"Please share the conditions your nation wishes to propose."
"Yes."

King Steven smiled kindly, his demeanor suggesting approval.
It seemed choosing the legendary sword Votis as a gift, rather than Josh’s hammer and anvil, had been a wise decision.

"Her Majesty Empress Luise Zainburg has taken great interest in the firearms used by Anchester. It is her plan to have the Red Dragon Corps, her direct military division, conduct a trial deployment of both rifles and cannons."
"Hm..."
"We wish to purchase 13,000 matchlock rifles and 30 siege cannons. We are prepared to pay a fair price for them."

Viktor stated the terms plainly.

"Thirteen thousand rifles..." Steven murmured.
"The situation in the western regions of our Empire is changing rapidly. Her Majesty hopes the first shipment can be delivered within a month, with the full order fulfilled in two months."

The short timeline was intentional; it was designed to push the dwarves to deliberate carefully.

Steven stroked his beard as Erika translated.

"While others have purchased firearms from us before, the scale has never exceeded a few dozen, perhaps a few hundred at most. To request 13,000 units within two months... I worry if such production is feasible."

Steven’s response, though hesitant, was focused on logistics rather than the principle of selling firearms. This was an encouraging sign.

"Her Majesty is willing to provide support where needed. I understand that firearm production requires specific alloys. If raw materials are an issue, Dragonia can supply them."
"Recently, several new mines have been discovered. Raw materials are not in short supply. The issue lies in the time required for processing and manufacturing."

Viktor subtly probed for signs of resource scarcity, but Steven’s answer ruled out immediate concerns about the "mine depletion" crisis he feared.

Relieved by the revelation of additional mines, Viktor could focus on the task at hand without worrying about future hostilities with Anchester.

Steven turned to Dominic.
"As the overseer of Anchester’s firearm production, Dominic, what is your assessment?"
"Considering our current inventory, producing 13,000 rifles would take roughly three months."

Dominic answered after a brief calculation.

"How many units could be delivered within a month? Early delivery is crucial for training and deployment."
"In one month, around 8,000 rifles could be readied."

It appeared Anchester’s stockpile of firearms was larger than anticipated, possibly due to decades of steady production.

"And the cannons?" Viktor inquired, steering the conversation forward.

"With transportation considered, delivering 20 cannons within two months is the best we can manage."
"Hmm..."

Though 8,000 rifles and 20 cannons in such a short timeframe were impressive, Viktor feigned dissatisfaction, letting out a faint groan and lowering his head slightly.

"I understand there are hundreds of skilled artisans in this city alone. If their expertise were enlisted, wouldn’t the timeline be shortened?"
"Even with all available artisans, further shortening the timeframe would be challenging. Perhaps we could deliver the initial quantities on time and the remaining units a month later?"

Steven’s suggestion was pragmatic, acknowledging the limits of Anchester’s capacity.

"I will need time to consider." Viktor maintained his contemplative demeanor, his hesitation deliberate.

"Understood. You must be weary from your journey to this city. Please, rest and recover. We can resume negotiations tomorrow. Accommodations have been prepared for your delegation."
"Thank you for your hospitality."

With the discussion adjourned, Steven issued instructions.
"Jamie, escort the Dragonian delegation to their accommodations."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Dominic, accompany them and continue the discussion regarding today’s proposal."
"Understood."

Having Dominic remain with the delegation was an unexpected boon for Viktor.

As they exited the audience chamber together, Viktor recognized an opportunity. With Dominic close at hand, tomorrow’s negotiations could be approached with even greater confidence.

---

“You will be staying here.”

Jamie provided accommodations for our group after reviewing its composition, ensuring that each arrangement was tailored to our needs.

The escorts were assigned to private lodgings within the palace grounds. Moritz and Erika each received single rooms, while Anna and I were given a large double room to share.

“All the furniture is adjusted to your size, so please use it as you see fit. If there’s anything inconvenient, ring this bell to call for assistance.”
“Thank you.”

After completing his explanation, Jamie and the attendants withdrew, leaving only our group and Dominic outside the rooms.

“Dominic.”
“Yes?”
“You mentioned earlier that we could visit your workshop. Would it be all right if we went now? The guns I’ve seen before were not purchased directly from the Anchester Kingdom. Their maintenance was poor, and their precision left much to be desired. I imagine the firearms in your workshop are on an entirely different level.”

