Chapter 250 - Our Knights Will Wear That. (2)

It was true that the number of troops and weapons needed to be steadily increased. However, no matter how much wealth Ghislain accumulated and how far the territory developed, there was a clear limit to how much he could expand.

'Compared to the forces of the duchy, it's still insignificant.'

If the goal were merely to defeat Count Desmond, then Galbarik's suggestion of simply expanding the army and its weaponry would suffice. However, the forces deployed by a duchy operated on an entirely different scale.

When factoring in the armies of lords and nobles loyal to the duchy, their numbers easily surpassed 100,000.

Preparing a force of similar scale in a short time was impossible. Then what?

'Each one must be capable of fighting a hundred.'

The 400 knights would need to be able to fight the equivalent of 40,000 enemies—100 times their number. A force of 1,000 soldiers would need to stand against more than 10,000 enemies.

And yet, even with this, victory against the Delphine Duchy couldn't be guaranteed.

'To achieve that, we need to maximize their capabilities and equip them with the best possible gear.'

The armor and helmets Ghislain envisioned would not only be lightweight but would also include features like enhanced night vision, strength and agility boosts, temperature regulation, and environmental adaptation magic.

The knights would activate these enhancements by channeling mana into the Rune Stones embedded in their equipment. This system ensured the gear could be used almost indefinitely.

The same principle applied to the soldiers. They, too, would be equipped with weapons and armor crafted from Galbanium and undergo rigorous training to become elite forces.

'To outsiders, it may look like a massive army… but no matter how many I gather, it'll always be a small force compared to the duchy. That's why I need to create a powerful, elite minority.'

And the duchy wasn't the only adversary they needed to be prepared for.

Galbarik, glancing at the documents, unconsciously muttered to himself.

"Sure, this equipment would make us stronger… but are you really making this to fight humans?"

The sheer amount of technology and resources poured into this project seemed excessive for combating humans.

With this kind of gear, a single knight might easily take down an ogre.

Hearing Galbarik's remark, Ghislain chuckled.

"The enemies we'll face are that strong. Besides, someday, I'm planning to go after foes even more terrifying than humans. Anyway, this is crucial, so make sure it's done properly."

Sensing that Ghislain was withholding something, Galbarik refrained from probing further and simply nodded.

'With all this money being spent, I guess he's thinking about hunting monsters. Is he planning another trip to that forest filled with monsters or something? Still, it'd be cheaper to just recruit and train more troops.'

From an efficiency standpoint, this was nothing short of extravagant waste.

'Where does he get the guts for such grand spending?'

Perhaps it was just youthful arrogance. Galbarik allowed himself to think it was something as simple as that and moved on to another question.

"By the way, why black?"

Curiously, all the armor and helmets Ghislain had ordered were to be black.

Making them black required special treatments to ensure they wouldn't reveal a silvery sheen even when worn or damaged. This process was costly and typically reserved for specific groups.

"It's perfect for moving at night and launching ambushes."

"...I see. It does suit that purpose."

It seemed the lord, after experiencing a few wars, had become utterly obsessed with combat.

To prioritize battlefield efficiency, he was even willing to cover the knights' iconic silver armor with black.

"Oh, and there's also a symbolic effect. Back in the war, wearing black had its advantages."

During the Siege of Perdium, both Viktor and Count Digald had panic attacks whenever the black-clad forces appeared.

Indeed, black armor might lack the elegance of silver, but it commanded an intimidating aura that was a step above.

"Understood. I'll ramp up Galbanium production and start crafting the armor and helmets. Though, the mages are going to complain again."

The mages were already overworked, constantly summoned to various sites without any time for rest.

Upon learning of their new assignments, they would undoubtedly cause a ruckus.

Adopting a tone of magnanimity, Ghislain added:

"Once the armor and helmets are complete, let them know they'll get the same vacation they received before. But for now, prioritize the mass production of Galbanium and the crafting of equipment."

"Oh! Vacation? Got it! Leave it to me!"

