The Returned Lord Is a Genius of Gun Law - Chapter 28
chapter 28
The Fallen and the Agreement
The Returning Lord is a Gun Law Genius – Episode 28
Episode 28
Two days later, five new gravestones stood in the cemetery of the Crocus Estate, marking the graves of soldiers who had fallen in battle.
Eugene stood before the gravestones and bowed his head in silent tribute.
“…May they rest in peace.”
It was a brief memorial. Leon, Jerome, Crawford, and the other soldiers also lowered their heads.
A wind blew.
Eugene turned and left the cemetery.
Now, it was time to sign the treaty in the office at Crocus Castle.
“Sign here,” Eugene said, extending the parchment.
Gorban Bolton sat with a pale face, his left arm missing. Blood still seeped through the bandages wrapped around his shoulder.
With a trembling hand, he picked up the quill.
“…100,000 Amil.”
“That’s an absurd amount,” Gorban muttered.
“War indemnities are always like that,” Eugene replied coldly. “You attacked first, and you lost. You must take responsibility for that.”
“But this sum…”
“This isn’t a negotiation,” Eugene cut him off. “I told you it was a notification. Do you remember?”
Gorban ground his teeth, but he had no choice.
“…How will the payment be made?”
“Half within a month, the rest within three months.”
“Three months…” Gorban groaned. “It’s impossible to gather 50,000 amil in that time.”
“That’s your problem, Count,” Eugene said, his tone unyielding.
“I will never forget this humiliation.”
Finally, Gorbon signed the parchment.
“Then, go carefully.”
Instead of answering, Gorbon rose and disappeared without a word.
Thus, the remaining 420 Bolton soldiers, disarmed, left the territory.
Eugene watched from the window as they rode away, raising clouds of dust.
It’s over.
The short war was over.
Now, it was time to discuss the aftermath.
“What are the casualties?”
“Five dead, twelve wounded. Three of the wounded are combat-incapacitated.”
Jerome reported cautiously in response to Eugene’s question.
“It will take some time, but they should all recover.”
“Good.”
Eugene nodded and turned to Crawford.
“What’s the ammunition expenditure?”
“Approximately 2,000 rounds of 7.62mm and 32 rounds of 12.7mm.” Crawford reported.
“We also used 20 C4 charges and 30 landmines.”
“What’s the remaining ammunition?”
“3,000 rounds of 7.62mm and 28 rounds of 12.7mm.”
Eugene frowned. Not enough.
While an immediate battle was unlikely, they wouldn’t be able to hold out if the next conflict arose with these numbers.
“Use the indemnity payments to replenish the shortfall.”
“Understood.”
“And…”
Eugene looked back at Crawford.
“What about the magic stone mine?”
“Mining is ongoing. We currently have about 200 kilograms of raw ore.”
“Can we sell it now?”
“The problem is refinement.” Crawford looked troubled.
“In its raw state, the ore is worth less than a tenth of its refined value. We need to refine it to get a proper price…”
“Then we’ll need to find a mage who knows refinement magic,” Leon said.
“But refinement magic is quite advanced,” Eugene replied. “Hiring a mage will be costly, and finding one in the first place won’t be easy.”
“In that case, let’s use the Mage Guild.”
“The Mage Guild?”
“Exactly.”
Eugene nodded, then turned to someone entering the office.
“Perfect timing.”
It was Eliana, the mage he had summoned to repair the estate’s barrier stone.
“The repairs are complete,” Eliana said, turning with a tired smile.
“I’ll go down and check it myself,” Eugene said.
With that, Eugene, his retainers, and Eliana headed to the castle’s basement.
“Let’s activate it now.”
As she finished speaking, she placed her hand on the barrier stone.
Uuung-!
The barrier stone began to tremble.
The faint vibration gradually intensified, and the cracked sections started to fill with a blue light.
Finally…
Fwaah-!
Light erupted from the barrier stone.
The light rose through the hole in the ceiling and enveloped the entire Crocus Castle.
A transparent yet faintly shimmering magical wall.
Is this the power of the barrier stone?
A barrier that could, for a short time, withstand even the main cannon of a war machine.
Though costly to activate and maintain, it would undoubtedly benefit Crocus.
“…It’s successful.”
“Good.”
Seeing the result, Eliana spoke with satisfaction, and Eugene nodded in agreement.
“Then I’ll pay the remaining balance tomorrow.”
“Alright.”
Eugene nodded at Eliana, who was nodding enthusiastically. After a moment’s thought, he spoke.
“I have a favor to ask.”
“What is it?”
“I need a mage who can refine magic stones.”
“Ah, refining?” Eliana nodded lightly. “I can do that myself.”
“You can?”
“Of course, as long as I have enough catalysts and equipment. But I know how.”
