. She felt a bit stunned and asked instinctively, “Sell it to whom?”

“The first confirmed market is Kant Domain,” Gawain said casually.

Amber nodded, then suddenly realized something. “Wait! Aren’t the raw materials for these potions bought from Kant Domain?”

“Yes.”

“And then you chop them up, mix them, throw them in the tank to brew, and sell the potions back to Kant Domain at alchemy prices?”

“…That’s basically the process.”

“Wow! You can do that?!” Amber was dumbfounded. As a rogue with a skewed worldview, she felt deeply uncomfortable. “You said you want to manage and develop Kant Domain as if it were your own territory, treat the Kant people like Cecil’s own citizens… Don’t you regret leaving the Kant Viscount’s estate over there? You wouldn’t have to resort to such a shady trick. Give it to me—I could buy the stuff and transport it back in the time it takes to shop for groceries…”

“You’re way more shady than me, okay?!” Gawain shot Amber a glare, then shook his head and explained, “I’m not trying to cheat my future subjects. The potions are shipped to Kant Domain because it’s already the largest herbal distribution center in the southern region. Besides herbs, they’ve always had a business in alchemical potions. Mr. Patrick, who manages Kant Domain affairs now, was the Kant Viscount’s advisor and is the guild’s contact. He has the channels to help us sell the surplus potions. I plan to make him the ‘agent’ for Cecil’s alchemical potions, splitting profits with me. This way, Cecil’s Domain profits, Kant Domain gains revenue, and everyone benefits.”

“…Of course it’s one of those win-win situations,” Amber blinked. “But… that’s a huge benefit. Doesn’t anyone… get hurt?”

“Yes,” Gawain chuckled. “Of course someone gets hurt—the third-party potion merchants, apothecaries, druids, and alchemists along the Kant trade routes will definitely feel the impact.”

Amber’s eyes went wide. “Then…”

“I’ll issue recruitment notices at the right time—then the shortage of alchemy talent in the domain will be solved. With some training, those people will become experts in the alchemy factory.”

This time, Amber was left speechless—she could follow Gawain’s steps up to this point, but this last move left her staring blankly, unsure what to say. After a long moment, she finally realized something from the bottom of her heart:

When a cunning ancient heroic spirit is resurrected and plans to shake things up, the petty schemes those gutter rats brag about are nothing at all.

“With such a massive influx of alchemical potions into the market, even just the most ordinary Rejuvenation Potion, the impact on the market will be huge,” Pittman stroked his beard, half-smiling. “Even this single reaction tank, running day and night, can outproduce the combined output of all alchemists in Cecil’s Domain, Kant Domain, Leslie Domain, and even the more northern Carol Domain. Sir, I think I finally understand what you meant when you said ‘mass production will be the first step to destroying the old order.’ But have you considered that once such a large volume of potions bearing the Cecil label hits the market, it will inevitably attract curiosity and attention from all sides…”

“Yes, they will be curious and watchful, but that takes time to react. And mere alchemical potions only draw limited attention. That little curiosity and attention means nothing to me—maybe it will even be beneficial,” Gawain smiled. “Compared to alchemical potions, the next thing I plan to launch will cause a much bigger shock…”

“The next thing?” Amber looked at Gawain curiously. “What else do you plan to sell?”

Gawain patted Amber’s head. “I plan to sell something to Tansan Town, but the details aren’t finalized yet. You’ll find out in time.”

Amber blinked, but even when she and Rebecca stepped forward to press him for more, Gawain wasn’t about to say any more. So the two girls could only close their mouths, curiosity brimming.

Gawain stood beneath Reaction Tank No. 1, looking up at this “chemical equipment” that combined all of Cecil’s Domain’s current cutting-edge technologies. He watched the quietly flickering magical runes, listened to the noises from the auxiliary machinery and arrays injecting liquid, providing heat, and releasing divine magic, and a smile slowly spread across his face.

The path was right. Everything would be much easier now.

(End of chapter)