"Bows are still more reliable during bad weather, but the training of the archers takes longer than teaching someone how to hold and shoot a gun," the Duke of Rochefort said.
"I have no expertise in weapons production, and I would have to look for a specialist to manage the smithy..."
"Who says we are going to build one from scratch?" the Duke asked, "There is no need to waste more resources on building them, when there are perfectly fine ones that can be taken."
'...' Lucian looked at the plans, 'The House of Leipole and the House of Fleur...' He was sure that the two Houses were not going to hand over their mines and smithies that easily, "Your Grace, there is no point in beating around the bush," he said, "What is your plan?"
"Fall of a House is usually a result of bankruptcy or lack of heir," the Duke said, and leaned back in his chair, "Gambling debts, scandals, bad reputation, and other factors are what usually drive nobles to their ruin. But in the case of the House of Fleur and the House of Leipole, they are going to be brought down by their own greed. Their family is not united, and they fight for power amongst each other."
"Are you going to incite a rebellion within the family?" Lucian asked.
"Even better," the Duke said and tapped his fingers against the desk, "Sell these designs to one of the houses, and see which one of them will offer a better deal to get them. When one is bound to fail, they will seek help even from the devil."
"They can just steal one of the finished products to copy it," Lucian didn't seem convinced, and the Duke noticed.
"Not when they don't have the material to produce it," the Duke said, "You will not only be selling the design, but also the material. Rubber seals for waterproofing and grip handles, these can only be provided by your plants, and produced in your workshop in the South. The production of the weapons will have to rely on your resources."
A golden duck was just thrown at Lucian's head, and he was already getting a headache from it, "You've done thorough research on my capabilities and assets, Your Grace. I wonder if I could have a word with the designer to learn about the details of the production process."
"For security reasons, I'm afraid that's not an option. However, the designs are very detailed and easy to follow. I'm sure that a smart young man such as yourself will not have a problem with that."
Lucian's smile grew wider, and so did the Duke's.
"I'm booo~ored," Celine whined, knocking on her father's study, interrupting their meeting, "I have nothing to do here."
"Go play in the gardens," the Duke answered without lifting his gaze from the documents, "I have no time for you right now, Celine. You are not a child anymore, entertain yourself somehow. Don't cause trouble."
"I already did," she said, leaning against the door, scratching the surface, "I'm booo~ooored. I want to go outside. Take me somewhere. I want to visit the knights' spare ground. Let's watch some fights. It will be fun."
"Go entertain your fiance's people then, if you have nothing to do. Show them your piano skills, sing, dance, or recite a poem for them. I don't know. Just let me work, Celine."
"Okaaa~aay!" Her voice sounded from the other side of the door, "Have fun working! I'll go have fun on my own. Don't worry, Father!"
The Duke rubbed his forehead and called for his servant, "Watch her, and make sure that she stays in the mansion," he ordered, and the servant left immediately, "That daughter of mine, I swear," he mumbled and returned to his papers.
Lucian continued to discuss the matter with the Duke, accompanied by the sound of a piano in the background. It wasn't a beautiful melody, no, it looked like a teacher teaching a child how to play the piano. Don't tell him she was teaching his men to play the piano... a few male voices soon began to accompany the music.
"AAAAA, AAA, AA, AAA, AAA, AAAAAA," the group sang in different tones.
"Don't mind her, Lord Arclight. It will stop in a moment. She gets bored quickly and will find a new hobby soon," the Duke said.
"AAAA, AAA, AA, AAA, AAA, AAAAAA," the voices continued, causing the Duke's smile became strained.
"I'm sure it's a lot of fun," Lucian said, not able to hide his amusement.
The Duke summoned another servant, ordering him to bring his daughter to the room, and she was brought in shortly after.
She went through her father's shelves of books and pulled out a few that she was interested in. The couch was placed near the window as if it was a throne and the curtains were her cape. She sat on the couch and opened the book, not paying any attention to the men in the room.
"Don't mind her," the Duke repeated and returned to the conversation.
Lucian tried not to mind her, but it was hard not to. He straightened his back, put on a more serious expression, and turned to show his best profile...unconsciously trying to make a good impression on her. Even though he was still in the middle of an important meeting, his attention drifted towards her every once in a while. She didn't pay any attention to him, her eyes fixed on the pages of the book. He wondered if she did it on purpose, ignoring him like that.
The Duke noticed his gaze wandering towards Celine, "Don't be offended by her presence here. She won't interrupt our meeting if that's what worries you, Lord Arclight."
"Not at all, Your Grace. I was just wondering what kind of book she was reading, and if the subject is interesting to her."
"Oh? What book are you reading, my dear?" the Duke asked.
"The art of lovemaking," she said and Lucian tensed up.
"..." The Duke's smile was completely frozen at this point while Lucian looked away, trying not to blush at her words.