Nothing on Earth can kill people as quickly and efficiently as gunpowder.

    If someone brings this up, those unfamiliar with warfare might retort that you could endlessly stab or cut someone with a spear or sword.

    But this isn’t Japan; the sharpness and durability of weapons like spears and swords used in real battles are only on the level of a “kitchen knife,” and after stabbing two or three people, the blade is rendered dull.

    “Even a masterpiece known as a ‘legendary sword’ can barely handle five people.”

    Moreover, unless one has learned hand-to-hand combat to a certain degree, it’s not easy to kill someone with a sword.

    Even attempting murder with a kitchen knife made using 21st-century metallurgy often results in failing to kill with just one stab, requiring dozens of thrusts instead.

    “However, obtaining gunpowder in this era isn’t an easy task.”

    In the 21st century, a single bullet costs less than 300 won, but in this age, the price of firing one bullet is equivalent to a serf''s daily wage.

    The lead bullet costs 10% of the total, while the gunpowder used amounts to less than 8 grams, yet it takes up a whopping 90% of the cost...

    “That just shows how incredibly valuable it is.”

    Thus, the governor of Nador asks me to sell him some gunpowder and matchlocks because of this.

    As I was lost in thought, a knock came at the door.

    “It’s Kris; may I come in?”

    “Come in.”

    I hadn’t scheduled a meeting with Kris today, and I had assigned the task of securing gunpowder supplies to Sebastian.

    Considering the importance of the task, I expected he would come in person.

    “Although Kris is almost like family...”

    We’re not directly blood-related, after all.

    Kris entered with a huge stack of documents.

    “The steward is too busy overseeing the Medici trading company’s operations to come here, so he handed me the report and instructed me to present it in his stead.”

    Sebastian must be quite overwhelmed managing the affairs after I returned.

    “First of all, I have secured all 2,000 matchlocks you promised to supply to the governor of Nador. Furthermore, I paid about 1.5 times the market price for 20 tons of gunpowder, but we successfully secured the entire amount.”

    I had thought it would be acceptable to secure that quantity just within this winter.

    What kind of trick did Sebastian pull to acquire such a large quantity of gunpowder and matchlocks two months ahead of my expectations?

    I’ll have to ask him to report on what magic he performed later.

    First, I need to get my tired body moving with some financial therapy.

    “Not paying people and overworking them is an act of villainy on the level of Hitler.”

    “I should reward Sebastian for his hard work.”

    I heard recently that Sebastian’s son is getting married in a month, so I should give him a mansion in Florence, considering all his efforts.

    Since I essentially obtained it for free by taking down the spice guild, it wouldn’t be a problem to give one away.

    “What will you do?”

    Fortunately, gunpowder can be mass-produced if one wishes.

    Ideally, I’d like to monopolize gunpowder manufacturing, but if I attempted something like that, I’d truly be in danger.

    “No matter how much of an emperor he is, he would cut me open if I tried to monopolize advanced gunpowder manufacturing technology alone.”

    “I guess I have no choice but to produce gunpowder.”

    “I believe we can sufficiently manufacture gunpowder by utilizing our trading company’s connections and artisans...”

    The problem is that the process of producing gunpowder in the Toscana Empire is quite barbaric.

    Noble mansions are invaded every ten years to gather dust piled on ceilings or corners and salty-tasting dirt around bathrooms.

    Commoners live through the daily grind of invading every possible area to find “soil that can be processed into gunpowder,” making it a norm.

    To survive while doing this, one must possess power greater than that of a “count.”

    For a mere baron like me to engage in such acts?

    “That’s a surefire way to get beaten and die.”

    “Kris, that’s not the kind of method you’re thinking of.”

    Surprisingly, with a very simple shift in perspective, anyone can find a solution, but I’ll use an approach that no one typically employs to escape this crisis.

    “Gunpowder is originally cultivated like growing mold, right?”

    This obvious principle has been applicable to humanity for hundreds of years until Professor Haber developed the magical process of nitrogen fixation.

    I should take advantage of that.

    “It’s a method that’s more certain while also not inconveniencing anyone.”

    However, to attempt this immediately, I would need to take a public office again.

    Perhaps I could directly ask the emperor.

    If I present a way to increase gunpowder production, he would welcome me with open arms.

    “I might have to start working at the Florence city hall for a while.”

    To secure a large amount of manure, which is the primary ingredient for gunpowder, it’s fastest and most reliable to assume a position of authority and push through.

    “What on earth are you thinking, Baron?”

    “I’m thinking of a way to produce gunpowder in abundance. It’s not precise, but it’ll certainly be much more efficient than the current method of digging up dirt from toilets and walls.”

    If I use this method, I’m certain I can secure at least several times more gunpowder than what I’m currently obtaining, and I could do it with far greater efficiency.

    “Moreover, it might greatly reduce the chances of diseases.”

    Florence isn’t as unsanitary as those dismal medieval cities we often envision, but to be honest, the sanitary conditions aren’t particularly good either.

    And I wrote a very simple but clear letter to the emperor.

    [After analyzing the principles of gunpowder production, I believe it can be made from feces and urine. Thus, I would like to conduct an experiment; the costs will be fully covered by the gods, so I just need a little assistance.]

    The next day, I was able to receive a temporary position in Florence from the emperor. It seems that the emperor is more serious about war and gunpowder than I thought.