The Mechanical Era

While the auction was ongoing, Decan was once again at the gates of the palace. He had been tasked with building the school for Kant. Now that it has been completed, he wanted to move on to other projects, and some other things he had put away. However, he had been called up once again by Kant, for another job.

He wore a rather modest brown tunic that day, along with a pair of black breeches and calfskin shoes. His hair appeared to have been combed to the left with oil to make him look much better.

With the permission of the guards, he entered through the front door and was escorted by a maid to his office. She gave a firm knock before there was any response.

"Enter." a slightly deeper voice said from the other side. The maid opened the door for him and allowed Decan to enter. Kant was seen to be sitting on his swivel chair, with a typewriter on his desk, and multiple books beside him.

"Ah, Mr. Hurst. Come in," he said as the door closes behind Decan. He closed off the books and put them in the drawer. He then placed the typewriter on the floor. The desktop, which was once occupied by many things, is now nearly empty.

"Sire, you called for me?" Decan asked while standing near the door. Kant makes a small friendly smile for Decan.

"Yes, I did. Come. Sit down." he says. Decan walks over and sits down on the chair. He sat straight, looking at Kant in his modest white shirt along with a black tie. His black suit appeared to be hung on a rack nailed on the back of the door.

"I am extremely pleased with the final result. You had done a wonderful and magnificent job overseeing its construction." Kant tells Decan. Decan smiles at his compliment, feeling honored at Kant's words.

"Thank you sire," he said.

"Considering your experience, I was wondering whether you can build another project for me," he asked.

"Oh well, I was hoping to move on to other projects but um... how much more are you willing to settle for?"

"80 more than last time," Kant replied. Decan was a bit shocked hearing that figure. But as it was no ordinary sum, he decides to accept it.

"Well sire, what would you want to be to build?" Decan asked. Kant opened the drawer and placed a piece of rolled white paper. Decan unraveled it to find himself a blueprint of a rather large building. It had many rooms, with multiple staircases to get to 1 of the 5 floors present.

In terms of size, it was about the size of 9 townhouses and was comprised of brick, stone, concrete, and steel. It featured glass windows that allowed light to enter its rooms. It featured a few libraries, testing rooms, debate rooms, storage, and such. A truly massive building.

"This is the basis of what I want in the building. You can change whatever you like as long as what I need is there. What do you think?" Kant asked

"It is the possible sire. Though it might be an expensive building. This one features steel, and this also features... concrete?" Decan asked. He was not aware of what concrete even was.

"Concrete is a composite material. It is composed of aggregates bonded together with fluid cement. A property of concrete is that it hardens over time, so it would be wise to use it in the construction of the building."

"Alright then, but what about the steel then?"

"When it is dumped on a steel beam, you can get reinforced concrete, which is much stronger. I advise you use it." Kant said.

"...Alright. But with all this... it might be very expensive, and very time-consuming. Especially the steel."

"Don't worry about the materials, I got it all covered. Is there any other difficulty?" Kant asked. Decan nodded in response.

"Yes. I am going to need to build a team of stone masons like me to come up with some designs. I assume you want to incorporate the new architecture?" Decan said.

"That is correct yes. Can you do it?" Kant replied. Decan sighed at Kant's question.

"Well sire, this project is rather large, meaning the risk is a bit higher. I mean, I am planning to integrate the new architecture alongside it, so I am not sure that the 80 would be enough," he said.

"Use a corporation then" Kant suggested. His face showed a hint of confusion as Kant muttered those words.

"A what?" Decan asked.

"I am suggesting you use a corporation."

"I don't think I am familiar with that sire. Can you explain it to me?"

"Of course. A corporation is a legal entity designed to separate the owner from the company. I am suggesting, you use that to form a financial shield against yourself." Kant replied.

"You might also want to use it to help build your team, and concentrate labor and talent within your own company. If the company receives profits on the contract, you can have it distributed among each other.

If it fails, well then your team members are safe. It's the company that will go down. Not you. Other advantages include that you and your team could become a larger firm overall. It could be an opportunity for a lot of money." Kant said while Decan listened in closely.

He gives Kant's advice a thought. Though he was financially stable, having a lot more money would be nice.

"I am sorry sire, but I might have to consult this with my wife," he said. Kant smiled.

"No worries. Just let me know when you are ready." Kant replied. With that, Decan stood up and left the office. He eventually made it out of the palace gates and left for home.

...

The stone brick building held by wooden pillars of the tree, along with a hay bale roof consisted of two floors. The bottom one was called the 'Mason's Lodge', where stone masons would usually work. Above it, was his home.

Decan walked in through the oak door with a metal knob and made his way to the wooden stairs. On the top floor, with a broom in hand, was a woman just turning 50 this year. She had straight brown hair, along with chestnut brown eyes on an oval face.

She noticed Decan entering the house and smiled in response.

"Welcome back honey. How was your day?" she asked. Decan walked up to her and held her rather rough hands.

"Honey, can I talk to you for a minute?" he asks the woman.

"Oh... of course!" she replies.