Chapter 69
Chapter 69
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 69
Chapter Title: Pride-Stoking Operation
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That subtle discomfort didn't last long.
"Since you mentioned the guns don't have a long lifespan, we'll need to buy plenty of spares as well."
"Yes. Until our empire's craftsmen can produce them, we'll have to rely on the dwarves' guns..."
Moritz focused solely on the work without bringing it up separately,
"The lodgings were good, right?"
"I didn't expect them to have separate accommodations sized for humans."
"Unlike other dwarf kingdoms, the Anchester Kingdom has frequent dealings with humans."
"I see."
Erika kept the conversation lively, lightening the mood.
Anna and Nana hadn't harbored any real ill will toward each other, so the awkwardness faded in just a few days.
"How was it for you, General?"
"Hm... not sure."
"Not sure? What do you mean...?"
"I felt bad wasting money, so I just crashed on the floor in the regular quarters."
"..."
"We haven't reached Denium yet, so no need to stand on ceremony. ...Don't worry, I made sure the soldiers rested comfortably in the human-sized special lodgings."
"...Please don't skimp on money for things like that."
Our group progressed smoothly without any issues,
"Lord Victor, we've arrived at Denium Citadel."
A few days later, we reached the capital of the Anchester Kingdom, Denium.
Setting aside my personal goal of confirming the 'crisis,' our main objective was the mass purchase of guns and technology sharing.
The purchase itself shouldn't be difficult.
Some mercenaries in the western continent already used guns bought from dwarves, and there was precedent for the empire purchasing siege cannons.
The problem was technology sharing.
As the other nobles had pointed out, it was best to produce weapons domestically as much as possible.
But if the Anchester Kingdom refused to share their tech, the empire would have to acquire it through other means.
Reverse-engineering would cost a fortune and take time, and even if successful, it could severely strain relations with the Anchester Kingdom.
If signs of mine depletion appeared, we'd have no choice but to reverse-engineer, but otherwise, risking every future war against enemies armed with dwarf-made artisan weapons wasn't an easy call.
If I had advanced engineering knowledge, I could design an improved version myself, but I only knew the basic principles.
That was realistically impossible.
So the best path was to secure the dwarves' cooperation.
In the game, only a few elite units outside dwarf nations could wield guns, so it wouldn't be easy.
Fortunately, I had excellent gifts from Luise's personal treasury.
I'd selected items that would make any dwarf's eyes glaze over, so if I played my cards right, it was doable.
Even if tech sharing failed, it was fine.
In my view, if they rejected our terms, they'd turn down anyone else who asked.
"Usually, when merchants show up, they're already frowning. Especially frequent clashes with the escorts."
"Escorts... hm."
I discussed approaches with Erika, who was relatively familiar with Anchester customs, and pondered our strategy.
Considering the artisan pride of this world's dwarves, I devised a plan.
If I named the strategy, it might be something like the 'Pride-Stoking Operation.'
"Everyone, change into uniforms."
"Yes, sir!"
Before entering Denium Citadel, having the escorts swap their plate armor for Crimson Dragon Legion uniforms was the opening move.
Gazing at the massive gates—nearly the same size as the empire's city gates—I fell deep into thought.
"...Do I really have to go out there myself?"
Dominic Smith wiped grease from under his nails and fiddled with the uncomfortable collar of his traditional Anchester formal attire.
"They were right on the cusp of progress. If I'd waited just an hour—no, thirty minutes more—I might've been free from these pesky matchlocks."
"The nation that trades most actively with our Anchester Kingdom is the Dragonia Empire."
Jamie, who had served Dominic for years and was used to such situations, responded coolly to his grumbling.
"We can't treat the delegation sent by their emperor lightly, so it's only natural for you, Dominic—possessed of both authority and gun expertise—to greet them. So even Your Highness should defer to Dominic..."
"Argh, fine. I get it. ...Hah."
Dominic dressed properly in his formal wear and set off from the workshop with his waiting entourage.
"So, Jamie, who exactly came?"
"The delegation leader is a man named Victor. He's the commander of a legion directly under Emperor Luise and has apparently earned great merits on the battlefield recently."
They chatted as they waddled along on their short legs.
"He's a soldier, huh?"
"Yes."
"Seriously, do I need to explain things myself? He's probably just gonna say stuff like, 'So, how good are they at killing enemies?'"
"...Please don't say that in front of the delegation."
"I know. I know, but I'm just not motivated. They don't know the first thing about us."
