Steel, Guns, and the Industrial Party in Another World

TL: Etude

In October, when the lands to the northwest of the Kingdom of Ordo took on a golden hue, Lakeheart Town received a few unexpected guests—Queller Foster, along with his elder brother, Gaius Foster.

“Welcome, gentlemen from Horn Bay!”

Paul hosted a banquet in honor of their arrival at the lord’s residence and called Malron to accompany them.

Paul had only ever heard of Queller’s elder brother, Gaius. According to Queller himself, Gaius was far more successful than his younger brother, handling almost all of the family business, allowing their father to devote himself entirely to politics.

“How did you find the time to come to us?”

In previous correspondence, Paul learned that Queller had joined the Fort Ness guard under his father’s arrangement and couldn’t just roam the world without restraint.

Queller laughed heartily and said, “It’s because I’ve missed my little brother terribly.”

Paul chuckled at this, taking it as a jest.

The Foster family’s business in the northwest bay was under the management of Christopher, but this time the family’s eldest son had come, which certainly meant something big.

Gaius Foster took the opportunity while his brother was conversing with Paul to carefully observe the two lords before him, especially the Count Paul Grayman.

From the first sight of Port Fran from the sea to Lakeheart Town, the journey had offered him many surprises.

Before this, he had always thought of the northwest bay as a remote corner of the Kingdom of Ordo, perhaps recently producing some exotic commodities. But the deep forests and mountains were still full of precious furs and medicinal herbs. How could a place barely heard of before become prosperous overnight?

Yet, as he traveled, the bustling cargo ships in the harbor, the expanding docks, the ceaseless flow of merchants, the good public order, and the wide, solid roads between cities had greatly subverted his preconceptions of this land.

While it might be some distance away from what he considered ‘prosperous’, it unquestionably had a vibrant and youthful vigor. This was something his homeland lacked; Horn Bay had experienced a century of affluence, and even further development would be just more of the same, hardly conveying the sensation of booming prosperity.

What surprised him during this banquet was that Count Grayman had also brought along his ally, Count Malron Ganard. Based on the information previously obtained, he had speculated that the Ganard family’s territory had been absorbed by the Grayman family to some extent and that Malron Ganard, while still bearing the title of a lord, was merely a puppet.

However, it didn’t seem to be the case now. If Malron Ganard was truly a puppet, then Paul would not be so proactive about letting him interact with an outsider like himself. Additionally, judging by Malron’s relaxed conduct and the way he spoke freely in front of Paul showed no signs of coercion.

Perhaps it was as his brother had said, the two men were united by common interests.

As the conversation between Paul and Queller came to a pause, Gaius smiled slightly and spoke in fluent Ordoan language:

“Count Grayman, although it has been a long time, please allow me to express my gratitude once again for saving my brother’s life.”

“Ha, you’re too kind. Mr. Gaius, did you come to the Northwest Bay for any particular reason?”

Paul was not one for beating around the bush and asked straightforwardly.

Gaius fell silent for a moment, seemingly searching for the right words, before softly speaking, “I indeed come bearing a mission.”

Seeing Queller also assume a serious expression, Paul’s interest was piqued, and he listened attentively.

“Umm…”

Gaius glanced at Malron who was present.

Perceiving his concern, Paul reassured, “Please feel free to speak your mind.”

Gaius then stated, “As we know, the ‘Northwest Industries’ led by you, my lord, played a significant role in the Ordo civil war. So I have come to personally survey the situation and wonder if you could grant me the convenience.”

Paul looked at Malron, and they exchanged knowing smiles. It seemed the reputation of Northwest Industries had spread far and wide.

“Of course, we can provide convenience, but what exactly is your purpose, Mr. Gaius? You do realize that the main product of our Northwest Industries is… armaments?”

Gaius stood up and said, “I won’t beat around the bush. My visit to the Northwest Bay is on behalf of the entire Horn Bay Alliance, and I’ve come to purchase armaments.”

“Ah?” Paul exclaimed, surprised by this revelation.

“The Alliance has delegated me to reach a long-term cooperative agreement with you, my lord. In the future… if, unfortunately…,” Gaius looked hesitant, “we might need a large quantity of armaments, including various weapons and armor.”

He added immediately, “However, rest assured, our purchase of armaments is by no means aimed at Ordo.”

Big business indeed!

Paul felt a surge of excitement. Was the Horn Bay Alliance gearing up for war?

“But, my lord… Could you keep this confidential for us?”

Paul confidently reassured, “Rest assured, maintaining our clients’ confidentiality is one of our service principles.”

Gaius continued, “I also need to confirm whether you have sufficient production capacity to meet our demands.”

“How large is the requirement from the Alliance?”

“At least ten thousand sets of infantry armor, ten thousand longswords, thirty thousand spearheads, and fifty thousand bows and arrows!”

This was a staggering request, leaving Paul and Malron in awe. If they managed to secure the deal, it would be worth millions of silver coins.

“This is just the initial requirement. Considering replacements and losses in case war breaks out, we will place additional orders.”

“Ha ha!” Paul tried not to drool with excitement, “So, when would you require delivery?”

“Within a year and a half!”

“No problem!” Paul slapped his chest, “Northwest Industries has over fifty workshops and factories, skilled craftsmen, a steady supply of raw materials, and due to the recent southern rebellion, we still have a lot of material reserves.”

Listening to Paul’s introduction, Gaius was somewhat reassured, remarking, “But I’d still like to see your production sites with my own eyes.”

Paul nodded, “Well then, tomorrow I’ll take you to a workshop near Lakeheart Town, where you’ll see everything you want.”

“I’m very grateful for this!” Gaius raised his glass to Paul, “I sincerely hope we can reach an agreement on this cooperation.”

Paul promptly reciprocated the toast, and with a clink of their glasses, he said, “That is my desire as well.”

After finishing their drinks, Paul inquired further, “If it’s not too much trouble, may I ask what threat the Alliance perceives?”

The Foster brothers both showed expressions of difficulty.

“Count, please forgive our impoliteness. Some matters are not at liberty to be disclosed.”

“Ha ha, then let’s just talk business.”

Paul beamed, for based on the information from Cecil about Horn Bay, he could roughly guess what the high echelons in Fort Ness were preparing for.

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