Chapter 184 - 179: Setting the Plan, the Old Dwarf’s "Lover"?

Chapter 184: Chapter 179: Setting the Plan, the Old Dwarf’s "Lover"?

Faced with their doubts, Jon’s expression didn’t waver in the slightest. His gaze swept over the two nobles who had raised the questions, finally landing back on Viscount Paris and Yed. His tone was steady and full of power.

"Your concerns are reasonable, but since I am the one who proposed this strategy, I naturally have a solution."

He leaned forward slightly, his hands pressing on the edge of the table.

"To address the problem of ice river transportation, my [Giant God Workshop] will design and manufacture a batch of specialized amphibious transport Mechanical Bodies."

"They will be able to travel at high speeds and with stability on thick ice. When encountering thin ice or holes in the ice, they can force their way through like icebreakers or float on the water’s surface."

"Their core power system originates from the same source as the Gun Cavalry. They are unaffected by the severe cold, their payload capacity will be several times that of ice sleds and horse-drawn carriages, and their speed will far surpass land-based transport caravans."

Jon’s description caused a glint of surprise and contemplation to flash in the eyes of the nobles present.

Most of them still pictured Mechanical Bodies as clumsy, bulky, and crude ’engineering tools.’ But on second thought, the Gun Cavalry Jon had designed were so agile and formidable that his mastery of Engineering had to be far beyond their own. He couldn’t be making empty promises.

If he could really build such a transport-type Mechanical Body, one specifically designed for this unique environment, it did sound like it could solve the core problem of ice river transportation.

But Jon was still speaking.

"As for the threat from the rebels along the riverbanks... that is precisely our opportunity to counterattack!"

His voice suddenly turned cold, carrying a chilling, murderous air that made several of the nobles, lost in thought, shudder and snap their focus back to him.

Jon pointed to the map, tracing the regions along the Nula River as it snaked its way toward the southern part of the Empire.

"Passive defense will only embolden the rebels. Why can’t we seize the initiative, launch an offensive, and excise these malignant tumors entrenched along our vital supply lines?"

"I propose that, at the same time the convoys are moving, we organize an elite force to advance along the Nula River and eradicate the village and town strongholds controlled by the Blood Eye Association, one by one!"

"This is not just about clearing the supply lines. It is about eliminating the rebels’ minions, intimidating would-be opportunists, and reclaiming our lost territory! And more importantly—"

He abruptly stood up straight. His ice-blue eyes swept across every noble in the room as an invisible, commanding presence emanated from him.

"This will be a perfect opportunity to prove to all of you, and to the entirety of Heta County, the true combat capability of my [Giant God Workshop] Mechanical Bodies—especially their effectiveness in the complex environments of a real battlefield!"

"Let those rats hiding in the shadows see just how pathetically weak their so-called ’Power’ is in the face of our iron tide!"

The ideas of ’real combat’ and ’Power’ struck everyone like a hammer blow to the chest.

The power and precision of the [Gun Cavalry I] demonstrated in the banquet hall were still fresh in their minds, and the immense confidence Jon now projected only added to his persuasiveness.

Viscount Paris, in particular, gave his unhesitating approval to the plan, slamming a hand on the table.

"Excellent! Mr. Jon’s plan is highly viable! It solves our logistical woes while simultaneously opening a new front for a counterattack and intimidating our enemies!"

He then turned to Yed, who was beside him.

"Lord Yed, can the Trading House quickly gather the initial batch of supplies to support Mr. Jon’s manufacturing of the Mechanical Bodies and this operation to clear the riverbanks?"

Yed Xavier nodded calmly, his gaze toward Jon filled with undisguised admiration.

"The Golden Maple Leaf Trading House will do its utmost to provide everything. Supplies, funds—I will do my best to coordinate it all and prioritize Mr. Jon’s needs."

With the two most powerful and influential nobles voicing their support, the rest had no objections.

"Count us in!"

"The Green family is in!"

"For our homes, for order!"

And so, a decision that would shape the course of many future events in Birch Town was finalized. At the same time, a change occurred on Jon’s status panel.

[Your proposal has influenced the decision of the Birch Town Resistance Alliance. Influence has increased.]

[Current Influence: 3]

...

After the meeting broke, Jon briefly discussed the delivery schedule for the Mechanical Bodies with the others. He then bid farewell to Reya and returned with Rosalind to his Grent Manor, ready to begin production.

However, upon arriving at the manor’s gate, he saw something unexpected.

Jon and Rosalind had just arrived at the gate of Grent Manor and stepped out of their carriage when they spotted four or five Dwarves. The Dwarves were keeping a safe distance, pointing and commenting on the two [Gun Cavalry I] models standing silent guard at the entrance.

"Whoa, this Mechanical Body’s somethin’ else! Hey, look, look! It’s lookin’ at me!"

"A design like this is rare indeed. Look at that joint structure—its mobility can’t be bad. I wonder which Master created it..."

They all carried bulging leather satchels and toolboxes, their beards covered in the dust of the road.

The leader, a stocky, middle-aged female Dwarf in a soot-stained leather apron, strode forward the moment she saw Jon and asked in a gruff voice.

"Hey! You a visitor here? Do me a favor and ask if that old drunkard Sutton is hiding in this manor."

Her voice was booming, and she carried herself with the characteristic straightforwardness of a Dwarf.

Jon’s ice-blue eyes flickered. He instantly recalled the letter Sutton had asked him to send to a tavern in Heta County City. It must have been delivered when Pascal went to see Yed.

’But Sutton never said he was calling for backup...’

The thought, however, didn’t slow him down.

Jon immediately stepped forward and responded calmly.

"I am the owner of this manor. You’re looking for Sutton, I presume? Please, follow me inside."

He stepped aside, gesturing for them to enter. Rosalind, in perfect sync, took a half-step back, her silver eyes sweeping dispassionately over the group of Dwarves as she maintained a silent distance.

Jon then raised a hand, commanding the Mechanical Bodies to stand down. He led the party of Dwarves across the courtyard and straight toward the forge in the back.

Even before they opened the door, a thick stench of alcohol mixed with a wave of heat from scorched metal washed over them.

Jon pushed open the door to find Sutton slumped drunkenly over a smelting table. His nose was bright red, and he was aimlessly stirring a pot of gurgling, silver-gray solvent while humming a tuneless Dwarven ballad.

Hearing the commotion, he looked up with bleary, drunken eyes—

CLANG!

The long-handled ladle in the Old Dwarf’s hand crashed into the pot of solvent, sending up a spray of scalding hot droplets.

He sobered up in an instant, as if doused with ice water. His small eyes went wide, and he stared intently at the middle-aged female Dwarf by the door, stammering.

"G-Grotta?! What are you doing here?!"

Sutton scrambled to his feet, nearly knocking over the entire pot in his panic. He fumbled to steady it, his beard bristling in alarm.

Jon stood by the door, his gaze flicking between the Old Dwarf’s flushed, round face and Grotta, who stood glaring with her hands on her hips. A brow arched on Jon’s face, his expression turning quizzical. ’This reaction... doesn’t seem like he’s just seeing an "old pal"...’