episode_0018
by admin“Khaha! I did it!”
“Ugh..Ugh..!”
The spy felt like he was flying.
A researcher who created the empire’s new weapons.
Because they succeeded in kidnapping John Brown.
“Now if only I could return to the kingdom… !”
It’s like getting a guarantee of success.
The future was pictured in the spy’s mind.
In a rosy future, the will burns.
“Phew. Let’s calm down.”
It’s still in the middle of the empire.
In order to go back, I had to come to my senses.
Until you reach the kingdom.
“Hehe.”
Still, I couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
“Huh..Huh…”
“… ?”
The intelligence agents looked at the smiling spy.
“This guy is smiling.”
“I guess I’m having a good dream.”
“What a good dream. I don’t want to see Iza running away from reality.”
Just slightly, the corner of one agent’s mouth twitches.
The other person’s expression didn’t change, but they were both angry.
“Ever since I said that nonsense to him, I wanted to eliminate the word happiness from his future short life.”
“Yes. I’m also annoyed.”
But their anger soon subsided.
The spy went through a long process of cooperation and was damaged to the point where it would be difficult for an ordinary person to open their eyes and see.
“…I think it was a bit harsh.”
“Yes. Well, if that’s the case. It might have been sufficient punishment.”
“…”
For a moment, I felt sympathy on the agents’ faces.
“Still, I’m glad.”
“Yes. Now there are many people to ask questions to besides that friend.”
“Now I have to do some cross-verification.”
The agents left the room talking.
-thud.
A room where the spy is alone.
“Ugh…Ugh…”
His condition wasn’t good, but at least he looked happy.
***
Imperial Intelligence Service.
It is a department under the direct control of the imperial family that carries out information collection and operational activities.
At one time, their performance was amazing.
The reason why the great war ended with the Empire’s victory is that their activities cannot be ignored.
However, with the end of the Great War 42 years ago, an era of peace has arrived.
On the other hand, the Intelligence Bureau had grown larger than necessary since the Great War.
The emperor was concerned about the growing weight of the Intelligence Bureau.
We could not ignore the growing weight of the intelligence agency that handles sensitive information, including information about the imperial family.
To deal with them comfortably, their numbers had to be reduced.
Therefore, the number of people in the Intelligence Bureau gradually decreased.
Of course, the emperor compensated them enough to silence their complaints.
As the number of people in the intelligence department decreased, the areas that the intelligence agency monitored naturally also decreased.
And, the results appeared.
Spies were already active in the empire.
“I thought I had made some preparations. I was caught off guard.”
“…”
“I’m not blaming you, so don’t feel burdened. Can you tell me how long you think the technology has been leaked?”
“It is believed that the manufacturing technology for matchlocks and cannons has already been leaked. However, research and production of gunpowder are under control and are safe from information leaks.”
“I see.”
Matchlocks and cannons.
These are all weapons that give you an overwhelming advantage in war with their firepower and range.
However, if the opponent is also armed with these weapons, the gap will be reduced.
But I wasn’t too worried.
Without gunpowder, these are just cumbersome lumps of metal.
Additionally, production costs are also significant.
The empire, which boasts overwhelming financial power, also feels burdened by the budget required for the additional production of new weapons.
What about in other countries?
Even if we secure the technology to manufacture weapons, even if we really find out how to manufacture gunpowder.
Will it be possible to produce enough to operate with less resources than an empire?
“What would it be like if not only weapons but also gunpowder technology was leaked?”
“…It is impossible to arm it anytime soon. It is expected that it will take at least 2-3 years before it can be operated in small quantities.”
As if anticipating the Emperor’s question, the Director of Intelligence answered shortly afterwards.
His answer was no different from what the emperor expected.
‘But that doesn’t mean we can just sit there and watch.’
The sending of spies to the empire could not be ignored.
It was necessary to hold the Kingdom of Heirne accountable for its actions that crossed the line and to issue a warning to other countries.
“…First of all, we need to increase the number of people in the Intelligence Department a little more. Find people you can trust.”
