After Alice left, Arthur pulled the sulfur and grounded saltpeter(potassium nitrate) from the drawer, setting them carefully on his desk. His fingers drummed lightly against the wood as he mulled over his next steps.
Gunpowder… just a small batch for now.
He called for his valet, who arrived promptly, bowing slightly.
"Bring me charcoal, a mortar, and a pestle," Arthur instructed. His tone was casual, but his eyes gleamed with intent.
The valet hesitated for only a moment before nodding. "At once, Your Majesty."
As the valet departed to gather the requested materials, Arthur leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly.
Magic may have rejected me, but that doesn't mean I'm powerless.
If he could successfully create a gun, he wouldn't need magic to defend himself. And if he could mass-produce firearms, Keldoria's entire military structure could be reshaped.