Chapter 1839 - 508: The Future Chairs of Parliament_4

It's obvious, my dear Grand Duke has not forgotten last winter's rebellion, nor the bloodshed by the Campbell people during the civil war. He mentioned making Theoden Devalu pay a price, and that price is already on its way.

"Indeed, Your Highness! Besides, the Duchy's army has recently issued a tender, supposedly at the behest of our Marshal, Sir Wesley!"

Simon continued with great enthusiasm, his voice full of anticipation for grand ambitions.

"Our lads need a standardized rifle with greater range and accuracy to deal with the Transcendents rampaging on the battlefield and specifically target the opposing Centurions and drummers!"

"Oh? If such a weapon really exists, I'm quite interested. Do you have any ideas on capturing this project?" Although the Great Graveyard already had something similar, Luo Yan still spoke with a warm demeanor.

"Of course, Your Highness!"

Simon nodded eagerly and continued.

"We plan to use Alchemy and Engravings to attach Magic to the bullets, while the remaining challenge is accuracy and range!"

"Currently, our engineering team is tackling a technical challenge; they plan to modify the metal rod originally connecting the breech of a lever-action rifle into a bolt-action type similar to a door bolt! This would greatly improve the breech's lock and seal, allowing the gunpowder gas to propel the bullets more efficiently, thereby increasing range and accuracy!"

"If we can solve the issues of accuracy and range through mechanical enhancements, we could allocate more Engraving space to improve the power of the bullets!"

Goodness.

Dreyse needle gun?!

The engineers actually managed to come up with a bolt-action rifle, and Luo Yan's face finally showed genuine interest, rather than just a courteous smile.

"This is quite a... creative idea. Mr. Simon, please tell our engineers on my behalf that I am very much looking forward to their results! If they require funding or equipment support, they shouldn't hesitate to ask Mr. Punk."

While speaking, Luo Yan glanced at Punk.

Without needing explicit instructions from Prince Colin, Punk already adopted an attitude of importance, earnestly looking at his factory manager.

"Go ahead and do it, Mr. Simon, I will fully support this project!"

Unexpectedly, Prince Colin valued this bold idea so much that Simon's voice trembled with excitement.

"That's great, Your Highness! I will definitely pass on your encouragement to those young lads! I bet they will leap with joy upon hearing your words!"

With this exciting news, Simon immediately went to convene a meeting with the factory's engineers, eager to get things done before Prince Colin.

As for Punk, he escorted Prince Colin away from the noisy workshop to the relatively quiet office.

After dismissing the secretary, he personally poured a steaming cup of black tea for Prince Colin.

The aroma of the tea dispelled some of the dusty coal smell, adding a hint of fragrance to the office's air.

Luo Yan took a sip from the teacup, finding the warm tea indeed quite nice, causing him to relax his brows with pleasure.

Punk stood respectfully nearby.

This figure, who wielded power in Thunder City, seemed as cautious as a secretary in front of Prince Colin.

"I heard the industrial district has been quite lively lately," Luo Yan remarked with a smile, adopting a casual tone. "I hear many factory owners are busy canvassing votes to compete for a seat in the next municipal council... Mr. Punk, I don't see you being tempted at all; have you never considered taking a seat?"

"Your Highness, you jest," Punk replied with a sincere smile on his round face. "I am just a coachman, able to handle the tasks you assign me thanks to your support, and wouldn't dare think of such things."

He humbled himself greatly, almost placing himself in the position of a Servant.

No matter how much respect he received from outsiders, Punk was clear in his heart.

He knew well that his current status and importance in Thunder City relied entirely on Prince Colin standing behind him.

Without the help of this prominent figure, he might still be a coachman in the outskirts of Thunder City, no different from that farming neighbor.

It's precisely for this reason that he dared not harbor any disloyalty, much less clandestinely pursue connections with the all-powerful Duke.

While Punk had improved a lot compared to before, he was still a "Chosen One" who had gotten his start too quickly. His political awareness lagged behind that of the self-made textile factory owner.

Seeing Punk's cautious demeanor, Luo Yan guessed his thoughts, shook his head with a smile, and set down his teacup.

"You're too humble, Mr. Punk. I have always been aware of your work, and I have never doubted your abilities or loyalty."

Punk's face showed a sincere smile, clutching the black bowler hat to his chest.

"It's an honor to serve you."

"Having a Servant like you is also my honor."

Luo Yan nodded gently, speaking in a warm tone.

"However, sometimes I still hope you can broaden your perspective. For instance... consider yourself a partner in the Colin Group, not just Prince Colin's proxy."