In this territory, the only solace was eating until one burst and taking a short break. Galbarik and the dwarves had adapted to this reality perfectly.

"Always fast and reliable, right?"

"Yeah, yeah, I got it. You nag more than anyone I know."

Galbarik muttered as he left, weary of hearing the same words over and over again.

Watching Galbarik leave, Ghislain grinned. Galbanium would dramatically enhance the territory's overall power.

Such was the overwhelming potential of this new material.

Galbarik might not know it yet, but Ghislain planned to use Galbanium to develop entirely new types of weaponry.

Once completed, the concept of mobile warfare would be revolutionized.

"Finish quickly. I've got more tasks waiting."

Ghislain smiled, brimming with anticipation.

***

Claude stared at the funding request submitted by the dwarves for a long while without saying a word.

After silently reviewing the document, he approved it without complaint. The dwarves, surprised by this uncharacteristic reaction, glanced at him a few times before leaving.

Claude simply closed his eyes and sipped his tea without any further comment.

Even Wendy, who rarely initiated conversations with Claude, couldn't suppress her curiosity at his uncharacteristic behavior and asked:

"Why… didn't you say anything?"

Normally, he would have raised hell, argued with the lord, and only approved the request after a heated exchange.

Even if resistance proved futile, he opposed extravagant spending to instill some sense of caution in the lord.

Ghislain had a tendency to spend recklessly if he deemed it necessary, and Claude's objections were meant to make him think twice before acting.

But this time, he didn't. Wendy couldn't help but wonder why.

Claude set down his teacup and, with a serene smile, replied:

"When you give up, things become easier."

"..."

"This damn territory—whether it goes bankrupt or not, what does it matter? It's not even my money."

"..."

Ghislain might have the final say, but it was Claude who had to account for every coin, allocate funds, and assign tasks.

Despite the income the territory generated, its financial state remained perpetually tight. Balancing the books drove Claude to the brink of madness.

Even if there was no money, whatever Ghislain ordered had to be executed. It was, without question, an insane territory.

At least others enjoyed high salaries as consolation. As an unpaid servant, Claude had no such luxury. It was driving him insane.

"Ah! I wish another war would break out! What's Count Desmond waiting for? Is he scared?"

If ruin was inevitable, Claude wanted it to happen quickly. He was nearing his breaking point.

Wendy, seeing him in such despair, felt a rare pang of sympathy and changed the subject.

"Still, Galbanium seems like an amazing alloy. It should greatly enhance our troops' power and improve people's lives."

"Sure, sure. We'll be churning it out like crazy now."

Many forges and smithies had been constructed across the territory, but until now, they were used minimally, only for basic maintenance work.

The plan had always been to ramp up operations after Galbanium was successfully developed.

Compared to other craftsmen, blacksmiths had enjoyed relatively relaxed schedules.

But now that Galbanium was ready, the forges and smithies would be working nonstop.

When the first batches of Galbanium were distributed to blacksmiths, their reactions were unanimous.

"This is unbelievable! To create such an alloy!"

"Dwarves are incredible!"

"I heard the lord provided the technology."

It was an extraordinary material—light yet as strong as steel. Such a thing was beyond their wildest dreams.

The dwarves assured the blacksmiths that they'd be taught the production techniques, and the craftsmen were thrilled. Learning such skills was a great honor for any blacksmith.

Though the initial team was composed of trusted individuals, the scale of production required constant recruitment.

And not everyone was flawless. Some blacksmiths couldn't help but entertain devious thoughts.

'If I master this technique and move to another territory, I could make a fortune.'

No matter how well they were paid, it couldn't compare to the profits of selling the technology. They could monopolize the market in other territories.

Human nature is the same everywhere. When faced with treasure, greed is inevitable.

Learning an already perfected technique wasn't difficult. Within a few days, some blacksmiths began scheming.

'The travel restrictions have been lifted. If I make a good excuse, I could leave the territory.'

Their plans were crushed as soon as training ended.

"Who… are you?"

"We're here to escort you as you've learned important technology."

'Escort? This is surveillance!'

