Steel, Guns, and the Industrial Party in Another World-Chapter 425: Instructions

TL: Etude Translations

After confirming the part-time job, Aldridge asked Kevin to sit down and began to give him some instructions.

“Kevin,” the mentor spoke with a tone of deep significance, “You have been in Gabella for a while now, and I assume you have some understanding of the current situation in the capital.”

Kevin was a bit puzzled. “What do you mean, teacher?”

Aldridge’s face took on a solemn expression. “It’s about the issue of His Majesty the Emperor’s successor.”

Kevin understood. He had heard about the covert rivalry between the two sons of Emperor Bartley Griffin – Crown Prince Felix Griffin and Prince Antonio Griffin.

“Listen,” Aldridge explained to Kevin, “The Royal Archives are also part of the royal buildings, so they will inevitably be involved in these disputes. But as long as you don’t actively inquire about these matters or ask too many questions, you won’t get into trouble.”

“I’ll definitely keep that in mind,” Kevin promised earnestly.

My goodness, the scenarios I’ve only seen in novels and on stage are actually happening around me.

Mond Landon, a senior student present, noticed Kevin’s fear and quickly reassured him, “Don’t be afraid, Kevin. Just do as the teacher said, and there won’t be any problems. As an outsider, wearing the halo of the Scholar’s Tower, others won’t trouble you as long as you don’t get involved.”

I don’t want to get involved, Kevin thought to himself. But considering your previous attitude, it seems you have a good relationship with Prince Antonio Griffin. And he was a student of Teacher Aldridge, which makes him my senior.

Curiosity got the better of him, and he blurted out, “Then, teacher, whom do you support?”

He immediately realized that his question might have been inappropriate, especially since the teacher had just advised him not to delve into these matters.

Aldridge glared at him at first but then, stroking his beard, said, “You shouldn’t ask such questions so casually in front of others. But now that we’re among ourselves, I can tell you. Of course, I support my student Antonio. And our entire Scholar’s Tower supports him too. It’s not a secret; the whole empire knows this. So, as a member of the Scholar’s Tower, people outside will naturally assume you’re a supporter of Antonio. But if you go around asking questions, you’ll definitely cause trouble for yourself, which is why I’m specifically instructing you today.”

Kevin nodded repeatedly. Over the years, he had come to understand what kind of existence the Scholar’s Tower held in the Gabella Empire. In one word: deeply rooted and influential. No wonder they dared to openly support the second prince. Even if they backed the wrong candidate, the new emperor wouldn’t dare to target people from the Scholar’s Tower to assert authority, at most reducing some financial support.

After pondering, he heard Aldridge say, “Alright, Kevin, take some time to familiarize yourself with the Royal Archives and get along well with the elders there. Ask for advice on anything you don’t understand – except for what I just mentioned. And don’t look down on others just because you’re a member of the Scholar’s Tower.”

“I’ll definitely heed your instructions,” Kevin assured his mentor with a formal bow.

“I’ll walk you out,” Mond Landon led Kevin out.

“You know, Kevin?” Mond said to Kevin on the stairs, “I believe that only by handing the empire over to Prince Antonio can Gabella – no, the entire human civilization – have a future.”

Hmm? It looks like Senior Mond is a staunch supporter of Prince Antonio.

“Alas, although we support him, the Crown Prince also has the support of more than half of the regional lords and the Gabella Church, not to mention a mother who is the queen and a grandfather who is the Imperial Chancellor. The outcome is unpredictable.”

This is not a matter of unpredictability at all, Kevin thought to himself. Compared to Felix, Antonio’s conditions are too poor, especially considering the rumors about his disreputable birth – a child born of a witch. Wait, but Antonio had recently won a significant victory. In Gabella, where military achievements are highly valued, he might actually stand a chance.

Despite mentally comparing the two princes, Kevin kept silent, remembering his teacher’s instructions.

Mond Landon, the senior student, continued to talk non-stop.

Unaware of how time passed, the two reached the door, and Mond looked at Kevin approvingly.

“It seems you’ve taken the teacher’s words to heart,” Mond said. “Just do as you’ve been told regarding the matter of the two princes. No matter what others say, don’t interject.”

Realizing it was a test, Kevin breathed a sigh of relief and departed after saying goodbye to Mond.

…

After Kevin left, Mond returned to Aldridge’s study.

“How did it go?” Aldridge asked.

“Very well,” Mond replied with a smile. “Kevin heeded your advice.”

Aldridge shook his head, “With this kid’s talent and wisdom, he would undoubtedly be a great asset to our plan. But he’s still so young, I can’t bear to drag him into this.”

Mond laughed, “Drag him into this? That sounds so ominous. Teacher, we’re doing this for the future of human civilization.”

“Enough of that, did you know? MacDonald and Alvis are about to return.”

“Oh!” Mond responded, feeling a stir of emotion.

Marshal MacDonald of Gabella was a bigwig in the military, having fought alongside Prince Antonio in the war against the Nesta Empire. After their victory, Prince Antonio returned first, while the marshal temporarily stayed at the border.

MacDonald never showed any bias towards either prince. Mond wondered what kind of variable his return would introduce, given his significant influence in the military.

Alvis, another important senior member of the Scholar’s Tower, was a few years younger than Aldridge and his junior. Known for his military strategy, Alvis had been sent to the border to assist Antonio and MacDonald during the war and had stayed to oversee negotiations with the Nesta Empire. He was returning with MacDonald.

“I wonder if Alvis managed to sway MacDonald,” Mond thought. “That old man is known for his stubbornness.”

Aldridge stroked his beard, his expression showing some worry.

Mond reassured his teacher, “Given Prince Antonio’s outstanding performance in the recent war, he must have made a strong impression on the old marshal.”

“Yes, I think so too,” Aldridge agreed with his student.

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Even if they couldn’t bring him over to Prince Antonio’s side, they at least needed the old marshal to remain neutral. They absolutely couldn’t afford to have him support Crown Prince Felix.