Cohesion of Military Spirit

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

The next day, Paul bid farewell to Quiller and Hansel's group outside of town.

Accompanying them was a supply convoy, serving as a declaration of loyalty from Alden to the royal family. Though not numerous, it was a gesture of commitment.

In preparation for potential resistance during the future liberation of slaves, he took Hansel's advice to heart — "You must have strong foundations yourself" — and began to make bold changes to the army; The changes he made were:

Established a Logistics Department responsible for procurement, supply, and disbursing military pay. Ron, who previously handled logistics for the new recruits' training camp, was appointed as Minister of Logistics. Established an Equipment Department responsible for weapons research, development, and testing. Kelly, who managed grenade production, was appointed as Minister of Equipment. Established a Staff Department responsible for analyzing wartime situations, providing advice to Paul, and formulating specific operational plans according to his intentions. During peacetime, they would oversee training and development of the ground forces. The head of the Staff Department, Chief of Staff, remained the veteran knight Schroder. Established a Navy Department, responsible for commanding naval operations during wartime and overseeing training and development of naval forces during peacetime. Austin, acting commander of the Northwest Bay Fleet, also assumed the position of Commander-in-Chief of the Navy.

Paul ordered the Staff Department to refine military regulations and disciplinary systems, particularly tightening duty regulations for all officers. No officer was permitted to leave their station without permission; even lieutenants and below were required to reside in military camps. Any soldier absent without leave for more than two days faced punishment, and those absent for over two weeks were treated as deserters.

With these measures, the army became more professionalized, finally resembling a semblance of a professional military.

To cultivate more high-quality officers, the Staff Department established a new school next to the Weis Academy — the Grayman Military Academy. Senior officers like Schroder and Bryce developed military textbooks and training outlines tailored to the current era's combat requirements of the Alden army. Count Grayman himself pondered deeply, drawing on military knowledge from his past life forums to occasionally offer suggestions.

At this stage, the military academy could only be considered an officer fast-track program, with most students being active low-level officers in the current forces.

On the walls of the military camp in Alden Town, these words were painted in white dye: "The army cannot exist without the people, just as fish cannot live without water."

Paul strove to weave bonds of affection between the military and civilians, inspired by a certain army from his past life. In this era, the image of various national armies in the hearts of their respective people couldn't be said to be good.

Indeed, there were outstanding commanders known for strict military discipline, such as Princess Catherine of the Aldor Kingdom, whose troops had a good reputation among the people.

However, these were isolated examples. Most armies could be summarized in a single phrase: "Discipline by whip, morale by plunder." Even if they didn't invade enemy territory, incidents of bullying and free-loading near their garrisons were not uncommon.

Paul ordered the troops stationed in Alden Town and Frand not to harass civilians. He also organized voluntary labor on weekends, aiming to assist nearby residents with tasks within their capability, thus improving the soldiers' image in society.

It's unclear who first proposed it, but the term "Junior Soldiers" — the new title for Alden's army officers and soldiers — gradually spread throughout the entire territory. Of course, this was a story for later.

Paul also instructed the administrators of various towns and villages to help resolve the living difficulties of soldiers' families as much as possible, especially for families of soldiers disabled or killed in the first two battles against pirates. He hoped that through these measures, a trend of supporting the military and its families would form in Alden, attracting more young people to enlist and defend their homeland.

Furthermore, to prevent the military from expanding without cause, eating up resources or exploiting the populace, Paul raised the soldiers' monthly wages. After studying the financial situation of the Lord's Manor with Steward Philip, he reluctantly increased soldiers' salaries by twenty percent. This meant that a newly enlisted ordinary soldier could now receive 500 copper coins per month.

Considering the cost of living in the northwest region, this was already a quite decent income. Moreover, soldiers received food, lodging, and clothing from the military. If they had no extra expenses, they could send all this money back home or entrust the Logistics Department to send part of their salary directly to their families.

To ensure transparency and prevent corruption like ghost soldiers or embezzlement, salaries were distributed directly by the Logistics Department to the soldiers or their families. Officers at all levels were strictly prohibited from interfering in the distribution of their subordinates' salaries.

At that moment, there was an overwhelming chorus of gratitude and respect throughout the entire army towards Count Grayman.

Come July, on a vacant area along the southern shore of Lake Alde, a tall monument and a grand building were completed. The monument bore the inscription "Forever Remembered," while the entrance of the majestic building was engraved with "Heroic Memorial Hall."

This was insisted upon by Paul against all opposition, constructed with precious stones and materials, which indeed cost a considerable sum.

Inside the memorial hall, the names and life stories of every fallen soldier from the Alden army were displayed, including those who sacrificed their lives in the ambush that befell old Grayman.

On the day of its completion, the Lord's Manor held a solemn memorial ceremony in front of the memorial hall, inviting the families of the fallen officers and soldiers to attend. The solemn and heavy atmosphere moved many to tears, especially the soldiers present, many of whom openly wept.

They mourned the loss of their comrades and reflected on Paul's benevolence. Throughout history, it had always been the illustrious generals and heroes who were remembered and revered generation after generation. Who would remember these nameless foot soldiers, countless of whom perished on battlefields, fading away in the vast river of history with the passing of loved ones?

From now on, the names of these ordinary people would also be known and commemorated like those great figures, as long as this building stood.

Father Morrison, Father Anderson, and Dean Leonard jointly presided over the prayer ceremony during the memorial event. They led the monks in prayer to the Lord of Light, asking God to let these fallen soldiers live a happy and peaceful life in heaven.

Never before in history had there been a nobleman who valued lower-ranking soldiers so highly. The old dean couldn't help but marvel inwardly: Could that Young Earl truly be, as Father Morrison claimed, an emissary sent by the Lord of Light to save the suffering on earth?

...

Several days after the memorial event, two figures rode slowly out of Alden Town on horseback.

"Ferguson, are you really determined to leave?" Bryce looked at his old friend beside him, hoping to persuade him one last time.

Ferguson, as his friend was called, nodded and said, "Earl Grayman has ambitious goals, clearly wanting to build a strong military. The new rules he established are excellent. But you know me, I'm used to idleness. Suddenly having so many rules to follow is a bit hard for me to adapt to."

Bryce sighed, "Well... alright, I won't insist. What are your plans for the future then?"

Ferguson, Bryce's good friend known for his warm-hearted nature and straightforward character, often got along well with Bryce in ordinary times. After Paul's restructuring, he served as the deputy platoon leader in Company One and made significant contributions in the battles against pirates.

His only flaw was his somewhat lax character. When the call for strict military discipline arose, he couldn't bear it and voluntarily requested retirement from the army.

According to the new military regulations, this would have incurred severe punishment. However, considering he was a knight left by old Grayman and had made considerable achievements, Paul discreetly let him go.

Ferguson said to Bryce, "In the future, I plan to manage my estate well and live as a carefree wealthy man! But if Earl Grayman ever needs me, I'll definitely rush to help."

Bryce raised an eyebrow, "I knew you would say that! Anything else?"

Ferguson slapped his forehead, "I almost forgot! If you want to have a drink with me, I'll come galloping over without a second thought!"

"That's more like it! We haven't settled the score yet!" The two laughed heartily as they exchanged glances.

"Well then, take care! Let's have a good drink together next time!" "Definitely!"

They waved goodbye, Bryce remaining on horseback by the bridge, watching his friend ride off into the sunset.

(End of the Chapter)