Steel, gunpowder, and spellcasters

Chapter 369 Steel Fortress
[Republic of Monta, Solingen Canton, Steelburg]
The coldest weeks of this winter are over, and the weather is gradually warming up.

When the midday sun shines brightly, the snow on the mountain melts. At night, as the temperature drops, the melted water freezes back into ice, eventually forming a crystal-clear ice shell on the surface of the snow.

Melted snow flows beneath the ice crust, eventually converging into Lake Retba. Occasionally, the deafening roar of large sections of ice breaking apart can be heard from the mountains.

In three days, the Steel Fortress Blacksmiths Guild will elect its next executive committee.

City Hall employees are busy setting up the venue and sweeping the streets. Shop owners along the street are also working hard to clean their storefronts, hoping to do more business during the election day celebrations.

Some say that Steel Castle is a city of blacksmiths.

In fact, Steel Castle is a city "belonging" to blacksmiths.

Of all able-bodied citizens of Steelburg—regardless of gender—nearly one-sixth are directly engaged in mining, smelting, and metal processing, and another third are their family members.

The remaining half of the Steel Fortress residents mainly make a living by providing services to the former two.

Everything in Steel Fortress revolves around the blacksmiths, and the organization that binds all the blacksmiths together is the Blacksmiths' Guild.

Therefore, the executive committee members of the blacksmiths' guild would become the executive committee members of the diocesan general guild;

The executive committee members of the parish council will become the executive committee members of the Steelburg City Hall;

The executive committee members of the Steelburg City Hall will also become executive committee members of the Solingen State Parliament.

There is never a written or unwritten law that states: "[The executive committee members of the Steelburg Blacksmiths' Guild automatically become executive committee members of the Solingen State Parliament]".

But no one has ever objected to the above process; everything will happen naturally and logically.

But if you weren't in the thick of it, who would have thought that an internal election within a guild of a parish under a city in an autonomous prefecture would determine who would hold power in the prefecture in the future, or even wield influence throughout the republic?
……

As the streets of Steel Castle were filled with the tense atmosphere of election day, a young couple from the Empire checked into the best hotel on the shores of Lake Rose.

The male owner registered his full name as [Baron Enrique, Granahy], so the hotel staff addressed him as [His Excellency Granahy] and [Madame Granahy].

The baron and baron generously booked an entire two-story detached house by the lake, and also requested a separate stable.

Although they had few attendants, it took three carriages just to load their luggage. They used their own servants for trivial tasks such as carrying luggage and feeding horses, never relying on innkeepers, displaying their aristocratic demeanor.

[Enrique and Catherine of Granah] himself used only old language and didn't utter a single word of common language, leaving the waiters completely bewildered and dizzy.

The hotel manager had probably cursed the "corrupt, stupid empire's idiot who got married near his home" countless times in his mind, but he still had to keep smiling obsequiously.

Just as the overwhelmed foreman was frantically trying to find a translator, he saw the impatient Baron casually wave his hand.

Immediately afterwards, a handsome man dressed in a priest's robe, presumably the Baron's private priest, stepped forward and relayed the Baron's instructions to the head steward in Common, though his expression was somewhat unnatural.

The innkeeper was quite shocked. He had served nobles before, but this was the first time he had ever seen "nobles who treated clergy as servants."

For a moment, the foreman even empathized with the poor priest in front of him, and fully understood why the priest's eyes were full of struggle and regret.

After settling Baron Granah and his entourage in, the head waiter gathered all the waiters and patiently instructed them: "Be extra careful, this Baron Granah is probably no ordinary person."

"Not small? How big can it be?" a young waiter asked curiously.

"What nonsense are you asking about?" The foreman glared at him fiercely, making the young waiter tremble. "Don't ask what you shouldn't ask! What? No work to do? Go and fill all the water tanks in the stables. Everyone else, disperse."

The waiter was scolded and went to fetch water, sobbing. The others also walked away silently.

A tall, thin, gray-haired senior waiter deliberately stayed until last, and only when he and the head waiter were left did he ask with a grin, "What kind of background could he have? Isn't he just a little baron that you can find anywhere? Look at how arrogant he is!"