Under the guise of "escorts," two soldiers were assigned to each blacksmith. Left with no choice, the blacksmiths abandoned their escape plans and begrudgingly accepted their generous pay.

Still, the soldiers' attentiveness was excessive.

"Hey! Stop following me! This is the bathroom!"

"Why are you watching me eat?"

"Following me to the bathhouse is going too far—people will misunderstand!"

The soldiers clung to them like leeches. Going to the bathroom became a challenge, and drinking with friends was out of the question.

"You've had enough. Time to go home."

"Drinking too much might lead to slip-ups."

If the blacksmiths drank too much, the soldiers would swiftly intervene and drag them away. At night, two new soldiers would arrive to "guard" them until morning.

Though annoying, it wasn't unbearable. Having personal escorts wasn't entirely unpleasant.

But the blacksmiths couldn't shake a sense of unease.

Galbanium was produced exclusively in the large-scale smelting zone near the lord's castle. From there, it was distributed to other areas.

Surrounding this smelting zone were several large, beautiful, and luxurious houses—completely unoccupied.

"Surely…"

Initially, the blacksmiths dismissed the thought. But with the surveillance, an ominous feeling began to take root.

Their fears were soon realized.

"Honey! When did you buy such a lovely house? I'm so sorry for nagging you about saving money—I had no idea you were working so hard! And now we even have guards for our home! You've really made it big!"

"Wow! Dad, you're the best! Is this really our house? It's so spacious!"

The child's mother beamed with delight.

"Now that Dad works so close to home, he'll be back right after work. And if he's busy, we can visit him."

"Wow! I want to see Dad working!"

"..."

The joyous faces of their families made the blacksmiths bow their heads in resignation. They now realized they would never escape.

After finishing work, they were forcibly relocated to their new homes without even realizing it.

Seeing their families so overjoyed, they couldn't muster the courage to refuse.

One blacksmith's wife, wiping away tears, expressed her gratitude.

"You silly man! Why didn't you tell me about all this? I can't believe I thought about divorcing you… No, I'm sorry! You're the best husband!"

'No… Please… I didn't do anything… I don't even want this house… Just say you don't like it and want to go back!'

Oblivious to her husband's inner turmoil, the wife untied her hair and gave him a seductive look.

"Wait here. I'll freshen up quickly."

"H-Honey, what are you talking about? Freshen up? Why?"

The blacksmith recoiled in terror.

Similar scenes unfolded in every home of the blacksmiths assigned to Galbanium production.

They were now bound to the smelting zone. Their homes were adjacent to it. Any attempt to sneak away would be caught by their families and the ever-watchful guards.

'This territory is... hell.'

Some blacksmiths even volunteered for overtime to avoid going home. As a result, Galbanium production accelerated further.

The Galbanium was then distributed to smithies across the territory.

But the blacksmiths weren't the only ones suffering. The craftsmen at each smithy had to forge weapons and tools for soldiers and civilians the moment Galbanium arrived.

Previously dormant, the forges and smithies finally roared to life, their fires burning day and night.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

"Ahhh! Why is there so much work?!"

Throughout the territory, the sound of hammering and the cries of overworked blacksmiths filled the air.

The first items to be crafted were armor and weapons for the soldiers. With every blacksmith working together, vast quantities were produced daily.

The soldiers who received the new armor were baffled.

"Full plate armor? This has to be a mistake."

"We're just light infantry!"

"How are we supposed to wear this? We'll get exhausted in no time."

Ordinary soldiers typically wore padded cloth armor. At best, wealthier territories might provide breastplates or leather armor.

Equipping all soldiers with gear suited for knights was unheard of—no matter how rich a territory was.

Even if the armor was thin and lightweight, most soldiers lacked the strength or skill to effectively fight in metal armor.

And yet, this equipment was being distributed indiscriminately. Naturally, the soldiers were bewildered.

"It's nice and all, but... No matter how well it's made, isn't it too heavy for us—?"

One soldier, grumbling as he picked up the armor, froze mid-sentence.

The armor was unbelievably light. Too light.

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