What I Can Offer

"I understand, the Kingdom of Belfast will be at war with a rogue state. But what can I do to serve the Kingdom? I am merely a merchant who makes soap and steam engines," Ernest said. 

The King and the Prime Minister looked at one another momentarily, then turned to look at him. 

"Your genius is known across Belfast. We believe that you can come up with something that will help us win the war. Let's say a weapon."

So he was right, they wanted him to make a weapon. But the question right now is what kind of weapon do this world use? Like he really has no idea. He saw guards in the palace armed with swords. Is this an era where swords and arrows are the dominant weapons? He needs to know it first.

"What weapons do you use? If I may ask. If it's a weapon you want me to develop, I need to see what currently exists."

King Edward nodded.

"A reasonable request."