The removal of spies.

Chapter 23 ; The removal of spies

Durgawati rose, indicating the conclusion of the meeting.

"Let us start making preparations right away. We must win this war."

"Yes, Your Majesty…!" Both Gaurav and Ayush nodded at Durgawati's words.

In the evening, both Ayush and Gaurav came to court again to final discussion of the production of the gun.

Ayush took a deep breath and spoke seriously. "Well, Your Majesty, I don't know whether you believe it or not, but there is a spy from the Bijapur Sultanate within your kingdom."

Durgawati's eyes narrowed, her expression shifting into one of disbelief.

"So before we proceed to the next step, we must eliminate the root of the problem. That means we must get rid of those spies of the Bijapur Sultanate first." Ayush finally voiced the concern that had been on his mind ever since he noticed the spies using the System Data Eyes.

"Huh…?" Queen Durgawati let out a surprised exclamation. For a brief moment, she was unable to react.

Not only Durgawati but even Rajeshwari looked at Ayush with confusion.

After a moment of silence, Durgawati spoke in a serious tone. "What do you mean? Are you saying there are spies among my ministers?"

She looked directly into Ayush's eyes, as if trying to detect any sign of deception.

As Durgawati watched Ayush, her face was unreadable. His remarks weighed heavily on the atmosphere. Her realm was in much more danger than she had first believed, if what he was saying was accurate.

After being silent, Rajeshwari eventually spoke, her piercing eyes focused on Ayush. "Prince Ayush, this kind of charge is serious. This is a serious issue if what you claim is accurate. But do you have evidence?

Ayush gave a small nod, expecting this kind of response. "Princess, I don't talk senselessly. The spies concealed in your court have already been identified by me. I can point them out now if you let me."

Leaning forward on her seat, Queen Durgawati drummed armrest lightly with her fingers.

For a split second, Ayush paused. He had previously prepared a rational explanation, but he could not openly disclose the capabilities of the system.

"I have closely watched how your ministers and guards have behaved since coming here. Some have behaved suspiciously, leaving the court at strange times, talking to strangers outside the castle, and even trying to listen in on our conversations."

Gaurav came forward to back up Ayush's assertion. "Your Majesty, spies frequently sneak into high-level posts, particularly during wartime. It would be prudent to confirm whether Prince Ayush's assertions are accurate.

Durgawati let out a slow breath. She had been in power for years and knew how important intelligence gathering was. But she was gravely troubled by the idea that there could be traitors in her own court.

Finally, "Very well," she said. "Point them out."

The ministers standing at the side of the hall caught Ayush's attention. The infiltrators had already been highlighted by his System Data Eyes. They were betrayed by their gestures, facial expressions, and even minute changes in their respiration.

He stared at Mahmud Khan, the Minister of Trade, a middle-aged minister standing close to the rear. Ayush spoke in a steady voice.

"Khan Mahmud. You're the first."

Mahmud's face briefly displayed a clear emotion, but he swiftly covered it up and replied.

"I don't know what you mean, Prince Ayush. I have devotedly served Queen Durgawati for many years."

Durgawati's piercing eyes fell onto Mahmud, closely observing him.

Ayush grinned a little. "Is that correct? Can you then explain why you were spotted meeting with an unnamed individual at the southern border last night after slinking out of the palace?"

Despite his mild paleness, Mahmud made an effort to remain composed. "That is absurd! I would never—"

"Enough."

The voice of Durgawati cut through the atmosphere like a blade. "I do trust you, Mahmud Khan. However, if there is even the slightest suspicion about your loyalty, you will have to answer for it. Then she looked at her guards.

"Seize him and interrogate him immediately."

Before Mahmud could respond, the guards sprang into action and grabbed him. The royal guards were too strong for the man, despite his best efforts.

Ayush then focused on a different person, Ratan Sen, a youthful advisor.

Durgawati did not waste time. "Take him too. I'm looking for answers."

