Empire of India: Rise of the Ruthless Prince

On the outskirts of Hampi, amidst the endless stretches of lush green pastures, Viswa stood overseeing a project that would revolutionize the Empire's transport network.

The major road leading to the capital bustled with activity, traders and travelers alike passing by on their way to Hampi. Beside him stood a stone tablet, carved with directions and distances to the next major towns and cities. It was a vital marker for those journeying through the Empire's ever-expanding network of roads.

The capital's roads, especially those leading to Hampi, had seen an unprecedented surge in traffic due to the influx of traders and pilgrims. The existing rest areas, designed for fewer travelers, had become inadequate. With land already allocated for future expansions, Viswa had spearheaded efforts to enlarge these rest areas.

New shelters for travelers, spacious horse stables, and shaded resting zones had been constructed, providing much-needed respite for weary voyagers and their animals.

Today, however, Viswa's focus was not on rest areas but on an ambitious new project initiated by the Emperor himself: the horse omnibus. This innovative mode of transportation was designed to alleviate pedestrian traffic on the Empire's major roads while offering a more efficient means of travel for groups of people.

Viswa stood at the edge of the road, awaiting the arrival of the prototype omnibus. The past few months had been a whirlwind of planning and execution. After consulting the royal carriage maker, Viswa had presented his initial designs for the omnibus, a carriage large enough to transport over 20 passengers along with their luggage.

The carriage maker, intrigued by the concept, had refined the design, transforming it into a practical solution.

The final product was a robust vehicle, equipped with seating for 20 passengers and compartments for luggage both on top and beneath the carriage. The design was sturdy, built to endure the wear and tear of long journeys while ensuring the comfort of its passengers.

As the project progressed, Viswa had arranged for high-quality horses to be procured from the annexed territories of the Qutb Sultanate. These strong horses were great at pulling the omnibus efficiently, ensuring smooth travel even on the roads.

The day of the first test had finally arrived. Viswa had ordered the royal guards to gather 20 volunteers to serve as passengers for this trial. The omnibus would travel along the main road leading to Hampi, showcasing its utility.

The royal guards sprinted towards Viswa, their urgency evident as the prototype omnibus rolled into view, trotting steadily toward the designated test site.

"Lord Viswa, the carriage has arrived," one of them announced breathlessly.

The respect in their voices was unmistakable. After the infamous incident with the nobles, Viswa had earned a newfound respect among the palace staff. He had stood firm against the noble class, a feat few dared to attempt.

Though he was not a noble by birth, his demeanor, wisdom, and resolve earned him an honorary title among the royal palace staff, who now addressed him as "Lord Viswa."

The prototype omnibus came to a halt, its polished exterior catching the sunlight. From the carriage stepped the royal carriage maker, a broad smile lighting up his face. He approached Viswa and greeted him warmly.

"Lord Viswa, the carriage is in excellent condition," he said with pride. "I've checked it thoroughly."

Viswa nodded and extended his hand for a firm handshake. "Good to hear. May I inspect it myself once more, if you don't mind?"

"Of course, it would be an honor, Lord Viswa," the carriage maker replied, stepping aside to allow Viswa to conduct his inspection.

Viswa climbed aboard the omnibus and began his evaluation. The interior was spacious, designed to accommodate passengers of varying heights comfortably.

However, a few concerns stood out. The seats, though functional, were of low quality, with cushions that offered little comfort for long journeys. The lack of reinforcements in certain areas of the structure also caught his attention.

Still, the core design was solid. The compartments were well-crafted, offering ample space for luggage. The wheels, sturdy and robust, were clearly built to endure the rough roads of the Empire. He made mental notes of the areas needing improvement, intending to provide detailed feedback to the carriage maker once the test was concluded.

"Seems fine," Viswa said after completing his inspection. "But there is room for improvement."

The carriage maker chuckled, his eyes twinkling with admiration. "I expected nothing less from you, Lord Viswa. You always have an eye for details."

Turning to the royal guards, Viswa issued a series of commands. "Change the horses, load the luggage, and gather the required members for the test. Let's proceed."

