"No, wait. How much gunpowder would one shot from this thing take?
Thinking of expensive gunpowder being stuffed into the barrel by the handful, Jeremiah shuddered all over, as if they were stuffing gold coins into it.
"It isn't that expensive, and gunpowder isn't even our main product."
Alexei recalled how excited he had been when he first learned they could produce their own gunpowder. As a graduate of the Empire's Royal Army Academy, he naturally understood the importance of the stuff.
Three entire major chapters of the infantry manual were devoted to the use of firearms. It was no exaggeration to say that an army with firearms and one without them were practically two entirely different forces, fighting in completely different ways.
Naturally, there were also complaints about the alchemy workshops. Gunpowder was not only expensive, but production was far too low. There was simply never enough for the front lines.
That was why the armies of this world only used it as firearm propellant. Cannons had not been widely equipped, after all. Who could stand going through all the trouble of hauling artillery to the battlefield, only to be told that there was no gunpowder and they could not fire?
There was also an even more direct problem: gunpowder could not be stored for long periods. Theus had studied it for a while and ultimately suspected that its ingredients differed from those used in black powder.
Castel did not produce much saltpeter. Small-scale preparation was manageable, but supplying mass production would inevitably be impossible.
Perhaps the pirates could help with that.
Alexei narrowed his eyes.
"It's about time. Jeremiah, come with me."
"Hm? Where are we going? Isn't your count still going to introduce other merchan—products?"
"Gem Bay has another catalog of goods. What, are you interested in