Vienna, Kohlmarkt.
A crowd had gathered at the entrance of United Power Department Store, everyone clustered around an enormous machine. Engineer Raul Clyde had put on his long-unworn tailcoat and gold-rimmed glasses, his eyes fixed intently on the instrument panel.
"Pressure is normal. We can begin."
Today was Raul Clyde's big day. The world's first commercial steam elevator—his invention—would usher in a brand-new era today.
Franz nodded. In truth, he was not particularly interested in this sort of invention, but appearances still mattered. He had to show sufficient support and tolerance; only then would more people devote themselves to invention and innovation.
The elevator at this time looked somewhat like a cage, albeit an exquisite one. Its car frame used an entirely new mortise-and-tenon cast-iron assembly technique—the very technology used to build warships.
As the control lever was pulled down, a tremendous roar erupted. The pistons began to operate, scalding high-pressure steam burst forth, the gears started turning, and the steel chains rattled loudly.
The counterweights began to descend continuously, and at last, the car rose.
The crowd let out excited cries of astonishment.
"It's rising! My God! This is the power of science!"
The tide of voices rose higher and higher along with the ascending car.
"There's nearly a ton of merchandise inside! Not even three horses could pull it that high!"
Franz actually found this somewhat awkward. He did not think much of a steam hoist; it was merely a simple machine.
Similar machines had long existed in mines and the military. Of course, ordinary people had no opportunity to see them, much less any means of learning about them.
The main reason no one had invented such a machine before was that buildings had been too short. Generally speaking, there had simply been no need for elevators.