hotmtlnovel Chapter 73
Chapter 73
That evening, during the negotiations:
“We propose sending our artisans to the Dragonia Empire to share firearm-related technology.”
“...Dominic?”
“...!”
With a single suggestion, Dominic turned the negotiation hall upside down.
Everyone in the room fell into stunned silence.
“And I intend to travel to the Empire myself.”
“!!!”
His proposal didn’t stop there.
“Dominic, what is this all of a sudden...?”
Stephen, clearly taken aback by his younger brother’s unexpected announcement, called out in confusion.
“...Was this discussed beforehand?”
Erika, translating for the dwarves, looked to Victor for clarification, but Victor merely shrugged with an inscrutable expression.
Dominic stepped forward with confidence.
“As you all know, I have been dedicated to firearm development for quite some time now.”
“...”
“Embarrassing as it is to admit, my recent progress has been slow. Despite having the necessary technical skills and clear objectives, I’ve repeatedly hit practical roadblocks.”
The dwarves, surprised by Dominic’s open admission of his struggles, kept quiet to let him continue.
“During this time, I had the opportunity to discuss firearms with Victor from the Dragonia Empire.”@@@@
Dominic nodded toward Victor before resuming.
“Contrary to our assumptions that the Empire lacked understanding of firearms, he demonstrated profound knowledge of their principles and manufacturing techniques. Our conversations offered a new perspective that proved invaluable to me.”
“...Invaluable, you say.”
“It’s almost regretful that I cannot present a finished product here today. Without Victor’s insights, this development could have taken decades—if it was even possible at all.”
“Ho...”
Stephen, recalling Dominic’s past boasts about firearms, stroked his chin and waited for him to continue.
“Thanks to him, I realized something. What I lacked wasn’t skill or experience—it was imagination. The Dragonia Empire is highly attuned to changes on the battlefield, and their artisans continuously adapt to these shifts. Collaborating with them will undoubtedly benefit us as well.”
“...”
“Moreover, the Emperor of the Empire returned an artifact crafted by our ancestor. Simply selling a few weapons doesn’t feel like an equitable exchange. Since fulfilling the full order immediately is impossible, I plan to exchange knowledge and broaden my horizons while responding to the goodwill they’ve shown us.”
As a people known for their pride and strong sense of reciprocity, the dwarves murmured in agreement with Dominic’s proposal.
“I see... but your presence is crucial for mass-producing firearms. None of the other artisans are as skilled as you yet.”
“Of course, I wouldn’t leave during such a critical period. My plan is to prepare the 8,000 rifles and 20 cannons you mentioned yesterday, and then transport them to the Empire while accompanying the shipment.”
Stephen met Dominic’s steady gaze, recognizing the firm resolve in his eyes.
“And how long do you plan to stay?”
“That will need to be discussed with the Empire, but I’m thinking of about six months.”
Stephen calculated the pros and cons in his mind before nodding.
“...Hmm. That duration shouldn’t pose any significant issues.”
I presented a detailed sketch of the bullet to the artisans.
“...?”
“That’s an unusual shape.”
“They say this pointed design allows for longer range and greater accuracy.”
“I see. Interesting.”
Unlike traditional round lead balls, this new bullet had a conical shape with deep grooves along its sides. The artisans were captivated by its unique structure.
“This bullet is slightly smaller in diameter than the barrel, making it easier to load.”
“But didn’t you say smaller bullets wouldn’t fully utilize the explosion’s power?”
“Correct. However, the grooves along the sides allow the explosive force of the powder to compress the bullet against the barrel when fired. As a result, the bullet fits the barrel precisely upon firing, achieving higher accuracy and penetration.”
The artisans examined the design closely, discussing its potential among themselves.
“...If this is a design from an Anchester artisan, it’s worth trying out.”
They quickly created a temporary mold to test the concept.
A few days later, we headed to the firing range with bullets made from the new design.
“Oh, what brings the artisans here?”
“We’re testing a new dwarven technology. Care to watch?”
“Absolutely.”
“General Victor! May I watch as well?”
As we arrived, soldiers training at the range gathered around, curious about the demonstration.
I loaded the new bullet into a musket instead of the traditional round ball.
“Let me help you with that—oh?”
“You made the bullet smaller? Hmm...”
The Red Dragon Legion officers and soldiers watched with fascination as I loaded the bullet effortlessly.
After finishing, I aimed at a steel-plated armor target 50 meters away and pulled the trigger.
Bang!
With a thunderous explosion, the bullet fired.
“...Unbelievable.”
“How did you manage that...?”
“Didn’t you use a smaller bullet? How is this possible...?”
Unlike the lead balls, the new bullet pierced straight through the armor.
The soldiers, especially those in the armored cavalry, were visibly impressed.
“With just a new mold, mass production shouldn’t be too challenging.”
“To compress the bullet using the explosive force of the powder... The dwarves truly have remarkable ideas.”
The artisans began discussing the potential of the new bullet, and one approached me to ask:
“General Victor, what’s the name of this bullet? Or could you tell us the name of the artisan who designed it?”
With respect to its original creator, I replied:
“This design came from the ‘Lorenz Workshop.’ The bullet is called the Lorenz Bullet.”
I announced the name to the gathered crowd.