Cecilia's heart flashed with a hint of resentment, but she maintained a gentle smile. Helga quickly realized she had subconsciously read the letter aloud. A blush spread across her fair cheeks, and she apologetically explained to Cecilia:
"I'm sorry, Sister Cecilia. I always have this bad habit when I'm reading… I start murmuring the words without realizing it."
"It's alright." Cecilia waved her hand magnanimously, even joking: "I'm actually quite curious about what Friedrich wrote to you. If you don't mind, could you continue reading?"
Helga was a simple girl with no hidden motives. Having lived at the manor for some time, and treated like a sister by Cecilia, their relationship was already very close. Hearing Cecilia say this, she giggled and sat down next to Cecilia, readily offering to share the letter with her.
"Of course! Let's read it together!" Helga's openness made Cecilia feel a little awkward, feeling that her previous moment of jealousy was petty. However, she was indeed curious about the contents of Morin's letter to the genius weapons designer.
The letter began with an expression of longing and greetings, similar to the one written to her, though shorter in length, but still conveying sincere concern. Cecilia felt a slight prickle of the small resentment again upon reading these lines. This fellow is truly a philanderer, so 'affectionate' with everyone.
However, when she saw the letter quickly getting to the point, with large paragraphs discussing weapon technology and even including a crude but clear structural sketch on the margin of the paper, Cecilia's mood instantly brightened. Hmph, at least he knows how to prioritize. He knows who is most important. This realization gave Cecilia a strange sense of satisfaction.
Helga, completely oblivious to Cecilia's complicated inner monologue, was entirely captivated by the letter's content.
"…I will tentatively name this concept the 'Gas-Operated Principle!' The core idea is to borrow a small portion of the high-pressure propellant gas escaping from the barrel during bullet firing to drive a small piston…"
Reading this, Helga's eyes grew wider and brighter. She felt as if she had glimpsed a door to a new world. The 'Gas-Operated Principle' Morin described, though only a preliminary concept, struck her sensitive designer's nerves like a flash of lightning. She grabbed the letter, holding it close, meticulously examining the rough sketch Morin had drawn. In her eyes, the sketch, which others might consider scribbles, contained a revolutionary design philosophy. The linkage between the gas tube, piston, and bolt carrier—though drawn extremely simply—was immediately grasped by her.
"Genius! The Boss is simply a genius!" Helga exclaimed, looking at Cecilia with adoration. "Sister Cecilia, Mr. Morin's idea is wonderful! If we can realize this, we can completely change the way infantry fight!"
However, the excitement did not last long. When Helga finished reading the entire letter and placed the paper back on the table, the joy on her face quickly deflated like a popped balloon.
"Sigh." She let out a long sigh, slumping onto the soft sofa like a boneless doll, sliding down the smooth silk cushion.
"What's wrong? You were so happy just now?" Cecilia was amused by her dramatic change, helping her up while stifling a laugh.
"I am happy, I am happy," Helga said weakly, her face filled with anxiety. "I am happy to receive the Boss's letter and know that he still thinks of his overworked employee, and I'm a little… embarrassed." She paused, her tone shifting to full-blown complaint: "But he's fighting on the front line, and he's still remotely assigning me these tasks that sound ridiculously difficult! First the semi-automatic rifle, then the Gas-Operated Principle—I feel like I'm going to lose another handful of hair!"
Watching Helga's utterly defeated expression, Cecilia could no longer hold back her laughter. She reached out and gently rubbed Helga's cheek, finding the young woman endearing.
"Alright, alright, don't fret." Cecilia comforted her with a smile. "If the weapons factory is truly overwhelmed, just tell me. I will deploy more top engineers from the conglomerate to assist you."
"Really?" Helga's eyes instantly lit up. Seizing onto the lifeline, she immediately sat upright and began pouring out her troubles to Cecilia. "Sister Cecilia, you don't know how busy I've been! Ever since the company's Light Machine Guns and Submachine Guns were equipped by Mr. Morin's unit, he seems to have made quite a name for himself on the battlefield. Military orders are continuously pouring into the company, each one larger and more urgent than the last!"
