Industrial Revolution of the Mage Lords

Chapter 651 The Money Detector and the Admission Ticket

"Imitating His Majesty's new currency?"

Dickinson reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet—ever since the capital switched to paper money, people had gradually abandoned the old habit of using purses and started to favor these exquisitely designed and portable wallets, which were usually kept close to the body in the inner pocket of their coats, avoiding the trouble of being robbed by thieves when hung on their waist.

He pulled a crisp new gold coin from his wallet and handed it to the count. "Who do you think has the ability to replicate it? The Alchemy Exploration Society or the Royal Craftsmen's Association of Orland?"

The count took the banknote and dismissed his concerns after just one glance.

The banknotes made using this technique are indeed more exquisite and intricate than the Orland gold coins that were once the most widely circulated in the Southern Territory, and cannot be easily imitated.

The obverse of the gold coin features a large symbol, which is the Riot symbol representing one hundred, commonly used in the southern region.

The reverse side features the coat of arms of Saint Valen and the United Kingdom of the North, which is also the emblem of the capital city representing Starfire City and the Emperor's authority. It features a silhouette of the royal palace and castle in the background, with two silver magic spears crossed below and three gold stars side by side at the bottom... symbolizing the three most important and powerful departments under the Emperor's command—the Central State Affairs Department, the Defense Forces Department, and the Central Academy of Magical Sciences, which formally integrated the New Federation, the Alchemy Experiment Center, and the Spellcaster Academy.

The banknote felt thin in my hand, yet soft and resilient to the touch, as if covered by an invisible film... The intricate patterns on it refracted multiple colors at different angles under sunlight, clearly indicating that strange magical materials had been added to the ink.

"Take me to the National Bank!" the count pleaded in a low voice, tugging at his old friend's sleeve. "I want to exchange some of my gold pounds for new currency."

……

The National Bank, which stands next to the Ministry of State building, was packed with people. Even though a full day had passed since the new currency was issued, people were still coming in droves to exchange for low-denomination coins.

Dickinson patiently pulled out his officer's ID and led the Earl through the "military entrance" before they could barely squeeze in.

In the spacious hall, which was over a thousand square meters, long queues had already formed in front of dozens of exchange windows. Bank employees in uniforms were busy shuttling back and forth, barely having time to breathe. Fortunately, the title of intermediate advisor of the General Staff Department was still useful. The two were quickly led to the second floor by the manager in charge of reception and entered an office specifically for receiving chambers of commerce from other places.

“Commander Dickinson, are you sure you want to exchange three thousand Singapore dollars for Mr. Hines? If you do, your priority exchange quota for the next three months will be used up.” The bank manager retrieved the corresponding account information, hesitated for a moment, and then reminded him.

Dickinson shook his head helplessly and sighed, "I'm sure... my friend urgently needs this money as payment for goods to be purchased in the capital later."

The manager nodded, checked the Golden City resident certificate issued by Hines again, opened a brand new account for him at the National Bank, and then waved his hand... Suddenly a row of ropes with different signs hanging from the ceiling hung down.

After easily identifying the conveyor belt, the manager pulled on one of them. Suddenly, the wall behind him creaked and the movable panel slowly opened, revealing a conveyor belt about half the size of a table in front of them.

The mechanisms inside the wall continued to operate, and before long... Dickinson and the Earl watched as a stack of brand-new banknotes was slowly handed out on the conveyor belt.

The manager turned and retrieved it, but instead of handing it to the two men immediately, he pulled another rope, opening a clock-like vertical box leaning against the wall, revealing its intricate and complex mechanical structure. He neatly placed a stack of new banknotes on the clockwork mechanism, waiting for its top to light up with a shimmering white light, before carefully sealing the banknotes in a paper bag and handing them to the two men.

"What... what kind of magical device is this? Why put the new coins on it..." The count took the paper bag and couldn't help but ask curiously.

The manager chuckled and patiently explained, "This is a banknote detector. According to regulations, all banknotes, whether they are being withdrawn or deposited, must be examined on this machine. This is to prevent the receipt of counterfeit banknotes and to ensure that those withdrawing money receive genuine currency."

Do banknotes also need to be checked when they are released from the warehouse?

The Earl and Dickinson exchanged a glance, both showing expressions of surprise... This was indeed a very open and honest approach. Verifying the authenticity of the currency in front of the person withdrawing the money would not only enhance the public's acceptance and confidence in the new currency, but also allow them to completely distinguish the gold dollar from the "colorful pieces of paper" in their subconscious, and truly recognize its value as a substitute for gold, silver, and copper coins.

His Majesty's actions are truly admirable.

……

After leaving the National Bank, the Earl finally caught his breath and asked Dickinson for advice: "If I want to get a ticket to the Royal Capital Fair, which government departments do I need to grease palms with?"

“If you’re new here… you’re almost out of luck.” Dickinson shook his head decisively. “Neither the Ministry of Commerce nor the import and export department will choose to issue the limited qualifications. Only those with a background like the Dragonstone Merchant Guild and the Pharos Royal Merchant Guild, who have maintained good cooperation with His Majesty for a long time, can hold the right to purchase and sell goods and order scarce commodities that they have a cooperative monopoly with from the capital.”

The Earl knew he would never dare to covet or even dream of such a massive, unparalleled business as ironclad ships and plague potions. The magic-powered steam engines that sold well in the Southern Territory were also largely monopolized by the Andrew Merchant Guild, which also had close ties with the Emperor.

After much deliberation, the count finally set his sights on high-priced luxury goods aimed at nobles and wealthy consumers.

"On Sunday, Sir Ross accompanied me on a tour of the inner city. We passed a state-run clothing store in the market area, where I saw a robe that the clerk claimed was woven from ice silkworm silk unique to the Northern Wastes. He said the purchase rights would be put up for public bidding at the upcoming trade fair?"

“Oh? That thing…” Dickinson raised an eyebrow and smiled. “I’ve heard of it. It’s a rare commodity. The Ministry of Agriculture has never been able to get the large-scale breeding of ice silkworms sorted out. Apart from the silk that is given priority to the palace, it is estimated that some of the slightly inferior silk is sold on the market by textile factories.”

The ice silk robe is indeed smooth and supple to the touch, and it is lightweight, comfortable, warm in winter and cool in summer... However, it costs nearly a month's salary for one piece, which is enough to make most of the people in the capital give up.

"What... does the Earl believe that such expensive goods are profitable within the kingdom?"

Seeing that he had relented, the count rubbed his hands excitedly and said, "Let alone within the kingdom, it would be a place that would attract nobles and wealthy gentry everywhere! Back when we were in Golden Radiance City, didn't we know the extravagant and wasteful nature of the nobles?"

Compared to those magnificent suits of armor that can only gather dust in the manor, or the gold and jewels piled up in the vaults... rare items from the new capital city are more likely to arouse their eager desire to compete for them.

(End of this chapter)