Sardinson County had only one city, and it shared its name with the county—Sardinson City. Of course, the locals preferred to call it simply the New City.
This New City had become the most prosperous and renowned city in the entire Pradi Empire, and perhaps even all of Europe.
It was the capital of fashion and commerce, of entertainment and fine dining. It had the largest population in Europe and the most advanced public infrastructure. It was, without question, the most desirable place to live—whether you were a noble or a commoner.
When the New City was first built, its footprint was quite small. But after the first phase of construction concluded, Sardinson launched a massive round of public tenders, outsourcing the development of different areas to various merchants. Three years later, the city was finally complete. Because different builders handled each district, the result was a city where every street had its unique charm, yet somehow all came together in a surprisingly cohesive style.
This marked the fifth year since the city's completion, and now, another invention that shocked all of Europe was about to debut here.
"Mommy, Daddy—hurry up!"
Ten-year-old Anthony was pulling along his six-year-old brother Ebner, leading the group ahead. After running a short distance, he turned back and waved to his parents, urging them forward.
Wei Wei and Caroline walked arm in arm. Beside them, Felix held their youngest daughter, three-and-a-half-year-old Andrea. Behind them followed a large retinue of servants and guards.
Now nearly fourteen, Caroline had grown into a lively, healthy, and beautiful young lady—the most popular unmarried girl in all of Sardinson.
And at this moment, she was just as excited as her younger cousins, chattering nonstop along the way.
The source of their excitement was none other than the steam train parked at the newly built railway station on the outskirts of the New City.
This steam train represented the pinnacle of Sardinson's technology. After Master Raymond invented the steam engine, Wei Wei brought in even more experts to collaborate with him on steam-powered applications.
Over the years, all sorts of steam-powered machines had been developed, gradually replacing manual labor and solving the city's workforce shortages.
Even the ships were now being converted into steam-powered vessels, significantly reducing travel time at sea. The shipyards had earned a fortune applying this technology.
And now, after years of research, they had successfully built their first steam locomotive—the Williams.
Today was the trial run of the Williams. The train tracks had been constructed in tandem with the engine's development. Because it was a test route, the tracks weren't long—running from the New City to Dingle Town, just outside Sardinson Castle.
If the trial was successful, the next phase would extend the rail line to the remaining towns, eventually connecting all of Felix's ducal territory by rail.
Today's trial was a momentous occasion. Not only was the Williams family in attendance, but every notable noble in the Pradi Empire had been invited. Even Crown Prince Edward was there as the royal representative.
The black iron monster sat parked at the station, several carriages trailing behind it. The platform was packed with spectators. Further out, beyond the safety fences, crowds lined the tracks.
Inside the locomotive, Master Raymond and several of the lead engineers occupied the engine cab. They had insisted on piloting the first run themselves—no one could stop them.
On the platform, Crown Prince Edward and Felix discussed the locomotive in awe, marveling at its size. It was hard to believe this thing could move.
As others expressed curiosity and doubt, Felix remained calm. Though this was the official trial, they had already conducted numerous tests. Only after confirming there were no issues had they dared to demonstrate it publicly.
Meanwhile, Wei Wei chatted with the Crown Princess and other noble ladies. Though they, too, were intrigued by whether the behemoth could truly outrun a horse, their conversation inevitably drifted to their children and families.
Crown Princess Cindy had been married to Edward for several years. Their son was already five years old—a lucky child who hadn't inherited Edward's asthma. Healthy and intelligent, he was adored by the king. The little prince hadn't joined his parents for this visit.
Unfortunately, Dolores was absent. She was pregnant with her second child with Adonis, and her symptoms were severe. Adonis couldn't bear to leave her behind, so he only sent a trusted aide to represent them at the trial.
"Mom, can't Ebner and I ride the train?"
Anthony returned with his brother, having taken him for a closer look at the locomotive. Though several years apart in age, the brothers were inseparable and deeply affectionate.
Wei Wei smiled and shook her head. "Not this time. How about we wait until next time?"
Though the train had undergone multiple short-distance tests, today's run would take it to Dingle Town—about four to five hours away by carriage. Even though the train could make the journey in half the time, it would still take at least two hours. And this trial was one-way only; once it reached Dingle, the trip would end there. If Anthony boarded the train, he wouldn't be able to come back today.
