Iron Dynasty Chapter 1035

Governor Nicholas, the British Empire has ruled the oceans for ages, with Redcoats seldom facing worthy foes. But Wales fell in Australia after just one day, and Newland overwhelmed the enemy in a mere hour. It's time to discard this overconfident attitude from the British. We've encountered a genuine adversary now.

Deep concern filled Butler's eyes.

Next, he added, The escapees from Newland reported that the Chinese Empire possesses guns capable of nonstop shooting. Their cannons pack tremendous power, far surpassing ours. Additionally, their rifles load from the rear, and they wield explosives that detonate on impact. Are you familiar with such innovations, Governor?

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

While chuckling, he caught sight of Butler's stern look and abruptly ceased. He remarked, Fine, these arms show real ingenuity, yet can they truly exist? Maybe that trooper panicked into insanity, or he's fabricating reasons for his defeat.

If only Newland's troops mentioned it, one might believe them. However, Australia's routed soldiers echoed the same reports, ruling out mere chance. Henceforth, every precaution is essential. Trenches must be dug along the shores, and fortifications set up. 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 the Australian soldiers' accounts come back to him. After brief reflection, his demeanor turned grave.

Does the Chinese Empire truly possess these arms? Nicholas inquired once more.

It's virtually confirmed. I've dispatched agents to forward the gathered intel to London. Regrettably, no actual samples were captured this round. Still, my dispatch urges parliament to urgently endorse studies into such armaments, Butler replied icily.

Solemnly, Nicholas agreed. In that event, seizing Malacca is imperative to sever the Chinese Empire's naval routes. Luckily, Spain, the Netherlands, Portugal, and France have pledged support. Regardless, this clash is pivotal. Though retaking Malacca might elude us, we must still drain the Chinese Empire's forces and hinder their push westward.

Satisfaction showed as Butler nodded. He declared, That's the mark of a true governor. Currently, we should align closely with the other two governors, rally India's British troops, and anticipate incoming aid. Meanwhile, train Indians to battle on our side. Their hordes are vast; sacrificing some costs us nothing and wears down the foe.

This endeavor will drain our coffers heavily, Nicholas groaned, face twisted in reluctance. Yet he realized inaction would end their profitable ventures in India forever.

Thus, following a brief pause, he stated, In Calcutta, eight thousand trained Indian troops stand ready. Thanks to recent firearm shipments from home, we can equip nine thousand more. Across the three regions, we project fifty thousand Indian fighters. Adding the twenty thousand British garrisoned here totals seventy thousand—a formidable force. Confidence surged back into Nicholas.

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

Eyeing Nicholas's look, Butler scoffed. Against the Chinese Empire's arsenal, sheer numbers mean certain death. Defense is our sole option now. India's rich soils ensure ample provisions. Even with disrupted sea paths, self-reliance remains viable. Thus, commence constructing a stronghold, Butler stressed.

Shrugging, Nicholas responded, I'll grant you full command on this. You're the Empire's rising military prodigy, after all. I rely on your skills, Lieutenant Butler.

Securing this mandate was precisely why Butler had come. He vowed, I'll erect defenses to torment the Chinese Empire. Mark my words—they'll break teeth trying to claim India.

His words barely ended when a trooper burst into the Governor's Office. Sir, the French, Spanish, and Portuguese fleets have docked, he announced.

Joy lit Nicholas's features. Butler, we're not alone in this fight anymore.

With that, he yanked Butler from the office. They crossed the fortress entrance to reach the wharf. Indeed, offshore, over a hundred vessels crept toward Calcutta's port.

Scanning the banners atop the ships, Nicholas noted, That's Dutch, that's Spanish, that's Portuguese, and farthest right is French. Hahaha, everyone's assembled.

Butler's face eased somewhat.

Spain's loss of the Philippine outpost left them seething. Portugal once controlled a district in Guangzhou's southeast, but post-Merchant Parliament's fall, the Great Yu Empire's southward forces seized the moment to expel them, fueling Portugal's rage.

France's situation spoke for itself. Malacca's blockade stranded their Indochina garrison, cut off and vulnerable. Bowing to heavy internal demands, they officially waged war against the Chinese Empire. The Dutch, cornered, committed fully alongside them.

Victory over the Chinese Empire restores lost territories, or defeat invites European assaults from them.

The fleet drew nearer, entering the bay at last. Then, troops from each nation started unloading from the vessels.

Butler's eyes roamed across the ranks. Some Spanish and Portuguese bore breech-loading smoothbores, but most clung to flintlocks.

In contrast, Dutch and French forces wielded replicas of the Chinese Empire's Conqueror rifles. The Dutch acquired theirs directly from the Chinese Empire.

France produced their own versions. Observing this, Butler grasped France's progress in warfare tech.

Hundred ships, three hundred aboard each—that's thirty thousand strong. Now, let's witness if the Chinese Empire remains so bold. Nicholas's assurance swelled.

A grin finally crossed Butler's lips. He approached, saluting the foreign commanders while plotting the impending conflict.

For Europe, assembling such vast forces abroad against a shared threat was unprecedented.

Elation filled him, yet anxiety lingered too, for failure in India would bar regrouping such might anytime soon. Thereafter, India and its trade routes would fall to the Chinese Empire.