Chapter 46: How about Signing a Non-Aggression Treaty with Isugard, Across the Roman Empire

With the hasty arrival of the elven mage who cast a spell, Yang Hao and his companions received real-time visual intelligence from the rangers on site.

Undoubtedly, the ironclad ships docked in a naturally concealed harbor were indeed part of the Isugard ironclad fleet.

The hulls bore the scars of battle, with even a metal breach sealed with wooden planks above the waterline. It was evidence of a brutal sea battle en route to the continent of Elusia.

However, Yang Hao’s attention wasn’t on these ironclad ships. Elves residing deep inland had no immediate need for a navy.

What caught his eye were the long-barreled weapons held by the Isugard guards in front of the elves.

“These are… bolt-action rifles. Has Isugard’s technology advanced this far?”

Although they appeared crude, lacking visible magazines or the distinctive structure of lever-action rifles, and even missing bayonets at the muzzles, there was no doubt that these single-shot, manually-loaded bolt-action rifles were genuine breech-loading rifles and bona fide bolt-action rifles. He could even see standardized paper cartridges on the guards’ bullet belts.

‘A new model similar to the Dreyse needle gun? My God, these rifles, with an effective range of at least 400 meters, would be overwhelming against the Roman Empire. Isugard’s colonial invasion might happen sooner than expected.’

Yang Hao frowned deeply. 

‘How is the Roman Empire, still primarily using bows and arrows with barely any crossbow deployment, supposed to withstand an invasion from Isugard? The only advantage might be that Isugard has to conduct overseas operations, making bullet resupply extremely difficult.’

The introduction of breech-loading firearms would cause morale to plummet and feudal armies to collapse even faster.

The thunderous roar of gunfire, the pervasive smoke, the scorching, acrid air, and the inexplicably falling comrades, not to mention the armor-piercing rounds. All these sights would instill endless fear in soldiers from the feudal era.

The first volley could shock soldiers, witnessing the power of firearms for the first time, into halting their charge.

Once they stopped moving forward and were left bewildered on the open battlefield, their rout after the second volley was almost guaranteed.

In the early days of firearms, the essence of guns was not their power but their terror.

The sound of gunfire and the rise of white smoke invariably meant someone would die.

Once soldiers grasped this reality, they would be unable to advance even a single step further.

Bows and arrows could still be dodged with quick reflexes and bravery. Even if hit, solid armor could prevent death.

Magic and divine spells had visible signs, offering a chance to flee upon detection, and many had successfully escaped within the casting range of such spells.

But with firearms, once the aim was made and the trigger pulled, there was no such escape.

Their inherent power was excessive for the soldiers of this era. Most soldiers lacked any means to protect themselves from firearms, let alone continue charging toward enemy lines or make effective evasive maneuvers based on the actions of the gunners.

Even with insufficient accuracy, slow and cumbersome reloading, and the need to form ranks for effective volleys, early firearms already dominated the battlefield terrifyingly. 

How much more so, then, with the bolt-action breech-loading rifles that Isugard now possesses?

Yang Hao could only hope that these new rifles were rare even in Isugard. If they were already widely distributed in Isugard, then the elves might as well abandon any thoughts of defeating the Church and continuing to farm in the Elven Forest. It would be more practical to consider migrating as far away as possible.

But then again…

“The other guards are still equipped with bows and crossbows, and some tube-shaped weapons don’t look as advanced as those few rifles. Maybe these weapons you’re worried about aren’t widely issued in Isugard yet?” Sister Teresa pointed out, pointing to the weapons held by other Isugard guards in the image.

Indeed, only a few guards were equipped with the new rifles, while most still carried crossbows and muzzle-loading firearms. It seemed that the new rifles were still a novelty in Isugard.

Yang Hao remained cautious. Industrialized nations tend to create illusions of security.

The previous month, they said this new product couldn’t be mass-produced, and the next month, they stuffed us with more than we could use.

He had seen this kind of thing too many times. So, he couldn’t let his guard down at all.

However, it seemed that the other party was facing many difficulties on this side of Elusia. Given that there was a whole Roman Empire between them, if the Elven Kingdom could establish trade relations with Isugard, or even temporarily sign a non-aggression pact, it could gain more development time. This would also give him more time to rescue the little Empress and the others while Isugard was busy with their invasion.

The question was, what would they have to pay to get their hands on the new bolt-action rifles?