"Nonsense!" the foreman glared. "Sooner or later, your tongue will get you!"

"Yes, yes, I was wrong." The tall, thin, gray-haired waiter gestured as if to sew his mouth shut. "Then tell me, who is that guy?"

The tall, thin, gray-haired waiter was the head waiter's nephew, named Roger. With his trusted subordinate and relative in front of him, the head waiter spoke without restraint.

"In my opinion," the head waiter clicked his tongue, "he is either the heir of a marquis or the illegitimate son of a duke, it can't be too far off."

Roger was puzzled and pricked up his ears, waiting for the foreman to continue.

The head waiter clicked his tongue: "I've seen quite a few important figures... Although Baron Granah is not very old, I don't feel there's anything wrong with placing him among those gentlemen in my mind."

Roger nodded outwardly, but inwardly scoffed at his uncle's statement.

The foreman saw right through his nephew's thoughts. He frowned and gestured towards the lakeside building: "Didn't you notice at all?"

"What did you see?" Roger asked, completely bewildered.

“Baron Granah’s guards,” the foreman whispered, “are all Dusak!”

Roger was taken aback: "But them?"

"What? A Dussac who doesn't wear uniforms, earrings, shaved heads, or carry sabers isn't a Dussac? Their accents, their riding posture... and their bowlegs, I could tell their origins with my eyes closed, and you didn't notice anything?" The foreman said, exasperated. "If he didn't have an even more powerful father, where would a mere baron get so many elite Dussac guards?"

……

All the nobles of the empire considered it an honor to have Dusak guards.

Although the Dussacs were criticized for their lax military discipline and dissolute lifestyle, they were "free citizens" who were directly loyal to the emperor, which alone made them independent of the aristocratic class.

From the time Charlemagne appointed earls to govern local areas, the feudal system of the empire has evolved and continued to this day, and Dussac's position within it is now similar to that of a baron. Both are subordinate to the power of the emperor, the only difference being that one is a nobleman and the other is not.

Only the emperor can alter Dussac's personal dependency. Without the emperor's decree, even princes and dukes would not serve Dussac.

Therefore, bestowing the title of Dussac Guard signified the emperor's favor, and obtaining a Dussac Guard was a symbol of power and status.

As for Baron Granah... a minor nobleman in his early twenties, he was clearly not yet qualified to have the honor of being granted a royal guard.

……

After the head waiter gave him his instructions, everyone in the hotel unconsciously became much more attentive to the Baron.

Rumors spread like wildfire.

First, a guest saw the carriage pass by and casually asked a waiter about it. Soon, all sorts of rumors about the Baron became the latest topic of conversation among the inn's guests.

Baron Granah and his wife arrived at Steel Castle at noon, and before nightfall, some well-informed people in the city had already learned that a very wealthy imperial nobleman had arrived.

The so-called well-informed individuals include, but are not limited to: ladies from respectable families, operators of other hotels or restaurants, merchants engaged in the iron trade, and relatively active local social groups in Steelburg.

Some people excitedly shared the rumors, some felt envious, some saw the last straw before bankruptcy, and some smelled the scent of easy prey.

But there was one person whose attitude after hearing the rumors was different from everyone else in Steel Fortress, because...

Because he is not a Steelcastle native, nor even a Monta native.

……

[Steel Castle, Lake Bay District, Laixi Brothers Trading Company]
"...The Baron and Duchess, eight guards, and a priest. Eleven people in total, who booked an entire detached house." The tall, thin man with gray hair stood in front of the table, racking his brains, counting on his fingers: "Right, they used five carriages!"

The dark-faced man sitting behind the table seemed uninterested, and he scribbled a few notes on a ledger-like notebook.

The tall, thin man with gray hair feigned frustration, as if he had racked his brains but couldn't come up with anything else, and said sheepishly, "That's all I know."

The dark-faced man casually stuck the quill pen into the ink bottle, sprinkled a little sand onto the paper, and said without looking up, "You did a good job, Roger."

