Kingdombuilding: All My Inventions Are Novelty

Golden sunlight blanketed the buildings, and the early morning castle seemed to radiate a strong aura of auspiciousness.

Lancet’s words made Simon nod slightly. He wasn’t agreeing to give the cannons to the imperial guards, but he did agree with Lancet’s distrust of the vassal lords.

This was exactly what a loyal general should say and a reason that made Lancet worth winning over.

”This cannon production technology, I will give it to no one,” Simon answered Lancet with a firm tone.

”Your Highness... This...” Lancet looked confused, even slightly angry. It was understandable if Simon didn’t want to give it to other vassal lords, but to refuse even the imperial guards, who were directly under the emperor, this he couldn’t understand.

Lancelot, standing behind, let out a big sigh of relief. He had truly been worried Simon might agree too easily. Liam seemed deep in thought.

Lancet’s reaction was just as Simon had expected. Once he said this in court, the ministers’ reactions would be even stronger.

But before that, he needed to win over Lancet’s support in court.

He explained. ”General, the imperial court is no longer truly the royal court. How can the imperial guards still be called royal? Be honest with yourself, are the guards now all truly loyal to the royal family?”

Lancet was instantly speechless. He admitted. ”That’s not true. Many officers in the imperial guard come from noble families of other vassal states.”

”If that’s the case, giving cannon technology to the guards is no different than giving it to the vassal lords,” Simon said calmly.

Liam agreed. ”Exactly, Father. His Highness is right. If the cannon technology falls into the hands of the vassal lords, it’s only a matter of time before the reavers get it too. When that happens, combining cannons with their cavalry, the Eldorian Empire will face even greater hardship.”

”But does that mean Your Highness plans to hoard the cannon technology?” Lancet still felt uneasy.

The war hawks had just seen hope in shifting the balance against the reavers with cannons; now Simon’s refusal seemed to crush that hope.

Simon chuckled lightly and said. ”General, don’t worry. I haven’t finished. Whether it’s the imperial guards or the northern vassals fighting the reavers, what they need is cannons, not the technology. To prevent the technology from being stolen by the reavers, I believe it’s safest to keep it in Brambleford. As for the cannons, I can sell them to the court and the three northern lords. Isn’t that me already being very generous? After all, these cannons are a matter of life and death for Brambleford.”

Lancet immediately relaxed. At least Simon hadn’t gone too far; what he said did make some sense.

If cannon technology spread, it would be more harmful than beneficial, especially with how complicated the current situation in Eldora was.

”Your Highness is righteous. I misjudged you.” Lancet said.

”It’s nothing. The reason I’m telling you this, General, is that I hope you can speak on my behalf in court later. After all, I stand alone, if I say it myself, it might attract criticism.”

”Don’t worry, Your Highness. I’ll argue on your behalf in court.” Lancet replied.

In his eyes, Simon clearly intended to firmly hold on to the cannon technology in court, and by speaking up for him, he could gain some favour.

Simon nodded with satisfaction.

Now that the cannons had been exposed, there was no way Simon could keep them to himself; that was clear.

Even Alaric wouldn’t stay calm; he would definitely want to equip a cannon unit to maintain deterrence against the Order and to have bargaining power at the negotiating table.

Moreover, cannons involved national interest. Even if Simon made great contributions, if he made a wrong move here, he would still be cursed by the public, which would be terrible for developing his territory.

So after discussing with Aiden, Baldwin, Benjamin, and others, Simon decided to sell the cannons but not share the technology. This would be morally justifiable and silence public opinion.

And historically, what makes the most money? Selling weapons.

Once sold, cannonballs and gunpowder are consumables, and maintenance is also costly.

Once his military factories became profitable, he would have funds to continue upgrading industrial technology, buy materials, and develop more weapons.

Also, once the northern lords bought Simon’s cannons, they would be wary of him; after all, if he refused to sell more, wouldn’t they go crazy? Especially since the imperial guard would surely get cannons first, breaking the military balance.

In short, Simon would be holding their lifeline.

But Simon wasn’t foolish; he wouldn’t sell the most powerful cannons. Like modern arms sales, he would create an export version to ensure his military edge.

For example, if his cannon had a range of three miles, he would only sell ones that reached one or two miles.

Then, when his cannon’s range and power improved, he’d sell the three-mile version.

Constant upgrades would naturally trigger new rounds of purchases, giving him a steady stream of income.

While discussing the cannon issue, the four of them arrived at the Imperial Court.

Court hadn’t started yet, and ministers stood in small groups chatting.

Simon’s arrival immediately drew attention. Many generals swarmed over to greet him.

Simon didn’t know many of them, but still returned each greeting.

”Dear nephew, dear nephew!”

As Simon was exchanging pleasantries, a familiar voice rang out. A chubby man squeezed through the crowd; it was Prince Gerad.

”Dear nephew, I’ve been waiting for you in Eldora for days!” Prince Gerad came up and gave Simon a heavy pat on the shoulder, looking affectionate.

Simon winced from the slap. His victory in Dunmere had brought him great merit, and Prince Gerad had benefited too.

He’d already heard from Carl that the prince had written to the emperor listing all the coal, iron, and saltpetre he had supplied, clearly asking for credit.

So now the prince was desperate to see Simon, afraid he wouldn’t get his support in court.

He’d wanted to visit yesterday, but Simon was in the castle all day, and by the time he returned, the city was under curfew, making it inconvenient for the prince to go out.

”Uncle, if I hadn’t been delayed yesterday, I would’ve gone to visit you. This Dunmere victory was thanks to your support with provisions.” Simon said, fully aware of the prince’s intentions.

Now that Dunmere was secure, Simon was ready to grow the economy. Building ties with Prince Gerad was necessary.

Though they may hate each other, they still have to put on a show of harmony; after all, who wants to argue with money?