Chapter 343 343-Deception
Initially, Howard considered searching the fallen soldiers of Osland Kingdom for any clues or evidence.
However, he quickly dismissed the idea, reasoning that it was unnecessary.
After all, a confrontation between Osland Kingdom and Oungria Kingdom seemed inevitable.
Whether he found additional evidence or not seemed hardly consequential.
Even if he had proof, who would he present it to? Would they even listen? Who would be the judge?
Three old witches, two Osland Kingdom soldiers - it didn't really make a difference.
Thus, without taking further action, Howard returned to Pist.
In the palace, Catherine tenderly stroked Howard's hair, her voice filled with affection, "I was worried you might be utterly disheartened after such an ordeal."
"I'm not that fragile," Howard responded.
Bosiden reported, "After Resarite left, we've been unable to settle on a new Minister of War. Consequently, the training of the recruits has stalled."
Howard replied, "For now, let Boshni and Kaido lead the troops in their drills. In due time, I'll bring forth a suitable candidate for the position of Minister of War."
Bosiden glanced at Kaido, who was nearby, and added, "Actually, I believe Lord Kaido himself could very well fulfill the role of Minister of War."
Kaido beamed, "Heh, I always knew you were a sharp one, Bosiden. Howard, Your sister is also quite keen on the idea of me assuming that position."
Howard pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed, "The role of Minister of War is not to be taken lightly. Let me give it some more thought."
Though Howard's words were diplomatic, his thoughts were clear: he would never appoint Kaido as his Minister of War.
He held scarcely any admiration for Kaido's abilities.
After all, Kaido was a nobleman who had once been embarrassingly kidnapped in his own fiefdom by Golan, his knight squire at the time.
Such an incident was a stark testament to Kaido's ineptitude.
How could one who failed to manage his own subordinates be trusted to command an entire army?
Upon hearing Howard's noncommittal response, Kaido's face remained cheerfully oblivious.
He was already planning to have his wife speak favorably of him to Howard, naively believing that would secure his appointment as the Minister of War.
Howard then proceeded to the grand Budapest Pist Hotel and requested the presence of its manager, Caesaris.
Upon Caesaris' arrival, Howard issued an order: to keep an eye out for any guests knowledgeable in military affairs.
Should such an individual be identified, Caesaris was to waive their day's food and drink charges and refer them to Howard.
Caesaris agreed without hesitation.
"Boss, if Osland Kingdom really does attack, none of us here will be spared. I support you," Caesaris affirmed.
Subsequently, Howard, accompanied by Catherine, journeyed to her father's domain.
After a period of travel by boat and horseback, they arrived to meet Catherine's father.
Howard exchanged courteous greetings with his father-in-law, who received them with great delight.
Without much delay, Howard broached the main subject, inquiring if his father-in-law had any competent warfighters.
The older man, pinching the whiskers at the edge of his lips, replied cunningly, "What do you take me for? You have the vast lands of Oungria Kingdom to scour, and yet you come to my tiny territory seeking warriors?"
Howard chuckled softly, taking his father-in-law's hand and leading him into the grand hall, "Let's go inside and discuss this further."
At the evening banquet, Howard addressed his father-in-law, "I recall the naval admiral you recommended to me last time. He has been excellent, significantly contributing to the migration efforts to the New World. I must start by thanking you. This led me to believe that you might have connections to such talented individuals."
His father-in-law burst into hearty laughter, "Ah, haha! What makes you think I have a rolodex of talent? Your words sound as if good and bad men wear their identities on their faces, quite absurd indeed."
Catherine, smiling with a sparkle in her eyes, interjected on Howard's behalf, "Father, please assist Howard. Look at how capable he is; he rose from an underestimated knight to a baron, then an earl, and now, he stands as the sovereign of a nation. Knowing your nature, wouldn't you want to seize this opportunity for a strong alliance?"
Her father chuckled cunningly, Catherine having hit the nail on the head regarding his thoughts.
Without further ado, he summoned a servant and whispered a few words into his ear.
The voice was soft, and he even covered his ear with his hand, resembling a child guarding a secret.