The tall, thin man with gray hair—Roger, the waiter at the inn where Baron Granah was staying—bowed obediently, showing none of the impatience he displayed when facing his uncle.

But his eyes were secretly glancing at the money bag the dark-faced man had placed on the table.

The dark-faced man noticed Roger's gaze, grinned, opened his money bag, and tossed Roger a silver coin: "Be more discerning in the future, and tell me any news you find out. If we make a deal, you'll get a share of the profits."

“Of course.” Roger flashed his habitual obsequious smile. “Leave it to me.”

"Go ahead," the dark-faced man waved his hand.

Roger walked backwards toward the door.

Steelburg's ironware circulates not only within the Alliance but is also sold in large quantities to the Empire, with many major buyers having offices or branches in Steelburg.

Although none of the parties actively emphasize their identities, everyone is well aware of each other's backgrounds.

For example, [John H. Sherlock Trading Company]. Despite having a strange name that has no connection to the Empire, [John H. Sherlock Trading Company] is actually the representative of the [Imperial Royal Chartered Commercial Commission] in the Republic of Monta.

The [Imperial Royal Chartered Commercial Council] is the open money bag and gloves of the traitors.

Without a doubt, every move of [John H. Sherlock Trading Company] is being closely watched—using trading companies to gather information is a common practice, and merchants are natural spies.

So most of the time, [John H. Sherlock & Co.] is doing legitimate business, occasionally engaging in some minor activities to maintain its presence.

The Imperial Security Council, known as the "Emperor's Hand," has its true eyes and ears planted in Steel Castle by the inconspicuous Lacey Brothers Trading Company.

Even [Lacey Brothers Trading Company] only adopts a low-key approach, passively collecting information from public channels—just like everyone else is doing.

……

The dark-faced man didn't give Roger any specific instructions, only that Roger should promptly report any "notable news" to him.

Many businesses and local bullies do this kind of thing, and it doesn't attract much attention.

Roger's news this time wasn't worth a single silver coin, but when it comes to gathering intelligence, sometimes you have to spend money on useless rumors.

"White-haired" Roger is a very greedy guy, and he's in a great position, so the dark-faced man doesn't mind spending a little money to keep him around.

It was getting late, and the dark-faced man yawned, intending to close the door and rest.

Suddenly, Roger, who had already stepped outside, seemed to remember something and hurriedly rushed back to the dark-faced man: "That's right! Mr. Black! Baron Granah's guards are all Dusak."

"Huh?" The dark-faced man was taken aback at first, then opened the notebook and glanced at it. He then crossed his arms and asked with a smile, "Isn't he a baron?"

Roger didn't answer, but just looked expectantly at the money bag on the dark-faced man's table.

The dark-faced man felt a surge of anger; he realized he had been tricked.

But he still grinned, opened his money pouch, and tossed Roger another silver coin: "Can you talk now?"

Roger thanked him profusely and carefully put away the silver coins: "Yes, he is a baron, or at least he claims to be one... That's why I think he's someone important. Otherwise, how could a mere baron have Dusak as his bodyguard?"

"What's his last name?" The dark-haired man struggled to decipher his messy handwriting.
"De Granahich".

How many guards does he have?

"Eight."

"Are they all Dussacs?"

"All."

"...and a private priest?"

"Ah."

"Are you very rich?"

"Like a rich guy."

"how old?"

"Early twenties."

"Early twenties?" The dark-faced man closed his notebook, leaned back in his chair, and asked with a smile, "What did he say he came to Steel Fortress for? [A grand tour]?"

"Load—oil?" Roger asked, puzzled. "What do you mean?"

The dark-faced man gave a brief explanation.

……

Grand tours have become a growing trend in recent years.

Regardless of the brutal purges the current emperor carried out at the beginning of his reign, his diligent governance after taking power is undeniable. The empire has grown increasingly wealthy, and the pockets of nobles, both high and low, have gradually become fuller.

With more money comes more ways to spend it.

Because the emperor won the civil war, stopped the private wars, and suppressed the bandits, there has been no war in the empire for many years, and long-distance travel is no longer a life-threatening endeavor.

