Steel, Guns, and the Industrial Party in Another World

TL: Etude

“My dear Count Paul Grayman, we deeply regret your father’s death. We were compelled to fight in those circumstances…”

“Port Fran will remain your territory, but if you could bestow it upon us as a place of residence, we are willing to offer our loyalty to you…”

“We will give you half of our quarterly revenue, guaranteeing that you will receive far more than the taxes you used to collect…”

This was a letter from the Shark Gang, who had entrenched themselves in Port Fran. Paul had it read aloud during a meeting.

After the letter was read, the hall erupted in laughter. The audacity of these pirates, dreaming of carving out their own domain, especially when Alda’s army held absolute dominance, was almost comical.

Paul took the letter and tore it to shreds. “The very idea is ludicrous.”

Not only were the defeated pirates in no position to negotiate, but Paul could never forgive them for killing his father. His reputation depended on it.

“My lord, two fully equipped infantry battalions have completed their training. Please order them to reclaim Port Fran and eradicate these pirates,” said Bryce, echoing the desire of most officers present.

The Count, however, had other plans. “No rush. They’re like locusts after autumn, their days are numbered. Let’s first test our newly developed firearms. If they prove effective, our army will be greatly strengthened, and these blind pirates will make perfect targets for a trial.”

The assembly was curious. Firearms and hand grenades had already been eye-openers, and they wondered what new invention the young Count had come up with.

Count Paul was riding high. The paper mill he had constructed near his castle, after day and night efforts, finally produced usable paper and established a viable production process. Ford, the manager, was successfully marketing this paper in the Northwest Bay area.

Nobles and merchants found this new paper affordable and practical. It cost just a few coins for a large stack, ideal for writing, drawing, and record-keeping, much more economical than expensive parchment.

Another major customer for the paper was the monasteries. At this time, monasteries also played a part in education and thus had a significant demand for paper.

The paper was still somewhat rough and fragile, so Paul ordered the craftsmen to continue refining the paper-making process and set different prices based on the quality to cater to various customers.

With the sales channel established, profits started rolling in. Though currently limited to the Northwest Bay area and modest in amount, the prospects were bright.

Like on Earth, this paper-making technology would eventually break the cultural and knowledge monopoly of nobles and the church, benefiting the lower classes. “I guess I’m helping to turn the wheels of history,” Paul thought with a bit of pride.

…

The forest camp, previously used for training new soldiers, had been transformed. Temporary tents and low fences were replaced by brick and stone buildings and walls over a person’s height. This place was now what the Count referred to as a “military base.”

The internal security force of Lakeheart Town was expanded, now comprising a full squadron with two platoons of guards stationed there, patrolling the perimeter with their dogs.

In an open area near the base, Malo, Herman, Kelly, and others, responsible for weapons development, were busy with a device, surrounded by soldiers on high alert.

Anyone from Earth would recognize this device as an early 19th-century style muzzle-loading bronze cannon.

The design of the cannon, simplified by Paul using his knowledge of the “transmigration artifact” — the Napoleonic cannon from his previous life’s internet — was straightforward. The carriage supporting the cannon consisted of wheels, an axle, a tailstock, and an elevation mechanism. The elevation mechanism, connected to the tail of the cannon, included a screw and a handle for adjusting the cannon’s angle.

In the distance, Count Paul was heard discussing with his officers, “I plan to name this place ‘Area 51’. Don’t ask me what ‘Area 51’ means, just call it that…”

Upon hearing the approaching voices, Malo and his team hurried over to greet them: “Lord, you’ve finally arrived. Everything is ready for the demonstration.”

Count Paul approached the bronze cannon, affectionately running his hand along its length from muzzle to breach.

The onlookers were slightly bemused by his actions.

Clearing his throat, Paul said, “Well then! I’ve brought everyone over. The rest is up to you.”

Malo confidently patted his chest, responding, “Yes, my lord.”

Grateful for the ‘contributions’ of the pirate captives in previous experiments, Malo was confident about this public demonstration.

A double-layer brick wall, 100 meters in front of the cannon, had been erected as the target for the test firing. Malo instructed the gun crew to take their positions while the spectators took cover behind a low wall behind the cannon.

The seven-member gun crew, carrying a bucket of water, approached the cannon, following the established procedure.

First, they used a long pole with a wool-wrapped brush, dipped it in water, and cleaned the cannon’s muzzle to remove any residual sparks from previous firings. Although not necessary for the first shot, this step was rigorously enforced to prevent accidents in subsequent firings.

Next, they used a dry brush to clean out any moisture left in the barrel, then loaded a cloth-wrapped gunpowder charge and a solid iron shot into the breech, followed by tamping down the ammunition with a ramrod.

The ignition stage came next. A thin iron spike was inserted through the vent hole at the breech, piercing the gunpowder charge to facilitate ignition.

There were two ways to ignite the charge: one was to insert a cotton fuse and light it. The fuse took some time to burn, offering a safer method.

The other method involved filling the vent hole with gunpowder and using a linstock, a stick with slow match wrapped around it, to ignite the gunpowder in the hole. This method allowed for quicker firing.

For this demonstration, they used the fuse method. After lighting the fuse, the crew members quickly covered their ears.

As the burning fuse rapidly shortened, it finally ignited the gunpowder.

“Boom!!!”

The four-pounder bronze cannon roared deafeningly, its powerful recoil pushing it back significantly. Those standing behind the low wall were startled, feeling the ground beneath them tremble momentarily.

“Ah~~” Count Paul looked utterly enthralled.

Once the smoke cleared, everyone saw the aftermath. The thick brick wall had been blasted with a terrifyingly large hole.

The crowd gasped at the power of the cannon, imagining what would happen if it were fired into a crowd…

Most rushed over to closely examine the cannon, while others, including Schroeder, bombarded Malo with questions.

“Through multiple tests, we’ve found it can shoot over a thousand meters.”

“Fire larger projectiles? Shoot farther? Of course, but we’ll need more funding for experimentation.”

“With a skilled crew, it can fire 2 to 3 shots a minute, though frequent firing can overheat the barrel.”

Malo, suppressing his excitement, responded to the officers’ queries. The thrill of creating such a powerful weapon was almost overwhelming.

“A weapon of the state! A true weapon of the state!” exclaimed the old knight Schroeder.

“Big is beautiful~~ Big is beautiful indeed~~” Captain Holman murmured, caressing the cannon, as if he had opened the door to a new world.

“Malo, fire a grapeshot round next. Let’s really open their eyes.”

“Right away, Count!” Malo replied enthusiastically.