The Department's Future
"Its name is the matchlock. It fires projectiles to strike enemies at long range..."
With that introduction to the gun, John Brown launched into the Weapons Research and Development Department's presentation of its achievements.
"Unlike bows, where individual archers' skills are paramount, the matchlock delivers consistent firepower..."
Brown explained the advantages of the matchlock.
"That concludes my explanation of the matchlock. Now, for a live firing demonstration."
As his words ended, fifteen personnel entered the presentation hall carrying matchlocks. They formed groups of five in front of the targets, with the rest standing behind them.
"For the demonstration, the noise will be loud, so please wear the earplugs provided in front of you."
'Hmm...'
The evaluation panel donned their earplugs. Once preparations were complete, Brown confirmed and took position beside the first group.
"First group, prepare to fire."
-Click.
Having dedicated the remaining time to practice, they shouldered their rifles with crisp precision.
"...Fire!"
-Boom-boom-boom.
The matchlocks spat fire almost in unison.
"Whoa!" "Eek!"
The noise pierced even through the earplugs, startling some on the panel.
'Hmmm...'
The princess watched the firing with her chin resting on her hand.
'This is intriguing.'
It was a type of weapon she'd never seen before. The distance to the target was about fifty meters. Holes had been punched straight through the intact straw dummy's armor.
'If it can penetrate armor like that, the power is more than adequate.'
Before the smoke from the matchlocks' muzzle blasts dissipated in the wind, Brown spoke again.
"Second group, prepare to fire."
The first group moved behind the third, replaced by the second, who began reloading as they went.
"Fire!"
-Boom-boom-boom!
"Third group, prepare! ...Fire!"
-Boom-boom-boom!
Once the third group finished, Brown turned to the panel.
"That concludes the firing demonstration."
He scanned their expressions as he spoke.
'...Hard to read.'
A few showed interest, but the others were inscrutable.
"...Next, the cannon."
A brief explanation of the cannon. While he covered its range and power, others piled sandbags behind the dummies.
"Now for the cannon demonstration."
-BOOM!
The dummy, already tattered from the matchlock demo, was reduced to unrecognizable shreds. Without the sandbags, it would have punched through the hall's outer wall.
"...That concludes the Weapons Research and Development Department's presentation."
Brown bowed as all demos ended. The panel scribbled notes on their papers until he and his team cleared the hall.
"Thank you all for your help."
Once outside, Brown thanked those who'd assisted.
"No big deal. It was fun." "Got paid, shot some guns. Not bad at all."
Serena Arwin and the borrowed staff replied.
"But did you see that dummy get obliterated by the cannon?"
McCallson stretched as he spoke. James answered him.
"Felt good, right?" "Lucky it hit dead-on," Brown said.
McCallson nodded at Brown's words.
"Yeah. We definitely grabbed their attention." "...With that kind of firepower, smashing city gates wouldn't be an issue, huh?"
Luna Karen chimed in.
"Anyway, good work, everyone." "Yeah. When's the verdict?" "In a week." "Alright, job's done—head back to the department. Karen, you too." "Me?" "Honorary team member, aren't you? Relax there, then we'll hit the after-party." "Haha... sure..." "It might be our last team dinner, so... let's make the most of it!" "Don't jinx it. Let's go!"
As they returned to the department, Brown reflected.
'We've done everything we could.'
Now it was just a matter of waiting for the results.
"...Let's head back."
"Yes."
After the Weapons R&D presentation, the princess left the evaluation hall.
"What did you think of that presentation?"
Her attendant pondered briefly before replying.
"Quite intriguing. We'd need to test it in the field, but I'm optimistic."
"Hmmm..."
Their views aligned.
"John Brown... Shall we look into that man?"
"...I'll check."
"Thanks. And I'd like to meet him myself."
"I'll arrange it."
The princess was curious.
'Is that all there is to him? Or...'
She grew eager for a direct encounter.
"Plenty of departments fell short."
The evaluators gathered to discuss.
"That one should merge with another." "This one's better off dissolved..."
The fates of various departments hung in their hands.
"Next... Weapons R&D. What do you all think?"
"Couldn't say. It's so novel. Honestly, I don't see how it differs from bows or crossbows. And isn't production costly?"
True to his Finance Ministry roots, he cited economics. Another countered.
"I find it fascinating. Anyone can learn it quickly, independent of individual skill."
The army officer focused on performance.
"It's just for regular infantry. Better to save the money for knights and mages, no?"
"You're missing the point. Knights and mages are vital on the battlefield, but wars aren't won by them alone. For starters..."
The officer began explaining infantry's role with battlefield examples.
"Knights clash with enemy knights, mages with enemy mages. Infantry support them in between—holding lines, charging, securing positions, executing maneuvers. Imagine boosting infantry combat power?"
"Erk... well..."
The evaluator faltered.
"I'll answer that. If infantry overwhelm the enemy rank-and-file, we can pin their knights and mages in vulnerable spots. That lets us dominate other fronts too, right?"
"...Then just issue more bows and crossbows."
"Bows vary wildly by archer skill and take years to train. Crossbows? We've concluded they're pricier than bows for similar performance, still needing strength and expertise."
"Couldn't matchlocks be the same?"
"Of course they need validation. I suggest battalion trials before deciding."
Onlookers joined in, shifting from the department's fate to debating the weapons' viability.
"Surprising anyone wants to fund weapons in peacetime."
"You seem to overlook how that peace is maintained."
"Cannons would excel on ships. Their power and range alone justify adoption..."
"Naval combat's about boarding and dueling on decks..."
"If you crave that romance, enlist. Wonder if you'd still say it after experiencing it."
"Seeing the matchlock belch fire... embarrassing, but it thrilled me."
"Swords, spears, magic—that's true warfare. How dare they stray to vulgar paths..."
As debate dragged, another stepped in.
"This is getting long. Let's wrap it up. Back to the point: what about Weapons R&D?"
Summarizing opinions, he nodded and concluded.
"Hold off dissolution until we verify the weapons' effectiveness. Next..."
A week passed.
"On hold...?"
"That's the verdict. At least we avoided dissolution."
Brown double-checked the document from the department head.
Dissolution: On Hold
Reason: Decision pending verification of new weapons' effectiveness.
'Dodging immediate shutdown is something.'
As Brown relaxed, the head continued.
"To verify those new weapons, they've allocated extra budget. Produce 250 matchlocks and 25 cannons first."
"Understood."
'Gonna be busy.'
Orders, quality checks, distribution, plus gauging powder and ammo needs. As he planned ahead, something felt off.
'Thought averting closure meant back to easy work-life balance.'
Instead, things had gotten hectic.