"Yes, Lord Viswa," they replied, moving swiftly to carry out his instructions.

The guards worked with efficiency. A fresh team of horses, strong and well-trained, was hitched to the omnibus. The guards loaded bags and crates into the compartments, ensuring everything was secured tightly. Meanwhile, a group of 20 volunteers, including traders, messengers, and palace staff, was assembled. Each was briefed on their role in the test.

As the preparations neared completion, Viswa stepped back to observe the scene. The bustling activity, the anticipation in the air, and the prototype before him filled him with a sense of accomplishment.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"Ready when you are, Lord Viswa," the guard said, saluting.

"Let's begin," Viswa commanded.

The coachman flicked the reins, and the horses stirred forward, pulling the omnibus into motion. The carriage wheels creaked as they turned, and the passengers and luggage shook slightly before settling into stability. Despite its weight, the omnibus moved with a commendable pace, the six horses drawing it with strength and coordination.

The test involved a preplanned route—a back-and-forth journey between two points marked on the road. It would take approximately an hour to complete.

Viswa, astride his horse, rode alongside the carriage to oversee the test and ensure everything proceeded safely. Accompanying him were the royal carriage maker and a small unit of Royal Guards.

The journey unfolded smoothly. The wheels held firm over the uneven terrain, and the structure remained intact under the load of passengers and luggage. The horses performed admirably, maintaining speed and control throughout the trial.

After an hour, the omnibus returned to its starting point, safe and sound. The passengers disembarked, unharmed and visibly impressed by the experience.

The horses, though showing signs of exertion, were not overly fatigued, proving their suitability for the task. Most importantly, the omnibus itself was intact, its sturdy frame and thoughtful design passing the rigorous test.

"It was a success, Lord Viswa," the carriage maker exclaimed with enthusiasm.

Viswa allowed himself a smile. "Indeed, it was. Let us now discuss the necessary improvements in private."

"Yes, my Lord," the carriage maker replied, bowing slightly.

The two walked to a secluded area, away from the gathered onlookers, to review the test's results. Once settled, Viswa addressed the key issues.

"The main problems are safety and comfort," he began.

"I see," the carriage maker replied, nodding attentively.

"To address safety, we need to reinforce the carriage with a sturdier metal frame," Viswa explained. "As for comfort, the seats require thicker cushions. The current ones won't suffice for longer journeys."

"That can be done," the carriage maker said, already forming a mental list of adjustments.

"We also need to consider the ease of access," Viswa continued. "Add better stairs for boarding, especially with elderly passengers in mind. And install more windows for ventilation and visibility."

"Hmm..." The carriage maker scratched his chin, deep in thought as he absorbed the suggestions.

Viswa paused, then added, "Beyond that, the carriage seems satisfactory for now. Once these improvements are implemented, we'll conduct another test before proceeding to full-scale production."

"Understood, my Lord," the carriage maker

"Here is the list of improvements."

Viswa nodded in approval but knew the work was far from over. Beyond refining the omnibus design, he had to establish the operational framework for its use.

First, he would need to draft a set of rules governing the transport system. These would outline passenger conduct, loading and unloading procedures, and maintenance schedules. The fare structure for using the omnibus would also require careful consideration to ensure affordability for the populace while sustaining operations.

Next, Viswa planned to arrange specialized training for the coachmen. They would need to learn how to handle the omnibus carefully and adhere to the rules, ensuring safety and efficiency during travel.

Lastly, he intended to create a schedule for the omnibus. The operating hours had to be convenient, aligned with the city's bustling trade and travel activities, yet manageable for the horses and staff.

This ambitious project marked the beginning of a transformative era for the Empire's transport network. These carriages would reduce pedestrian traffic, accelerate commerce, and connect the major cities and towns seamlessly.

As the meeting concluded, Viswa turned to the carriage maker with a firm tone.

"This is just the first step, but it's a significant one. Let us ensure the foundation is solid so we can build something extraordinary."

The carriage maker nodded with determination. "As you command, Lord Viswa. I'll get to work immediately."