Steel, Guns, and the Industrial Party in Another World

TL: Etude

Voices, music, and the clinking of wine glasses merged into a joyous ocean. Under the countless candles, the hall was as bright as day. Guests mingled, sipping wine and dancing lightly, thoroughly enjoying the splendid banquet.

After finishing his interactions with the enthusiastic nobles, Siegfried Aephis quietly slipped out of the main door and into the garden outside. The fresh air rushed into his nostrils as he took a deep breath, instantly clearing his mind.

The young man with red hair took out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his forehead, then loosened his collar.

The night sky was exceptionally clear, with dazzling stars filling the heavens. Siegfried gazed upward and muttered to himself, “I couldn’t find you anywhere, and here you are, enjoying your solitude in this place. Really now…”

He wasn’t talking to himself. Another young voice responded, “You also sneaked out, didn’t you?”

Siegfried turned towards the voice. In an inconspicuous corner, a figure leaned against the railing with a wine glass in hand, looking up at the stars.

Illuminated by the bright moonlight, the figure was revealed to be a handsome young man with golden hair and a pale, oval face. His straight nose and lips were like those crafted by a sculptor to represent an ideal beauty. However, his ice-blue eyes were not lifeless like a statue’s but sharp and vivid, resembling those of a majestic eagle.

The red-haired young man spoke with a hint of annoyance, “Humph, Antonio, you are the main character of today’s banquet. How can it go on without you?”

The one conversing with Siegfried Aephis was none other than Antonio Griffin, the second son of the Emperor of the Gabella Empire and the legendary Witch’s Son, who Siegfried had sworn loyalty to.

Bearing the title of the Witch’s Son, even as a royal, Antonio faced much exclusion and disdain within the empire’s upper echelons. His dazzling talents from a young age only fueled the jealousy and alienation of his peers.

However, many, like Siegfried Aephis, a scion of a noble imperial family, were willing to acknowledge and accept him. Antonio Griffin and the red-haired young man had been friends since childhood. Although their official relationship was that of a prince and a subject, their interaction was more like that of brothers. They studied together under the famous scholar Aldridge in their youth and later joined the imperial army, working closely together. Siegfried was the brother Antonio recognized, and in private, they addressed each other by their first names.

Hearing Siegfried’s words, Antonio chuckled, “The main character of the banquet? Haha, isn’t Lord McDonald there to hold the fort? Besides, if it weren’t for the little luck I had in the war, they would still shun me, the Witch’s Son, wouldn’t they?”

Siegfried shook his head, “The merit you earned this time is not ‘little’ at all. We’ve been at a stalemate with the Nestan people for so long, and no one could break it. Nobody expected you to change the game. The empire has always valued military achievements. After returning to the capital this time, your status and popularity have changed significantly compared to before.”

Antonio’s face showed a trace of resentment, “Those are secondary. If it weren’t for those useless old wood in high positions, the imperial army would have broken the deadlock long ago.”

Siegfried spread his hands, “There’s no helping it. We have plenty of old wood here, and Nestar has its share too. That’s why the stalemate was possible. As you said before, it’s an era of competition in mediocrity; the less mediocre side wins.”

Both men laughed heartily at this.

A clear female voice interrupted the night, “That’s why we’ve joined His Highness, to change this rotten era and bring a new dawn to the world.”

Accompanying the voice, a beautifully dressed woman approached. Her graceful figure was adorned in a white gown, and her dark hair seemed to blend with the night.

Siegfried complained, “Really, how many times have I told you not to casually bring up phrases like ‘bringing a new dawn to the world’? We might be mistaken for members of a cult.”

Antonio raised his wine glass towards the woman and smiled, “Carol, you came out too.”

Carol nodded slightly to Antonio and Siegfried, “Your Highness, Lord Aephis, as you know, I’m not accustomed to these kinds of gatherings.”

Whether due to her other identity or the personality shaped by that identity, Carol felt averse to crowded and bustling places.

Antonio frowned slightly, “Carol, you need to learn to adapt. I’ve sworn to make it possible for you all to walk openly anywhere in the world.”

Siegfried knew whom his friend referred to as “you all.” He looked at Antonio, who seemed to be enveloped in a layer of melancholy, lost in memories.

Sensing the mood turning somber, Carol spoke softly, “Yes, Your Highness, I will try to adapt.” Realizing her words might have touched a nerve, she quickly changed the subject, “Your Highness, Lord Aephis, are you just going to stand here? Many people are looking for you at the banquet.”

Siegfried jested, “Haha, they must be looking for Antonio, right? Speaking of which, Carol, do you really want His Highness to return? With our prince’s remarkable military achievements, those people are probably eager to introduce their daughters to him. Are you sure you don’t mind?”

Carol’s face reddened, “I… I…,” her eyes flickering towards Antonio.

Antonio said nothing, just looking up at the stars. Siegfried and Carol followed suit, gazing at the sky where countless bright points seemed to form a massive river flowing through the night.

For a moment, all three were immersed in the magnificent spectacle.

Siegfried asked, “By the way, Antonio, you’ve always loved staring at the stars. Are they that fascinating to you?”

Antonio looked down, “Sometimes I think, compared to the vastness of the galaxy, everything on the ground seems pitifully small. If the stars had life, they would probably view us as we view ants.”

“Thinking too much about such matters can lead to a kind of cognitive dissonance, you know.”

“But have you ever wondered what those celestial bodies really are?”

“Stars are just stars, aren’t they?”

“But why do they shine? Are they constantly burning? You know that objects appear larger when closer and smaller when farther, right? So, how far away are those celestial bodies? How big are they?”

Hearing the prince’s queries, Siegfried sighed, “All I know is they exist in a realm beyond our reach, perhaps forever an eternal mystery.”

Antonio’s eyes reflected the starry sky, “If the stars are far enough yet visible to us, it indicates they are enormous. What form do they take? Could there be people living on them?”

Siegfried was speechless, “Antonio, you can’t be taking mythological stories seriously.”

Even Carol, standing by, showed a look of wonder, not expecting her admired prince to have such an ‘innocent’ side. To her, it was rather endearing.

“Perhaps,” said Antonio, “If there really are people living there, I’d love to meet those from other worlds.”

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