Some aristocratic families would pay for their children to take a long trip after they completed their studies, so that they could eat, drink, have fun, and broaden their horizons.

As this new trend gained popularity, many wealthy families without aristocratic status also joined in. Some young people, not content with long journeys of one or two months, began to attempt to travel around the empire and even visit the territories of the Southern rebels.

If Baron Granahsi was in his early twenties, it would be the perfect age for a grand tour. It would be reasonable for his elders to be concerned about a young man squandering money alone and to send a few guards to protect him closely.

……

Roger scratched his head after hearing this: "I...I don't know. But...but Baron Granahy is with his wife? Can you bring your wife on a grand tour?"

"Uh," the dark-faced man chuckled dryly, "It can't be a honeymoon, can it?"

"Will you come to Monta for your honeymoon?" Roger asked, tugging at his clumps of gray hair. "It's all mountains, what's there to see?"

“Maybe they just like mountain views? Who knows what kind of style the imperial nobles like?” The dark-faced man waved his hand, signaling Roger to leave. “Keep an eye on that baron for me. If he’s just indulging in eating, drinking, and having fun, then you don’t need to worry about him. But if he has any contact with merchants, blacksmiths, or any other locals, then come and let me know.”

The dark-faced man grinned and said, "If you can close a deal with him, you'll get a share of the profits."

Roger offered another round of obsequious thanks and walked backwards.

After the white-haired boy left, the dark-faced man spat in disgust and slapped the bell on the table.

Several employees entered the room.

"Close the door and take a break," the dark-faced man said.

The employee nodded and left.

The dark-faced man was also about to leave. He put on his coat and walked to the door, but he couldn't help but go back to his seat, open his notebook, and read through the notes again.

……

Nominally, the Security Council is responsible for the Empire's defense and espionage.

However, when the Emperor's will needs to be carried out, and the Imperial Security Council is not capable enough to do so, the oathbreakers will resort to another means.

A more powerful, more invisible, and more terrifying hand.

Within the Imperial Security Council, the other hand of a sworn enemy is referred to as the "messenger."

If the Imperial Security Council represents the interests of the Empire, then the envoy represents the will of the Emperor.

The messenger may be one person, several people, or a group. No one knows how the messengers operate, only that they can wield enormous amounts of money, power, and force—all to accomplish their mission.

That's why some people complain that the envoys are not carrying out the emperor's orders, but rather exercising the emperor's authority.

And at this very moment, there is such a "messenger" in Steel Fortress.

……

"Should we report this to the messenger?" The dark-faced man hesitated.

[Regarding espionage and intelligence]
[I recommend the documentary "Queen Elizabeth I's Spy," which tells the story of William Cecil, Elizabeth I's favorite courtier and chief spy. It details how he uncovered "enemy sabotage" and obtained irrefutable evidence that Mary of Scotland was directly involved in the plot to assassinate Elizabeth I.]
[While monarchs all used spies, William Cecil was probably the first intelligence officer in English history to "systematically use spies," though England was a latecomer in this regard.]
[The examples of top students are Portugal and Venice]
[In the 15th and 16th centuries, Portugal sent numerous spies to various parts of the world each year, bringing back all sorts of information. The Portuguese understanding of the world gradually improved in this process. Portugal even sent two spies disguised as merchants to search for "China," the Eastern priest King John… However, the two spies fell ill in Egypt and eventually traveled to Ethiopia, sending a letter back home before continuing their journey eastward, never to be heard from again.]
[Venice established one of the earliest dedicated code-breaking agencies in Europe, and its intelligence work against the Ottoman Empire and the Holy Roman Empire was in full swing. It even infiltrated the Ottoman court to obtain information on the sultans' health conditions at the first opportunity.]
[And, besides merchant spies, many spies were...Jews. For example, the Jewish doctor who recruited the Grand Vizier in Venice, and Mehmed II's use of Jews as spies in the Mediterranean islands—yes, the Ottomans also liked to use Jewish spies.]
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(End of this chapter)