The demonstration's success marked the end of convincing the officers, but the most critical issue remained unresolved.

"When will the firearms be supplied, General?"
"..."

We have no guns.

The total number of firearms I have secured is a mere three, including the ones used in the demonstration.

"We plan to negotiate with the Kingdom of Anchester under Her Majesty's name. Until the firearms can be supplied on a large scale, training will proceed with existing weapons alongside mock-up firearms or the demonstration models."
"...Understood."

Training without actual firearms is severely limited. While drills on loading motions, shooting stances, and formations can be done with replicas, the key requirement remains real, functional firearms for live-fire practice.

I sent a letter to Luise detailing these concerns.

[Attend tomorrow’s meeting without fail.]

Her reply arrived swiftly.

***

A few minutes before the meeting began, I arrived at the audience chamber with Anna.

“Ah, Commander Viktor,” the attendants stationed on either side of the chamber doors greeted me with a respectful bow.

“Have you come to attend the meeting?”
“Yes.”
“You may enter immediately.”
“I’ll wait outside,” Anna said, stepping back naturally.
“Alright,” I replied before stepping into the chamber as the attendants opened the doors.

Inside, the audience chamber was already filled with nobles, and Luise sat on the throne, her scepter in hand. I approached her with measured steps, kneeling on one knee before her.

“I greet Your Majesty, Empress Luise Zainburg.”
“Ah, Commander Viktor, you’ve arrived on time,” she replied in a tone that hinted at pleasant surprise.

“With Your Majesty’s summons, how could I dare to be late?”
“Hmm, good. I’ll need your input on today’s agenda, so take your place and be ready.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Ending the brief exchange, I moved to the right side of the chamber, where the Emperor’s faction was gathered. As an official commander now aligned with the Empire, even where I stood during the meeting carried significance.

The Emperor’s faction stood united on the right, but subtle divisions were evident within, with one group rallying behind Theodor and another behind Gerhardt.

“Commander Viktor, good to see you,” Count Kurt Gruber greeted as I passed.
“Count Gruber, it’s a pleasure. How have you been?”
“Quite well,” he responded warmly.

I exchanged brief pleasantries with several familiar nobles from prior banquets, gradually making my way toward the front.

As I neared the forefront, Theodor’s gaze fixed on me. Although he refrained from openly reacting—perhaps mindful of Luise’s presence and her earlier mention of needing my input—his intent was clear.

The nobles surrounding him stepped aside without a word, allowing me to reach the space directly behind him without obstruction. For now, this position was likely the most suitable, as Theodor still held the mantle of the Emperor’s faction leader.

“Commander of the Red Dragon Corps, Viktor, it’s a pleasure,” Theodor greeted, his stern expression relaxing just enough to appear cordial.
“The pleasure is mine, Duke Offenstadt.”

“I’ve heard much of your achievements in the east,” he continued. “Even Duke Weisshilt has spoken of you often, hasn’t he?”
“Indeed,” Gerhardt chimed in, approaching from Theodor’s side.

“Without Commander Viktor, it would have been difficult to bring the Kingdom of Brotan to its knees entirely.”
“Your Grace flatters me,” I replied. “Without your support, it would have been impossible for me to offer meaningful aid to the 8th Corps.”

“Ha! Your humility does you credit,” Gerhardt said with a chuckle. “Duke Offenstadt, I believe you were the one who suggested sending Commander Viktor and me to the Brotan front. Your foresight played no small part in our success.”

“...Thank you,” Theodor replied, his expression twitching slightly as he nodded toward Gerhardt.

“The meeting will begin shortly,” he added, redirecting the conversation. “...I look forward to it.”
“I’ll do my best to meet your expectations,” I replied with a faint smile.

Theodor, unaware of the details behind today’s meeting, alternated suspicious glances between Gerhardt and me. Meanwhile, Gerhardt turned back toward Luise, standing half a step ahead of Theodor—a subtle but undeniable gesture of seniority.

Even Theodor’s faction seemed unwilling to challenge this, likely owing to Gerhardt’s newfound rank as Grand Marshal, bestowed after his victory.

I took my place behind Gerhardt, waiting for the meeting to commence.

Soon, Luise’s commanding voice rang through the chamber.
“The meeting shall now begin.”

The Empress wasted no time, diving straight into the agenda.
“Today’s discussion concerns the Red Dragon Corps. To strengthen its combat capabilities, I plan to procure new weapons from the Kingdom of Anchester. I would like to hear your opinions on the matter.”

The room fell silent.

“Commander Viktor will provide the details. Commander,” she gestured.
“Yes, Your Majesty,” I replied, stepping to the center of the chamber as countless eyes turned to me, some filled with scrutiny, others with curiosity.

