I Picked Up the Fallen Earth

Chapter 36. A Father’s Legacy

Saddles and Stirrups. At times like this, one realizes that a low level of civilization is not entirely bad. This world lacked the concepts of saddles and stirrups, making them potentially revolutionary weapons in crucial moments that could turn the tide of battle.

According to the objective descriptions in books, there have been countless instances where armies equipped with saddles and stirrups defeated forces more than twice their size. This was not due to any particular tactic but simply through battles on the plains.

From a military perspective, defeating an enemy force double in size without any stratagem was deemed impossible, especially if the quality of the troops was comparable. But what if saddles and stirrups were introduced?

It meant that the impossible could be made possible. These would be reserved as decisive weapons in wars where everything was at stake. The next significant topic was dust explosions. Jeron was already familiar with the concept of dust explosions, having heard about them.

In novels and movies, people from the medieval ages were often depicted using dust explosions, but he realized the conditions for such explosions were quite stringent.

[Dust explosions are also known as dust or particulate explosions.

Though coal dust explosions are well-known, many common household powders can cause dust explosions, including flour, sugar, iron filings, plastic powder, and detergent. However, the explosive potential varies depending on the size of the dust particles and the ignition source.

Ideally, the dust particles should be between 10~100μm in diameter, as such particles do not readily settle to the ground when generated. Modern flour, particularly weak flour, meets these conditions well, and cornstarch powder, being between 3~35μm, is highly suited for dust explosions.]

“The particles need to be fine,” he mused.

He wasn’t sure about the specific measurements, but finding materials fine enough to cause a dust explosion in medieval times seemed challenging. Unless technology advanced to produce fine particles, the materials would need to be farmed from Earth.

There were also significant drawbacks. For example, producing an explosion with flour required about 500g per square meter. While 100g could still cause an explosion, the firepower would be significantly weaker.

Among the powders used for dust explosions, cornstarch was the best, and sugar was much better than flour. The finer the powder, the higher the explosive power. Beyond the fineness of the powder, the moisture content also mattered.

If the particles contained too much moisture, an explosion would not occur.

Jeron documented the necessary conditions for a dust explosion:

1. The particle size must be below 100μm.
2. The particles must be dry.
3. High humidity or rain makes it difficult to create an explosion.
4. A sufficient amount of combustible material must be present.

Despite these stringent conditions, dust explosions could still be used as decisive weapons. Creating a powerful explosion would significantly damage the enemy and demoralize them.

Such offensive magic was rare, and magicians seldom showed up in wars. The impact of a dust explosion on the battlefield could demoralize the enemy beyond the immediate damage.

“Indeed, achieving such an effect won’t be easy.”

Jeron resolved to develop and use these decisive weapons, realizing it would be challenging to meet all the conditions. Saddles and stirrups required strict secrecy, and dust explosions demanded several specific conditions.

He needed to be diligent in farming for materials with fine particles and use them in very dry conditions to maximize their effect. These two strategies were being slowly prepared for use in a great war.

“I need to farm more diligently.”

Ironically, this meant Jeron would end up visiting Earth’s markets even more, despite the world running low on food and struggling even for canned goods. Finding a well-stocked warehouse could not only secure food supplies but also serve as an arsenal.

As these thoughts occupied him, Jeron glanced outside. Darkness gradually lifted, and roosters crowed.

Ding! Ding! Ding!

As the bells rang out, soldiers with strong voices climbed to the watchtowers, singing the new lord’s song. The dawn bells ring, a new morning has dawned. Everyone, rise and cultivate the new territory.

Make our land, a nice place to live, with our own hands~

“After all, it was an all-nighter.”

The territory that slept through the night had awakened. People of this era didn’t have much of a concept of time.

Rise with the sun and wrap up tasks with its setting. Meaning, it was time for Jeron to start moving as well.

***

Before the sun even rose, Jeron had summoned the merchant leader, Becken. Beside Becken was a woman who bore a striking resemblance to Dame Leila. She looked similar to Raela but the aura was entirely different. The woman in front of him met Jeron’s gaze with a face full of curiosity.

“Hello, milord?”

“Oh, show proper manners to our lord.”

“My sister said the lord isn’t so stiff.”

“If this continues, you’ll be excluded from the merchant group.”

“Oh, brother. Don’t be so harsh.”

Thud!

Becken immediately knelt on the ground, bowing deeply.

“My apologies, milord. She is the youngest in our family and possesses considerable business acumen, which is why I brought her, but it seems it was my mistake.”

“It’s fine.”

Jeron stopped Becken. There was nothing particularly disrespectful in her behavior. She was simply showing curiosity towards Jeron. If she possesses business acumen, there’s no reason not to use her.She gracefully greeted again.

“I’m Seria. Pleased to meet you!”

“A very bright young lady. Are you Dame Leila’s sister?”

“Yes! We’re born in consecutive years, so the age gap isn’t that wide.”

