When Bryce and Joyce entered the conference room, Derrick rose to welcome them and invited them to sit beside him.
More than one person frowned at this, as neither of the two was a noble or a knight. Allowing them to sit among them seemed to diminish their own status.
Many thought that they should have remained standing upon entering.
What infuriated people even more was that these two showed no humility and just sat down as if it was their right.
Really, did they not know their place? How had Grayman taught them?
Price Parker, however, didn’t mind at all. Clearing his throat, he said:
“Ladies and gentlemen! The last of our reinforcements has arrived. Let’s discuss how to deal with the Kent family!”
Just then, Viscount Johnston spoke up with a frown, “Count, shouldn’t we set some rules first? Situations like today’s are not beneficial for anyone.”
As soon as the Viscount finished, a chorus of agreement followed. The assembly wasn’t just made up of Counts, but also of lower lords like Viscounts and Barons.
Before Count Parker could respond, Derrick Heller, his face flushed with embarrassment, stood up.
“Ladies and gentlemen, it was my rashness that led to today’s chaotic battle. I sincerely apologize to all of you!” Thɪs chapter is updated by novel⸺fire.net
“That’s good that you realize this,” Count Parker said, stroking his beard calmly.
“Derrick, our alliance is a collective. You must consult with us and gain the majority’s support before taking any action.”
“Yes, Uncle Parker, I will firmly remember your words.”
Seeing Derrick’s concession, Price Parker was relieved. He feared the young man’s arrogance might create an uncontrollable situation. The Heller family’s strength was indispensable in opposing Marltz Kent, and while internally critical of Derrick’s unilateral actions, he didn’t want to provoke a rebellious response. He had intended to avoid this topic during the meeting and discuss it privately afterwards. However, someone had brought it up, and fortunately, Derrick admitted his mistake, which was more than ideal.
Count Parker then shifted the topic: “So, how did you break through the encirclement?”
Derrick replied, “Speaking of that, we owe our thanks to the newly arrived Alda troops! They drove back the Kents’ pursuers.”
This statement stunned the attendees. When Derrick returned, he had a group of over a hundred knights. Surely the Kent’s pursuers would have outnumbered them? And the pursuers that even the Heller knights couldn’t withstand were repelled by the Aldans?
Derrick stood, first bowing to Bryce and Joyce, who were somewhat flustered and quickly stood up as well. A high-ranking noble bowing to them was beyond their wildest imaginations.
Derrick then detailed the battle’s events.
The more the attendees listened, the more incredulous they became. “Fire crossbows,” “thunder hammers,” – were these legendary weapons real? And as powerful as the tales suggested?
Yet they chose to believe. Even if saved by the Aldans, Derrick had no reason to exaggerate on their behalf.
“It’s incredible, could we perhaps see these weapons?” Count Parker asked eagerly, voicing everyone’s thoughts.
Bryce and Joyce exchanged a glance. The infantry first battalion commander stood and said, “Of course, my lords, but we’ll need to find an open space first.”
Since they were cooperating in battle, there was no need for excessive secrecy. It was essential to let allies understand the effectiveness of their weapons, otherwise, how could they fight together?
In the northern open space of the allied forces’ camp, the sound of gunfire and cannon boomed, filling the air with pungent gunsmoke.
Bryce arranged for a company of infantry and an artillery unit to demonstrate the legendary “fire crossbows” and “thunder hammers” for the leaders of the allied forces.
A row of human-shaped targets used for sword and knife practice were shot to pieces.
“Divine weapons, truly divine weapons!” exclaimed the onlookers. Not only were these weapons immensely powerful, but their sheer presence was enough to deter many.
Derrick watched intently, having previously seen the Alda army in action from a distance. Now, witnessing it up close, his impression was completely different.
Seeing everyone’s reaction, Bryce shrugged his shoulders at Joyce. Now, in addition to porcelain and canned goods, Alda had another item that would attract attention.
However, they were undaunted, bolstered by a standing army of over 2000 and several thousand militiamen trained in basic military skills.
“Want them? Then come and try to take them!” seemed to be the unspoken challenge.
As expected, many immediately expressed their desire to purchase these weapons.
“I’m sorry, lords and ladies, but this is not for us to decide. If you truly wish to purchase, please go to Lakeheart Town and see Count Grayman,” Bryce said, passing the buck to Paul.
In fact, Lakeheart Town had often debated whether to sell firearms to outsiders, as selling weapons could be highly profitable, and they had the unique advantage of being the sole suppliers of firearms.
Given the simplicity of muskets and cannons, replication would be easy once others acquired them. It seemed better to earn a substantial profit before others could replicate them, and establish a reputation for “authentic, reliable quality” while investing the earnings in new technology research.
This cycle of maintaining a technological edge was their strategy.
To reduce the threat of others acquiring firearms, control over the gunpowder formula was crucial. A firearm without gunpowder was just scrap metal. An ancient weapon known as “hellfire” was lost to history precisely because its formula was kept too secret…
The consensus in Lakeheart Town regarding the sale of firearms was to “establish absolute military superiority in the Northwest Bay and then choose an appropriate time to sell firearms.” However, this “appropriate time” kept being delayed.
But before the right time came, they could whet the appetite of potential customers.
Derrick, frustrated at not being able to purchase, eagerly asked, “Then may I personally try the ‘fire crossbow’?”
“Of course, Lord Heller, you can use this shorter one. Actually, we call them ‘firearms,’ and that big fellow over there is called a ‘cannon,’” Bryce generously offered, handing over his loaded pistol.
Derrick excitedly took the firearm, looking like a child with a new toy.
“Oh! Be very careful, don’t point it at our own people,” Bryce cautioned.
Hearing this, the crowd gasped and quickly spread out, suddenly remembering the lethal nature of the object in Heller’s hand.
“Don’t worry, don’t worry!”
Following Bryce’s instructions, Derrick aimed the pistol at the human-shaped target and pulled the trigger.
The gunshot echoed, and the target splintered into wooden shards.
“This is it! This is the feeling!”
Derrick’s face lit up with joy as he felt a tingling sensation in his hand, lovingly caressing the pistol.
The crowd surged forward, eagerly requesting their turn.
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