Chapter 213: (Self Edited) Seized Cannon
Near Kotlaha’s field, I watched from a distance with the military dignitaries as we looked at the seized cannon. Eight soldiers surrounded the seized cannon. The cannon had round rods called trunnions on both sides of its stout body, which hooked onto a base. Oil coated the trunnions, allowing the cannon to pivot up and down using handles on the top. Arms supporting the trunnions grew from the base, which was made of sturdy wood like a sleeper.
There were four handles on each side and two in the front and back, totaling twelve handles on the base. The two soldiers in the middle sandwiched between the front and back could hold with one hand, while the ones in the front and back could use both hands.
The weight would be around 200 to 300 kilograms in total. It wasn’t a weight that even eight men could easily handle. The eight soldiers knelt on the grass-covered ground, holding the handles, each gazing into the sky. As I watched the sky, a soldier on a Royal Eagle descended rapidly.
Almost simultaneously with me, a soldier spotted the eagle and shouted, “At ten-thirty o’clock!” Instantly, the cannon was lifted, aligning precisely with the ground marked with numbered tags, and placed down. A soldier behind the cannon adjusted and fixed the elevation instantly. A soldier with a matchlock pressed a stick against the touchhole. A “pshu” sound was heard, and a thin white smoke rose. The Eagle raised its head at low altitude and ascended again.
“That wasn’t bad. What’s the hit rate now?” (Yuri)
“About three hits out of ten.” (??)
Unfortunately, it was an experienced soldier assigned to this squad who said this. It was pitiful to be given such a nonsensical task.
“We’ve practiced for a whole day and this is the result. What do you think?” (Yuri)
Gathered here were the higher-ups of the military, especially the Heavenly Knights leading the Eagles. When I asked, Gin Toga, who was present today, said something harsh.