23 Ethan the Baron (2/2)

[Well that's going to be scary! Doesn't the Western Empire have like a super powerful military?! And I, who have virtually no combat or leadership experience whatsoever am going to have to raise a force that I will have to lead into battle in a little over two months. Don't freak out Ethan, you can figure this out. I have knowledge that no one else in this world has. I will be a wealthy feudal aristocrat for months. That's more than enough time to hire blacksmiths and artisans to make flintlock muskets and even cannons, plus I can learn more magic, maybe even protective barriers. I can even teach my people to make full plate armor, way superior to the chainmail that this world seems to have. I can figure this out. I guess that the best decision that I could make right now would be to show the duke and the king better applications for gunpowder than those makeshift explosive devices. I can draw them diagrams of flintlock muskets as well as cannons and then at least if they arm their people who aren't good at magic with these, they might have a better chance of defeating the Western Empire. In other words, The better the Kingdom of Vorbei's armies do against the Western Empire, the better chance I have of surviving the war.] thought Ethan.

”Do you have any questions?” Asked August.

”Yes, or rather more of a statement. I believe that the Western Empire is going to attack this country in a little more than two months.” Said Ethan.

”Yes, I am aware. My daughter has already told me.” Said Augustus.

”Then I assume that she has also told you about the gunpowder that I created.” Said Ethan.

”Yes.” Said Augustus.

”The thing is, those gunpowder weapons that I made at Verafgelegen weren't actually the most effective application of gunpowder.” Said Ethan.

The duke smiled and looked like he had been waiting to hear that and he said ”Do go on.”

”In my homeland, gunpowder was used as a fuel for a weapon called the 'gun' which uses the explosion of gunpowder to propel forward a small piece of metal to kill enemies. I understand that you like to use attack magic in this land, but I feel that for those of your soldiers who can not effectively use attack magic, guns may be a better option for them.” Said Ethan.

”What did these 'guns' look like?” Asked the duke enthusiastically.

”If I could have some parchment and a pen, I could draw you a diagram.” said Ethan.

Ethan was soon given a parchment and a pen, and he neatly drew out an accurate diagram of a British Land Pattern Musket (Aka Brown Bess) complete with ramrod and bayonet. His diagram was complete with exact dimensions, materials used, as well as written instructions on how to load and maintain it and what quantities of gunpowder to put in. Once that drawing was complete, he then drew an accurate diagram of an American Revolutionary War era six pounder cannon, also complete with dimensions, materials used, and instructions on how to operate and maintain it. Once he finished the drawings, he handed the parchment back to Augustus.

”Incredible. So simple, and yet I would imagine that if you get enough soldiers wielding this standing in a row and firing at the enemy if would be a terrifying sight to gaze at. Like this is an army that can call the thunder down, despite no magic being used.” Said Augustus.

”Yes sir, that's the idea.” Said Ethan.

[I'm honestly impressed that he figured out that popular musket tactic all on his own that quickly.] Thought Ethan.

”And this 'Bayonet', it makes the gun double as a spear, yes?” Asked Augustus.

”Yes sir. It is so that the soldiers can charge at an enemy to rout them from the field.” Said Ethan.

”These cannons would be good against enemy fortifications.” Said Augustus.

”That is indeed what they were commonly used for.” Said Ethan.

”Incredible. You've given me a lot to think about. Get a good night's rest, young baron. You will continue your journey to the capital tomorrow.” Said Augustus.

”Thank you, sir.” Said Ethan.

He then followed a servant leading him back to his guest bedroom. When he got there, he poured himself a cup of beer, drank it, and went to sleep for the night not wanting to think about all of the responsibilities that he would have as a baron.