Chapter 79: Let's Build a Windmill
The Fairchild Margravate has had bumper crops for two years in a row, so a large amount of wheat is gathering in the territorial capital, Northernford. While that is a happy thing, I’ve also heard voices saying that grinding the wheat into flour can’t keep up.
Tomorrow is the Summer Solstice Festival. Her Highness Flora is scheduled to give a speech representing the Royal Family, so she is resting today.
Mother called Letty over and seems busy planning something. However, although I am participating in the Summer Solstice Festival, I don’t have a major role, so I am free.
That is why today, I decided to build a windmill to grind wheat. In the Albion Kingdom, wheat is mainly ground by turning stone millstones with waterwheels.
Of course, it is faster than grinding by manpower, but they aren’t that large-scale, and obviously, you can’t use a waterwheel unless there is a river nearby. There is also the current problem that the water volume in rivers has decreased due to the drought.
In that respect, a windmill that grinds wheat using the power of the wind is larger than a waterwheel, so it can grind a large amount of wheat, and it operates even in places without water as long as the wind blows.
In my original world, I believe windmills for flour milling were built in England around the 11th century, but windmills did not exist in this world.
I headed to a hill on the outskirts of Northernford where the wind blows strongly. The location to build the windmill was chosen after consulting with Smith, the Steward. Theo and several workshop craftsmen came along with me.
Also, I am getting Oliver‘s cooperation this time. Even if I can imagine the mechanism of turning a millstone with wind power, I had never seen the internal mechanism of a windmill in my original world.
Therefore, I didn’t have the confidence to visualize it properly. When I spoke about that, Oliver connected to the Akashic Records and found a blueprint.
Even if he finds a blueprint, he can’t print it. However, since Oliver is good at drawing, he drew it for me, saying, “It looked like this.” It is a feat only Oliver, who is skilled at drawing, can perform.
When we arrived at the top of the hill, I brought out the lumber, stone, and iron I had transported using Storage Magic. Just as I thought, “Shall we begin?”, a carriage arrived.
I wondered who was riding in it, and to my surprise, Her Highness Flora and Oliver stepped out from inside.
“Your Highness Flora, aren’t you off today?” “Yes, that is so. But I heard William-san is making something new, so I asked Oliver-san to bring me here.”
“Since that is the case, Lord William, please build it as you usually do.” No, no, Oliver. I get nervous thinking that Her Highness is watching me.
It turned into an unexpected development, but let’s switch gears and concentrate on windmill making. I recall the windmills I saw in my original world.
The large windmills lined up along the water in Kinderdijk, Netherlands, were truly a picturesque scene. I even used that scenery as my PC wallpaper at one point.
However, since the Kinderdijk windmills were for irrigation, I visualize the interior based on the blueprint Oliver drew for me.
I concentrate, visualizing a windmill that catches the wind with its blades, turns the millstone, and grinds the wheat. Since it is a large object, I continue concentrating for a while, just like when building a house.
Eventually, when I activated the Production Skill, a warm light wrapped the materials, and I felt a sensation of magic power being drained away in a large chunk. When the warm light faded, a windmill stood there.
“That is amazing! To think you can create such a huge thing so easily!” When I turned around, Her Highness Flora was surprised, her large eyes wide open. “No, it’s not that big of a deal…”
“No, no, it is a big deal. Truly, no matter how many times I see it, Lord William‘s Production Skill is exceptional.” The surrounding craftsmen nodded at Oliver‘s words.
I wonder about that. Having memories of a previous life isn’t my ability. Well, I am aware that my magic capacity is extraordinary, but being admired makes me feel bashful.
After a short while, the wind began to blow, and the windmill started to move slowly. “It moved! To think such large and heavy-looking blades are moving… the power of the wind is strong, isn’t it?” “Yes, Your Highness. Since the power of the wind is strong, it can grind more wheat into flour than a waterwheel.”
After that, I made two more windmills. Since it consumes a large amount of magic power, doing any more seems impossible. Theo also made one, but that seems to be his limit.
“Hmm, I guess four units a day between the two of us is the limit.” “To call that a limit… I am surprised you can make so many of such large structures.” The craftsmen nodded at Her Highness’s words.
“As usual, Lord William and Theo-san are absurd, but if windmills become widespread, the cost of grinding wheat can be lowered. If that happens, flour will become cheaper, and bread can be sold more cheaply too.”
“I see. William-san’s craftsmanship leads to the happiness of the people. It is wonderful.” It makes me happy to have my Production Skill praised by Her Highness.
