22 Duke Von Ritter (2/2)
”I wholeheartedly agree Father. I plan to tell the King when I go to the capital, so that he can begin preparing the defenses on his end too..”
”This gunpowder substance sounds interesting though. We could potentially arm those commoners that we train who are not skilled with a sword or with magic. I wonder if those boxes were really the most effective use for that gunpowder substance though.” Said Augustus.
”What do you mean, Father?” Asked Mia.
”From what you have told me, It seems that Ethan is a commoner, however he is also very well educated.” Said Augustus.
”Yes, that is my impression as well.” Said Mia.
[Where is he going with this] she thought.
”That would mean that his society has a high value on an educated populus.” Said Augustus
”That is also the conclusion that I would draw.” Said Mia.
”And without magic, this 'gunpowder' substance would no doubt be their best weapon.” Said Augustus.
”I agree” Said Mia.
”And from what you told me, it seems that he was primarily educated in language, not alchemy, meaning that for him to know the recipe of gunpowder off the top of his head, it must not be cutting edge alchemy, just known to a few, but rather be something that has been around for a long time, and is well known to the general public.” Said Augustus.
”That is a logical conclusion, but what does all that have to do with whether or not those boxes were really the most effective use of it?” Asked Mia.
”Well, what I'm saying is that this substance is their best weapon, and has been well known to their general public for a long time who are in turn both smart and educated, and no one has ever come up with a better application than 'stick it in a box and light in on fire'?” Said Augustus.
”I see what you're saying.” said Mia.
”Do you think that Ethan would omit valuable information from us?” Asked Augustus.
”I wouldn't put it past him, but I don't think that he'd lie directly” Said Mia honestly.
”I think that it's time that we called that young man in here. I owe him a reward for helping you anyway. It would be good if the reward I gave him an interest in defending the kingdom so that we can rely on his foreign knowledge to help us out against the Western Empire. I'm thinking that maybe I'll give him some land and a title. Rather than gold, those things are only useful for as long as our kingdom is not conquered.” Said Augustus.
”That sounds like a wise decision, Father.” Said Mia.
The duke then motioned toward his one of his servants who was waiting in another room.
”Call that young man, Ethan, over.” he said.