Chapter 56: Uniting the Military Spirit
TL: Etude
The next day, Paul saw off Queller, Hansel, and their group outside the town. Accompanying them was a supply convoy, a token of the Alda territorys loyalty to the royal house. Though modest in quantity, it was a symbolic gesture.
To prepare for the potential resistance in the upcoming emancipation of slaves, Paul began a significant overhaul of the military based on Hansels advice to have a strong foundation of support:
1. He established a Logistics Department responsible for military supplies procurement, distribution, and payrolls. Ron, who previously handled supplies for the new recruits training camp, was appointed as the head of this department.
2. An Equipment Department was set up for research and testing of military weapons. Kelly, who previously managed grenade production, was named as the head of this department.
3. He formed a Staff Department, tasked with analyzing wartime situations, advising Paul, and developing combat plans based on his directives. During peacetime, this department would lead the training and development of land forces. The chief officer, the Chief of Staff, would continue to be the old knight, Schroeder.
4. A Naval Department was established to command naval operations during war and oversee training and development in peacetime. Austin, the acting commander of the Northwest Bay Fleet, would also serve as the chief officer of this department.
Paul instructed the Staff Department to refine military regulations and disciplinary systems, especially tightening the duty system for officers. All officers were prohibited from leaving their posts without permission, and company-level officers and below were required to reside in the barracks. If a soldier or officer left without permission and did not return within two days, they would be punished; if they failed to return within two weeks, they would be treated as deserters.
Through these changes, the military became more functionally specialized, resembling a professional army.
To train more high-quality officers, a military academy, Grayman Military Academy, was built next to the Weiss Academy. Schroeder, Bryce, and other senior officers developed military textbooks and training outlines tailored to the Alda Armys characteristics, based on the eras combat requirements. Paul also contributed, applying military knowledge he had learned from forums in his previous life and occasionally offering suggestions.
The military academy was initially more of a crash course for officers, primarily serving active low-ranking officers in the current forces.
A slogan painted in white on the walls of the Lakeheart Town barracks read, The military cannot exist without the people, just as fish cannot live without water. Paul was striving to build a bond between the military and civilians, inspired by a certain army from his past life. The image of national armies in this era wasnt particularly positive.
While there were exemplary commanders like Princess Catherine of the Ordo Kingdom, known for her well-disciplined forces, such cases were exceptions. Most armies could be summarized as discipline maintained by the whip, morale by plunder, often harassing and exploiting even their own people.
Paul ordered the troops stationed in Lakeheart Town and Port Fran not to disturb the civilians and to participate in voluntary labor on weekends to assist nearby residents, improving the militarys social image.
Somehow, the term children of the regiment emerged as a new nickname for the Alda military personnel, gradually becoming popular throughout the territory.
Paul also instructed local clerks to assist soldiers families, especially those of soldiers who were disabled or lost in battles against pirates, hoping to foster a culture of military support to attract more young people to join the army and protect their homeland.
Additionally, he increased the soldiers monthly salary by sixty percent after consulting with the steward Philip about the current financial situation of the lords mansion. A new recruit could now earn 500 copper coins per month. Considering the cost of living in the northwest, this was a substantial income. Since the army provided food, accommodation, and clothing, soldiers could save their entire salary or have part of it sent directly to their families through the Logistics Department.
To curb the phenomenon of ghosting and the exploitation of soldiers in the military after its expansion, salaries were directly distributed to the soldiers or their families by the logistics department, with no interference from their superiors.
At that time, there was a widespread sentiment of gratitude towards the Count throughout the military.
After entering July, on a spacious area on the southern shore of Lake Weiss, a tall monument and a grand building were completed. The monument was engraved with the words Forever Remembered, and the grand buildings entrance bore the inscription Hall of Heroes.
This was something Paul insisted on building despite many objections. Constructed with precious stones and materials, it indeed cost a significant sum.
The hall displayed the names, origins, and life stories of every soldier from the Alda army who had sacrificed their lives, including those who perished in the ambush that claimed Old Graymans life.
On the day of its completion, the Lords Manor held a solemn memorial service in front of the hall, inviting the families of the fallen soldiers to attend. The somber atmosphere brought many to tears, especially the soldiers, many of whom wept openly.
They mourned the sacrifice of their comrades and were moved by Pauls kindness. For centuries, it had always been the high-ranking generals and heroic warriors who were celebrated through generations, but who remembered these seemingly insignificant soldiers? Countless unnamed soldiers fell on the battlefield and were eventually forgotten as their families passed away, their memories fading into the long river of history.
From now on, however, the names of these ordinary soldiers would also be known and commemorated by future generations, as long as this building stood.
Father Morrison, Father Anderson, and Dean Leonard presided over the prayer ceremony during the memorial, leading the monks in prayers to the Lord of Light, hoping that the sacrificed soldiers would lead happy and blessed lives in heaven.
It was unprecedented in history for a noble to value low-ranking soldiers so highly. The old dean couldnt help but wonder if the young Count, as Morrison had said, was truly a messenger sent by the Lord of Light to save the suffering of the world.
A few days after the memorial service, two figures rode slowly out of Lakeheart Town on horseback.
Fergus, have you really decided to leave? Bryce looked at his old friend, attempting one last persuasion.
His friend Fergus nodded, saying, The Count has grand ambitions and clearly wants to build a strong army. His new rules are excellent. But you know me, Im used to a laid-back life, and suddenly adapting to all these strict rules is a bit too much for me.
Bryce replied helplessly, Alright then, I wont insist. What are your plans for the future?
Fergus, Bryces good friend, was warm-hearted and straightforward. The two got along very well. After Pauls reforms, Fergus served as the deputy commander of a company and made significant contributions in the battles against the pirates.
His only flaw was his casual demeanor. Struggling with the strict military discipline, he voluntarily requested retirement.
According to the new military regulations, this would normally warrant severe punishment. However, considering that he was one of Old Graymans knights and had many merits, Paul discreetly allowed his release.
He told Bryce, I plan to manage my estate and live a carefree life as a wealthy landowner! But if the Count needs me, I will definitely come galloping to his aid.
Bryce raised an eyebrow, I knew you would say that! Anything else?
Fergus slapped his forehead, I forgot, if you call me for a drink, Ill come riding over without a second thought!
Thats more like it! We havent settled whos the better drinker yet! The two laughed heartily.
So, take care! Lets have a good drink together next time! Definitely!
They waved goodbye, and Bryce stood by the bridge, watching his friend ride off into the sunset.
This chapter should be 55.
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