That was a crucial question.

Yang Hao glanced at the equally serious-looking Fen and then rubbed his stubbly chin.

“If possible, it would be best to obtain one of these bolt-action rifles. Ideally two, along with more than 20 bullets. I need some for demonstration at the Elven Council, and others for reverse engineering.”

“No problem. But they seem to value these weapons highly, and Caparia may not be able to offer enough in exchange.”

“Eh?”

“Haha, just as some women won’t accept even the best deals for restoring their country or religion, some humans won’t easily give up their weapons. But they have a severely injured black dragon there, perhaps we can start from there.”

Let’s set aside the odd expression on Sister Teresa’s face for now. 

Under Fen’s orders, the rangers negotiated with the representatives of Isugard.

They were smart and didn’t immediately reveal their true intentions.

There’s a saying, if you want to open a window, someone will object. But if you aim to open the ceiling, people will be willing to give you a window.

The elven rangers mentioned that Caparia was willing to help but hoped to purchase an ironclad ship.

The Isugard representatives looked displeased and shook their heads, refusing outright. After the rangers huddled together, whispering for a long while, they finally reached a consensus with the Isugard side.

Isugard would absolutely not sell their ironclad ships because they needed them to return home and deal with the threat of Alese pirates, who also had ironclad ships. However, while the ships were off-limits, some personal equipment was negotiable.

But the Isugardians made exorbitant demands, so much so that even the elves felt the pain.

New-style rifles—they were willing to sell. 

The first one could be obtained if the elves sent a mage to heal a black dragon, which had innate magic resistance. This was as challenging as starting a fire with damp wood in the wettest forest, but the elves gritted their teeth and agreed it was possible.

For the second rifle, the Isugardians outright demanded the core technology of the Roman Empire’s steam factories in exchange.

This left the elves in a difficult position. Clearly, Isugard didn’t actually want to trade the second rifle to prevent the elves from dismantling it, reassembling it, and using it as a reference for duplication.

But the issue was… the Isugardians didn’t know that the proponent of the steam factories was right within the Elven Kingdom.

Fen, with a sly smile, glanced at Yang Hao, while Teresa covered her mouth, obviously struggling to suppress her laughter. Yang Hao was here, and he knew the core technology, so the exorbitant demand for the second rifle was practically free.

After thinking for a moment, Yang Hao stated that he would indeed provide the technology, but he would need to modify it.

“There’s no way I would sell them the original technology. Trading advanced, original technology for a single rifle? I’d have to be out of my mind to do that. This way, I feel reassured.”

“Reassured?”

“Isugard needing the steam factory means their industry might not be advanced enough to mass-produce the new-style rifles. I’ll give them modified core technology for the steam factory, but it’s like unscrupulous merchants in the capital substituting rat meat for pork. I’m not foolish enough to let them soar to success with one trade.”

Muttering to himself, Yang Hao called for paper and pen and began to sketch. Teresa leaned in and saw that he was drawing simplified diagrams, with various strange annotations and, most crucially, rough sketches of steam machinery.

“These sketches need to be handed over to Arthur for processing tomorrow. The initial design of the steam factory was something we created together,” Yang Hao explained. “He understands my ideas, so you can safely leave it to him. But more importantly… Fen, please inform the rangers on site to tell them that the former regent of the Roman Empire is here in the Elven Kingdom.”

“Oh?” Fen blinked, obviously curious about Yang Hao’s intentions. “Do you want them to have a clearer understanding of the Roman Empire’s strength?”

“To be precise, I want the Elven Kingdom and Isugard to establish a five-year non-aggression pact. Isugard is a powerful empire. Establishing trade relations with them would greatly benefit the upcoming reforms in the Elven Kingdom.”

“But the Diocese will invade around October this year.”

“Isugard’s voyage to the continent of Elusia, if successful, takes only two months. Including adjustments, they could send a significant shipment of supplies while the Elven Kingdom is at war with the Diocese. Of course, even if they can’t send it, establishing trade relations is the best outcome. Please give it some thought.”

In response to Yang Hao’s explanation, Fen thoughtfully nodded. She could understand the profits from overseas trade. Allowing Isugard’s goods into the isolated Elven Kingdom could indeed inspire new ideas among citizens stuck in a cycle of perfect but outdated traditions.

Hmm…

“Alright. Let’s do it.”

