Chapter 157
***
Tornwall came to John's office immediately after Taylor informed him of the importance of his next meeting,
Without any pleasantries, John got straight to the point .
John asked Tornwall as he entered his private chambers, "Tornwall, from now on you will be focusing on the steam engine as the clock tower is complete for now . This thing will increase the production of our town in all the sectors . I hope to implement these steam engines in most of the industries which include Ships and transportation . While at the same time they will be used in the forging industry to power them . They have a multitude of usage which will change this world . I am sure you are not fully aware of its uses so I will be detailing you the uses of the steam engine today at this meeting . First look at these papers to get a better understanding . "
Tornwall looked at the steam engine blueprints along with its features which were just created by John . This surprised him quite a lot as he let out gasps of shock and admiration after looking at their uses . Just its use in naval warfare was astonishing to him . He thought, 'Lord's hands are already tied but he still finds time to create his inventions . I guess I can never match him however it will be quite an honor to partner him and see a new future . '
He replied after watching the importance of the Steam engine and reading its detailed report, "Lord, from on, I will be focusing on creating this engine to the fullest . Currently, I have already made machines for the factories for creating enough guns and ballista meanwhile at the same time I have trained my men to the fullest when it comes to their particular field as for Aurora Island, Tim is perfectly trained when it comes to the production of ammunition of Ballistae and guns so there won't be a problem on his side, the only thing he lacks currently is the experience . So there won't be a problem if I focus most of my time building the steam engine and water power engines for the factories . I never thought that this steam engine will be so useful in the naval ships for our war . This particular new technology has intrigued me a lot so I want to focus on the energy aspect . "
John nodded, "Good, it's good that you finished your jobs early on . You can also check with researcher Will about his boosters, Our ships fitted with those boosters along with the steam engines would change the course of sea navigation as well as naval warfare . This time we will be reinforcing our southern borders with new walls of stone and mulberry cement . I don't believe for one second that the Royal family will honor their word . It's better if we take precautionary measures and keep our people safe now that war is near . We will also be building a few more castles on the southern borders to keep invaders at bay . Both Prince Hector and the Radiant church would try to be notorious after the previous result . I hope you will be present tomorrow at the funeral of our men . As far as Tim is concerned, he will be focusing on building these new types of ships at the Shipyard in Aurora Island . I hope you have trained him on the basics so he can understand just after looking at the blueprints . "
Tornwall nodded and spoke, "Of course, everyone knows about its importance . I will certainly be there . As for Tim, You don't need to worry Lord, I wouldn't have sent him to Aurora Island if he didn't have his basics clear . "
John again saw his memo and almost forgot about other things in his excitement to promote Steam engines, "Ohh yes there is one more thing, recently there was a problem of armors reported by Blake and other units so I have designed a lot of type of armors which can be used on ships land and underwater as well . However, the underwater armor is under development as it would need oxygen tanks as well if they are able to ride those Aurora Horses . We will focus on underwater Armor for later as this project will be handled by Researcher Will . While at the same I want you to focus on this new weapon called Cannon . I developed it just recently . As far as its effectiveness is concerned, you can compare its effectiveness with Runic fully upgraded Ballistae with a normal level cannon . Meanwhile, these cannons will have a minimum range of a mile . So their strength lies in their Range . I guess we would need to increase the production of Telescope for the future wars . If these cannons are enhanced with magic then even I don't know what will be their full power and range . So I want you to make this in case there is an emergency, so I think you will be quite busy with these on your plate . Meanwhile, these parachutes can be made by Redbeer so I guess I will not burden you more . You don't need to make that face, I have already given the new wines to Martha, you can ask her for those exclusive Wines and beers . "
Tornwall ignored about wines as he was quite shocked after watching all the new items, He commented with a shocked expression after looking at their features, "Just the sheer amount of blueprints for the armors is enough to make most of the countries mad . I think Anti-penetration would be most suited for our common soldiers as we are combating in range nowadays so they will be useful against penetrative arrows . Huh, what is this kevlar made of? Just its features are mind-boggling, How is it possible to make such a type of armor? Argh, why am I even bothering, I guess I will test them out first . Hmm . . . so I guess I will go with these two and this magic knights armor will also be quite suitable for duels . "
Tornwall sighed but was excited at the same time, "I will be busy again after getting my hands on these new things . Okay, I will go for now and first focus on Cannons and Steam Engines while I will make Redbeer focus on armors and the Parachute . As for Tim, we don't need to worry about, I think he will be able to manage to make those ships . "
Tornwall only remembered about wines, He thought 'Ohh Yes, this time there is new wine as well . I guess I will again brag to Ryfon . '
John nodded as he heard Tornwall, "Hmm . . . okay, you can leave for now . "
***
The next day there was news of Duke Fjord's defeat in eastern seas all over the North-frontier city and the neighboring villages . A lot of people were shocked after hearing about the ambush that was planned by Duke Fjord in the eastern seas .