“I understand. Then…”
After the Director of Intelligence left the room, the Emperor looked out the window, thinking about the next meeting.
Cracks began to appear in the long period of peace.
***
“What does that mean?”
“…This means that you can operate the lever to go forward or backward.”
“You live so easily…hmm…”
“…what comes to mind?”
“Let’s think about it for a moment.”
McColson begins to write something down on paper again.
Brown looked at him and thought.
‘Do I really need a computer?’
This was something Brown had been thinking about lately.
McColson (even though he is always arrogant in everything he does and is unlucky when faced with his unique arrogant attitude), once he inputs information about an idea, he produces results, even if it takes time.
It couldn’t be more convenient.
Brown returned to his seat with a satisfied expression.
Meanwhile, McColson, who had been concentrating on modifying the design, paused.
‘…That’s strange.’
He was caught up in something.
‘Why am I personally writing an in-depth thesis on whether ignorance and creativity are proportional or inversely proportional through observing Brown’s ideas? I am thinking about it…’
Of course, the idea of designing a steam locomotive came to mind and was quickly forgotten.
‘Rather than that, if I put a joint in this part, I could control the direction in which the wheel turns by manipulating the lever. Let me think about it a little more. If you can control the firepower, I think you can control the speed.’
The sound of a quill pen scratching paper became a little faster.
***
“I would like to put shock-sensitive gunpowder inside a metal lid so that when it is shocked, the gunpowder inside the chamber can be ignited.”
“Umm…”
“My concern is whether I can make this.”
“Gunpowder…is applied to the inside of the metal lid…um…”
Karen thought for a moment and spoke to Brown.
“I don’t think I can do it. The only thing that bothers me is…no. As various machines are being distributed through steam engines, I think we will be able to produce metal lids soon.”
“…Then it might take some time.”
“It’s a shame.”
“There’s nothing we can do. Thank you though. Thanks to you, it eased my worries.”
“Hehe. I’m glad it helped.”
After speaking with Karen, Brown tried to return to his seat.
“Ah, more than that, Mr. Brown.”
“Yes?”
“Today’s escorts are like that, and the security guards have increased as well. Don’t you think something bad has happened?”
“Well…”
Brown was also a concern.
Why did the empire suddenly strengthen its defenses?
It was somewhat predictable.
‘Is this a hint that war will soon break out?’
It felt like it was later than I remembered.
That is probably the reason.
‘Is it because of the weapons I developed?’
A sentence that came to mind unconsciously.
Brown was horrified by that sentence.
‘Ah, did you just come up with a McColson-style idea?’
Being so close, even my thoughts seemed to be contagious.
I can’t believe you have such self-centered thoughts.
‘It’s also harmful. It’s still useful, um…’
It was like radioactivity.
It’s definitely useful, but if you’re close to it, you’ll get exposed to radiation.
I felt the need to purify my irradiated mind.
“Um…Mr. Brown?”
“Ah, yes.”
While thinking for a moment, he neglected Karen for a bit.
“large. Well, it’s no big deal. Don’t worry too much.”
Brown couldn’t bear to tell her that war would break out.
“Yes… right?”
But Karen’s concerns seemed to lie somewhat elsewhere.
“If you and the escort…ugh…”
Karen mutters softly.
“Yes?”
“No. I hope it comes back like before soon. Okay then, hehe.”
‘I’m sure he said something.’
Brown thought for a moment about what she said, then continued his thoughts.
‘Was it a war in which the allies invaded the empire?’
I don’t remember the specific names of the countries.
In the beginning, all I heard was a fragmentary explanation from a friend.
That also came up briefly while listening to the main character’s activities.
‘Did you say that while fighting as a mercenary hired by the Empire, an auror appeared on the battlefield?’
While organizing his thoughts, Brown soon discovered a question.
‘Then, if you are in charge of escort duties here…’
There was no way she, who was in charge of escort duties, would go to the battlefield.
As for fighting, it would be possible at least when the enemies invaded the capital.
‘I think it’s a little bit wrong…’
It seemed a bit different from the original story I heard.
Brown just hoped that it wasn’t because of him.
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