Chapter 11 First Batch Of Paper

A week has passed since the first-day Gatharix Paper Company started operating. Riz and his workers have been making the paper using different kinds of trees. Today, they finally develop a paper that meets Riz's standards. When producing the paper, he wants the paper to be thick enough so that it can be written using a quill and white enough to see the writing clearly. Of course, he himself knows that in terms of quality, it is impossible to get the quality the same as modern paper.

By now, all of his workers including Charlotte know what paper is. All of them are amazed by this paper. They don't need to be smart and educated to know just how convenient this paper is. Charlotte initially has no idea about the product that Riz want to sell. Even so, she still followed him without asking anything.

Holding a successfully develop A3 size paper, Charlotte knows that if this paper hit the market it could shake the entire parchment industry. No, it might completely destroy the parchment industry. Looking at her master excitedly discussing something with his workers, she feels happy for him.

'Young master has changed a lot, he has become brighter than the past two years.'

"Charlotte, what are you dazing at? Let's go home and meet father". Riz's voice stops her from being lost in thought. Riz handed a stack of paper that had around 25 sheets of A4 size paper to her.

"Are you going to show this to Master?"

"Yes, I need to borrow some money from my father to increase the production of paper. The purpose of making paper is to make it cheaper than parchment. I also want to grab a market share as much as I can". He shared his thoughts with Charlotte.

He knows that those parchment makers will definitely retaliate and try to ban his paper. Whenever new products or technology were introduced to the world, the ones that make a lot of noise are definitely the old bones. Instead of adapting, they choose to fight. They have money and power but seek stability while young people are full of ideas and energy but lack money. These kinds of people are the ones who slow down the advancement of humans back on Earth.

....

In the Lord's office,

Richard is looking at the slightly yellowish paper given to him with a surprised look on his face. Not only him but Edward was surprised too.

In just a week his son handed him a product that he has never seen before. Note that Richard always keeps his eyes on his son and he receives a report on his son's activities every day. When he reads a report, he has no idea what his son is doing. He thought his son was playing around and just wanted to get rid of his boredom.

Now he knows that his son is not playing around.

"Son, what is this?"

"Paper. It's a medium to write just like parchment but this one is more convenient and cheaper to use". He explained. The paper has many other uses like decoration and wrapping material but he didn't bother to explain it to his father. Human creativity will find ways on its own.

Riz is there in front of him waiting for his comment. He saw Richard reaching for the quill and started writing on it. He can feel the smoothness when writing on it. Then, he turns the paper around and sees no words can be seen through from the back. He tore it, folded it and even burned it. Overall, he was satisfied with the paper.

"This is an amazing product", Richard opened his mouth. "Don't you think so, Edward?"

"Yes, master. With this paper, we can get rid of the thick board and parchment and reduce some storage space." Edward gives his opinion.

"How much can you produce a day?"

"25 sheets per day."

"Too little. You will have to sell at a high price if you want to cover the cost. You need to know that a piece of parchment can cost 15 Ros"

"I know, I plan to sell 1 Ros a piece so I need to increase my production rate. That's why I'm here. I want to borrow some money". Riz then starts talking about his production line and shows his father a rough plan he has made previously.

"I will lend you 100,000 Ros. No interest. You need to pay me back before 1st January next year"

"Thank you, Father. I'll make sure to pay you back". Riz immediately left the office. There are many things that he needs to do.

After Riz left the office, Edward voices his opinion, "My lord, don't you think that 100,000 Ros is too much? It will definitely put a burden on our finances."

"I know, but I am confident in the prospect of this product"

....

"Charlotte, I want you to go to the town hall and buy the vacant land beside our workshop". Riz handed 30,000 Ros to Charlotte. The current workshop area is not enough to put a production line.

After Charlotte left, Riz immediately starts making a detailed drawing of his water-powered production line. He starts with the unloading area, he only needs to build wood storage and a workstation for workers to chop the wood into smaller pieces.

For the steaming and peeling area, he decides to make several large pots so a lot of chopped wood can be boiled at the same time.

The beating area is the most complex part of the design. This is the part where the pulp is being produced, Riz starts designing the stamper power by the waterwheel. He decided to put iron spikes at the base of the stamper.

For the sheet forming area, he just needs to add several more moulds to increase productivity. He decided to make a mould that produced A3-size paper. If the mould is too big, it will be difficult for one person to handle it.

The drying area and sizing area are not that difficult. He just needs to build a drying loft and other related tools.

....

The next day, Riz and Charlotte rush to Arnold with a stack of parchment.

"Arnold I have a big job for you", Riz handed the blueprint of the production line to Arnold.

"This...this!, my god, I have never liked something before". Arnold was amazed by the drawings in his hand. He listens to Riz's explanation, afraid of missing anything important. Sometimes he gives his own insight based on his experience. In terms of the selection of material, Arnold has a more profound knowledge than Riz.

The discussion lasts for two hours.

"Do you think you can finish the job in a month?", Riz asked after finishing the discussion with Arnold.

"I can but the price will be higher."

"Don't worry, just start working on it"

....

A month and 10 days have passed since Arnold started working on the project. Due to the complexity of the machine, the delivery date was late by ten days. Right now Riz is inspecting Arnold's works.

"Arnold, I have to say that I was very pleased with your work".

"Thanks, kid. This is the most difficult thing that I have ever made".

....

The next day, the workers arrive at the workshop. They were amazed by the scene in the workshop. Riz gives some briefings and explanations to them on working in the workshop.

By now, he has hired a large number of workers to operate the workshop. During a month of construction, he took a chance to train his seven workers to do administration jobs. He chose James to be the workshop manager on his behalf.

Thus, the workshop begins its operation.