When Worlds Collide (MxM)✔

Chapter 7 - Seasons

Kade's nerves were frayed as he presented the steam engine to the group. He'd been under the impression that it would just be King Toca coming for the demonstration, but instead, the man dragged out all the nobles from the banquet with him.

Many of them looked skeptical as he unveiled the prototype. He showed them where the fuel would go, explained how the steam pressure would push the gears and turn the wheels, and how the brake system was set up.

Someone commented that the cab looked like an outhouse and snickered. Others didn't believe that something so heavy could be moved, even with the help of animals.

This was when Kade uncovered the model train that Aino had perfected for him, complete with a circular train track .

He lit a small candle under the mini steam engine, and let the toy warm up. After a minute, it began moving along the track.

The backhanded whispers stopped as the group watched the thing move all on its own. Aino remained in the back, eyes on Kade, as the human presented the toy to the king.

King Toca watched the device circle a few times, then picked it up to see if the wheels continued to move. When he placed it off the tracks, the train sped off to a corner.

"It can't turn on its own. That's why we need to set up train tracks to guide it." He explained, and Aino stepped forward with a map. Kade pointed to where they'd marked areas for the railroad to be built. "If we build a track near the edge of the capital, it'll make it easier to move from one end to the other. We could then expand it to trading ports to bring goods in much faster, allowing foreign fruits and vegetables to arrive before rotting. This would also speed up future production since we'd be able to mass order lumber and metal."

"So this would be for trade goods?" Toca rubbed his chin.

"And travel. We can have two trains. One from the trading ports, and another to popular travel destinations, with the Captial being the central hub."

The nobles scanned the map, and one of them frowned. "Why not rout them to our districts first? It would make passage easier for our people."

Kade didn't know much about the relationship between the capital and the individual districts that the nobles ran. So he looked to Aino for help.

The inventor put a hand on Kade's shoulder as he spoke. "We believe that starting with the trade routes would help speed the expansion of the train system. We could move needed materials more efficiently. After that's in place, your districts can have railroads built in half the time."

"Ah, so it was your idea. I suppose the Royal Inventor would know what's best."

"Actually," Aino's hand tightened on Kade's shoulder. "This invention was Kade's idea. As were the tracks. However he hasn't been in the capital for long and he doesn't understand the significance of your districts, so I helped advise on the routes."

"You're saying the concu-er, your assistant did all of this?" Another noble gestured to the locomotive. "Surely you joke? You must have inspired him."

"He is the one who inspired me. He showed me what he called a 'steam engine' and was able to make a working model for the project. We worked together on the final design."

"So it was a team effort."

"This would not have come to my mind if Kade hadn't insisted." Aino's voice was growing annoyed as the nobles continued to stare in disbelief.

Unexpectedly, Kade felt a hand on his other shoulder as King Toca joined Aino in his defense. "I do not appreciate you calling my Royal Inventor a liar. If he said he was inspired by this man, then that is the case. Furthermore, I think it would be wise of you to hold Kade in higher regard. I plan to give him a title soon."