Steel, Guns, and the Industrial Party in Another World
Chapter 51: Collaboration 1

TL: Etude

After much consideration, Paul ultimately chose to align with the royal side.

With Jars far away, and regardless of his interest in Paul, if Paul faced trouble, Jars couldn’t help from afar. Besides, if exposed, the king could easily crush Paul, a small fry causing trouble behind his back.

He had planned to wait and watch a bit longer, but since Alda was already attracting attention from surrounding forces, it was better to pick a side sooner. Count Kent of Emden, who had requested Paul to become his vassal in a reply to a call for help, had ambitions that Paul found alarming.

Half an hour later, steward Philip led Baron Hansel Abbott to the study. Based on the news about the capital’s granary fire, Paul guessed why Hansel had come to see him.

As soon as Hansel entered, he complimented, “Congratulations to Lord Grayman on successfully exterminating the pirates. Executing so many villains in one go truly upholds justice in the name of the Lord of Light. It’s gratifying!”

Paul replied with a forced smile, “Baron, you’re well-informed, even aware of this while on your ‘trip’.”

Hansel ignored Paul’s sarcasm, “Lord Grayman’s heroic deeds are well-known in the northwest. A lord who eradicates harm for his people is rare, unlike those who go against our founding king’s teachings.”

Moving to the main topic, Paul invited Hansel to sit and asked Philip to bring some honey wine. After a sip each, Paul started, “Baron Abbott, I’ve recently looked into the southern rebellion in detail.”

“Oh? What does the lord think?”

Paul waved dismissively, “What else? Jars’ nickname ‘Greedy Wolf’ says it all. He’s known to coerce and tempt surrounding lords to submit, and loyalists who resisted have been crushed. He also controls trade routes and extorts travelers, causing widespread resentment.”

Hansel expressed righteous indignation, “It’s all true. Jars’ infamy is well-known.”

“Why does the king tolerate him?”

“His ancestors fought alongside King Rodney I and nurtured their family’s power. There are even rumors that the Rodney family’s crown was yielded by Jars’ ancestor. Of course, such treasonous rumors are baseless. In any case, a slight misstep could lead to half of Ordo splitting away.”

Paul was secretly pleased. His ancestors also fought with the founding king, yet they were relegated to this forsaken northwest. “This is karma,” he thought, “for your uneven favoritism.”

He then turned serious, “Such traitors like Jars must be eliminated. We must unite closely around the king’s government, guided by the concept of a unified Ordo, and strive unswervingly for the kingdom’s unification.”

Hansel was baffled by Paul’s novel rhetoric.

Paul looked meaningfully at Hansel, “So, what’s the situation now? Has His Majesty’s army moved south to suppress the rebellion?”

Hansel hesitated, considering whether to reveal the food shortage but instead said, “The loyalist army is assembling and will soon head south. They’ll quickly quell the rebellion.”

“Why not get straight to the point?” thought Paul. “My steward mentioned you had urgent matters to discuss. What is it?”

Hansel, evasive, stammered, “Well… with so many troops gathered, consuming food daily… you understand, right, Lord Count?”

“I understand nothing,” Paul cursed inwardly. Asking for help and yet so indirect. He decided to give Hansel a way out.

He rested his chin on his interlaced fingers, elbows on the table, “Baron, as you can see, my territory is remote, with a sparse population. I can’t provide much manpower to aid His Majesty.”

Just as Hansel felt disappointed, Paul changed his tone: “But that doesn’t dampen my enthusiasm to serve the kingdom. As you said, with Jars holding nearly half the kingdom’s power, this war won’t end soon. Give me a year or two, and I am confident I can increase Alda’s output several-fold, thereby supplying the king’s army with the necessary materials, including a large amount of food…”

At the mention of “food,” Hansel’s ears perked up.

“…and a large amount of ironware.”

Hansel became even more interested. Ironware was a crucial resource in war. He asked, puzzled, “Lord Grayman, you’re so confident? What do you base this on?”

Paul thought for a moment, “Based on the agricultural and smelting technologies I am about to improve, which I have already experimented with.” Naturally, these were techniques refined in another world.

“But a sudden surge in a remote territory’s output will definitely attract others’ attention. I need the royal family’s protection.”

Paul laid out his request.

Hansel, stroking his chin, asked, “Would you be willing to contribute these technologies to the royal family? I’m sure His Majesty would reward you generously and ensure your safety.”

Paul grimaced and loudly called, “Philip, escort the baron to rest in his room.”

Hansel quickly gestured with his hands, “Wait! Lord Grayman, it’s best to keep those technologies in your hands. They will surely be most effective with their inventor. I just mentioned it casually. As long as you can provide sufficient military supplies, I am willing to write to His Majesty, suggesting he provide protection for your territory. His Majesty is always fair in rewards and punishments for his meritorious subjects.”

That’s more like it, Paul sighed in relief.

But Hansel continued, “However, I’m just a minor figure with little influence. What can truly sway His Majesty is the supplies you can provide. How much can you offer now?”

Paul frowned; he needed time. It wasn’t possible to produce so much at once.

Seeing Paul’s expression, Hansel inwardly rejoiced, “If Lord Grayman wishes, I can offer some personal assistance to help you achieve your goal of increasing production, thus quickly gaining His Majesty’s recognition.”

Paul looked at Hansel: “What can you bring to me?”

The baron calmly said, “I saw the ‘Talent Recruitment Decree’ posted in the town center. Well-written indeed! Disregarding origin and lineage, these are rare in this era.” Sᴇaʀch* Thᴇ ɴ0velFɪre.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

“Are you suggesting to work for me?”

Hansel shook his head, “If you grant me the authority, as a royal commissioner, I’m obliged to assist the local lord in governance. But my power is limited. My point is, in this era of bloodline supremacy, there are many frustrated, impoverished nobles in the south, and many ambitious commoners with no opportunity for advancement. Regardless of their abilities, they at least meet the two criteria in the decree: literacy and arithmetic. Are you interested, Lord Grayman?”

Paul slowly stood up, intrigued by the baron’s proposition.

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