Howard couldn't help but chuckle.
"Do you really need to be this cautious around me, father-in-
law?"
After a while, the servant returned, accompanied by a handsome man named Raelen, a native of Fran Kingdom.
He was fond of artillery tactics and held a particular interest in firearms.
However, during Howard's inquiry, it became apparent that Raelen was almost clueless about infantry formations, such as phalanxes and pike squares.
Howard was left pondering and undecided.
Catherine inquired of Howard, "What do you think of him?"
Mindful of Raelen's presence, Howard cautiously responded, "He possesses profound insights into artillery. However, artillery is expensive. The cost for a single artillery unit is equivalent to outfitting an entire troop of musketeers."
Raelen interjected, "My lord, whether you upgrade now or later, it's inevitable. If you hold back now, you might face greater losses in a future battle."
Howard, visibly torn, replied, "I acknowledge your view that artillery will increasingly become crucial, but I believe we shouldn't overly neglect infantry and cavalry. I had previously halted cavalry recruitment, but recently, I resumed their training."
Raelen offered, "My lord, you might not be aware, but in Toren, a new type of cannon has been developed. The creator of this cannon was initially funded by the Duke of Burgundy to develop innovative artillery."
"However, following the Duke's death and the extinction of his lineage, the inheritance passed to the Fran Kingdom and the Empire. Subsequently, the inventor lost his funding and innovative artillery."
"However, following the Duke's death and the extinction of his continued his research privately. Recently, it's been rumored that he has successfully developed a new type of cannon, something called a 'mortar'."
At this, Howard's eyes flickered with interest, "How much steel is required to construct one of these cannons?"
Raelen replied, "My lord, don't just think about the cost. This mortar is worth five bronze cannons in terms of combat capability. It's not even comparable."
Howard drew a sharp breath, "So in terms of cost, does one new cannon equate to five old ones?"
"No, my lord, it's not that expensive. A new one costs twice as much as an old one, but its combat effectiveness is five times greater."
Nodding, Howard acknowledged, "Hmm, that sounds like a cost-effective deal. Could you connect me with this Toren cannon maker? I am interested in acquiring some of these mortars."
The banquet that day went off splendidly.
Catherine's father even arranged for a circus troupe to perform, featuring lions jumping through flaming hoops, which drew applause from everyone present.
Subsequently, Howard instructed Vettel to make both overt and covert inquiries about Raelen and the mortar manufacturer in Toren.
The objective was to determine the actual effectiveness and price of the mortar.
Howard had it clearly in mind: if Raelen swindled him in this matter, he would at most offer Raelen the position of an army lieutenant general, not a full general.
...
A month later, Vettel reported back with unsettling news.
Raelen had not gone to Toren at all.
Instead, he had boarded a ship to Renonia, sailed through the Gibtier Strait, then headed north.
He passed the western seas of Fran Kingdom, through the Ing Strait, and eventually fled to another city.
In other words, Raelen had absconded with the money.
Hearing this, Howard's anger flared.
He slammed his fist onto the table, producing a resounding thud, and exclaimed, "Swindler!"
Howard summoned Portia and said, "My chief of espionage, I need you to find Raelen and recover the money I gave him for the cannons."
Portia kneeled and bowed, asking, "What if he refuses to return the money?"
Howard pursed his lips and replied, "I wouldn't wish it so, but if he goes too far, you know what must be done.
Remember, you are the chief of espionage.
Consider why I am passing this task from Vettel to you.
If you understand the reason, then you'll know what to do."
A cold gleam flashed in Portia's eyes as he said, "Yes, I will ensure he receives the punishment he deserves."
Vettel, unable to hold back, interjected, "Your Majesty, I have no objections to your command. However, I'm puzzled. Why do you refrain from taking the life of Margaret's father, who treated you poorly, yet you're willing to be harsh with Raelen?"
Howard replied without hesitation, "The two are different. One is a relative of my friend, and the other is a mere acquaintance, a stranger. Naturally, I would treat them differently. Moreover, Raelen is not only more distant from me than Margaret's father but has also committed the crime of fraud."
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