I heard it was high-level magic. She’s more capable than I expected.
At least this would save him the trouble of searching elsewhere—a welcome development.
“In that case, I’d like to formally invite you to Crocus for at least three years.”
“Three years… You want me to stay here for three years?”
“I’ll compensate you generously.”
“Thirty percent.” Eliana held up three fingers. “Based on sales, including labor costs and catalyst expenses. Facilities are separate.”
“Agreed.” Eugene nodded readily.
Now, it’s time to get serious.
Time to give Crocus wings.
Amir.
In the heart of the imperial capital, surrounded by massive walls, stood the Eastern Pavilion of the Imperial Palace, the residence of the Fifth Prince, Edwin.
“Your Highness, we have received intriguing news from the East.”
Count Sebastian, one of Prince Edwin’s trusted confidants, presented him with a letter. Edwin unfolded it.
Baron Crocus has defeated the army of Earl Bolton.
In a battle where 500 soldiers faced 200, Earl Bolton suffered a crushing defeat.
As Edwin read the letter from Viscount Lawrence, his eyes narrowed.
“…Crocus?”
“Yes, Your Highness. A small barony on the eastern frontier.”
“A baron defeated an earl?”
“Indeed.”
Sebastian nodded.
“According to Lord Lawrence, Crocus possesses an Earth weapon. And not just any weapon—one so powerful it can pierce a knight’s aura from an unseen distance.”
“…An Earth weapon?”
“Yes.”
“Are you certain?”
“Lord Lawrence claims to have verified it himself. Count Bolton was also defeated by this weapon. It’s likely a weapon created after the war.”
At this, Edwin set the letter down and gazed out the window.
An Earth weapon.
Over thirty years ago, all the nations of Amir had waged war against the world beyond the dimensional gate—Earth. The endless cycle of attacks and retaliations had nearly led to mutual annihilation, forcing them to sign a peace treaty. Yet everyone knew how devastating the weapons used by the Earthlings were.
But… a Baron possessing a weapon from Earth? And one made after the war?
A smile spread across Edwin’s lips.
“Interesting.”
“Your Highness?”
“This man, Crocus…”
Edwin turned to Sebastian.
“Tell me about him.”
“I’ve gathered some information.”
Sebastian produced another document.
“Eugene Crocus. Mid-twenties. He inherited his title about a year ago after his father’s death.”
“Before that?”
“He lived in Earth. There are rumors he was a mercenary.”
“A mercenary…”
Edwin nodded.
“So that’s how he has a weapon from Earth.”
“Exactly. And…”
Sebastian continued, “There’s been a recent dispute with Count Primrose. It’s said that he was instantly defeated by Primrose’s great warrior in a duel.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. There were further clashes afterward, but they were similarly disastrous defeats for Primrose.”
Edwin tapped his fingers on the desk. “So Primrose must hate him too.”
“Indeed. According to a letter from Viscount Lawrence, Primrose intends to ally with Bolton to pressure Crocus.”
“Foolish,” Edwin scoffed. “Trying to suppress an opponent you can’t defeat in war through politics is futile. It will only provoke backlash.”
“In that case, Your Majesty…?”
Edwin paused, considering.
A powerful weapon of the Earth.
And an imperial noble who could wield it.
This… might be my chance.
A chance to win the succession war for the throne.
If I could create an army armed with the Earth’s weapon…
Edwin’s eyes lit up.
The throne will be mine.
“Sebastian.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“I need to win Crocus over to my side.”
Sebastian’s eyes widened.
“…To your side, Your Highness?”
“Precisely.”
Edwin smiled.
“The Earth’s weapon is a valuable asset. I can’t let it be wasted on the likes of Primrose or Bolton.”
“But the Baron is a minor noble from the borderlands. Will he be easy to sway?”
“There are many ways to sway someone.”
Edwin counted on his fingers.
“Power, honor, wealth… All I need to do is find out what the Baron desires and provide it.”
“Your Majesty, but… what if he refuses?”
“Then…”
Edwin’s eyes turned cold.
“We’ll have to consider him an enemy.”
“I understand.”
“But first, let’s try to win him over.”
Edwin said, “Inform Lawrence to stop pressuring Crocus and to convey my will.”
“I will send a letter immediately, Your Majesty.”
Sebastian withdrew.
Edwin was left alone, lost in thought.
Eugene Crocus…
He unfolded the map on his desk.
In the eastern borderlands of the empire, a small dot.
Baron Crocus’s territory lay there.
If he’s wise, he’ll take my hand.
Edwin’s finger pointed at the dot.
If not…
His eyes gleamed coldly as he gazed down at the small dot.
We’ll simply eliminate him.
With the sunset behind him, the Fifth Prince smiled coldly.