Chapter 128: The Banquet Table Is Ready (1)
Reich Empire Palace, Grand Council Hall.
Count Patton has done something typical of himself again.
If only his temperament were better, he would have already been a marshal. What did he do this time?
He ordered a march 1.3 times longer than the strategy set by Major General Yaeger in the Eastern Expedition, causing chaos in Francois. Moreover, I heard the count himself participated in a lance charge.
Minister of Military Affairs Otto must have been gripping the back of his neck in frustration.
As the ministers and generals, the heads of the empires administration, were engaged in such informal chatter, the door opened with the sound of a trumpet.
Presenting His Imperial Majesty, Fernando von Reich, the Sun of the Reich Empire!
At this announcement, everyone stood and bowed in respect, and the Emperor took his seat on his throne at the top and then spoke.
No need for unnecessary greetings. We have much to discuss today, so lets start right away with the commendation ceremony. Begin with Count Patton.
Following the Emperors command, the empires chancellor stood up to make the declaration.
Count Heintz von Pattons achievements are as follows. Acting as a field commander, he expanded the scope of the pillaging operation conceived by Major General Yaeger by 1.3 times, maximizing damage to Francois. In the Battle of Crecy Plains, he successfully led 6,000 knights to completely annihilate the enemys infantry, contributing greatly to the victory.
Upon hearing this, the Emperor experienced the curse of feeling a headache again whenever he heard the name Patton in commendations.
Indeed, the former operation was riskyl; a sudden change could have led to disaster if it had not succeeded.
And for the latter, it was absurd that a task that should have been commanded by a lieutenant colonel or major general was being carried out by someone in a commanders position.
Fortunately for the Emperor, Patton would retire in a year, meaning he would no longer be on the battlefield.
Count Patton has greatly contributed to the military for decades as a general. Therefore, I propose awarding him the Diamond Knight Sword honor, granting him the lifetime status of honorary general, and bestowing upon him the title of Count of Rashtadt and 12,000 gold. What do you think?
None of the ministers opposed, and they gestured to the chancellor to proceed with reading about Peter Yaeger, who had the next greatest achievements.
They braced themselves for what they internally referred to as Yaegers antics, calming themselves before focusing intently.
Next, I will list the achievements of Major General Peter Yaeger. Under the instructions of Minister Otto von Moritz, he initially designed the expedition plan, annihilated a 10,000-strong Francois army with just one brigade in Hatin Forest, and successfully captured the enemys commander-in-chief in the Battle of Crecy Plains.
When they heard this, both the Crown Princes faction and the anti-Crown Prince faction ministers and generals, beyond their political interests, wanted to applaud in celebration, but
In addition, unofficially but on His Majesty the Emperors secret orders, I participated in the peace negotiations as Duke Benners aide. There, we successfully obtained the territories east of Bisch, Chabert, and Strasbourg from the Republic. Next month, we plan to hand over Chairman Robespierre of the pro-war faction, who advocated war against the Empire, and his committee members to the Papal Court of Inquisition, along with a letter of apology.
The Emperor, having been informed earlier by Duke Benner than the chancellor or other ministers, was aware that Major General Yaeger had secured land several times larger than he had instructed, so he was not astonished.
However, the chancellor and the other ministers were amazed that such a vast land, significantly contributing to the economy of Francois, was obtained in just one war, exceeding their expectations.
Long live the Reich Empire! Long live the Reich Empire!
Long live His Imperial Majesty! Long live the Reich Empire! The Empire will now grow even stronger!
Your Majesty, congratulations! You have finally fulfilled the dream of the previous Emperor, three generations ago, to punish the Francois Republic!
While admiration was due and the achievements deserved applause, it was enough for now.
As it was time for political interests to intervene, the Emperor was preparing to be especially generous.
Your Majesty, with all due respect, Major General Peter Yaeger is accused of killing a noble with a title. Although there are circumstances to consider, this must be taken into account when discussing his commendations.