She began counting on her fingers: "Our factory is running on three shifts now, the machinery is operating non-stop 24 hours a day, and the workers are working around the clock, but we still can't keep up with production…"
"A few days ago, the Logistics Department placed another urgent order, demanding we deliver five thousand more MP14 Submachine Guns and corresponding ammunition. They say the attrition in urban Street Fighting is too high, and they urgently need resupply! But how am I supposed to magically conjure five thousand guns in such a short time?"
"And…" Helga's frown deepened. "Since the war started, many skilled master craftsmen and young, strong workers at our factory answered the call to arms and enlisted. Now, many on the production line are newly hired apprentices. Not only is their efficiency low, but the defect rate is incredibly high. I have to personally supervise the workshop every other day."
Hearing this, Cecilia's smile gradually faded, replaced by a serious expression. She knew Helga's account was accurate. Once the machinery of war starts, the demand for military production grows exponentially. Schmeisser Arms Manufacturing Co., Ltd., despite its advanced technology, was a small-scale operation with limited capacity. Meeting the demands of the entire Imperial Army was a monumental task.
"Recently, representatives from Mauser Arms Manufacturing Co., Ltd. and the Saxon Arms and Ammunition Arsenal have approached us," Helga continued, her tone tinged with uncertainty and a plea for guidance. "They both expressed interest in acquiring licenses to manufacture the MG14 and MP14, offering to help us expand production."
"Oh?" A sharp glint flashed in Cecilia's eyes. "They are quite proactive."
Helga nodded: "Yes. In fact, our relationship with these two companies has warmed significantly recently."
Cecilia: "Why is that?"
"Because our MG14 Light Machine Gun and their Gew.98 Rifles use the same 7.92mm Mauser rifle round. And the 9mm pistol round for the MP14 Submachine Gun is one of their main products. The more guns we produce, the larger their ammunition orders become, which is great for them." Helga explained. "In fact, to help us improve gun performance, they even proactively sent their own technical teams to assist us in modifying the propellant and warheads for both types of ammunition. They have been very cooperative."
"But I'm hesitant." Helga looked at Cecilia, finally asking the question she had been wanting to ask: "I feel uneasy handing over the manufacturing licenses to them. What if they steal our core technology, or engage in cutting corners during production? I wanted to discuss it with the Boss, but he's unreachable at the front line, and I didn't want to bother you, Sister Cecilia, knowing how busy you are."
Watching Helga's distressed look, Cecilia gently patted her hand, then spoke in a voice that brooked no argument: "Helga, you don't have to worry. Friedrich entrusted the company to you because he trusts your technical skills. And I am here to help you handle all these non-technical troubles."
She stood up, slowly pacing in the hall. The powerful aura belonging to the 'Radiant Crystal Queen' subtly emanated from her. "It is naturally a good thing that two other enterprises are willing to help expand production."
Her voice was calm and decisive: "The military's orders must be met. This concerns not only the front line but also Friedrich's and our company's reputation. As for your concerns about technology leakage and production quality, those can all be resolved through contractual terms."
She stopped pacing, turning to look at Helga, her eyes shining with confidence. "You don't have to worry about this matter anymore. I will take the time to personally negotiate with the heads of the Mauser Company and the Saxon Arms and Ammunition Arsenal."
"If they want a manufacturing license from us, fine, but they must show sufficient sincerity. If they intend to take advantage of Friedrich, they must first ask if I, Cecilia von Falkenstein, agree."
Her words were resolute, filled with confidence and a strong sense of protectiveness. Helga listened, feeling all her anxiety and worry vanish in that moment. It felt as if, with the omnipotent Sister Cecilia present, no trouble was too great.
"Sister Cecilia…" Helga's eyes reddened with emotion and gratitude.
"Alright, don't worry so much." Cecilia sat back down beside her, her voice softening. "Your only task right now is to focus on the new weapon Friedrich mentioned in the letter. I will handle the production issues in the rear. We must ensure we provide Friedrich with the most reliable weapons on the front line so that he and his soldiers can return safely."
Hearing Morin's name, Helga nodded emphatically.
