Cement and Bricks

Five days had passed since the bricks were left to dry. Now the bricks had solidified. When Lui showed the sample to Llyod, the latter was impressed. These bricks could heavily reduce reparation costs, just as Lui had said.

"When can you begin mass production of these bricks? " Lloyd asked. He was eager to replace those weak wood houses with brick ones.

"I need to make big kilns. Atleast two of them. Also I found coal in the mountains. I want you to give half of them to me." Lui stated his conditions. Lloyd was taken aback by the conditions. He knew that there was coal. But there was no way to access it. When he showed his concerns to Lui the man said" I can find a way to safely mine those coal. You just give half of those mines to me."

"Fine.You give me method, I give you half of the mines and also provide materials to make those kilns." Lloyd decided after a moment of thinking.

"Also I want to buy a few plateau. It will be useful for creating a thing which will make those brick houses even sturdier." Lui asked as Llyod nodded. Atleast he got money. And Lui said that the houses would be even stronger. It's a win-win.

So the work began. While the kilns were being built, Lui worked on making safety equipment for the mines. First he ordered several tons of steel rods and had it placed throughout the mines with a few holders in between. Then Lui ordered several steel plates so as to make an arch which would prevent cave collapse. Then torches were placed in equal gaps for visibility in the cave. Lui designed metal caps for the miners to wear to prevent accidents. Lloyd placed orders for several tons of iron plates and wooden planks. Lui had planned to make a rail cart system for mining. (mind you it was Lui's own planning and system did nothing)

Then the workers began working to build rail tracks according to Lui's instructions. The rail construction for one cave would take 2-3 weeks. For all known mines the total time would be 2 months. So while the work was going on in mines, Lui was busy inspecting the plateaus he had bought for limestone.

After taking a sample of limestone, he burned it in the newly built kilns using charcoal for 3-4 hours. Then he got white powder which he named lime. After adding some water to it, he finally got what he wanted, slaked lime. He had to place order for one more kiln specifically for lime production.

Lui hired workers from the Frontera Barony and taught them about the production of bricks. They would use charcoal as a substitute for coal, until the mines were completed. And hence began the bricks production which would be sold to the Frontera Barony for 100G per ton and to Lump Barony for 150G. Any other territory had to pay 200G per ton for bricks. But first, he had to assure them about the reliability of bricks. Their way, making houses in Frontera Barony with bricks.

Next task, cement. Lui has water, slaked lime, and volcanic ash. The main and most difficult task was to get the right ratio for cement.

After countless trials and errors, countless sleepless nights, he finally got it. Roman cement.

He quickly began the mass production of cement.

Now was the final step. Brick walls were made and laced with cement mixed a little bit of water. A huge crowd had gathered to see the construction of makeshift house. It was a simple 4- walled room. After it was made, the wall was left to dry overnight.

Then came the final testing. Lloyd himself swung the sword at the wall. Any ordinary wooden house would break. But the wall was the foundation of modern houses, so it didn't break. People cheered as the success of new brick and cement houses began to spread.

Lui got the news that the stadium construction had been completed.