Steel, Guns, and the Industrial Party in Another World

Chapter 149: Andrew

TL: Etude

“Baron Abbot, these ‘cans’ are indeed what the kingdom’s army needs,” Viscount William’s expression had significantly improved since their initial meeting.

“So, how are they made?” Naturally, it would be best if he had control over the production.

Hansel gave a regretful look. “I’m sorry, Viscount, but I also do not know how the canned goods are made. The inventor and producer of the cans is Count Paul Grayman of Alda in the Northwest Bay. He only commissioned me, as a royal commissioner, to promote this processed food to the kingdom’s army, but he never mentioned anything about the production process.”

Viscount William shook his head repeatedly. “That’s really unfortunate, too unfortunate. This Count should have offered the production method directly to the royal family. What has happened to the loyalty of the local lords to His Majesty the King? Have they all forgotten the oaths their ancestors made to Rodney I?”

In reality, what truly disappointed the Viscount was that the other party was a titled noble and a count, making it difficult to forcibly obtain the canning method, especially during such a sensitive period of lordly rebellion in the south.

Hansel thought to himself, the original oath didn’t say that the lords must obediently hand over whatever the royal family desired.

Viscount William continued, “Baron Abbott, please be sure to convey to Count Grayman that if he can disclose the canning method, His Majesty the King will surely reward him generously.”

“I will certainly pass the message to Lord Grayman.”

Although Hansel agreed verbally, he thought to himself: Since when can a quartermaster make decisions on behalf of His Majesty the King? And what use are such empty promises?

“Does this mean the kingdom’s army is interested in these canned goods?”

“Interested? Of course.”

The Viscount’s eyes shifted.

“But I wonder about the production capacity of the cans? You see, once the military decides to purchase, it will definitely not be a small amount.”

Hansel replied with slight trepidation, “Well… I must not hide from you, Viscount, that the current production of cans is rather limited. However, you needn’t worry, as Lord Grayman is expanding his canning factory in his territory. By February of next year at the latest, he should be able to supply the kingdom’s army on a large scale and in a stable manner.”

Hansel silently prayed that the group of businessmen mobilized by Grayman would be efficient.

After pondering for a while, Viscount William said, “Then let’s discuss a long-term purchase agreement after he can produce in large quantities. However, you can provide us with a small quantity of cans first, so the people in the army can try them out.”

Hansel stood up and bowed to him. “Thank you, Viscount. I will send you another small batch of cans, and once I return to the northwest, I will make sure they prioritize production and delivery for the capital. Count Grayman is still very loyal to His Majesty the King. This time I came back to transport a batch of food to His Majesty the King on behalf of the Count. If the kingdom’s army can purchase cans in large quantities, I’m sure Lord Grayman will offer a very low wholesale price.”

Viscount William nodded, “Hmm! Hope so. But I have to clarify one thing with you.”

“Please enlighten me, Viscount.”

Viscount William thought for a moment and slowly said, “I am only responsible for the military supplies of the troops under Her Royal Highness the Princess. The supply of other generals’ troops is their own concern. How to get them to accept the cans is something you’ll have to figure out on your own.”josei

Hansel noted this, “Thank you for the reminder, Viscount.”

…

After bidding farewell to Viscount William at his residence, Hansel Abbott headed straight home. Upon his arrival, a servant informed him that a visitor claiming to be Baron Andrew had come to see him. Despite being told that Hansel was out for the day, the visitor insisted on waiting for his return.

“Baron Andrew? I don’t seem to recall such a person,” Hansel mused.

“The visitor’s accent suggested he’s from the northwest. We thought he might be related to your affairs, so we let him wait in the drawing room.”

“Take me to meet this Baron Andrew.”

Hansel then remembered a certain Baron Andrew — a vassal from the Baylding county of the Northwest Bay. According to Count Malron Ganard, Andrew was the only vassal who hadn’t joined the rebellion. Using the pretext of supporting the king, Viscount Angelo and others had proposed that Andrew lead Ganard’s direct troops south to participate in the royal family’s counter-rebellion efforts. This move had allowed various private troops to take control of Butuya, the capital of Baylding.

Around the time Paul’s army crushed the Baylding rebellion, Baron Andrew hadn’t returned with his troops. Initially, because his lord, Count Malron Ganard, had instructed him to assist in quelling the rebellion before returning. However, with the ongoing situation, the rebellion seemed far from over. Moreover, correspondence revealed that Andrew had performed well and been entrusted with a significant role by the Princess. Thus, unlike most of the loyalist armies, the Baylding troops weren’t sent back home after the fire incident in the royal capital’s granary.

Once Malron regained his freedom, concerned about the potential upheaval that Andrew’s return might cause, Malron personally wrote to him. In addition to informing him about Angelo’s rebellion and its suppression, he reiterated the original order: assist the royal family in quelling the rebellion before returning. To reassure Andrew, his family also wrote to him, essentially saying: “There’s been a minor issue at home, but it’s resolved now. Stay at the front and continue to faithfully serve His Majesty the King on behalf of Baylding.”

Thus, Baron Andrew and his Baylding troops remained in the south.

In the drawing room, Hansel met the waiting Baron Andrew — a robust man with a resolute expression and impressive appearance.

Introducing himself first, Hansel said, “I am Hansel Abbott. What brings you to me, Baron Andrew?”

Baron Andrew stood up to greet him. “It’s an honor to meet you, Baron Abbott. I heard you’re the royal commissioner stationed in Alda, our neighbor?”

After inviting Andrew to sit again, Hansel confirmed, “Indeed, I am here on official business and will soon return to the Northwest Bay.”

Andrew expressed his appreciation, “It’s rare to see someone as dedicated to their duty as you, Baron Abbott. The royal commissioner assigned to our Baylding just found an excuse to return to Crystal Shine and disappeared. I’ve heard this isn’t an isolated incident.”

Hansel inwardly scoffed, “The lords of each region would be only too glad to see their commissioners leave sooner rather than later, wouldn’t they?”

Andrew continued, “I’ve learned about Angelo and others’ rebellion from the letter sent by Lord Ganard. Although I’ve always disliked them, I never expected them to betray their oaths. It’s a disgrace to knighthood.”

“Thankfully, Count Grayman timely intervened to crush these traitors. Lord Ganard’s alliance with him was not in vain. Please convey my gratitude to Lord Grayman when you return.”

Hansel nodded with a smile, “Ha, of course, I’ll be sure to pass on your message to Lord Grayman.”

Their conversation flowed well, and Hansel discerned from Andrew’s words:

He truly was unaware of Angelo and others’ conspiracy;

Baron Andrew constantly upheld knightly ideals but was somewhat politically naïve.

In a way, Hansel found such a character quite endearing.

After a pleasant conversation, Hansel agreed to a small favor for Andrew — to carry a stack of letters back to the Northwest Bay, most of which were letters from Baylding soldiers to their families, written on their behalf.