Cecilia looked at her, making a silent decision. She would not only help Helga resolve this licensing issue but also seize the opportunity to completely restructure and expand Schmeisser Arms Manufacturing Co., Ltd. She would utilize the vast resources of Falkenstein-Eisenstein United Industries to transform this company, which was originally a small workshop, into a genuine military industrial giant.
"Sister Cecilia, you are the best!" Helga could no longer suppress her excitement and gratitude. She lunged forward, tightly hugging Cecilia.
Cecilia was momentarily surprised by the sudden embrace, her body briefly stiffening. She hadn't expected Helga to make such a gesture. But quickly, she relaxed, feeling the genuine reliance and trust emanating from the girl in her arms. A warm feeling surged through her heart. She reached out and gently hugged Helga back, affectionately patting her back.
"Silly girl." Cecilia's voice carried a touch of fondness she hadn't realized was there. In that moment, she felt that having a sister like Helga was quite a wonderful thing. The young woman might be slightly naive about social conventions, but she shone with genius in her professional field, and her character was pure and straightforward, like a blank slate. Being with her always brought a sense of ease and joy. That Friedrich fellow's judgment of people isn't bad, Cecilia thought to herself.
Helga nestled into Cecilia's warm embrace. Smelling her faint fragrance, all her stress and troubles evaporated. "Alright, get up now, you need to mind your manners," Cecilia said, gently pushing her away with a smile.
Helga reluctantly let go and sat up straight, but her face still wore a brilliant smile. With her biggest worry resolved, Helga's mood completely lifted. She picked up Morin's letter again, pointing to the sketch and animatedly discussing it with Cecilia.
"Sister Cecilia, look at the structure the Boss drew. It's simple, but it makes perfect sense! Using the propellant gas to drive a piston, which cycles the bolt to extract the casing and chamber the next round, with the return spring completing the chambering…"
"The entire process is fully automatic! The shooter only needs to pull the trigger!" She gestured with her hands as she spoke, completely engrossed in her technical world.
Cecilia watched her spirited display. Although she only half-understood the complex mechanical terms, she could feel Helga's passion and love for technology. She did not interrupt, only listening patiently with a smile, occasionally nodding to offer encouragement. She found herself truly enjoying watching Helga talk about weapon design. In those moments, the young woman was confident and focused, her eyes shining with starlight, exuding a unique charm… Just like I used to be.
Just then, Luna, the Head Maid, walked over again and reported with a slight bow: "Madam, I just contacted Miss Patricia."
"Oh? What did she say?" Cecilia asked.
"Miss Seeckt said she is aware. She asked that you hold onto the letter for now. She will personally come to pick it up after she finishes work this afternoon," Luna replied respectfully.
"Personally come over?" Cecilia was surprised. She had expected Patricia to send someone, not come herself. It seems Friedrich is quite influential.
"Understood. Please prepare tea and refreshments for Miss Seeckt this afternoon," Cecilia instructed.
"Yes, Madam," Luna replied before withdrawing.
Helga, hearing that Patricia was coming, also asked curiously: "Sister Cecilia, did the Boss write to that Miss Seeckt too? Are they very close?"
"Well, now…" Cecilia mused, "You met them at the ball, didn't you? Friedrich's relationship with her is exactly as you saw it." As she spoke, she picked up the letter addressed to Patricia from the table and weighed it in her hand. The letter seemed thinner than the ones written to them. I wonder what earth-shattering 'concepts' he wrote about in that one.
In that moment, the threads of fate of three vastly different yet equally talented women began to quietly intertwine because of one man on the distant battlefield. Cecilia looked at Helga, who was still excitedly studying the blueprint beside her, then thought of Patricia, who would be visiting that afternoon. A meaningful smile curved on her lips. She suddenly felt that the days ahead might become very interesting.
She cast her gaze out the window, looking at the rose bushes blooming brightly in the manor garden. The vibrant flowers in the sunlight seemed to foretell something.
"The most beautiful rose of Gaul," she murmured, quoting Morin's letter, her eyes distant and gentle. "Friedrich, you must return safely… Otherwise, these girls entangled with you back here will be heartbroken."
Though I wonder exactly how many 'girls entangled with you' there really are.
(End of this Chapter)