Recalling his experiences trading weapons with humans, Dominic shook his head with a frown,
"Exactly. Thinking back to those mercenaries last time... ugh."
"They can't appreciate the soul and spirit in our work, yet they strut around with their pride."
"They're here to buy guns, aren't they? We could toss them some early models or scraps, and they'd be thrilled."
The other dwarves strongly agreed with him.
They traded with humans out of necessity, harboring no expectations as they welcomed the empire's delegation.
However.
"...They're unusual."
The empire's delegation stood out from the very first impression.
"Those following behind are the escorts, right?"
"The delegation is four people, so yes, the ones trailing are escorts."
The dwarves focused on the uniforms of the approaching escorts pulling the carriages.
Human escorts typically wore subpar armor and weapons that didn't meet dwarf standards, irking the master smiths who prided themselves on metalwork.
And when the artisans pointed out flaws, humans would snap, 'Don't mock human craftsmanship!'
After such incidents became common, dwarves made it an unspoken rule not to comment on human gear—but it still soured their mood to see metal wasted.
Thus, human-dwarf trades often started off on the wrong foot.
Unlike typical humans, the empire's escorts wore crisp uniforms, weapons sheathed, as they entered.
"Looks like they left the scrap heaps behind."
"Was wondering how to hold back critiques—relief."
"Hm."
The dwarves had no intention of inspecting hidden weapons, so they gossiped more favorably than usual.
"..."
Meanwhile, Dominic closely observed the delegation walking ahead of the carriages.
Had they ridden up and looked down on him, he wouldn't even want to speak—but he'd tolerate a slight upward glance due to height difference.
"Chief Artisan... er, Prince Dominic Smith of the Anchester Kingdom."
"Pleased to meet you. I am Victor, commander of the Crimson Dragon Legion, here to convey the words of Her Majesty Emperor Luise Zeinburg."
Dominic extended his right hand to Victor at the group's forefront, and Victor gave a slight bow before clasping it.
A glint entered Dominic's eyes at Victor's restrained gesture.
"Given the scale of these negotiations, His Majesty the King will handle them personally. This way to the palace."
"Thank you."
Dominic despised rudeness as much as excessive pandering.
He found it distasteful when humans bent at the waist or knees uncomfortably to emphasize dwarf height—so Victor's appropriately courteous demeanor without overdoing it pleased him somewhat.
And Victor's conduct didn't stop there.
Clang! Clang!
"Is that workshop making leaf springs?"
"It is."
"Ho... how many can you produce per day, by chance?"
"The small ones we've been making lately—twenty a day, or more."
"Twenty of this quality per day... impressive skill indeed."
On the way to the palace, he marveled at the many roadside workshops, offering genuine admiration.
"Haha! This human's got an eye!"
"How do you handle the heat treatment? Our empire's smiths struggle with uniformity—this leaf spring has perfect tempering and hardness. Any secrets?"
"Ah, that's the thing! Come, come this way!"
"..."
Humans had tried this approach before, so Dominic suspected Victor's motives and found it undignified,
"Oh, making gun barrels here? Artisan, mind if I take a look? His Majesty takes great interest in your nation's firearms."
"Hm! Feel free to handle what's out here."
"Thank you. ...Remarkable bore and outer diameter uniformity. How do you achieve it?"
"Heh heh! Eager one, eh? Come closer—I'll show you a bit."
"Thank you!"
Seeing his unexpectedly keen eye and constant awe at dwarf craftsmanship,
"This uniform surface, seamless joints, elegant curves... is this sword one of your masterpieces, artisan?"
"Whoa, that's just for sale. I put care into it, but my true masterpieces are elsewhere!"
"Really?"
Before long, Dominic's shoulders squared with pride, his lips curving loosely.
The workshop dwarves treated Victor—who pulled carriages emblazoned with the imperial emblem—not with disdain, but with favor, proud of their recognized skill.
"Is this an assembled gun? Seems different from the one I acquired— an improved model?"
"Ahem. I can explain that."
He soon began explaining the gun's structure, showcasing his own expertise.
"...This human might actually know his stuff."
"Soldier, but maybe tied to smithing?"
"Empire's mighty, but they can't match us in metalwork. Hm."
Instead of rushing Victor, the other dwarves chatted amiably about his reactions.
"...This is the palace where His Highness resides."
They arrived at the palace far later than scheduled, but
"After meeting His Highness, I'd like to visit Dominic Smith’s workshop."
"Very well. I'll await you."
Unlike their first encounter, Dominic and Victor's group entered the palace in warm conversation.