“I am Viktor, Commander of the Red Dragon Corps, appointed by the grace of Her Majesty Luise Zainburg,” I began, offering a brief self-introduction before proceeding.

“Following prior discussions, the Red Dragon Corps was established with a force of 9,947 soldiers. While this is not an insignificant number, Her Majesty has expressed concerns that it may still fall short of spreading the Empire’s renown effectively.”

“Continue,” Luise prompted with a nod.

“The Red Dragon Corps was formed to eliminate threats along the Empire’s borders and, in collaboration with local forces, extend Her Majesty’s influence. To empower this relatively small but elite force, Her Majesty proposes introducing advanced weaponry from the Kingdom of Anchester.”

I paused to let the words sink in before elaborating.
“The weapon in question is known as a ‘gun.’ It uses gunpowder, similar to what powers cannons. To provide a comparison, it functions like a miniature cannon, akin to the weapons employed by Western mercenaries from the Kingdom of Esperia.”

Murmurs broke out among the nobles. Those on the left, aligned with the aristocratic faction, frowned in disapproval, while the Emperor’s faction on the right buzzed with interest.

“Count Reinhardt Ullrich,” Luise called, addressing a noble on the left.
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Reinhardt replied, stepping forward.

“I believe the Empire’s might is adequately demonstrated with traditional weapons—spears, swords, bows, and shields. Additionally, relying on foreign arms for the Empress’s direct forces could pose risks during times of crisis.”

Several nobles nodded in agreement with Reinhardt’s pragmatic concerns.

“The Kingdom of Anchester, like other Dwarven nations, is notoriously insular. Even if we desire these weapons, they may refuse to trade, or the costs could be exorbitant,” he added.

“You need not worry about expenses,” Luise interjected. “I shall personally bear all costs associated with arming the Red Dragon Corps.”

Reinhardt hesitated before continuing, “While costs may no longer be a concern, there remain other risks, particularly since this is not merely an improved version of an existing weapon but an entirely new concept.”

Luise acknowledged his point but turned to another noble.
“Count Ralph Royce.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Ralph said, stepping forward.

“If Her Majesty’s direct forces rely on foreign arms, it may provide ammunition for those seeking to undermine her authority. Furthermore, I have yet to hear of this ‘gun’ proving its effectiveness on the battlefield,” he stated confidently.

His growing assurance emboldened him to add, “Perhaps a smaller unit could be equipped first, to evaluate its potential before implementing widespread adoption.”

Luise smiled faintly, gesturing for me to speak.
“Your Majesty,” I began, bowing slightly before addressing Ralph’s concerns directly.

“While Count Royce’s proposal is reasonable, the effectiveness of this weapon lies in its integration with existing tactical systems. Limiting its use to small units could hinder its full potential.”

I then turned back to the assembly.
“Her Majesty has entrusted me with overseeing the introduction of this weapon, and I have already demonstrated its power to the officers of the Red Dragon Corps. Training with both real firearms and replicas is already underway, ensuring our soldiers are prepared to adapt swiftly.”

Turning back to Luise, I knelt once more.
“Your Majesty, I humbly request the honor of leading the delegation to the Kingdom of Anchester and bringing your will to fruition.”

The chamber fell silent until Gerhardt, the Grand Marshal, spoke.
“War has always evolved,” he began, his commanding voice carrying across the room. “From stones to slings, from spears to bows and crossbows—those who embraced change survived. The Red Dragon Corps stands at the forefront of that change, offering the Empire an unparalleled opportunity.”

His words, combined with my rebuttal, solidified the Empress’s position.

“Very well!” Luise declared. “The Red Dragon Corps shall be armed with this new weapon. Commander Viktor will lead the delegation to Anchester to secure these arms. Does anyone object further?”

“By Your Majesty’s will,” the nobles murmured in unison, signaling their reluctant approval.

The agenda was passed, and I voiced my gratitude loudly.

As the meeting continued, Theodor’s clenched fists betrayed his frustration as he watched Luise from across the chamber.

After the meeting, Luise summoned a blonde-haired woman to a private lounge.

“Do you know why I’ve called you?”
“I was informed there is a task you wish to entrust to me,” the woman replied, bowing.

“That’s correct,” Luise said, handing her a notebook. “Join Viktor’s delegation to Anchester and record his every move—leave nothing out.”

The woman accepted the notebook with a respectful nod.
“As you wish, Your Majesty.”

Luise smiled faintly.
“I’m counting on you, Erika Bauer.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Erika replied, her sapphire eyes shining with anticipation.