Kingdombuilding: All My Inventions Are Novelty

”Your Majesty, please forgive us!”

All the ministers had never seen Emperor Alaric this angry before. Darrel was so frightened that he trembled and immediately begged for forgiveness.

”Hmph, all of you stand on the shore acting all righteous. Do you really think I’m a fool? If we can’t take back West Ham, then it belongs to the reavers.” Alaric continued speaking.

Then he looked around the entire imperial court and said. ”Since you all disagree with Prince Simon’s plan, fine. I’ll give you the chance. Whoever takes back the land of West Ham, I will reward them with that land. Do you dare?”

Darrell and the other civil officials immediately shrank back, not daring to speak. They were good at arguing, but when it came to a real battle, they were too scared to fight.

After waiting a while with no one speaking, Alaric sneered. ”It seems no one else is willing to go to the grasslands and fight for me. In that case, I grant Prince Simon’s request as a reward.”

”Thank you, Father.” Simon bowed.

It had to be said, just now, Alaric finally acted like a true emperor, full of authority.

Alaric sat back on the throne and looked at Prince Gerad. ”Prince Gerad, what reward do you want?”

”Your Majesty, your brother only wants to ask if Prince Simon could sell me some cannons.” Prince Simon said hesitantly.

The Third Prince immediately said with suspicion. ”Uncle, it’s understandable that the northern lords like Prince Ravencrest and Prince Lionel need cannons to defend against the reavers. But what do you need them for?”

”Prince Gerad, the Third Prince, has a point. Why do you need cannons?” Alaric also frowned.

Prince Gerad sighed and said. ”Your Majesty doesn’t know, but your brother needs the cannons to defend against pirates from the sea. In recent years, my trading ships have often been attacked by pirates. These pirates also raid the coastal areas. They come ashore in thousands or tens of thousands and retreat to the sea after robbing. It’s a real headache.”

When he mentioned these pirates, the Third Prince went quiet. That’s because Prince Vael’s territory had also suffered pirate raids. That made this a good reason. He said. ”Father, there are also pirates in Prince Vael’s land. So I think Third Uncle’s words make sense.”

Prince Gerad glanced at the Third Prince and thought to himself that he was indeed smart. Supporting him now meant Prince Vael could also buy cannons easily.

Simon just watched from the side. The more people wanted cannons, the more money he would make.

But what Prince Gerad said about pirates made Simon frown.

These pirates were clearly from an island nation. In real history, pirates often attacked the coast. It seemed they existed in this world too, though Simon didn’t remember much about them.

”Hm, let me think about it.” Alaric didn’t agree right away.

He was a bit annoyed. Simon and Prince Gerad didn’t ask for normal rewards; instead, they gave him new problems.

Looking a bit tired, Alaric said something to Carl. Carl then announced. ”If there’s anything to report, speak up. If not, court is dismissed.”

This morning’s meeting ended with Darrell losing badly. Not only did he fail to get the cannon technology, but he was also scolded harshly by the emperor. It was clear to everyone that Alaric’s attitude towards the reavers had changed.

It was obvious that the pro-war faction would now have the strongest voice in court for some time.

After the court ended, the ministers left one by one.

Simon had gotten what he wanted, so he was very satisfied. Prince Gerad, however, looked worried and gloomy. After a quick greeting with Simon and promising to treat him to wine another day, he left in a hurry.

Simon laughed to himself. Prince Gerad’s reason about pirates was fake; he really wanted to use the cannons to threaten Prince Vael and Prince Augustus.

Just as he was leaving the imperial court, Carl suddenly came over and said, ’Your Highness, the Emperor wants to see you behind the hall.”

Simon followed Carl through a turn and reached a pavilion behind the Imperial court. Alaric was standing there.

”Father.” Simon bowed.

Alaric turned to look at him and asked slowly. ”Here, it’s just the two of us. Be honest with me, how powerful are the cannons really?”

”Father, I don’t dare to lie. These cannons are developed from fire lances. Their power and range are dozens of times stronger. As long as the city is well-defended and the soldiers are brave, it’s not hard to hold a city.” Simon answered truthfully.

Alaric nodded. ”You know the situation of our Empire. I didn’t send troops to help you because I was afraid that Prince Ravencrest and others would seize the chance to rebel, not because I didn’t care. Today, although Darrell spoke so confidently, I knew exactly who was behind him.”

”So Father already knew. I was worried you might really make me give up the cannon technology.” Simon said.

”If it were twenty years ago, I definitely would’ve made you hand it over.” Alaric sighed. ”But now I’m old. I must think of the future of the Ashbourne family’s empire. With the cannons in your hands, I feel reassured, because you’re part of the royal family.”

After a pause, Alaric continued. ”Though I’m not forcing you to give up the technology, the first batch of cannons must go to the Imperial Guards. Understand?”

”Yes, Father,” Simon replied.

Alaric asked again. ”So when can the first batch of cannons arrive in Eldora?” He was very interested in the cannons.

”Half a year,” Simon said.

”Half a year?” Alaric was angry. ”Why does it take so long?”

”Father, cannons are very difficult to make. And we don’t even have enough for Dunmere yet. We have to make those first. Also, cannons need a lot of coal and iron. Even a clever woman can’t cook without rice.” Simon complained.

In truth, Simon was just making a big promise to impress everyone. He agreed to sell cannons, but when to deliver them was entirely up to him.

”No, that’s too slow. I want to see the first batch in three months. If you lack coal and iron, I’ll give it to you. If you lack money, I’ll transfer funds to you. These cannons must be equipped to the Imperial Guards and placed on the city walls.” Alaric said firmly.

He was clearly still angry about being humiliated by the reavers and the powerful nobles last time.

”In that case, I’ll try my best. But in three months, I can only provide twenty-four cannons. Each cannon costs ten thousand caps of silver. I hope Father can pay first...” Simon said.

”Hmph, I knew you’d ask for a high price. Eight thousand caps per cannon, no more. You cover the rest yourself.” Alaric said harshly.

Simon acted like he was reluctant. ”If that’s the case, I’ll just take the loss.” He said. But in his heart, he thought, if he had known, he would’ve asked for an even higher price.