Kingdombuilding: All My Inventions Are Novelty

The court was so silent that even the sound of a pin dropping could be heard. The ministers looked at Simon, each with their own thoughts.

After a while, Emperor Alaric looked at Simon and asked. ”Prince Simon, is this cannon matter true?”

Simon replied. ”Father Emperor, the cannon is real. However, I simply changed the name of the fire tube. The cannon looks similar to the fire tube, but its range has been increased.”

”I see.”

Alaric nodded. Simon did not hide the matter of the cannon, which made him feel reassured.

At this point, Darrell said. ”Since that’s the case, Your Highness should hand over the cannon technology. Whether it’s a fire tube or a cannon, as long as it can defeat the reavers, Your Highness should contribute it for the sake of the Eldorian Empire.”

With just a few words, the topic in court shifted from rewarding achievements to demanding the cannon technology. This shift in focus was exactly what Darrell and his faction intended.

They were unhappy that Prince Gerad and Prince Simon would receive rewards. For Darrell, extracting the cannon technology was his true goal.

”Hand over the cannon technology? Sir Darrell, you’re so concerned about this tech that it makes me uneasy. Everyone knows you’re always soft on the reavers, practically licking their toes. If I hand over the cannon tech, are you planning to gift it to the reavers?” Simon said coldly.

”Your Highness, how could you insult this old official like that? I have always acted for the peace of the Eldorian Empire. And yet you doubt my loyalty? Your Majesty, you must stand up for me!”

With that, Darrell fell to his knees and cried out.

Alaric frowned. Although Simon’s words were harsh, they served as a reminder. He said. ”Prince Simon, your temperament hasn’t changed at all. Apologise to Minister Darrell.”

”Father Emperor, your son is not wrong, so why should I apologise? This is a matter of national importance. We can’t share it lightly. The country is plagued by internal and external troubles. I happened to find a way to increase the range of the fire tube. Now Sir Darrell demands that I hand over the technology. I ask you, Father, if this tech is handed over, can the Weaponry Bureau in Eldora ensure it won’t be leaked? There are many in the Eldorian Empire secretly colluding with the reavers, and I believe you know that. If the reavers get this tech, never mind reclaiming the Snake Pass, even Dunmere may be reduced to rubble. By then, who will turn the tide?” Simon said anxiously.

”Brother, if you hand over the cannon tech, naturally others will turn the tide. Or do you think you’re the only one in the Eldorian Empire who can fight a war?” A mocking voice came; it was the Fourth Prince.

”You speak so lightly, Fourth Brother. You’re indeed no good at fighting, but you’re quite good at scheming. That assassin from last year, I think I’m starting to figure things out.” Simon said with a sinister smile.

The Fourth Prince’s face turned pale. If Simon pursued this matter now, with his current merit, the emperor would surely be furious. He quickly defended himself. ”I had nothing to do with it!”

”Oh? I haven’t even asked yet. Why are you in such a hurry to explain, Fourth Brother?” Simon smiled.

”You...” The Fourth Prince was both angry and anxious, realizing he had walked into Simon’s trap.

Alaric frowned deeply. He sternly asked. ”Simon, have you gotten to the bottom of the assassin matter?”

Before Xiao Ming could respond, the Fourth Prince suddenly said. ”Father Emperor, I think Prince Simon has a point. The cannon tech must not be given out lightly. If it falls into the wrong hands, it would be a disaster for the Eldorian Empire.”

His sudden shift in attitude clearly indicated he wanted to make a deal with Simon. The Fourth Prince even signalled him with his eyes, confirming Simon’s suspicion.

Simon sneered internally and said. ”Father Emperor, I have not yet found conclusive evidence.”

Alaric’s eyes swept between Simon and the Fourth Prince. He snorted, understanding what was going on, but chose not to pursue it. He then turned to the other ministers and said. ”What do the rest of you think?”

”Your Majesty, I believe Prince Simon is right. The cannon technology should not be casually handed to the Weaponry Bureau. For safety, why not let the imperial army buy the cannons from Prince Simon instead? This way, the army gets the weapon, and the technology remains safe.” Lancet chimed in to support.

Alaric already had a plan in mind. This was a perfect opportunity to strengthen imperial power.

He clearly understood the risk of handing the cannon tech to the Weaponry Bureau. From the beginning, he had no intention of doing so.

In recent years, he’d felt his body weakening. He also realised that the struggles between princes were influenced by non-royal vassals behind the scenes.

He suddenly recalled a teaching from the former emperor: The struggle between royal princes is a matter of the royal family, but external vassals are a national issue. It’s better to let the princes fight among themselves and let the strongest rule the Eldorian Empire than to allow a non-royal prince to usurp the throne.

With this in mind, he decided not to demand the cannon tech. If princes backed by external vassals obtained the tech, they would immediately pass it to those vassals.

The same was true for disloyal ministers. Instead of taking that risk, he would allow access to the weapon but not the knowledge.

And for his own safety, Simon would surely guard the cannon secret closely.

”Your Majesty, I also believe Prince Simon is right. This cannon must not be handed out freely. If the reavers get it, it’ll be dangerous.” Prince Gerad finally spoke in support of Simon.

After all, Simon was family, and he had no fondness for those external vassals.

Prince Gerad’s words helped Alaric make up his mind. He said, ”This cannon matter is of great importance. For safety, the technology will remain in Brambleford. However, if the imperial army wants to buy cannons, you must not refuse.”

Simon was delighted; this cannon issue was now resolved. Alaric proved himself shrewd; the cannon could deter not only the reavers but also non-royal vassals.

The louder Darrell yelled, the more anxious those vassals must be.

Sure enough, upon hearing this, Darrell looked as if all hope was lost.

”Wise decision, Father Emperor!” Simon complimented him again.

Alaric nodded. He had known beforehand that Darrell would bring up the cannon issue and had purposely allowed Carl to leak the idea of demanding the technology.

As expected, Darrell raised the issue in court.

But Darrell was still too naive for him. He had merely used Darrell’s mouth to raise the cannon topic and used that to naturally get Simon to supply weapons.

”There’s no need to discuss the cannon anymore. I will work it out with Prince Simon. Today’s court meeting is about rewards, not to make things difficult for him. Otherwise, wouldn’t that chill the hearts of our soldiers who fought in the Dunmere battle?” Alaric said with a note of anger.

Darrell was furious inside. He had always prided himself on reading Alaric well, but had failed miserably this time.

Still, he was unwilling to give up and said. ”Your Majesty, even if the cannon tech is not handed over, we mustn’t let Prince Simon take control of Dunmere so easily.”

”In that case, Minister Darrell, go reclaim West Ham for me. In fact, all of you! Whoever can win back West Ham, it will belong to him!” Alaric roared and stood up.