Lets read it.
Baron Leon von Granz, head of the Granz noble family, was arrested for attempting to rape a maiden in a Francois village. Despite his offer to take responsibility by making her his concubine, he was beheaded on the spot by the commanding general in front of everyone. Although there are many circumstances to consider, it was not an urgent situation, and the head of a noble family was executed on the spot, which warrants some responsibility. This is according to a report sent by Major General Yaegers personal maid, Charlotte, and the scenes military police officer.
Hearing the report, the other ministers and generals began murmuring among themselves.
The young man is a major general, full of vigor. Although theres no issue from a military law perspective, to think he beheaded the head of a barons family on the spot
Hasnt this completely cut off a barons family? The documents show hes the son-in-law of Minister Guderian.
The issue is that he beheaded the head of a barons family without proper trial procedures. Major General Yaeger doesnt seem to consider allying with nobles, trusting his own abilities.
Amidst this, Count Logos, the Justice Minister and a supporter of the Second Prince, stood up and spoke to the Emperor.
Your Majesty, even though Major General Yaegers actions were within military law, they were somewhat extreme. We cannot impose penalties like death, stripping of title, life imprisonment, or dismissal as in a typical noble homicide, but he did execute a baron without trial.
Thats true. So, what kind of punishment do you suggest?
Thats for Your Majesty to decide. The authority of summary judgment that generals wield with their swords represents the Emperors power on the battlefield. However, I think some form of discipline would be appropriate.
The Emperor nearly chuckled inwardly upon hearing this.
For Major General Yaeger, known for being flawless, executing a baron would be one of the few blemishes on his otherwise impeccable career.
The Emperor saw through Count Logoss intention to hinder Yaegers promotion or advancement by any means necessary, given his support for the Second Prince.
Even though personal motives were involved, Count Logoss claim also served to prevent reckless generals from trying to gain fame by imitating Major General Yaeger.
The Emperor decided to propose a consensus that would save the face of the Justice Minister and be agreeable to everyone, including himself.
Very well. We will consider both his faults and achievements before deciding on his reward. His contributions to Hatin Forest and the Battle of Crecy are truly significant. I would have considered a promotion to lieutenant general, but there is no precedent of a general receiving a double promotion except in cases of national crisis, and given his fault, we will promote him by one rank to lieutenant general.
Upon hearing this, all ministers and army generals lost any reason to oppose Major General Yaegers promotion, considering his enormous achievements, including capturing the enemy commander and annihilating a 10,000-strong force with just 4,000 troops.
At the same time, they were also growing increasingly envious because their sons and grandsons couldnt even come close to matching Major General Yaegers feats.
In recognition of his numerous achievements and his significant role in securing vast territories as a negotiator, we will bestow upon him the city of Strasbourg and its surrounding lands, 10,000 gold, and a shield and sword engraved with the Imperial crest.
With a sigh and an expression of regret, the Emperor concluded his statement.
Lastly, as the killing of Baron Granz was legally sound under military law, no harsh punishment is warranted. However, there was a slight shortfall in executing him without reporting to superiors and sending him to a military court. Therefore, I plan to return his unit to the capital and impose a one-month suspension on Major General Peter Yaeger. What do you think, Justice Minister Logos?
Logos, suddenly called upon, thought this was not what he intended.
He had aimed to impose a minor shackle on Major General Yaeger with this opportunity, but a mere one-month suspension for someone in his mid-twenties
Far from being a chain, this seemed like a meaningless punishment.
For older generals striving to advance before reaching retirement age, a one-month suspension could be career-ending.
It often meant missing a promotion and having to retire at the current rank.
Since Major General Yaeger had just been promoted and wouldnt be eligible for another promotion next year despite his achievements and being in his twenties, he could potentially serve in the military for another 40 years or so
However, what Justice Minister Logos actually said was,
Its a wise decision, Your Majesty. Then let us widely disseminate this joyous news throughout the nation.
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