Translator: Cinder Translations
...
Paul was filled with anger. The drama that had existed only in historical books in the previous life was now vividly unfolding before his eyes.
According to Quik's confession, several months ago, Edward led his trusted fleet abruptly away. As for their destination, these peripheral lackeys were not qualified to know. With no tiger in the mountains, the monkeys claimed kingship. The scattered pirate gangs, freed from restraint, turned against each other, fighting for territory they now seized without hesitation, contrary to Edward's former strict orders against such opportunism. Meanwhile, nearer to Grayman's domain, several pirate groups boldly ventured inland, a place untouched for nearly twenty years.
After questioning Quik further, Paul ordered him thrown into the dungeon. With a grim expression, he announced to the crowd, "I will take advantage of the pirates' absence and eliminate the remaining pirates in the northwest bay, securing our territory."
Steward Ford voiced his concern, "I understand your lordship's outrage. Eliminating the current scattered pirate gangs should pose no problem. But what if Edward's main fleet returns? As you've seen recently, other families won't assist us until they're directly threatened. With just our domain, facing Edward seems unlikely to end well."
"So we must build a powerful navy to wait and defeat them at leisure once Edward returns,"
"Your lordship, shipbuilding is expensive. Plus, training sailors and maintaining vessels—it's like an endless pit," added Ford cautiously.
"Fear not, gentlemen. Bread will come, and so will milk," the young Earl assured them confidently.
His reasons for wanting to eradicate the pirates went beyond his anger at nobles disregarding the lives of coastal commoners. Through his observations, he found this world quite backward. Aside from the elusive magic of legend, its overall technological level resembled medieval Europe on Earth, with most goods crafted by hand. Thus, he pondered how to make a fortune, dismissing fanciful ideas until settling on industries with immediate profitability, such as papermaking, printing books, and ceramics.
However, there was a problem. The northwest region of Alden remained underdeveloped, with illiterate peasants lacking funds. Who would buy the goods he produced? While nobles might show interest in novelties for decorative purposes, relying solely on them wouldn't yield much profit. Hence, he needed to sell products to more economically developed areas further south—like the capital, Crystal Glare Castle, or even the Southern Horn Alliance. He might even use the Alliance to transport goods farther afield.
How to transport these goods? Overland was impossible. Besides the ongoing southern conflict between the royal family and Giles, even in peacetime, checkpoints were numerous, and lords were notoriously greedy. So, he turned his gaze to the sea. Clearing out the pirates and establishing safe sea routes would maximize shipping capacity advantages and bypass extortionate local lords, ensuring direct delivery to destinations.
To achieve this goal, constructing a capable naval force was indispensable. Despite other nations lacking maritime awareness except for commercial powerhouses like the Southern Horn Alliance, the known seas weren't devoid of power. Pirates and raiders abounded, Edward being one of the prominent figures among them, drawing in fresh blood—outlaws punished by law, serfs driven to desperation by harsh governance, refugees displaced by war, thrill-seeking adventurers, and common folk forced into piracy.
"Lord Grayman, on behalf of my hometown's people, I thank you for your great kindness," an elderly knight suddenly stood and deeply bowed to Paul, his voice choked with emotion.
"Oh, not at all. It's my duty as a lord," Paul replied modestly.
"From now on, I willingly submit to your command. Please do not disdain my old age and uselessness." Though not a formal pledge of knightly loyalty, its meaning was clear to all.
After solemnly uttering these words, the old knight sat down motionless, seemingly lost in memories.
"What's going on? Has my aura of domination suddenly erupted?" Paul wondered, perplexed. At that moment, Steward Philip leaned in again, whispering, "Sir Schroder, when he was young, his family was attacked by pirates..."
Ah, that explained the sudden surge of emotion in the old knight.
Clearing his throat, Paul continued, "Now, let's discuss our future actions."
Captain Claude of the Second Battalion spoke first, "Count, while morale is high after this victory, why not capitalize on it and reclaim Frand Port, driving the pirates off the land?"
Immediately, dissent arose, "We mustn't underestimate them. According to prisoners, they number at least seven to eight hundred combined. We're outnumbered."
The young Earl promptly commanded, "Bryce, recruit a batch of new soldiers immediately. Within a month, I expect to see two fully staffed infantry battalions."
Bryce stood up and replied, "Yes, my lord."
The old knight, who had been lost in memories moments ago, suddenly spoke up, "We need to train soldiers skilled in naval warfare. Recruit more from fishing families for the new recruits. After all, our enemies are pirates, and this will also nurture future naval forces."
"I agree. It's best to allocate resources for two dedicated platoons to train in maritime combat skills like boarding actions. Next time we face pirates, we won't be so passive," added another.
"The firearms invented by the Count are perfect for maritime use, especially those grenades. Equip them in large quantities. Toss a few near enemy ships, and they'll surely suffer casualties," suggested another participant.
"Firearms are effective too. I saw four poor souls hit directly; one shot is often fatal," added another.
"Let's build several oar-sailed ships with ramming prows or convert fishing boats along the Wes River downstream..."
"All your suggestions are excellent. I will allocate manpower to increase firearm production and construct warships," Paul assured them.
The atmosphere in the meeting grew more animated. The recent victory had lifted everyone's spirits, and they eagerly proposed strategies and advice.
As Paul listened and considered their suggestions, a servant quietly entered and whispered something to Steward Philip. Philip tugged at his coat and asked, "Is something the matter?"
"My lord, the clockmaker you requested has been found."
Paul slapped his thigh in delight, "Ah! Finally!" He then turned to the gathering crowd and said, "Continue discussing. I'll be right back."
He hurried off, following the servant who had brought the news.
Left behind, the others looked bewildered. Was there something more urgent than dealing with pirates?
(End of Chapter)