Since the New City had been completed, the Williams family had moved out of the castle and now lived here. They only returned to Sardinson Castle for short seasonal visits in spring and autumn. After today's trial, a banquet would be held at City Hall to entertain the guests. As hosts, both Wei Wei and Felix needed to attend, and Anthony, too.
He was now ten years old. Though still young, Felix had already begun his heir training. For major events like this, Anthony had to attend and learn proper etiquette.
"But I want to go, Mommy! I can ride back with Grandpa Raymond!"
Little Ebner clung to Wei Wei's leg, his voice soft and pleading.
Unlike his black-haired brother, Ebner had blond hair and blue eyes—and was said to be the spitting image of Felix as a child. Don't be fooled by his sweet appearance—he was a mischievous rascal, full of tricks. Yet, he was also incredibly good at charming people, especially with his natural talent for acting cute. He often used his innocent expression to earn forgiveness when he got into trouble.
Even Felix couldn't say no to him.
Only Wei Wei remained immune to his antics.
She ruffled his messy curls with a smile but didn't change her mind. "We agreed, remember? We'd watch the train start, then head back. Are you going to break your promise?"
Originally, Wei Wei hadn't wanted to bring the children at all. Anthony and Caroline were fine—they were old enough to behave. But Ebner and Andrea were too young to be in such a crowded and chaotic place. It was only because Felix had given in to Ebner's pestering that she had reluctantly brought them along.
Hearing his mother's firm refusal, Ebner pouted, his eyes darting mischievously.
"Then can I just go on for a minute? I'll come down before it leaves!"
Hehe... once I get on, I'm not getting off!
"No chance, my dear Ebner," Wei Wei replied, already seeing through his little scheme. "The train is about to start. You're not going anywhere. Be good—stay here and look after Andrea."
She pulled her sulky younger son close and set Andrea down, handing her care over to her two brothers.
Both Anthony and Ebner were obsessed with their little sister. No matter how calm or chaotic they were, when Andrea sweetly called them "Big Brother," nothing else mattered.
So, having them babysit Andrea gave Wei Wei peace of mind.
The steam train was scheduled to depart at 10 a.m. According to the plan, it would arrive at Dingle Town around noon, where it would undergo inspection. If no problems were found, the next step would be to load cargo prepared there and return to the New City. The return trip was scheduled for three days later.
Before departure, the public was allowed to board the train and explore. But after 9 a.m., no one else would be permitted on. Between 9 and 10, staff would perform the final pre-departure checks. At exactly 10 a.m., the train would depart on schedule.
Once the final inspections were complete, a safety line was drawn across the platform, and the crowd was instructed to stay clear of the train.
"It's about to start!"
From the engine, black smoke began to rise—the unmistakable sign of coal combustion. Then came the white steam, hissing upward from the smokestack. Once everything was ready, a long, echoing whistle blasted through the air.
Amid the clanking rhythm of gears and pistons, the massive train began to move forward, chugging steadily along the tracks.
"It's moving—it's moving!!"
The entire crowd was electrified.
Everyone instinctively ran alongside the train, thrilled beyond words. At first, the train's speed was moderate, so they could keep up. Many ran while shouting excitedly, like they were witnessing a miracle.
When the locomotive began to gain speed, finally outrunning the crowd and vanishing down the track, the people stopped in their tracks—but their hearts were still racing, as if they'd been given a shot of adrenaline.
"My god, it's working! And so fast—faster than a horse!"
"I can't believe what I just saw."
"It's a miracle. This is a miracle."
"Your Grace! I'll have people begin building rails immediately—please, I beg you, have the train reach my territory first!"
"No! Mine is closer—you should start with me!"
Everyone knew the train's carrying capacity far surpassed any carriage, and its speed was incomparable. With trains, both travel and shipping would become faster and more efficient than ever.
The business opportunity was too obvious—everyone wanted in.
Felix was quickly surrounded by nobles, each trying to outbid the other for a chance to have the railway extended to their lands. Meanwhile, Wei Wei found herself hemmed in by noblewomen eager to flatter her, even as she held tightly onto Ebner's collar, who had nearly bolted off with the crowd.
While smiling and exchanging polite banter, she glanced into the distance, where plumes of black smoke trailed the departing train, the rumble of its movement still faintly audible.
I wonder… when the Great Song delegation returns next time, what could I trade this technology for?