Steel, Guns, and the Industrial Party in Another World-Chapter 279:

TL: Etude

After Mond Landon left with his new junior, Paul was still unclear about the meaning behind his parting words. However, he had more pressing matters at hand.

Following the events of April 15th, the army, besides two battalions stationed in the northern part of Emden, collaborated with the Internal Guard and the Department of Public Safety to conduct a thorough search in both Alda and Baylding. They dismantled as many as sixteen ‘conspiracy gangs,’ even uncovering one right under their noses in Lakeheart Town.

This revelation shocked Paul. Were there really so many ticking time bombs hidden right beneath him?

“You’re the Chief of Intelligence, how could you let this happen? If you can’t handle it, we’ll find someone who can!”

Currently, Cecil stood in the lord’s office, head hung low, bracing for the count’s next reprimand. Although the office door was merely closed, the count’s roaring voice could be heard throughout the entire castle.

…

Paul was infuriated and reprimanded Cecil for half an hour in the room.

“Oh, my God! At this rate, it wouldn’t be surprising if this place gets set ablaze someday.”

Finally, after exhausting himself, he slumped in his chair like a deflated balloon.

“Cough, Lord, please allow me to explain.”

Cecil finally began to speak.

“Lord, our resources are indeed limited. As per your instructions, the focus of the intelligence department has been on preventing the theft of new technologies. Due to the recent war, a significant portion of our efforts has been devoted to monitoring the movements within the Kent family territories…”

Paul glared: “Are you suggesting the fault lies with me?”

“No, no, no, no!” Cecil quickly denied, his eyes darting around: “I’m merely stating the objective difficulties we face.”

Cecil’s tone was full of grievance. Paul rubbed his forehead, feeling a headache coming on.

Cecil’s words were indeed true. It wasn’t fair to blame him entirely.

In his previous life as a programmer, Paul had experienced the frustration of being unable to meet an employer’s demands due to lack of resources.

“Alright, from now on, focus solely on intelligence work. You’re relieved of your duties as the head of forestry.”

“Uh… As you command, Lord Grayman.”

Although Cecil was uncomfortable with the count taking away some of his authority, he had no choice but to accept. Besides, he indeed needed to devote all his energy to intelligence now.

“I must ensure that what happened before never occurs again,” Cecil silently vowed.

Paul stared blankly at the calendar on the wall, muttering, “It’s already late May.”

Cecil knew that the count was thinking about the matter of joining forces with the other lords of the alliance.

Due to the ‘April 15th’ incident, Alda’s original military deployment was disrupted, making it impossible to fulfill the agreement with the other lords to join forces in May.

Fortunately, Count Parker took the lead in showing understanding, suggesting that Paul should first stabilize his own affairs.

Then they went on their own mission…

“I wonder how the battle is going now.”

The latest news was that they had already led their troops eastward from Fort Bidou.

It seemed that the previous battle had given them quite a bit of confidence.

Cecil reminded Paul, “Lord Count, do you remember the last message we received? The Kent family seems to have sent people to the south to look for mercenaries.”

Paul replied, “I remember now, mercenaries? Are they similar to adventurers?”

Cecil said, “Yes, similar to the adventure teams you’ve encountered before. However, these people have no bottom line in what they do. As long as the price is right, they will break any rule. They don’t take ordinary commissions, choosing instead to operate in regions rife with conflict, living a life on the edge, each one of them accumulating rich combat experience. They are true professional killers.”

Paul commented, “They seem difficult to deal with. But as long as they still wield swords, guns, and bows, we don’t need to fear them.”

Cecil added, “But our allies might not be so fortunate. One or two mercenaries might not pose a significant threat, but now they operate in large groups, forming large mercenary bands, and have even given rise to war contractors.”

‘Oh? A version of Blackwater in this world?’

As he thought this, a guard came to report: “Lord Count, Viscount Derrik Heller requests an audience with you?”

Paul was surprised: “Derrick Heller? Wasn’t he leading his family’s troops eastward with the others?”

The guard replied, “I’m not sure of the specifics, but Viscount Heller seems very anxious and eager to meet you.”

“Alright, lead him to the reception room. I’ll be right there.”

…

Derrick was pacing back and forth anxiously in the reception room.

He had come to Lakeheart Town seeking help, as the allied forces had just suffered a significant defeat.

In early May, the lords reassembled their armies and met at Fort Bidou. With the fieldwork mostly completed, there was a surplus of manpower available. Therefore, following their original plan, they resumed their war against the usurper Marltz Kent.

The Grayman family had internal issues and couldn’t participate? Perfect, this suited many people just fine.

In the previous battle at Fort Bidou, Paul’s army had stolen the limelight, and after the battle, they even occupied half of Emden, Marltz Kent’s stronghold in the fertile lands of the Northwest Bay.

Many had long been envious, determined to make a fortune in the upcoming battles. Without Grayman, there was one less powerful competitor for the spoils of war.

The allied forces’ leaders were very confident, believing they would surely be victorious.

Their judgment wasn’t unfounded. In the Northwest Bay, there’s a saying:

“The Kent family never leaves an overnight grudge.”

Based on Marltz Kent’s past behavior of immediate and harsh retribution, everyone expected him to retaliate swiftly after a loss.

After the opponent offered a truce last time, everyone thought it was a stalling tactic. Even after returning home, they remained on edge, ready to reassemble at any sign of trouble.

But over a month passed, and there was no movement from the other side.

The Kent family must be finished! Everyone came to this unanimous conclusion.

So, what were they waiting for? It was time to beat the fallen dog!

The army reassembled and marched directly towards Center City, intending to end the war quickly.

Along the way, they indeed faced several resistances. Though the battles were tough, the allied forces emerged victorious, bolstering their confidence even more.

Finally, they neared the direct territory of the Ferdinand family.

It was there that they encountered the mercenary band hired by the Kent family.

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