Iron Dynasty Chapter 1035

“Governor Nicholas, the British Empire has ruled the oceans for many years, with the Redcoats seldom facing worthy opponents. But Wales in Australia fell in just one day, and Newland surrendered to the foe in a mere hour. This overconfident attitude of the British needs to be discarded. We’ve encountered a real adversary.”

Deep concern filled Butler’s eyes.

He continued, “The troops who fled from Newland reported that the Chinese Empire possesses a gun that shoots without stopping. Their cannons hold tremendous power, far surpassing our own artillery. Furthermore, their rifles load from the rear, and they carry an explosive device that detonates on impact. Are you familiar with such innovations, Governor?”

Nicholas erupted into sudden laughter. “A gun that loads from the rear? Hahahaha, what nonsense...”

Mid-laugh, he noticed Butler’s grave stare and abruptly ceased. He remarked, “Fine, these armaments sound clever enough, but are they feasible? Maybe that soldier panicked into insanity, or he’s fabricating reasons for his defeat.”

“If only Newland’s survivors mentioned it, we could dismiss it. Yet the forces routed in Australia echoed the same details, so it’s no fluke. Henceforth, we must implement every precaution. Dig trenches along the shore and fortify positions. Losing India would devastate the East India Company most of all, right?” Butler’s grin carried a hint of sarcasm.

Nicholas’s face shifted. Only then did he recall the Australian troops’ accounts. After a brief reflection, his demeanor turned grave.

“Does the Chinese Empire truly wield such arms?” Nicholas inquired once more.

“It’s all but confirmed. I’ve dispatched agents to send the gathered intel to London. Regrettably, we secured no tangible examples this round. Still, in my dispatch, I’ve urged parliament to earnestly pursue studies into these weapon types,” Butler replied icily.

Nicholas nodded with gravity. “In that event, seizing Malacca is essential this time to sever the Chinese Empire’s naval routes. Luckily, Spain, the Netherlands, Portugal, and France have pledged their support. Regardless, this clash is pivotal. Even if retaking Malacca eludes us, we must drain some of the Chinese Empire’s forces and hinder their push westward.”

Butler nodded approvingly. He stated, “That’s the mindset of a true governor. We should now align closely with the other two governors, rally the British troops in India, and await incoming aid. Meanwhile, prepare the Indians to battle on our behalf. Their numbers are vast. Sacrificing a few won’t hurt us and will weaken the foe besides.”

“This will drain our coffers considerably,” Nicholas complained, his face twisting in distress. Yet he realized that failing to act would end their profits in India forever.

After a brief pause, he added, “In Calcutta alone, we’ve got eight thousand trained Indian troops. With the recent shipment of guns from home, we can arm nine thousand more. Across the three regions, we figure around fifty thousand Indian fighters in total. Add the twenty thousand British regulars here, and seventy thousand strong—that’s a formidable host.” Nicholas’s spirits lifted noticeably.

Pausing briefly, he went on, “Plus additional supports incoming, totaling no fewer than thirty thousand.”

Observing Nicholas’s look, Butler scoffed. He warned, “Against the Chinese Empire’s arsenal, sheer numbers mean cannon fodder. Our sole option is fortification. India’s soil is rich, so sustenance won’t falter. Even with routes severed, self-reliance is possible. Thus, commence erecting a defensive stronghold,” Butler stressed.

Nicholas shrugged helplessly. He declared, “I grant you full authority on this. You’re destined to shine as the Empire’s military prodigy, after all. I have faith in your abilities, Lieutenant Butler.”

Butler had sought exactly this mandate. He vowed, “I’ll craft defenses to torment the Chinese Empire. Mark my words—they’ll break teeth trying to claim India.”

His words barely ended when a soldier stepped into the Governor’s Office and announced, “Governor, the armadas from France, Spain, and Portugal have docked.”

Joy surged through Nicholas. He exclaimed, “Butler, we’re not in this alone anymore.”

With that, he tugged Butler from the office. They hurried past the fortress entrance to the wharf. Indeed, offshore, over a hundred vessels eased toward Calcutta’s port.

Nicholas tallied the banners fluttering atop the ships. He noted, “That’s Dutch, that one Spanish, this Portuguese, and the distant one French. Hahaha, everyone’s assembled.”

Butler’s features eased somewhat.

Spain seethed over losing the Philippines. Portugal, too, harbored grudges; they’d once controlled a slice of Guangzhou’s southeast, but after the Merchant Parliament’s fall, the Great Yu Empire’s southward forces expelled them, fueling their rage.

France’s motives were obvious. Malacca’s blockade stranded their Indochina garrison, helpless and exposed. Facing heavy homefront demands, they’d openly declared war on the Chinese Empire. The Dutch, cornered, committed fully alongside them.

Victory meant reclaiming lost territories from the Chinese Empire; defeat invited European assaults from them.

The fleet drew nearer, entering the bay at last. Troops from the allied nations began unloading onto the docks.

Butler scanned the arrivals closely. A few Spanish and Portuguese bore rear-loading rifled muskets, though most stuck to flintlocks.

Dutch and French ranks, however, all carried copies of the Chinese Empire’s Conqueror rifles. The Dutch had purchased theirs directly from the Chinese Empire.

The French had forged their own. This sight gave Butler insight into France’s progress in arms.

“A hundred ships, three hundred men apiece—that’s thirty thousand warriors. Now, let’s see the Chinese Empire maintain its arrogance.” Nicholas’s assurance swelled.

Butler cracked a smile at last. He approached, saluting the foreign commanders and conferring on the imminent conflict.

For Europe, assembling such a vast expeditionary force beyond their shores to combat a shared threat was unprecedented.

Elation mixed with anxiety in him, for failure here would bar them from mustering such might again soon. India would fall to the Chinese Empire, and with it, the vital trade paths.