Two of their own ministers and courtiers were carried away, and the other ministers and courtiers watched in horrified silence. Others exchanged anxious looks, as if wondering if there were other spies among them, while others looked terrified.

Durgawati let out a sigh after a moment. "I guess I didn't perceive the danger inside my own walls. I have to thank you, Prince Ayush. We might have avoided a worse catastrophe if you had warned us."

Ayush gave a nod. "Nowt, this issue has been handled, now we can move forward with our main plans."

"Ratan Sen, you have also been passing information to the enemy."

Ratan did not object as violently as Mahmud, but his face clouded. He obviously understood that his exposure was unavoidable.

The discussion proceeded, this time with a more serious tone when the threat of spies was eliminated.

Ayush looked in Durgawati's direction. "Now that we have secured the inner palace, let us discuss what is truly important—arming our soldiers with firearms and training them for the upcoming war."

Gaurav spread out a huge map of the area on parchment and set it on the table. "Your Majesty, the army of the Bijapur Sultanate had already begun to include guns. We shall be at a serious disadvantage when war breaks out if we do not take action now.

Durgawati looked carefully at the map. "But it's not simple to produce guns in large quantities. Iron, timber, and gunpowder are among the many supplies needed.

After remaining silent up until this point, Rajeshwari finally said. "We also don't have enough good gunsmiths.

It is feasible to produce a few guns, but creating thousands will necessitate a completely new infrastructure.

Ayush gave a small smile. "That is why I have a proposal."

Durgawati gestured him to go on.

With its keen blade gleaming in the light, Ayush set a dagger on the table.

 "Within your realm, we will establish a dedicated firearm production division. To produce guns in bulk, the top blacksmiths will be assembled and trained."

"Furthermore, we need to ensure that we have access to the three primary components of gunpowder: saltpeter, sulfur, and charcoal." Gaurav continued.

"Our guns will be worthless without them."

Durgawati gave careful thought to what they had said.

"And where do you plan to obtain these materials?"

Ayush answered with assurance. "I've already located areas with a wealth of these resources. I'll send reliable men to start mining and refining operations with your consent."

Durgawati gave a nod. "Excellent. I'm behind you in this endeavor."

But Rajeshwari brought up another issue. "Our military lack experience with weaponry, even if we manufacture them. Sword and bow skills are taught to traditional warriors. How can we make sure they can use firearms effectively?

Ayush had a stern look on his face. "We will establish an elite rifle unit for this reason. Only a select few soldiers will receive firearms training, including how to load, aim, and fire accurately. The knowledge will subsequently be dispersed across the army as these warriors instruct others.

Gaurav went on, "We also need to improve our strategies. Despite their potency, guns take a long time to reload. Our men will be exposed if they are not adequately trained.

In contemplation, Durgawati tapped the table. "I think there isn't a better option, but your idea is ambitious. We have to adapt if we want to live. I fully authorize Prince Ayush to supervise this operation.

Ayush bent a little. "I will not disappoint you, Your Majesty."

Indeed, with the help of system abilities, it won't be much difficult for ayush to find about the mineral resources.

Outside of the palace hall.

When ayush came out the palace he heard the serries of the system notification in minds.

[New System Tasks Unlocked rewards!]

Eliminate Remaining Bijapur Spies

Objective: Identify and remove any remaining infiltrators.

Reward: +2000 System Points, Assassin's Cloak (Invisibility for 30 sec).

Completed….!

Secure the First Firearm Factory

Objective: Establish the first gun-making facility in Garha dynasty.

Reward: +1500 System Points, Enhanced Blueprint for Muskets.

(not completed)

Train the First Gun Battalion

Objective: Select and train 500 elite soldiers in firearm combat.

Reward: +2500 System Points, Special Ability – grandmaster in swords."

(not completed)

Mine and Refine Gunpowder Materials

Objective: Establish stable sources for saltpeter, sulfur, and charcoal.

Reward: +2500 System Points, Advanced Gunpowder Formula.

(not completed)