Technology Leak
After the Boern Empire showcased matchlock muskets and cannons, the Fairn Empire continuously researched firearms. With their own technology, producing matchlocks and cannons wasn't difficult. Not content with that, they even advanced to studying flintlock muskets to address the shortcomings of matchlocks. However, gunpowder production was the problem. Unlike firearms, whose external design and principles could be relatively easily grasped, the method of manufacturing gunpowder was shrouded in secrecy.
"We'll commission the Alchemists' Guild for this, and maintain ongoing intelligence efforts as well…"
In response, the Fairn Empire made persistent efforts to uncover the gunpowder manufacturing method. But as the Boern Empire tightened security around its technology, stealing the formula became increasingly difficult. The Alchemists' Guild produced ongoing research results, but their low burn rate and power made them inadequate for firearms.
It was clear this would take a long time. The Fairn Empire secretly dispatched spies to the Boern Empire, striving relentlessly to pilfer the gunpowder formula. In the process, they also grasped the principles of steam engines, which were rapidly spreading in the civilian sector, and ultimately obtained the gunpowder manufacturing method as well.
"We've made contact with an academy professor who taught a gunpowder researcher, and succeeded in obtaining the formula."
"The power and burn rate have been significantly improved. However, the firearms need modifications to withstand the gunpowder's power..."
The Fairn Empire ultimately succeeded in manufacturing firearms and gunpowder. Moreover, the previous war between the Boern Empire and the Heyrn Kingdom had allowed them to gauge the power of these weapons.
"Don't skimp on investments for military supply."
Just as the Fairn Empire was in the midst of supplying its military with firearms, spies brought another report.
"The Boern Empire has already developed a more advanced type of firearm than their existing matchlocks. Improvements in ignition method and barrel..."
"They say the Boern Empire has developed a new type of firearm, made for anti-beast use..."
By the time the Fairn Empire grasped this information, they had already poured excessive investments into firearm production.
"What type of firearm is it?"
"A percussion cap rifle, with improved loading speed and accuracy over the flintlock musket. Additionally, the anti-beast version introduces a vastly improved loading mechanism..."
"This is a real headache..."
Firearms were already in widespread use and operation. And production was underway for even more. They had invested massive budgets to produce and deploy firearms more advanced than those used by the Boern Empire—only to learn the Boern Empire was already deploying even more advanced ones.
"...Cancel orders for production quantities not yet started, and redirect investments to research..."
The gap with the Boern Empire, which they thought they had closed, widened once more. While the Fairn Empire's leadership racked their brains over this, the beast outbreaks emerged as a new headache. By the time that crisis concluded, wars had broken out between various kingdoms.
"The kingdoms of Pique, Grimdel, and Balheim have allied to attack the Silven Kingdom, while Silven has formed an alliance with the kingdoms of Gert and Keroben for defense."
"Which side holds the advantage?"
"The allied forces are superior. In response, the allied kingdoms have requested support from the Empire..."
The emperor, listening to his minister's report, spoke up.
"A fine opportunity has arisen."
"You mean..."
"Support them with firearms. Of course, with conditions attached..."
It was a golden chance. Supporting allied nations would expand their sphere of influence and yield various gains. It would also offset the losses from firearm production.
"Perfect timing. Proceed with negotiations."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The Fairn Empire supplied gunpowder and firearms to its allied kingdoms, and those nations began deploying them on the battlefield.
"We've confirmed firearms in use during the inter-kingdom wars!"
"?"
News arrived that upended the relaxed atmosphere in the Boern Empire.
"Has the firearm technology leaked...?"
"Not a good situation."
"This is getting troublesome."
The Boern Empire's ministers were shaken by the news, but the leadership's reaction was muted.
"Hm. So it's happened."
"Yes."
Technology leakage was anticipated. Early firearms had been produced even in civilian workshops. Moreover, they had been exposed in many places: to pirates, barbarians, bandits, and during the war with Heyrn Kingdom.
Various kingdoms and empires had not only gauged the power of firearms but also invested heavily in uncovering their manufacturing methods and gunpowder formulas. Despite the Boern Empire's all-out efforts to prevent leaks, completely stopping them was nearly impossible.
Thus, they turned a blind eye to leaks of certain technologies—like black powder, matchlocks, and cannons. Instead, they focused security on smokeless powder, percussion cap rifles, and newly researched firearms. This delayed leaks of advanced weapons and induced wasteful spending in enemies. However, the Fairn Empire supplying allies with firearms had come sooner than expected.
"To avoid falling behind, we must move as well."
"Then..."
With the development of the more advanced bolt-action rifle—set to replace existing ones—it was time to dispose of older firearms anyway. This was a perfect opportunity.
"Supply the allied nations with our entire stock of matchlocks and a portion of percussion cap rifles. Also consider providing remaining black powder stockpiles and manufacturing technology."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
To maintain the Boern Empire's influence, it was time to act.
"And arrest those involved in technology leaks, along with identified spies."
"Yes."
The intelligence chief responded to the emperor's follow-up order.
Hans Pegerton. Alchemy professor at the Boern Academy.
He had dismissed a certain assistant's researched material as merely something that burned well. But now, it was treated as a strategic resource, indispensable in mining and weapons fields. If she had stayed at the academy, the empire would have recognized her achievements with ample funding and rewards. But due to his judgment, Karen left the academy to join the empire directly. Once the academy learned of this, they no longer treated him as before.
"Damn it... Who could've foreseen this?"
His former fame and honor were gone. The support and prestige he once enjoyed had vanished, and even his professorship hung by a thread.
"Ha..."
Then, someone came to see him.
"I heard you're the professor who taught the researcher who developed gunpowder."
"Nothing to say. Please leave."
As he grimaced and tried to leave, a mysterious man grabbed him and continued.
"I'd like to have a word..."
At the same time, the man slipped a hand into his coat's inner pocket.
"What..."
Was it a robber? Or an assassin? As the flustered professor wondered, what the man pulled out was a bribe.
"Ahem... Well, if it's just a moment..."
In the end, the professor and the man spoke in a secluded spot.
He realized the man was a spy and panicked, but soon grew tempted by the conditions offered: a fresh start in the Fairn Empire, possibly even retaining a professorship, plus various supports promised.
The professor pondered.
'My position in the Boern Empire is already precarious anyway...'
He ultimately accepted, confirmed multiple times, then recalled the research data she had shown before leaving the academy and revealed the formula and materials.
"Thank you. We'll be in touch later."
After parting with the spy, the professor anticipated his new life in the Fairn Empire. But the promised contact never came, even past the due date. Regret was useless now; the deed was done.
'Screwed up. Better flee before it's too late...'
Realizing things had gone wrong, he tried to escape the empire and even reached the border.
"Are you Hans Pegerton?"
In the end, he couldn't leave the empire.
"Ha... To the bitter end..."
Brown overheard Karen's mutter.
'Well, yeah.'
He had just heard that morning about her former professor's involvement in leaking the black powder formula, and his capture near the border.
"I really should have blown up his office with gunpowder..."
'Oof.'
He decided to pretend he hadn't heard her next words.
"Ah... Ahem. Ms. Karen?"
"What is it?"
"Well..."
Brown tried to comfort her, but even pulling up his past-life data yielded no tips on consolation.
'Seriously, nothing but weapons.'
Still, he thought he could distract her with something of interest.
"I heard the new mortar research is complete. Is that right?"
"Oh, yeah. I was able to finish it with my successors."
"Then..."
Someone had once said artillery was the god of the battlefield. Far simpler to use than the current cannons operated by artillerymen, yet a true firearm. Brown planned to bring up mortars with her.