Steel, Guns, and the Industrial Party in Another World

TL: Etude

“Clank! Clank!”

The sound of metal friction continued until it reached the dining room, where Paul looked in astonishment at the fully armored infantry battalion commander.

“Bryce, what’s this about?”

“Oh, Count!”

Bryce knelt on one knee in salute, but having not worn this suit of armor for a long time, he struggled a bit to stand up again.

“I am merely performing the duties of a noble vassal. As your former military governor, I ought to be armored at all times, ready to shield my lord from any potential threats.”

Paul, unable to hold back a laugh, gestured for him to sit at the dining table.

Soon, the butler Philip directed several servants to set the table with delicious dishes.

Old Philip complied and led the servants out of the dining room.

Bryce raised an eyebrow, sensing that the Count had more than just a meal in mind for the evening.

Once the footsteps of the servants had completely faded, Paul picked up a bottle of wine, filled his own glass, and then poured for Bryce.

“Bryce, let’s start with some wine to whet our appetites.”

As he poured the wine, Bryce quickly stood up, only to be gently pushed back down by Paul.

“Stay seated, tonight you are my guest.”

“Tha… thank you, my lord.”

Bryce was a mix of nervous and excited, hardly able to articulate his words.

Paul returned to his seat, raising his glass, “Let’s drink to this.”

Bryce hurriedly raised his glass, and their glasses clinked together with a clear sound.

After they finished their drinks, Paul refilled both glasses, prompting another round of thanks from Bryce as they began to eat and chat.

During the conversation, Paul casually asked, “Tell me, Bryce, the Ald family has been serving the Grayman family for quite some time, haven’t they?”

“Yes, my lord,” Bryce replied promptly. “It started with my great-grandfather. Ah, we’ve received so much kindness from your family, it’s overwhelming.”

“Ha, Bryce, you’re too modest. Not to mention your ancestors, you alone have solved many problems for me and made significant contributions.”

“Oh no, not at all!” Bryce appeared flustered. “Just an average contribution! And besides, it’s my duty as your vassal.”

“I believe you’re the most meritorious of all my subordinates, even more so than Schroeder, who ranks above you.”

“This… this…” Bryce was at a loss for words. “How can I compare myself to Sir Schroeder? He’s a true knight.”

Paul waved his hand dismissively, “No, here I don’t care about titles or positions, just real merit.”

In truth, Paul felt a bit insincere saying this. During the pirate eradication campaign, if Schroeder hadn’t decisively stopped the rout in the second battle against Quik, the story would have ended prematurely.

Moreover, Schroeder had served in the Kingdom’s Northeast Army, being the only one in Alda with genuine military experience. He refined the Alda army, then more a ragtag group, integrating modern military concepts Paul brought from Earth into the forces. He also taught young officers at the Grayman Military Academy how to combat armies of their era and masterminded many strategies during the war against the usurpers, even leading troops to open a second front.

But Bryce’s contributions were significant too. After the old Grayman’s demise, he collaborated with Cecil to stabilize Paul’s lordship. After their initial defeat against the pirates, he voluntarily stayed behind to cover Paul’s retreat. During the war against the usurpers, his troops inflicted a major defeat on the enemy at Fort Bidou, then captured Emden, seizing half of the lands of Marltz Kent, greatly accelerating the war’s progress.

The victory at Fort Bidou was particularly significant. It was the first battle where the Alda army showcased its strength to the outside world, shedding their perceived weakness among the lords of Northwest Bay and establishing their military might.

The contributions of both men were quite comparable and difficult to rank.

“Come on! A toast to your achievements!”

Paul raised his filled glass.

“Ha ha! Count, your praise is… is… truly too humbling for me!”

Bryce, with a flushed face, raised his glass, his expression a mix of embarrassment and pride, feeling acknowledged by the Count.

They clinked glasses and drank.

Then, one glass followed another. After who knows how many, both Paul and Bryce were slightly intoxicated.

“Bryce…” Paul swirled his wine glass, the wine rippling gently.

“Yes, my lord.”

Bryce straightened up immediately, sitting upright with a sense of foreboding that the main event was about to unfold.

“Hansel brought back a royal decree from the capital, as you might have heard.”

Indeed, Bryce tensed up, reminding himself to be cautious with his words.

“Uh… Yes.”

Paul eyed him closely and slowly asked, “Now that I’ve regained the powers befitting a lord, naturally, I should reward those who have made contributions. Bryce, what do you think…” he noticed a flicker in Bryce’s eyes, “…I should bestow upon you and others?”

“This…” Bryce hesitated, avoiding Paul’s gaze, “It’s entirely up to you, my lord.”

“Sigh, but you’re my top contributor and confidant, you understand? Naturally, I would consult with you.”

Bryce looked back at Paul, scratching his head, “My lord, you put me in a difficult position. I’m a simple man, good at charging into battle, but as for rewarding and recognizing merits… perhaps you should consult Lord Ford or Sir Schroeder?”

Paul noted the genuineness in Bryce’s eyes and downed the wine in his glass.

“Bryce, these past two years I’ve been building schools and promoting education, recruiting civil servants through examinations. Do you know why?”

“This…” Bryce frowned in thought, “You now rule over Alda, Baylding, and Emden, without a reliable group of subordinate lords. Naturally, you need to find talented people from the populace to assist in governing, or perhaps… ‘manufacture’ capable people through schools.”

“Manufacture from schools? Ha ha.” Paul was amused by Bryce’s description.

“You’re right, just like canneries produce cans and potteries make ceramics, talents can also be ‘manufactured’ in schools.”

“With a large pool of talents as officials, I don’t need any subordinate lords to firmly control vast lands.”

“According to my optimistic estimate, in another five… no, four years, Alda, Baylding, and the even more expansive Emden, will all be under the firm control of the Administration Council.”

Paul, holding his cup in his right hand, suddenly clenched his left fist, exuding confidence.

Bryce’s heart was increasingly unsettled, but not with the excitement from before. The Count’s words implied…

He sat frozen, awaiting his lord’s next words.

“So, I’ll just say it straight!”

Paul’s gaze focused on Bryce’s face.

“What price must I offer for you to willingly… accept only the honor of a sword-bearing noble, while giving up the powers of one?”