Christine Ironclaw, the Blackhammer Castle Ranger, and Lawrence, have been serving in the Blackhammer Castle since their fathers. Three months ago, Rhodes sent him to the Empire to purchase firearms in an attempt to use gunpowder and guns to fend off the Beastmen.
The invasion. But Iron Claw disappeared without any news. Muros and Lawrence once suspected that it was Norscan pirates who blocked the coastline. Now it seems that the matter is far from that simple. Judging from his tired look and sloppy clothes
You can see it.
"Lord, to make a long story short, first of all, I'm sorry that I couldn't complete the task on time. Norscan pirates blocked the bay for two and a half months. And I couldn't hire a ship to return. No captain dared to take this job.
"
Iron Claw sat on the stone chair and said with a heavy heart.
"I know this, it's not your fault. Tell me about the situation in the empire, what those imperial guys said, about firearms."
Rhodes asked with concern.
"They were unwilling to sell the firearm to us at this price."
"Why?"
"It's not clear, but it's certain that the new officials' attitude towards us is not very friendly..."
"Then what are their conditions?"
Rhodes asked.
"Three times the price. I have purchased other goods, including firearms. They are unwilling to sell them and said that if we want them, they will give us more gold."
Iron Claw said helplessly.
"Why? Don't they know that we are fighting beasts and various mutant creatures on the front line? But they are enjoying the comfort in a beautiful house?"
Lawrence was indignant.
"They know, but they still refuse."
Iron Claw answered gloomily. In fact, before sending Iron Claw out, Rhodes had guessed that there would be a similar result, but he did not expect that the new officials of the Empire would be so narrow-minded. The Empire and Kislev were actually once
Very good allies. Go back two hundred years. At that time, they were in alliance with the imperial army and had a good relationship with Magnus the Pious. It was Magnus who led the imperial dwarf coalition to defeat the Chaos invasion.
, to save the Kingdom of Kislev.
Logically speaking, the relationship between the two countries should always be very good. But any friendship cannot withstand the test of time. When the predecessor dies and the descendants with no experience in combat cooperation take over the government, everything begins to slowly happen.
Change. The stubborn Mrs. Kislev gradually got used to fighting foreign enemy forces. Their soldiers fought on their own land day after day, year after year, and no reinforcements from the empire could be seen. So, the empire
The influence of this northern country was weakening day by day. Until one day, Mrs. Kislev no longer believed that the empire would have reinforcements to fight with them. Later, Mrs. Kislev became stubborn and even rejected the empire's support for them.
All suggestions are considered to be dictating to them. Coupled with border friction, the relationship between Osterland and Ostermark on the border of the empire and Kislev is not very good.
"Brothers, I plan to go to the empire in person to purchase the arms we need. Who among you wants to join me?"
After listening to Iron Claw's introduction, Rhodes immediately made up his mind to go to the empire himself and negotiate with those empire guys. Because firearms are the key, without firearms, Black Hammer Castle cannot truly develop. Beastmen, werewolves and various forests
Alien beasts are very tough and strong. Without firearms, soldiers need to undergo long-term and rigorous training to defeat these beasts. However, with firearms, there is no need to work so hard. Ordinary farmers can also fight against these beasts, as long as they know how to
Just aim and pull the trigger.
Moreover, the more critical aspect of the musket is that it saves physical strength. In long-range strikes, ordinary archers will start to have arm soreness after five rounds of shooting. After seven consecutive rounds of shooting, the strength of the arm cannot keep up with the demand of drawing the bow. Ten consecutive rounds.
Shooting must be done by the rigorously trained Prince's Guards. Therefore, on the battlefield, theoretically bows and arrows are highly efficient weapons of destruction, but in fact most of the time the army still fights close to each other to determine the final victory. And the emergence of muskets
After solving this problem, an ordinary musketeer, as long as he has enough ammunition, can even shoot all day long. (Don't think wrongly)
At that time, in the chaotic continent, the empire could rise strongly because of this seemingly inconspicuous little thing. As a time-traveling dog, Rhodes naturally knew the precious power of technology. So, he went south to the empire.
Asking for help is one of the important steps in revitalizing Blackhammer Castle.
However, Lawrence and Virgil didn't think so.
"Lord, it is not in line with your status for you to purchase supplies yourself. Those imperial guys are too outrageous. They don't have firearms. We can still defend Blackhammer Castle. If it doesn't work, we can go to the dwarves to purchase some."
Chief Knight Virgil said angrily.
"Blackhammer Castle needs development. If we want to revitalize Blackhammer Castle, we need firearms. Technology changes destiny. Without the arrival of the firearms era, human beings may still be in a semi-nomadic state, surrounded by various beasts and green people in the forest.
Pi catches up. Development is the last word. It doesn't matter whether you have status or not. Besides, I am looking for their mayor, who is equivalent to the lord of a city. In terms of status, they are also equal. As for purchasing weapons from dwarves, this point
It's not that I haven't thought about it, but it's not realistic. The dwarf territory is far away from us, and the transportation route is long and costly. Moreover, we have to pass through forests, swamps and mountains. These areas are full of greenskins and beastmen.
The risks are also very high in a place that is frequented. Dwarves are honest in doing business, but we cannot afford such trouble."
After Rhodes finished speaking, everyone had no choice but to remain silent. Indeed, they had many options. However, being located at the northernmost tip of Kislev and close to the Sea of Claws, trading with the Empire was the best option among all options.
The premise is that those southern elders are willing to cooperate...
"If you must go, let me come with you, my lord."
Chief Knight Virgil said. His expression looked serious and pious, but Rhodes seemed to have the best candidate in mind.
"You can't." He said.
"Why?" Virgil frowned and asked.
"You are the best commander of Blackhammer Castle. If you and I are gone, who will defend the castle? The evil moon has passed, but it does not mean that the threat of beasts and werewolves has disappeared. We have many enemies. I'm leaving.
After that, Blackhammer Castle still needs someone to lead it. Brother, I believe in you, you can do it. After I leave, manage this city well. Muros will assist you."
Rhodes put his hand on the knight's shoulder, his eyes showing trust. Then he turned his head and said to the knight——
"Lawrence, you come with me. Your detective skills and archery skills will be helpful to me on the road."
A glimmer of glory appeared on Lawrence's face, and he felt honored to be entrusted with an important task by the lord again.
"Copy that, sir." He said, clenching a fist with one hand on his chest, indicating that he would do his best to complete this mission.