Steel, Guns, and the Industrial Party in Another World

Chapter 301:

Northwestern Bay will be permanently changed to Northwest Bay.

Most people harbored little hope for Ofina’s proposal due to their stereotypical impressions of Northwest Bay.

Only a few believed it was worth a try, such as the officers responsible for the army’s logistics. They were aware that a significant portion of the kingdom’s military supplies and armaments came from Northwest Bay.

In terms of food supplies, canned goods from Northwest Bay were popular among many soldiers, especially in the warmer southern regions where storing food was difficult. When troops embarked on long marches or were stationed near towns without access to provisions, these canned goods played a vital role.

Regarding armaments, a weapons supplier named “Northwest Industries” occupied a large share of the kingdom’s source of weapons and armor. While the quality was average, they excelled in producing large quantities at low prices. The kingdom’s army could maintain a significant edge over the rebels in terms of armor, thanks in no small part to Northwest Industries.

It was puzzling how Northwest Bay, engaged in its own wars, could produce such a vast quantity of weapons and armor.

If the lords of Northwest Bay equipped their soldiers with these armaments, their battles would certainly be more than mere “peasant skirmishes.”

As the discussions buzzed, Catherine exchanged a knowing glance with Ofina. This matter would be discussed privately later.

As the meeting’s focus gradually shifted towards the usurper war that erupted at the beginning of the year, several opinions were voiced:

“It’s clear that the faction led by Count Parker will never acknowledge Marltz Kent’s legitimacy as a successor.”

“It’s frustrating. During this national crisis, instead of rallying troops for the kingdom, they’re engaging in petty internal strife. They lack a sense of responsibility.”

“There’s a silver lining, though. The original Northwestern dukes have always been dismissive of the royal family. Families like Parker’s, at heart, are loyal to the crown. Suppressing those local lords could be beneficial.”

“In the end, it’s all about their interests. I don’t believe they’re truly loyal to the crown. If they had disputes, why not seek the king’s judgment instead of resolving it privately?”

The royal representatives sent to the Northwestern territories had conflicting views, like Hansel Abbott in Alda and Emerson Wilde in Emden. Their reports to Crystal Shine often aligned with the stances of their respective local lords, accusing their counterparts of slander and falsehoods.

These contradictory reports left the king and his ministers in a dilemma, unclear about right and wrong. However, most of them sided against the duke’s faction. Since the southern rebellion began, the Alda and Baylding countdoms, part of this faction, had provided substantial food supplies to the kingdom’s army, struggling with shortages due to fires. Moreover, “Northwest Industries,” established by these lords, supplied the kingdom’s army with abundant affordable weapons and armor.

Duke Dodge pondered, “Which side is currently prevailing?”

Ofina replied, “The latest news suggests the duke’s faction is losing ground, seemingly preparing for a final all-out effort.”

“Neither side shows signs of backing down?”

“There were rumors of a ceasefire, but evidently, no agreement was reached.”

Duke Dodge turned to Catherine, “Your Highness, once the turmoil in Northwest Bay is settled, could we assign them the task of monitoring Viburen? Then we could redeploy Walker’s troops to the south against the rebels.”

Through covert channels, the kingdom’s leadership had almost confirmed that Duke Viburen in the eastern territories had sided with Jars, although he had not yet openly rebelled.

To prevent a surprise attack from Viburen, Catherine had to station a large force of 25,000 troops in the east, led by Duke Walker.

This substantial army, merely on standby for a potential enemy, was a significant waste of resources. Otherwise, Catherine’s main force would not have been stuck in the Furel area, unable to make progress.

Perhaps this was exactly what Jars intended—his allies merely needed to divert the kingdom’s military’s attention.

Ofina agreed with Duke Dodge’s suggestion: “Count Grayman has played a pivotal role among the lords opposing the Northwestern Duke. His family was exiled to Northwest Bay long ago due to courtly intrigues. During the mobilization of troops to the south, Count Grayman made significant efforts in provisioning them, likely indicating his intent to favor the royal family. If we could restore the Grayman family’s honor in the king’s name, I’m sure the count would wholeheartedly serve the nation and influence other lords to do the same.”

Her words seemed to reflect a favorable view of Grayman’s faction.

Catherine, swayed by their conversation, nodded in agreement: “The conflict between the two factions in Northwest Bay has not yet subsided, and it’s uncertain who will emerge victorious. We’ll send envoys after the dust settles.”

While saying this, Catherine couldn’t help feeling a bit resentful. If not for the current rebellion, a royal decree could have compelled the feuding parties to negotiate for the sake of Crystal Shine’s honor. Now, however, they could only wait for a victor to emerge and seek their support.

The current situation was primarily due to the royal forces being tied up by the rebels in the south, leaving no room for intervention elsewhere. Sending envoys prematurely might provoke more trouble, further endangering the already waning royal authority.

Thinking this, Catherine’s resentment towards the traitor Jars deepened.

At that moment, Viscount Klein spoke up: “Your Highness, Northwest Bay has always been rather desolate. How can those lords withstand the prosperous eastern territories?”

Catherine smiled: “Judging by your expression, you must have thought of a solution already.”

Klein laughed: “Indeed. We can conscript the highlanders and have them join forces with the Northwestern army to guard the eastern territories. It’s time for the chief of the Hjeroff tribe, oh no, I should say, Count Hjeroff, to demonstrate his loyalty to the kingdom.”

Hjeroff was the tribal chief who switched sides during Catherine’s campaign to quell the highlander rebellion last year. His defection played a crucial role in quickly suppressing the revolt, earning him the title of Highland Count.

Catherine was pleased with Klein’s suggestion. In recent years, she had focused on promoting young generals into the army’s higher ranks. Klein and Lester were among the most prominent, with the former being humble and thoughtful, and the latter reserved and aloof but possessing a natural intuition for warfare. Both, along with Ofina, were her reliable subordinates, and due to their similar ages, communication was easier compared to the older generals.

“Let’s proceed with this plan!” the princess declared.

As the meeting dispersed and everyone prepared to leave, Catherine called Ofina aside.

“Come to my room, I want to hear about Eileen’s recent situation. Oh, and about the warhammer you mentioned during the meeting.”

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