Winter had arrived, and the sky darkened early. By now, it was roughly equivalent to 8 PM in modern times.

For Simon, who had never slept before midnight in his previous life, this was prime time for leisure. However, tonight, he had kept Roland back for an important matter, mineral exploration.

The development of his domain required multiple aspects to progress simultaneously: industrial foundations, agricultural foundations, mining, and chemistry. None of these could be neglected, as they were all interdependent.

In particular, chemistry and industry had to advance together. If one lagged behind, certain industrial progressions would be impossible.

"My Lord means for this old servant to personally search for mines?" Roland asked.

Simon nodded. "That’s right. The domain’s mines are practically monopolized by the Goldwynd family. Even the ones they are mining only produce coal and iron. I need you to locate various mineral deposits. Once discovered, the government will fund and manage the extraction, keeping the mines firmly under our control."

Simon’s earlier words about reform had merely been a surface-level act. Now, he was taking real action.

Roland bowed deeply and spoke. "My Lord, rest assured. This old servant will not disappoint you."

Simon nodded. "What I’m about to tell you tonight must be kept secret. You are not to disclose it to anyone in advance."

Roland solemnly agreed.

[Knowledge transfer initiated...]

With a mere thought, Simon activated the system in his mind. Precise locations of mineral deposits across the region appeared before him, along with detailed methods for prospecting each type of ore.

Using a brush, he began explaining while sketching maps, marking out the entire region with potential mining sites.

Though the locations were only rough estimates, careful searching would yield results.

Roland listened intently. As Simon spoke, it was as if clear maps were unfolding in his mind, along with vivid descriptions of each mineral’s colour and the geological features surrounding them.

One candle burned down, and another was lit.

They worked through the night, stopping only when Walter from the Goldwynd residence arrived the next morning, requesting an audience.

[Knowledge transfer complete.]

"How much do you remember?" Simon asked.

Roland seemed dazed, still processing all the information. "Your Highness, I’ve never learned something so quickly before in my life."

Simon nodded. "Good. Then let’s put this mining project into action. If you have any questions, come ask me."

With that, Simon left for the front hall, where Walter was waiting.

Roland scratched his head, a puzzled look on his face. "Strange... How does His Highness know all this? Heh, doesn’t matter. As long as our prince is making progress, that’s all that counts."

In the front hall, Walter sat restlessly on a redwood chair, shifting around as if suffering from haemorrhoids.

His father’s words from last night had opened his eyes, here was a golden opportunity for the Goldwynd family to make a fortune.

"Walter, why so early?" Simon yawned, feeling the effects of his sleepless night.

Walter grinned cheekily. "Your Highness looks exhausted. Did something pleasant keep you up last night?"

"Heh, you already know the answer to that." Simon played along, deliberately being vague. "But why have you come alone today?"

Walter cupped his hands. "Your Highness, I came early because I have a request to make."

"A request? Walter, no need for such formality. Just say it." Simon replied, glancing at him. Walter seemed anxious, which meant the matter was important to him.

After ensuring no one else was around, Walter leaned in and spoke. "Your Highness, my request concerns the method for producing your coal briquettes."

Simon’s expression turned serious. "Walter, don’t underestimate the coal briquette stove. It may seem innovative, but the real key is the coal briquettes themselves. If you’re asking for this method now, does that mean..."

Walter chuckled. "No need to rush, Your Highness."

At that moment, he pulled ten banknotes from his sleeve and handed them over.

Simon feigned ignorance. "Walter, what is this?"

Yesterday, Walter had feigned disinterest in the coal stove. Now, he was suddenly so eager. There could only be one explanation, his father, Cedric, had realized the true value of coal briquettes.

After all, Walter was only clever enough to deceive the old Simon.

"Your Highness, this is payment for the coal briquette production method. My father has also agreed that aside from this sum, Your Highness will receive 40% of the future profits."

Simon rubbed the banknotes between his fingers. Ten notes, each worth 500 caps, totalling 5,000 caps of silver.

With 5,000 caps, he could equip ten cavalrymen with horses and gear. It wasn’t that he didn’t recognize the importance of cavalry, but his domain simply couldn’t afford them, not to mention the costs of retainers, maintenance, and supplies.

"Hmmm..." Simon furrowed his brows. Giving in this easily? Not a chance.

Business negotiations often started with a test offer. He was certain this was just the Goldwynd family’s opening bid. The real deal was yet to come.

Walter watched Simon closely. Seeing his hesitation, he forced a smile and spoke. "Ah! I nearly forgot, there’s more."

With that, he reached into his other sleeve and pulled out another ten banknotes, another 5,000 caps.

What a wealthy family, Simon mused. Clearly, Cedric had amassed quite a fortune over the years.

To Simon, the coal briquette manufacturing process was simple. It was just a matter of using the right mould.

The Engineering Department had already produced the necessary moulds. He had merely been waiting for the Goldwynd family to show up and hand him money. To him, the coal briquette business was just a small side project.

His real focus was on industrial development.

Why was he so confident the Goldwynd family would pay rather than attempt to replicate the process themselves?

Simple, if he were an ordinary commoner, the Goldwynd family could steal the method with impunity.

But he was a prince. If he decided to throw a royal tantrum over this, the Goldwynd family would be in serious trouble.

For now, neither side wanted to disrupt the balance.

"Since you and your father are so generous, and for the sake of our long-standing friendship, I will sell you the coal briquette production method." Simon finally said.

"Many thanks, Your Highness!" Walter beamed with joy.

Simon smiled as well. What he had just earned was purely a technology fee. The ancient equivalent of a modern patent licensing fee.

After this deal, he planned to formally incorporate technology patents into governmental policy.

That way, in the future, he could simply sell patents and make a fortune while letting merchants handle the hard labour.

Of course, truly lucrative businesses. Those, he would keep for himself.

Both parties got what they wanted and continued chatting casually.

Just then, a series of reports came from outside the prince’s residence.

It seemed the remaining three families had arrived.

Simon’s eyes gleamed with excitement.

More silver was on its way!