Chapter 129: The Banquet Table Is Ready (2)
Major General Yaegers exclusive barracks.
Normally, our 12th Brigade would have stayed in Francois, waiting idly for the relief soldiers to arrive.
But His Imperial Majesty ordered us via edict to return to the capital immediately, unlike the other units staying in Francois.
So, we couldnt enjoy the wild feasts like those waiting for the replacement soldiers.
Normally, the soldiers and officers who couldnt enjoy the privileges given to victorious units would be disappointed.
Is this really happening, Sergeant?
It looks like the alcohol from yesterdays brigade commanders feast hasnt worn off. Should I pinch your cheek?
Well, its almost unbelievable that our 12th Brigade alone, though informally, will be attending the Emperors consolation banquet.
From the privates to me, the brigade commander, the fact that we could attend a banquet hosted by the Emperor himself filled us all with excitement.
Moreover, the Emperor even implicitly granted us the right to march into the city while armed.
Although not a formal triumphal procession, it was an achievement every member of our brigade would brag about for the rest of their lives.
Additionally, the Emperor hosting a banquet in our honor meant abundant rewards, from the lowest-ranked soldiers to me.
That was why everyone was smiling despite the delay in their leave.
Major General, sir.
Turning towards the voice calling me, I saw Lieutenant Anya there.
Ah, Lieutenant. Whats the matter?
As I asked, Anya approached me with an expression of joy mixed with tension.
Is it really true that our archer cavalry can lead the march through the city? Even though we, the White Wolves and archer cavalry, defected from the North and became official citizens of the Empire
I completely understood her cautious approach.
While she had been granted a knighthood, land, and the rank of Lieutenant, giving her authority over her tribes warriors and people, in return for swiftly surrendering and dedicating everything to the Empire after being driven out by Ludwig in the North.
It was evident, even though I hadnt directly seen it, how Lieutenant Anya must have been perceived within the Imperial Army and the Empire.
Inside our brigade, I had declared that anyone caught discriminating against her just for being a Northerner would be sent to a military tribunal.
There was no one who directly discriminated against her or viewed Northerners unfavorably because of this.
The Imperial Army, being diverse with officers and soldiers of various origins, hardly had any fools who discriminated directly.
But I had received reports of fools, whose only pride in life was being born into the Imperial nobility or citizenship, mocking or ridiculing the archer cavalry comprised of Northerners.
After enduring such treatment for nearly two years, it was understandable why she would ask if it was okay to lead the march in a prominent city parade.
This reminded me of when I had just been promoted to captain and asked my father-in-law if, as a commoner by birth, I should be more submissive.
Because I was discriminated against for being a commoner, and Anya was being disregarded for being a Northerner.
A good way to gain loyalty from a subordinate with such concerns would probably be to empathize and assure her that she could do it.
Furthermore, I should make it clear that, even if others ignored her, I would not forget her achievements and dedication.
Let me use this opportunity to gain goodwill from Lieutenant Anya and the Northerners.
By doing so, Anastasia Kerzhit and the Northerner archers would be willing to fight for me on other battlefields, risking their lives.
Lieutenant Anya, do you know this?
What are you talking about?
Now Im known as the youngest major general and considered a rule-breaker, but back then, being a commoner and an orphan, I faced severe discrimination. In my senior year at the academy, a junior noble ridiculed me, asking what commoners eat. Such incidents were quite frequent.
Those times were truly bitter.
Although I didnt face overt discrimination from teachers during school, the pranks and bullying among students were severe.
Of course, after I was promoted to captain on the Raintlant frontline, even the senior who bullied me in my first year had to shiver and salute me.
But now, no one mocks me. Instead, young scions of other noble families either envy or are jealous of me.
The issue was that these scions werent just in their 20s; some were in their 30s or even mid-40s who failed to inherit a title.
Do you know why?
Because, Major General, youve accumulated incredible victories and achievements in numerous wars. And you even vanquished our nemesis, Ludwig, in battle.
Indeed, thats correct. By becoming a more outstanding commander than those who mocked me, Ive become an object of everyones admiration. Funny thing is, back in the academy, scions of knight, baron, viscount, count, and duke families who wouldnt even glance at me are now queuing up to connect with me.
When I had just become a major general, the eldest son of the Littenheim Duke family expressed his desire to build a connection with me, a pillar of the military.
He even secretly proposed that we hang out, having reserved the most popular pub in the imperial capital.
Of course, not wanting to entangle myself more than necessary with nobility, I chose to work overtime that night to avoid the encounter.
I believe you will become the envy and jealousy of the empire, just like I did. A testament to this was your performance in Hattin Forest, where you played with 600 knights using just 200 men. Let me say it again: our victory and survival in the Hattin Forest battle was solely thanks to the archer cavalry.
I was being sincere. Honestly, if the archer cavalry hadnt held back those 600 knights
Our brigade might have succeeded in inflicting substantial damage, reducing the enemys forces by 30-40%, but we would have failed in defense.
This could have led to the failure of the entire expedition.
Thank you for saying that, Major General.
No need to thank me. And about the copies of the documents I sent via courier to His Highness the Crown Prince and the military department just wait a moment.
Saying that, I called the administrative officer to bring the documents containing the personnel evaluations of the archer cavalry.
Not long after, the administrative officer brought the documents and showed them to me.
Since these documents have already been submitted to the military department and dont contain any confidential information, theres no harm in you taking a look. Go ahead and read them.
Yes, I understand.
Anastasia then read through the documents, page by page, her face showing surprise, whispering in a low voice.
Alexy, promoted to sergeant. Vladimir, sergeant major, opt for officer training or promotion to warrant officer. Danil, lieutenant, promoted to captain and awarded a bonus
As she read the names of about 14 archer cavalry members, Lieutenant Anya seemed deeply moved, as I had anticipated.
Her voice began to tremble with emotion, and at that moment, I handed her the recommendation letter for Lieutenant Anya, which I had picked out from the documents.
Lieutenant Anya started reading it, her voice almost breaking with tears.
Lieutenant Colonel Anastasia Kerzhit. Without her, the battle at Hattin Forest would have undoubtedly ended in defeat. Therefore, I hope to acknowledge her contributions by promoting her to the rank of Colonel. Furthermore, the example set by the archer cavalry of the White Wolf tribe she leads will be a great model for fully integrating the Northern people into the empire Please reward them generously.
I heard that not only the Northern warriors but also the serfs have been struggling as the land youve been allotted is not very expansive. So I thought asking for this reward might be helpful and decided to request it personally.
From what I heard, the land granted by His Majesty the Emperor was limited compared to the number of people the Northern tribes had brought.
And with their unfamiliarity with farming in the different conditions of the empire, the harvests had been small, resulting in poverty among the Northern people brought by Lieutenant Colonel Anya.
They must have been in desperate need of more land.
Upon hearing this, tears welled up in Anyas eyes.
Youve worked hard. Youve given your best under my command. As your superior, Ill do my utmost to repay you.
Thank you. Thank you, Major General.
At that moment, I decided to say what was most needed to earn Lieutenant Colonel Anyas loyalty.
Youve done more than enough already. Thanks to you, the warriors and people of the North have found hope in life instead of starving to death back home. If you came to me and the empire seeking hope, I want to say that I, too, see hope in you. So, I swear to assist the White Wolf tribe and the Northern people as much as I can while Im in the military.
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