The same merchant spoke as he read the newspaper, "I knew it, that Duke was never up to anything good and in the end, this happened . First his son, and now him, I guess this scumminess runs in their blood . It was good that our forces were alert and gave them a befitting reply . Hahaha, they lost more than 5500 of their men . "
The neighboring old man sighed and commented from his cloth shop after looking at the paper, "You shouldn't be too happy, The same can happen to our men . Both sides have common men who are fighting for their beliefs while some for benefits . I only worry about the young ones who join the army without understanding anything about wars with their gushing blood . However, it was still good that we only had losses of 109 people considering the scale of this battle . Just looking at the rushed patrols I knew that the war bells have already rung . I hope Lord count can keep the losses of our men at a minimum . I will be closing my shop in the afternoon and going to the funeral of the young who lost their lives . What do you say?"
The merchant nodded as he agreed with the old man, "I guess I will join you, the men who protect our borders must be honored, Even Lord is taking out his precious time to dedicate it towards their funeral . "
Another man spoke with a surprised look, "Turn the page fast and look at the interview of Eric, He has given the detailed account of the event leading to this war . It seems Duke Fjord's Son Grim and his Commander of Land Knights, Darius deserted the battlefield just after their first assault . Hmph . . . it seems their warrior spirit only works when they are always winning . Even those unruly brats at our streets have stronger spirits than these two scums . "
The old man agreed and nodded, "This time, Captain Eric was quite a capable commander as he was able to detect his enemies early on and direct his men in a calm order to resist them . "
The first Merchant spoke, "No wonder those sailors at the pub were quite happy yesterday when they came after such a victory . However, they were quite good at keeping their mouths sealed, not a single guy spoke about the events . Even that nephew of mine didn't speak a word about it . However, after this Battle, I am sure about one thing that Count John would be able to defend this town even if they face the whole fleet of Fjord or those Wild animals in the north . "
The old man agreed, "Yes, with this, I hope that now people stop doubting Count John and his capabilities when it comes to defending the North-frontier Domain . Our new Admiral, Blake was the key to this battle as he came at the right time or we would have lost one of our ships to Fjord . "
The third man reminded him, "Nah, there is news from Iron Rainforest that 2 of their ships were taken by Vice-admiral Eric of Fjord's Army after their last raid . "
The Old man stroked his beard as he continued, "It seems Admiral Shannon still had a Plan B in his mind as he wasn't sure about this battle, quite an experienced man . However there is still good news because looking at the news I can see that there would be a lot of sparks between Admiral Shannon against Lord Grim and that one-eyed monster, Darius .
Both of them smiled and agreed, "Yup, it would be fun watching them infighting . "
The old man reminded as he headed for the Funeral, "Anyway, lets head to the funeral . "
The three men closed their shops as they headed to the Funeral of the soldiers .
***
At the Funeral, John was currently giving a speech to everyone present .
"Today is a very sad day for us . As you might all know about it . In the previous attack by Duke Fjord's Naval fleet, We lost 109 of comrades while many are still in bed because of various injuries . In the memory of all the warriors who laid out their lives for us, Today, they will be given the highest honor of the North-frontier domain . We will be building a War Memorial in the memory of our soldiers and their families will be provided fully for the sacrifice made by our soldiers . Their names will be carved on stones of this memorial so they are never forgotten . This ambush will not be forgotten and our enemies will pay the price in kind . They have started this war but we will be ones who will end it . I am someone who reciprocates kindness with kindness and enmity with 10 times enmity . I would hope you guys don't hate the common populace of the Laguna domain as they too are suffering because of Fjord's greed and their inescapable fate of following such a lord who only thinks about his personal benefits . I hope this day will be remembered in the minds of everyone . This will also be remembered in our history as the day of soldiers . "
After the speech, everyone was silent in honor of soldiers who laid their lives, whether it was a slave or a common man . There was no discrimination . A lot of people had arrived for the funeral after hearing about it in the newspaper .
