Chapter 207: An Unexpected Invention (2/2)
”Do not thank me; you have earned it yourself! Your merit is second to none among the common population!”
After taking a few moments to collect himself, Ludwig finally realized that Berengar came here for a different reason, and thus he began to inquire about the details.
”Your excellency, why are you here?”
It was only now that Berengar remembered his original intentions for arriving, and as such, he carefully placed Ludwig's blueprints into the man's hands before putting his own upon the desk.
”The design is much simpler than the flintlock and not as effective. However, I hope that this Arkebuse can be produced so that I can sell them to the Byzantine Army!”
Seeing such a simplistic design on the table, Ludwig eagerly grinned before asking the thought on his mind.
”How many do you need and when?”
Berengar did not hesitate to declare his demand.
”Preferably thirty, and as soon as possible. I need to demonstrate their effectiveness to the Byzantine representative.”
Ludwig scratched his beard for a moment while thinking about how long it would take. Eventually, he answered Berengar's question with a toothy smile.
”Give me a week; I need to set up a new production line for these Arkebuse as you call it; by then, we should be able to produce them regularly.”
Berengar smiled and nodded before returning to the blueprints Ludwig had made.
”Set up a production line for the Schmidt Guns as well; I want as many as you can field. These weapons will be a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield!”
Seeing how eager Berengar was to implement these new weapons he developed brought a smile to the old man's face, and he quickly gave Berengar a thumbs up before proudly proclaiming.
”Leave it to me! I will be happy to produce as many as I can; I hope that they may bring glory to our realm!”
Thus Berengar gave one last piece of advice.
”Get some rest, Ludwig; you deserve it; everything else is secondary to your health.”
Hearing that Berengar cared about his condition Ludwig almost broke out into tears; however, he managed to choke them back before responding with a wide grin.
”Don't worry, your excellency; I will get some sleep after I have given the orders to set up the production lines.”
Berengar nodded before proceeding out the door. He still had several things to go over throughout the rest of the day. Namely, he had to visit Ludolf and check to see the progress of his reformation. He had been at war too long and had not focused enough attention on the spread of his new religion.
As he walked towards the local Chapel, Berengar began to wonder if any of his other exceptional subordinates would surprise him with significant innovations; only time would tell. One sure thing was that Ludwig was an outstanding engineer for the times he found himself in, and Bernegar fully intended to help the man on his path.
Unfortunately, Ludwig was already an old man and would most likely not serve him for too many additional years. Thus the need for public education and the fostering of exceptional individuals were more important than ever in Berengar's mind.