Chapter 1122
In his excitement, Salvador momentarily forgot the potential consequences. Adrian's ancestors had once held a royal title, but the hereditary line had long since ended. Granting such a title again, especially without a significant accomplishment to justify it, would undoubtedly raise suspicion. The six-barrel matchlock was not yet mass-produced, and an elite shooting unit remained unestablished. It was far too premature to bestow a royal title; doing so now would only draw unwanted attention to Meadow Ridge.
“Yes, you’re right. We’ll hold off on it for now. There’s no rush,” Salvador said, his eyes gleaming. It was the brightest light Rafael had seen in his eyes since his ascension to the throne.
Salvador eagerly desired to witness the full potential of the six-barrel matchlock. He ordered the Nightsteel Guard to seal off the Cold Palace, forbidding entry. The Cold Palace, vast and uninhabited since Sigmund's reign, had been vacated; the women who resided there had been compassionately relocated to a royal convent.
Witnessing the matchlock nearly pierce the Cold Palace wall stunned Salvador.
“Can it also fire steel pellets?” he asked.
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Davis replied. “It can, though we haven't fully determined its maximum power. I'll have the armory chief and weaponsmiths further examine it upon my return.”
Davis understood portions of the notebook. Its most powerful aspect was the gunpowder pellets, capable of exploding on impact and inflicting greater damage.
“Good. I entrust this important task to you, but ensure it remains in trusted hands.”
Salvador felt a mixture of exhilaration and apprehension. He possessed a great treasure and desired to utilize it effectively, yet worried about attracting unwanted attention.
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Davis replied solemnly.
Salvador reviewed the notebook. While some sections were disorganized, others showed corrections, indicating continuous refinement. Adrian had withheld nothing—he had given everything, including the cannon's design, though blueprints were absent.
Salvador reflected. Adrian had always held a special fondness for Carissa, his young apprentice. Rafael, also a Pathfinder Guild alumnus, held a position of authority, yet remained a warrior at heart. In wartime, both would undoubtedly be on the battlefield; this seemed to be Adrian's vision.
Therefore, Adrian had no reason to conceal information. His dedication stemmed from a desire to protect Carissa and Rafael, aiding their combat effectiveness and minimizing harm.
Leaving the palace, Davis returned to the Ministry of Defense, practically bouncing with excitement. Rafael, however, didn't return to the Supreme Court; he went to the estate to meet Isaac.
Isaac was enjoying a slice of chilled melon Violet had brought. The coolness was refreshing, and he savored it. Violet had visited to express her gratitude, stating that past grievances were forgotten. He shrugged, accepting her apology, but stipulated that as long as he remained in the capital, she would provide him with fine wine.
Given Violet’s wealth and influence, such an agreement was unsurprising. Moreover, Isaac's potential visits to entertainment houses or theaters would also be covered by Violet.
Finishing his melon, Isaac glanced at Violet. “Fine. Next time, I’ll come asking for money.”
After Violet’s departure, Rafael arrived. Isaac, having finished the melon, wiped his hands.
“What did the king say?” Isaac asked casually.
“He’s pleased,” Rafael replied. “He wants to reward Sage Adrian, but since the matchlock isn't mass-produced, it’s still confidential. The reward will have to wait.”
“Sage Adrian doesn’t care about that. After all, he doesn’t lack for anything,” Isaac said with a nonchalant shrug. “But a few jars of palace wine would be a perfect gift.”
“I’ll request them on your behalf,” Rafael said, ushering Isaac into a chair. “You only have that one formula, don't you?”
Isaac wiped his hands and smiled mischievously. “Of course not. Sage Adrian is too wise to reveal everything at once. He's keeping some back to safeguard Carissa. Who knows, the king might turn on us. Sage Adrian doesn’t concern himself with national affairs, but he acts in his own interest. Well-placed gifts will ensure the king treats Carissa better, preventing her distress. We can't offer more until Sage Adrian deems it safe.”
Rafael sighed. Adrian was indeed a forward-thinking man. He wasn't unwilling to share, but he would only do so at the opportune moment. And based on Isaac's words, the cannon's development was already underway.