Dominic grinned at my remark.

“…Haha. After such a long journey, are you sure you aren’t too tired?”
“I’m fine. What about the rest of you?”
“Moritz, what about you? Since Dominic speaks Imperial, if you don’t go, I may need to stay in the room as well.”
“I need to organize some materials, so I’ll remain here.”
“...Then I’ll stay too!”
“…”

With Moritz and Erika deciding to stay, Anna nodded as if to indicate she would accompany me, her expression as steady as ever.

“We’ll go with just the two of us.”
“Very well. Follow me.”

We set off toward Dominic’s workshop.

“Since you’re in charge, I assume you have the deepest understanding of firearms. Could you teach me the proper maintenance techniques and how to handle malfunctions? I’d like to pass this knowledge on to my subordinates when we return to the Empire.”
“Of course! It’s part of my responsibility to ensure the items crafted by my hands are used correctly.”
“Thank you.”

Dominic and I engaged in a lively conversation as we walked toward his workshop.

“Creating smaller components like springs is no easy task, but I’d say the most challenging part is machining the gun barrels. Isn’t that why it’s impossible to prepare all 13,000 rifles immediately?”
“That’s right. Although we have the equipment to process the metal, some tasks still require a human touch. Proper alignment between the bullets and the barrels is critical for efficiency, so crafting the barrels demands more precision than any other part.”
“Still, given Anchester’s reputation for metalworking, fulfilling the order within a few months is achievable. Other dwarf kingdoms likely wouldn’t dare attempt it.”
“Haha! You’re not wrong.”

I maintained a pleasant rapport with him.

Matchlock firearms, while simple in design, aren’t something that can be mass-produced without the necessary foundational knowledge. Starting from scratch would result in countless trial-and-error cycles regarding spring tension, materials, and other aspects, making the process highly inefficient.

The dwarves likely understood this as well. Although they were amicable about selling their weapons, they wouldn’t easily agree to share their manufacturing techniques or blueprints. Despite being an older technology, matchlocks remained without a viable replacement.

“Here we are. This is my workshop.”
“Oh…”

And so, I thought to myself: If matchlock firearms cease to be considered innovative, perhaps the dwarves might be more willing to share their methods.

Given that the Anchester Kingdom would remain our ally barring some catastrophic event like a mine depletion, their advancement would also be beneficial for the Empire.

“This device is used to secure the metal, correct?”
“That’s right. I’ve heard the Empire has similar tools, though they likely aren’t as precise as ours.”

As Dominic and I toured his workshop, exchanging insights, something on his desk caught my eye.

“What’s this…?”
“Ah, do you recognize it?”

I approached a cluster of interconnected springs and metal components intricately arranged on the desk.

“Could I ask what this is? I think I’ve seen soldiers carrying rifles fitted with similar mechanisms…”
“Sharp eyes you have. This is a component for a firearm I’m preparing to mass-produce.”
“Is it all right for me to see this?”
“There are over 20 parts inside. You wouldn’t be able to replicate it just by looking at the exterior, so it’s fine.”

As expected, it was the mechanism for a wheellock firearm. I nodded at Dominic’s proud explanation.

“You’re saying only a dwarf from the Anchester Kingdom could achieve this level of craftsmanship… As much as I hate to admit it, that seems to be true. I’ve never heard of such a structure being replicated in the Empire.”
“Well, mass production is still far off. These are several times more expensive than the current models, and the manufacturing process remains complex.”

Dominic fiddled with the mechanism, pride evident in his expression.

Having seen elite dwarf units equipped with wheellock firearms in the game, I already knew they were transitioning from matchlocks to wheellocks, much like Earth’s historical progression.

The difference now was…

“…With this level of technology, perhaps it’s possible.”
“Pardon?”

I knew another method—one more efficient and straightforward than this—that could be realized with their technical skills.

“Could you bring me pen and paper? I’ve researched a design using flint and springs. I never had the chance to propose it in the Empire due to technical limitations, but with your expertise, I believe it’s feasible.”
“…Hmm.”

I had no intention of hiding this.

The goal was for the dwarves to think, Matchlock technology is no longer worth keeping secret.

“…Alright.”

Taking the pen, I began sketching the general structure.