Preparations

The discussions in Bulgaria regarding the resolution of territorial disputes with Serbia and Greece have intensified. Nationalism has swept through civil society, fueling a fervent disdain among the parties involved. Particularly in Bulgaria, this sentiment has manifested in numerous demonstrations, with citizens vocally insisting on the return of territories occupied by Serbia and Greece. The government, led by Prime Minister Geschoff, found itself under significant pressure from these public displays of discontent. The instability had even seeped into the military, as previously mentioned by Lieutenant General Mikhail Savov to King Ferdinand I. The army showed signs of unrest, compelling King Ferdinand I to consider more drastic measures, including warfare, if peaceful negotiations failed to yield results.

In a solemn meeting, Lieutenant General Mikhail Savov stood before King Ferdinand I, outlining the military's strategy. Senior government officials, including Prime Minister Geschoff and Foreign Minister Tirasnochi, listened intently. King Ferdinand I, eager to understand the proposed approach, prompted Savov to begin his presentation.

With a respectful nod, Lieutenant General Savov commenced, "Your Majesty, we face a formidable challenge. Serbia has stationed 210,000 troops in Macedonia, with 190,000 in the Bitola and Ohrid regions that they occupy. Meanwhile, Greece has positioned over 70,000 troops in Thessaloniki and an additional 60,000 within their borders."

He then shifted the focus to Bulgaria's military capabilities. "Bulgaria commands the largest military force among the three nations, totaling 360,000 troops. However, facing two adversaries simultaneously puts us at a slight numerical disadvantage. After accounting for the 30,000 troops guarding against the Ottoman threat and another 20,000 defending various other areas, our effective strength is 310,000."

The room remained silent as the officials absorbed the gravity of the situation. Historically, Bulgaria's military was not as robust, numbering around 300,000 troops with inadequate ammunition following the Balkan War. However, recent support from Romania and Germany had bolstered the Bulgarian forces, ensuring their readiness exceeded historical levels. The current arsenal included 761 artillery pieces and 683 machine guns, significantly more than in the past.

Lieutenant General Savov then detailed the strategic plan, "Given our disadvantage in numbers, we propose a surprise attack. This will prevent Serbia and Greece from consolidating their forces effectively."

Foreign Minister Tirasnochi, concerned with the ethical implications, interjected, "Isn't a surprise attack somewhat uncivilized? Traditionally, declarations of war precede hostilities."

Savov responded, "Considering the population and military disparity, adhering to conventional tactics would disadvantage us significantly against the Serbian and Greek coalition."

Acknowledging the rationale, Tirasnochi ceased his objections, and Prime Minister Geschoff encouraged Savov to continue.

"Our primary objective is the Serbian forces. We plan to deploy the First Army, Third Army, and the Seventh and Fourth Divisions, totaling 210,000 troops. The First Army will confront Serbia's Second Army in Bitola, where we have a numerical advantage. The Third Army and Fourth Division will target the Ohrid region, where the forces are evenly matched. The Seventh Division will act as a reserve, ready to support where needed."

King Ferdinand, recognizing the plan's resemblance to previous military campaigns but with improved troop strength and equipment, expressed his approval. Despite the historical basis for the strategy, the current plan had been adapted to address the current geopolitical landscape.

Prime Minister Geschoff, focusing on logistics, inquired about the timing of the offensive. King Ferdinand's response was cautious, "We must coordinate with the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Previously, our joint efforts against Serbia faltered without German support. Given the complex international relations, particularly with Russia's stance, we need to ensure alignment with Germany."

Lieutenant General Savov expressed concern about potential delays affecting troop morale and the strategic window. King Ferdinand, contemplating the broader implications, paced thoughtfully before making a decision.

After a tense silence, he resolved, "We will wait one week for a definitive response from our allies. If there is no clear commitment, Bulgaria will proceed independently to address the territorial disputes."

This decision marked a critical moment, reflecting Bulgaria's readiness to assert its interests, balancing diplomatic patience with the urgent nationalist pressures at home. The room, filled with the weight of impending decisions, remained quiet, each official contemplating the complex web of diplomacy, military strategy, and national identity that lay ahead.

