Steel, Guns, and the Industrial Party in Another World

Chapter 332:

TL: Etude

Three sailboats, under the strenuous efforts of the deckhands, slowly entered their berths.

Half an hour later, Quik, accompanied by several sailors, descended from the deck and stepped onto the dock.

The Northwestern Industry’s military supplies sold to the kingdom’s army were increasing. Additionally, Alda continued to send extra aid to win the royal family’s favor. With the development of maritime transportation and in order to avoid mishaps en route, Lakeheart Town increasingly relied on sea routes for transporting materials, a method that was more secretive.

This time, the Southern escorted two cargo ships southward to the Port West. All three ships were loaded with supplies for the kingdom’s army, mainly canned food and armored weapons.

They hadn’t walked far when a hearty voice called out, “Ha ha, Captain Quik, is it your turn this time?”

Quik opened his arms, “Oh, Viscount Dillon, long time no see.”

The two embraced warmly.

To ensure safety during transportation, Lakeheart Town required a naval warship to accompany each delivery.

Compared to other territories of the kingdom, Northwest Bay initially provided limited supplies to the kingdom’s government but maintained a steady flow. Since Alda ignited the technology tree of blast furnace iron smelting and the lords jointly established Northwestern Industry, military supplies from Northwest Bay began to surge. Of course, most supplies required the kingdom’s government to pay in cash.

Within the kingdom’s core power circles, Northwest Bay was slowly shedding its previous image as a dispensable wilderness. The king’s worries about his youngest daughter also lessened. If such abundant materials could be sent, living there with wealth should be comfortable.

To better utilize this supply chain, the kingdom’s government stationed liaison officers at Port West to receive the arriving materials.

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Dillon was the highest-ranking officer among them. In his thirties and a viscount, he was eager to make a big impact, accumulating credentials for future promotion.

Initially reluctant when assigned here, wondering who he had offended to deal with country folk, his perspective changed upon seeing the fleet from Northwest Bay arrive, followed by boxes of supplies being unloaded from the ships. He realized it was a rare opportunity.

Quik handed him a document, “This is the inventory of the supplies delivered this time, please, Viscount, check it.”

Dillon, patting Quik’s shoulder, laughed, “Ha ha, no rush, no rush. You Northwesterners are reliable.”

Unknown to Quik and Dillon, their meeting was being observed. A quiet oar-and-sail ship was docked at another berth, with Edward and Nathan standing on the aft deck, watching them from a distance.

“Judging by the clothing, he seems to be an official from the kingdom’s government,” Nathan murmured.

“The flag on that ship belongs to the Grayman family of Northwest Bay. Yes, their red dragon emblem is unmistakable,” Edward added.

“Seems the captain is quite familiar with the major families of Northwest Bay.”

“Hmm, after all, I’ve mixed there for so many years… Wait.”

Edward suddenly paused, focusing on Quik, who was happily chatting with Viscount Dillon.

Soon, he chuckled, “Heh, didn’t expect to run into an old acquaintance here.”

“An acquaintance?” Nathan looked at Edward with interest.

“Nothing much, just an old pirate acquaintance.”

“The other person is also…?”

“Sort of, but now it seems he’s been recruited by the Grayman family. Looks like the crew I left behind indeed fell into Grayman’s hands.”

“Now, it appears that lords from the north are indeed strongly supporting the royal family, at least someone in Northwest Bay is doing so.”

…

After finishing his conversation with Viscount Dillon, Quik, following tradition, planned to lead the disembarked sailors to a tavern for a hearty drink. Excited, they headed towards the center of Port West.

As they walked and chatted spiritedly, the feeling of solid ground under their feet was a welcome change after over half a month at sea.

“Well met.”

A strange voice reached Quik’s ears, accompanied by a shoulder shove. Startled, Quik quickly turned around.

However, the person who had brushed past him was walking quickly, soon disappearing into the bustling crowd. Quik vaguely recognized a tall figure that seemed familiar but couldn’t piece together a specific memory.

“How strange!”

Quik muttered to himself, wondering if the encounter was just a coincidence and the words not meant for him.

“Captain, what’s wrong?”

Noticing Quik’s distraction, naval officer candidate Allen inquired.

“Ah? Nothing, let’s keep going.”

…

The next afternoon, the supply ship Southern and the two other sailboats were ready to depart. Viscount Dillon was at the dock to see off Quik and his crew. Before the fleet’s arrival, the kingdom’s liaison officers had prepared the supplies for their northward journey, so the restocking was swift.

“Captain Quik, there’s an important matter I need your help with,” Dillon said, reaching into his pocket.

“Please, Viscount, go ahead.”

Dillon handed Quik a letter, “Please deliver this letter to a Miss Betty Dias in your area.”

“Miss Betty? She’s in charge of education in our region,” Quik said, puzzled. “Who is sending her this letter? As far as I know, she’s from the Gabella Empire.”

Dillon shook his head, “I don’t know about that. This letter is from the royal palace. The messenger instructed me to ensure it’s carried by someone influential from your side to Northwest Bay. I believe you, Captain, are suitable for this task.”

“Haha, you flatter me. But I’ll make sure the letter is delivered.”

“Thank you. Personally, I suspect, given Miss Dias’s surname, she might be related to the queen?”

Quik was surprised, “What? That’s significant.” He carefully pocketed the letter.

At Horn Bay, Quik had already been amazed by the connection between Lady Advisor Ladi Sertia and Duchess Helen. Now, to think there was someone associated with the royalty in their midst was astounding.

Patting his chest, Quik reassured Dillon multiple times before boarding the Southern under his waving farewell.

The three sailboats were towed out of their berths, set sail, and headed north.

Off the coast of West Gorge, an oar-and-sail ship also slowly headed south. On deck, Edward watched the receding Port West, his eyes filled with a cold determination.

“To all in the Kingdom of Ordo, next time we come, it won’t just be this few of us.”