She smiled, and under Teresa’s watchful gaze, gestured for Kenna to prepare and bring over a late-night snack. 

“Now that you are the regent of Caparia, there are some things you don’t need to report to me about. During your tenure as regent, you and I are basically equals,” Fen said.

“But Fen, you are the queen of the elves.”

Facing Fen’s smiling demeanor, Yang Hao remained unmoved, seemingly not understanding her hint.

***

The communication with Isugard went unexpectedly smoothly.

Upon hearing that the former regent of the Roman Empire was now the regent of the Elven Kingdom, they immediately displayed a humble attitude, starkly different from before.

Not only did their demands for trade goods decrease, but they also hoped Yang Hao would come over to meet with their leader, the black dragon Nia, for a reunion. 

But would Yang Hao be foolish enough to go? 

Absolutely not.

From the way the guards looked like they wanted to devour him upon hearing his name in the magical transmission, he suspected that if he went, he might black out and wake up the next day on a ship heading to Isugard.

That would be bad news, so he firmly decided not to go to the coast. If they wanted to meet, it would be at the edge of the inner forest. That way, it would be safer for both parties.

Isugard agreed to this arrangement. They seemed to accept it, which made Yang Hao even more relieved, while Teresa couldn’t help but say, “Even a country across the sea recognizes your value, but those barbarians… ugh, forget it, I feel sick just thinking about it.”

“Stomach ache? Teresa, do you want to go back and rest? I can manage here on my own.”

“Alright, alright, we’ll talk about this later. For now, let’s focus on work.”

Teresa’s mouth twitched slightly as she murmured to herself, wondering who would dare to leave him here alone. 

With Arthur’s story fresh in her mind, she knew that if the elves were willing to go to great lengths to fight for their beloved, then Fen might try to keep him permanently in the Elven Kingdom, perhaps by more drastic measures like cooking rice.

She had to stay here and watch over him to prevent her dear from being taken away.

Teresa muttered softly, wrapping her arm around Yang Hao’s, who merely glanced at her before pulling the little nun closer to his side.

Not far away, Kenna once again entered the room that had now become their office. This time she brought plenty of late-night snacks, as well as intelligence from within the Roman Empire.

“Fen, Lord Yang Hao, Sister Teresa — something noteworthy has happened in the Roman Empire.”

“Huh?” 

Yang Hao raised an eyebrow, showing his reluctance to keep up with a place that might become an occupied zone in a few months, unless it was news about the little empress.

In response, Kenna thought for a moment before stating, “Prince Garson has made contact with Isugard’s merchant ships at Dreke Port and has been using the empress’s name to widely publicize that food from across the sea will be arriving soon, urging the drought-stricken refugees to hold on a bit longer for better days to come. Moreover, it’s reported that they are implementing a grain rationing system in the central region. As a result, the farmers are receiving sawdust bread, while the city’s nobles, although their cakes have disappeared, are instead eating roast pork and chicken, and even roast lamb and beef from the western livestock region.”

Upon hearing this, Yang Hao and Teresa exchanged a silent glance. 

“Never mind when a riot will break out… when it does, it won’t be ships loaded with food arriving, but warships full of soldiers. Why do they always think they are so strong? Do they believe an empire with ironclad ships will see them as equals, a nation with only wooden sailing ships? And they can’t even handle a famine? I hope they haven’t completely dismantled the irrigation systems I left them.”

“They’re barbarians. Who knows?”

They temporarily put this matter aside. After finalizing some details, Yang Hao and Teresa said their goodbyes to Fen and returned to rest, preparing for their journey to the Oak Tree Mine the next day.

During Yang Hao’s bath, Teresa, as usual, knelt before the crystal statue of the Light to pray. She pondered whether to preemptively take action to prevent Fen from taking any drastic measures. However, at that moment, she vaguely sensed the Light calling to her.

“My Lord, you’re almost dead. What’s the point of giving me a divine revelation?”

The most irreverent nun in history muttered, bowing her head obediently to receive her Lord’s revelation.

Then, she was stunned.

Because the Light told her that He had granted Teresa the ability to directly seize the power of the Church of the Light.

But as a cost, Light would fall into a long, long slumber until Teresa brought Him enough divine power, or until the final demise came.

Whether the Light would appear in this world again was entirely up to Teresa.

After all, a true god would never command a follower to act against their will.