Battle of the Biddeburg
Translator: Cinder Translations
...
After Bryce and Joyce entered the meeting room, Derrick stood up to welcome them and invited them to sit beside him. Several people frowned because neither of them was a noble nor a knight, and having them sit alongside themselves was seen as a breach of etiquette.
In many people's minds, they should have only been allowed to stand.
What was even more infuriating was that these two had no intention of showing any humility; they simply sat down as if it was their right.
Really, don't they know their place? How did Grayman teach them?
Earl Pryce Parker, however, did not mind at all. He cleared his throat and said:
"Everyone! The last of the reinforcements has arrived. Let's discuss how to deal with the Kent family!"
Just then, Viscount Johnston frowned and said, "My lord, shouldn't we first set some rules? The way things are today isn't beneficial for anyone."
As soon as the viscount's words fell, a chorus of agreement followed. The coalition wasn't only made up of various earls but also viscounts, barons, and other lesser lords.
Before Earl Parker could respond, Derrick Heller stood up, his face flushed with embarrassment.
"Everyone, it was my rashness that led to the confusion and the battle today. I sincerely apologize!"
"Hmm… It's good that you realize this," Earl Parker said, stroking his beard, speaking slowly.
"Derrick, our alliance is a collective effort. In the future, you must consult with everyone and gain the support of the majority before taking any action."
"Yes, Uncle Parker, I will remember your words well."
Seeing Derrick's contrition, Earl Parker felt relieved. He was worried that the young man might be arrogant and clash with others, making things chaotic. The Heller family's support was crucial in opposing Maltz Kent, and he was also resentful of Derrick's unilateral actions. He had planned to address this privately after the meeting, but since someone had already brought it up, it was fortunate that Derrick had admitted his mistake willingly.
Earl Parker then shifted the topic: "So, how did you manage to break through?"
Derrick replied, "Speaking of that, I must thank the Alden army that arrived today! They drove off the Kent family's pursuers."
Hearing this, everyone present was stunned. Derrick had returned with a contingent of over 100 knights; the Kent family's pursuers must have been more numerous. How could the pursuers, whom the Heller knights couldn't fend off, be dealt with by the Alden army?
Derrick stood up and first bowed to Bryce and Joyce, making them a bit anxious, and they hurriedly stood up. It was unimaginable for them to be bowed to by a high noble.
Derrick then described the battle in detail.
The more the attendees listened, the more incredible it sounded. What were these "fire crossbows" and "thunder hammers"? Were these weapons really as powerful as the legends said?
Despite their doubts, they chose to believe. Even if the Alden troops had rescued them, there was no need for Derrick to exaggerate.
"This is truly amazing. Could we have a look at these weapons?"
Earl Parker's eyes widened as he voiced the question on everyone's mind.
Bryce and Joyce exchanged glances, and the commander of the First Infantry Regiment stood up and said, "Certainly, my lords, but we need to find a spacious area first."
Since they were collaborating in the battle, there was no need to keep their weapons secret. It was important for their allies to understand the effectiveness of their weapons to fight together efficiently.
...
On the open ground north of the coalition's camp, the sound of gunfire roared, cannons boomed, and the air was filled with choking smoke.
Bryce arranged for a company of infantry and a gun crew to demonstrate the legendary "fire crossbow" and "thunder hammer" to the coalition's commanders.
A row of target dummies used for practicing swordplay was shattered into pieces.
"Divine weapons, truly divine weapons!"
Everyone present marveled, not just at the immense power but also at the intimidating display which could scare off a whole army.
Derrick watched with rapt attention. Although he had seen the Alden army's combat from a distance before, seeing it up close now gave him a completely different impression.
Seeing the reactions of the crowd, Bryce shrugged at Joyce. Besides porcelain and canned goods, Alden now had another item for others to covet.
However, they were not afraid. With a standing army of over 2,000 and several thousand militia with basic military training, they were confident.
Want it? Come and take it!
Indeed, many people immediately expressed their desire to purchase.
"I'm sorry, my lords, but this is not within our power to decide. If you really want to buy, please contact Earl Grayman in Alden Town."
Bryce shook his head and passed the trouble on to Paul.
In fact, there had been many discussions about whether to sell firearms externally in Alden Town. Selling weapons was definitely a lucrative business, and firearms were unique in the world.
Given the simple structure of firearms and cannons, once others obtain them, replicating them is relatively easy. It's better to make a substantial profit before others can replicate them, and while leveraging the technological advantage to establish a reputation for "authentic quality," reinvest the earnings into new technology development.
This cycle ensures maintaining technological superiority and staying ahead of others.
To reduce the threat of external acquisition of firearms, the most controllable factor was the formula for gunpowder. Without gunpowder, firearms and cannons are just scrap metal. There was an ancient weapon known as "Hellfire," which was lost due to overly effective secrecy...
The conclusion of the discussion on selling firearms in Alden Town was always, "Sell firearms after establishing absolute military superiority in the Northwest Bay," but this "appropriate time" kept getting postponed.
However, before the appropriate time arrived, they could tease potential buyers.
With no successful purchases, Derrick anxiously asked, "Can I try the 'fire crossbow' myself?"
"Of course, young Master Heller. You can use my shorter one. Actually, we call it a 'fire gun,' and the larger one is called a 'cannon.'"
Bryce generously drew his pistol, loaded it, and handed it to him.
"Ah! Thank you."
Derrick took the pistol with excitement, like a child who had just received a new toy.
"Oh! Be very careful and don't point it at your own men."
At Bryce's reminder, the onlookers gasped and stepped back, realizing that the object in Derrick's hands was deadly.
"Don't worry!"
Following Bryce's guidance, Derrick aimed the pistol at the target dummy in front and pulled the trigger.
"Bang!"
The gunshot rang out, and the target dummy was blasted to pieces.
"This is the feeling! This is the feeling!"
Derrick's face was full of joy as he experienced the tingling sensation in his hand and fondled the pistol with affection.
"I want to try too!"
"Let me try first!"
The onlookers surged forward, eager to make their requests.
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