In the Twelfth Division stationed in Iasi, the atmosphere was one of brisk efficiency as soldiers busily prepared their gear. Rifles, water bottles, ammunition boxes, cans of gun oil, blankets, and various other essentials were meticulously packed and ready for transport. Major General Feleit, having recently returned from his role with the Bulgarian Observation Group, resumed his command with a critical eye. His recent observations of the Balkan War had provided him with fresh insights which he was eager to apply.

As he watched his troops, General Feleit spoke to his chief of staff, emphasizing the need for logistical efficiency. "Set up additional supply points along the route. It's crucial that the men are well-rested during the march." The chief of staff, somewhat surprised by the commander's insistence on such details—given their routine nature in previous exercises—simply nodded and responded, "Sir, I've dispatched an early transport group and arranged for six resupply points along the route to ensure timely arrival in Slobozia."

Pleased with the response, General Feleit nodded approvingly. "Well done. It's essential our soldiers receive adequate rest." The underlying urgency of his orders stemmed from a recent directive concealed within a telegram from General Prieshan, the chief of the general staff, which cryptically hinted at the exercise being a precursor to actual warfare, a detail not to be disclosed broadly. This added a layer of gravity to Feleit's inspections as he personally verified the readiness of his troops, unable to share the full scope of the impending reality with even his closest aides.

During his inspection, General Feleit examined the personal packs prepared by the soldiers. Each was methodically arranged with bayonets, water bottles, cans of gun oil, leather bullet boxes filled with ammunition, blankets, and a Mauser 98 rifle—totaling nearly 15 kilograms, a weight carefully calculated to match the soldiers' physical capabilities for extended maneuvers.

His attention then turned to the artillery regiment, a crucial component of the Twelfth Division's firepower. Upon arrival, he observed the crew laboriously preparing a 105 howitzer, the division's most significant support weapon. The scene was bustling and somewhat chaotic, with over twenty artillerymen, including a lieutenant drenched in sweat, orchestrating the loading of the cannon onto a truck. This particular howitzer was fitted with modern rubber hollow tires instead of the traditional steel rim wheels, an innovation by the Volkswagen Factory to accommodate the increasing use of trucks in the Romanian army, significantly enhancing mobility and adaptability in field operations.

"Hurry up and secure the cannon," commanded the lieutenant, overseeing the operation as the soldiers attached the cannon to the truck, preparing it for transport to the railway station. General Feleit, observing these efforts, was approached by the artillery captain, who saluted and expressed his dedication to the exercise. "The Chief of the General Staff holds high expectations for this exercise. I've come to ensure everything is proceeding smoothly," Feleit explained, masking the full intensity of his concerns under the guise of routine preparedness.

As he continued his rounds, inspecting various other units, Feleit was reassured by the thoroughness of his troops' preparations, noting that some had even considered the impact of the season by stocking tropical fruits to mitigate the heat. Satisfied, he returned to the division headquarters, comforted by the knowledge that the readiness of the Twelfth Division was reflective of a broader organizational efficacy across all stationed divisions in Romania.

Meanwhile, in the royal palace, General Puleshan briefed Crown Prince Edel on the strategic deployment of forces. He presented a detailed plan positioning key divisions around strategic locations—north and south of Bucharest, between the capital and Constanta, and around Constanta itself. The distribution of heavy artillery regiments was meticulously outlined, ensuring robust support for the infantry divisions.

General Puleshan had skillfully orchestrated the command structure to balance current military leadership dynamics while strategically positioning himself as the commander of the First Army, potentially the most advantageous post for rapid military success. Crown Prince Edel, designated as the commander-in-chief, was briefed thoroughly on these arrangements. He expressed his approval, recognizing the competence of the appointed generals and the soundness of the strategic deployment.

As Romania's military machinations were set into motion, Bulgaria, on the other hand, awaited crucial alliances and support, hinting at the broader geopolitical tensions simmering in the region, poised on the brink of escalation. The careful preparations and strategic foresight demonstrated by Romanian military leadership underscored the gravity of the situation, with each move calculated to ensure optimal positioning in the face of impending conflict.