** Same day evening, Purana Qilla, Delhi. **
As the sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the land, the clanging of swords and shouts of soldiers echoed across the open training grounds of the military camp. Rows of soldiers moved in disciplined unison, practicing formations and combat drills, their precise movements creating a sense of organized chaos.
Under a temporary shed, Defense Minister Shadi Khan sat, his sharp gaze focused on the stack of detailed drawings and notes spread across the table before him. Opposite him, Prince Aditya sat with a composed demeanor, sipping a steaming cup of herbal tea, the fresh aroma of tulsi and elaichi mingling in the air.
As Shadi Khan studied the drawings, he spoke, his tone respectful yet intrigued. "Your Highness, these reforms you've proposed for restructuring your military support are truly innovative. Given the relatively smaller scale of your forces, your attention to detail is remarkable. We manage entire divisions, and yet your private forces demonstrate a depth of planning that is commendable."
His voice took on a more excited tone as he continued, "If these ideas were applied to our imperial forces, the impact would be transformative. The efficiency and effectiveness of our support troops could improve significantly."
Prince Aditya acknowledged the praise with a nod, maintaining his composed demeanor. "Thank you, Your Grace. However, I advise caution before adopting these strategies too quickly. They remain untested in the heat of battle. Allow me to explain the structure in more detail."
Shadi Khan leaned forward, his interest piqued. "Please, Your Highness. I am eager to hear more."
Taking a measured sip of his tea, Prince Aditya began. "At the foundation of this structure is the squad, consisting of eight sepoys, led by a sergeant. These squads form the core of our operational units."
Placing the cup back on the table, he continued, "Three squads make up a platoon, led by a second lieutenant. The platoon functions as the primary operational unit on the battlefield, executing missions with precision."
Shadi Khan nodded, clearly impressed. "And how do these platoons fit into the larger framework, Your Highness?" he inquired.
"Platoons combine to form companies," Prince Aditya explained. "Ten platoons make a company, commanded by a captain. These companies specialize in different roles: infantry, cavalry, artillery."
Aditya paused for a moment, allowing Shadi Khan to absorb the information, before continuing. "Four companies come together to form a battalion, which is led by a colonel. The battalion becomes the backbone of our ground forces, responsible for tactical engagements."
Shadi Khan followed every word attentively. "And what about the higher levels, Your Highness?" he asked, his curiosity growing.
"At the next level," Aditya responded, "we have brigades. Four battalions make a brigade, which is commanded by a brigadier. Brigades oversee strategic operations, coordinating multiple battalions."
As he spoke, Prince Aditya's tone grew more animated. "Divisions are composed of several brigades, ranging between 10,000 and 20,000 soldiers, commanded by a major general. They manage large-scale operations and campaigns."
Shadi Khan listened intently as the prince approached the conclusion of his explanation. "Finally, at the top, we have the corps, multiple divisions under the command of a lieutenant general. These forces range from 20,000 to 50,000 soldiers. And," Aditya added with a slight smile, "that position, Your Grace, would be mine."
Shadi Khan sat back, visibly impressed. "Your Highness, this system is thoroughly thought out. It's remarkable to think that someone of your age has developed such advanced reforms. If I may ask, where do these ideas come from? And where were you before all of this?"
Prince Aditya smiled slightly, prepared for the question. "Of course, Your Grace. I was born in South Goa. My mother's name was Ratna. Before my father, His Majesty, could marry her, certain events led her to leave without informing him. For many years, he believed her to have passed away."
Shadi Khan's expression softened as Aditya continued. "By chance, during his northern campaign, my father found her while she was gravely ill. That encounter changed my fate. I was taken under his protection."
He paused, then pondered for a moment before asking, "But, Your Highness, if you were able to learn so much as a child, doesn't that imply they are more advanced than we realize? Could they be potentially dangerous? Is it wise to maintain trade relationships with them?"
Aditya chuckled at the defense minister's sharp insight. "True, I'd compare them to snakes. But I know their nature well. With the threats we face, it's better to extract their knowledge than risk it falling into the hands of the Bahmani Sultanates. The Portuguese could easily make them their next target."
Shadi Khan nodded, absorbing Aditya's words. "I see. Don't worry, I'll prepare a draft that's bound to get the Samrat's approval."
Aditya expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thank you, Your Grace. You've truly lightened my load. I was initially unsure if you would accept my proposal, but it seems you are satisfied now."
Shadi Khan grinned. "Convinced? I'm beyond impressed! If it weren't for protocol, I'd have already copied this for the military reforms."
Aditya chuckled, taking a sip from his cup, content with their progress.
Noticing the prince looking a bit dazed, Shadi Khan asked, "Your Highness, are you alright? You seem distracted."
Aditya snapped back to attention. "Apologies. It's been a long day of meetings, and I didn't sleep well last night."
Shadi Khan smiled in understanding. "Understandable. But thanks to his highness vision, we've refined these reforms. That said, I'm unsure how long it will take to fully implement these changes across the empire, given the disparities between regions."
"His grace is too kind," Aditya replied humbly. "It's the hard work of the council that deserves the credit. Give it another month or two, and I'm sure we'll see the effects. Once we establish the standard units, we can move forward with the remaining reforms."
Shadi Khan acknowledged with a smile and asked, "Is there anything else I can assist you with, Your Highness? After all you've done, I can't let you leave empty-handed."
"There is one thing," Aditya said. "I need help selecting five Subedar-ranked officers, preferably from the lower Hindu castes, who are ready for more responsibility."
"Why only five? And why specifically from the lower castes?" Shadi Khan asked, curious.
"I want my forces to reflect equality above all else," Aditya explained. "I can't afford another incident like yesterday, and if it weren't for your intervention, we might have delayed the inheritance law. By choosing these officers, we can set an example."
Shadi Khan nodded in agreement. "His highness can count on me. Give me three days, and I'll have them selected. I'll also handle the recruitment of mercenaries from the lower castes. It will help his highness' project for the empire."
Aditya, sensing an opportunity, accepted both the praise and the offer graciously. "Thank you, Your Grace. I am fortunate to have your support."
He rose to leave, instructing Hari Singh to collect his tea cup, feeling relieved to finally escape the endless formalities.
As he made his way through the camp, Aditya's mind wandered to his missed morning training session with Raamya. He cursed his bad luck, already anticipating her displeasure.
Lost in thought, he unexpectedly collided with Amira, who appeared out of nowhere, a scowl on her face. Before he could even greet her, she turned away, leaving him baffled by her sudden anger.
Shrugging off the encounter, he continued toward the palace gardens, where he spotted Raamya sitting by the water, gazing at her reflection in the pool. Just as he prepared to approach her, he was interrupted by Yashpal Singh, the royal butler, who came hurrying toward him.
"Your Highness," Yashpal announced urgently, "the Samrat requests your immediate presence."
Reluctantly, Aditya abandoned his plans to meet Raamya and followed the butler to the Samrat's chamber. As he entered, he noticed a chessboard set up before the emperor, a clear signal that this would not be a simple meeting.
The Samrat smiled as Aditya joined him at the board, motioning for him to sit. Aditya obliged, expecting to discuss some state matter. However, the emperor's first question caught him completely off guard.
"So, what's going on between you and the daughters of my Finance Minister and Defense Minister, boy?" the emperor asked, moving a chess piece forward.
Aditya's face paled. He realized, too late, that this entire setup had been orchestrated by the Samrat for reasons far beyond a simple game of chess.