Dame Leila was in her early twenties, which meant this lively lady was older than Jeron. It was moments like these that made Jeron feel the age in the Karen Continent. Jeron laid out bottles of liquor and various jewels on the table.

“Alright, Seria. Do you know why I’ve called for you?”

“Yes! To win favors from the crown prince’s faction in the capital, auction off the paintings to get the highest bid.”

“And one more thing. Prepare to set up a branch in Bransia in advance. Make sure we can establish it immediately if the trade rights fall through. Though our territory’s products will be sold far and wide, the capital is expected to have the highest demand.”

“Lord, I’ll do my utmost!”

“Um… alright.”

It felt slightly odd for someone older than Jeron to be called a girl. According to Becken, Seria had resolved to dedicate herself to business, foregoing marriage. Women’s rights in this era were somewhat lacking, and a married woman gallivanting about without her husband’s consent was inconceivable.

With such determination, in addition to her business acumen, Jeron intended to make the most of Seria’s talents.

“We leave for the Count’s lands at noon today. Seria, prepare yourself to head there as well. We’ll commandeer a fast ship to go straight to the capital.”

“Don’t worry!”

To travel with a vast cargo, waterways were safer than land. Given that piracy at this time consisted of small-scale looting, it was much easier to handle than bandits on horseback. Attaching a trained unit of 50 soldiers would ensure a relatively safe journey to the capital.

“Sir Becken, prepare to head to the Count’s lands too.”

“I obey, milord.”

Seria gave Jeron a smile, bowed, and then disappeared.

“Quite a lively young lady.”

It would be difficult for the sisters to differ more in personality. While Dame Leila quietly took care of her responsibilities, her sister Seria seemed talkative at first glance. It appeared she might even have a liking for Jeron.But Jeron was not particularly fond of talkative women.

Perhaps that’s why he barely managed not to marry in his previous life. When it came to preferences, he leaned more towards Leila than Seria.

***

A villa overlooking Lake Baitan. This residence, where Jeron’s parents lived, had long surpassed the level of a mere cabin. After continuous expansions, it had become quite a sizable house within a few months.

Following the family’s motto, Jeron made it a point to not miss family meals whenever possible. Since he would be leaving for the Count’s territory at noon today and would be unable to attend family meals for a while, he had come early in the morning.

“So, you’re going to the Count’s territory?”

“Yes, father. I have some matters to attend to there.”

“Hmm… Is that so?”

Regardless, Ark Farrow and Ophelia were busy spreading jam on freshly baked bread. Everything they were eating had been brought by Jeron from Earth. The bread was soft, the strawberry jam sweet, and the three-minute corn soup incredibly savory.

Such luxury was something Jeron had rarely experienced even back on Earth. Everyone was too engrossed in eating to converse. Although family meals were usually times for conversation, everyone’s eyes would widen in amazement whenever Jeron brought food from Earth.

After the combative (?) meal ended, Ark Farrow finally regained his senses.

“Hahaha! Thanks to having a good son, we’re living in luxury. It’s a pity we won’t see you for about a week since you’re going to the Count’s territory.”

“I’ll leave some flour and jam behind for you to enjoy.”

“You really are a filial son.”

In an instant, Jeron had turned into the model of filial piety. Indeed, enjoying good food without stress and fishing in one’s old age is everyone’s dream. It was a bit confusing for Jeron whether Ark Farrow and Ophelia were enjoying their retirement or their middle age.

Click.

Ark Farrow handed over a ring he was wearing to Jeron. It wasn’t the lord’s seal. The seal had already been given to Jeron, worn on his right middle finger.

“What is this?”

The craftsmanship was impressive for a medieval item. The pentagonal star was intricately engraved, and intricately engraving a sapphire like this would have cost a considerable sum. It was somewhat out of place for a ring from their financially struggling territory.

“Having seen how you manage the territory, I think I can truly retire now.”

“…Haven’t you already retired?”

“I’ve been supporting you from behind. This ring is the symbol of the Dark Moon’s leader, operating in the northern part of the kingdom.”

“What?!”

“Why are you so surprised?”

“It gives off the vibe of a secret organization, doesn’t it?”

“A secret organization, indeed.”

Jeron was genuinely startled. He had thought expanding the territory and bringing in thousands of slaves under Ark Farrow’s rule were significant achievements, but running a secret organization was something entirely unexpected.

“I’ve devoted my life to the rise of our house. The Dark Moon is an organization I’ve built throughout my life. Although its origins trace back over several generations, it was nearly in ruins when I took over. Now, it operates throughout the north.”

The more Jeron heard, the more astonished he became. Govern the entire north? That indicated a vast organization. Even if each branch consisted of just a few members, it was a monumental feat.

Jeron swallowed and asked, “What area does this secret organization deal with?”

“Information. Our ancestors and I have always known that information is power.”

Jeron was speechless from the shock. He had thought the Farrow barony was impoverished, barely managing to survive. But his ancestors and father had been working to revive the family’s fortunes. Jeron was amazed by their belief, even in such an undeveloped era, that information was power.