Translator: Cinder Translations
...
"Besides civilian hospitals, I also want to establish specialized medical teams within the military to ensure timely treatment of wounded soldiers on the battlefield."
Paul recalled the grim scenes he witnessed last time at the Buteya camp, and Anderson, the priest, even attempted to bleed him while he was unconscious. It was time to reform the backward medical system in this world.
"That's a good idea. Since coming to the Northwest, I haven't seen any place specifically dedicated to medical affairs," Ladia and Eileen nodded in agreement.
"In that case, I'll leave those matters we just discussed to you both. If there's nothing else, please organize today's content and head back."
"Yes, Earl."
The two female advisors bid farewell and left.
After watching them go, Paul instructed his chief secretary, "Summon Supervisor Cecil, Chief of Staff Schroder, and the two camp commanders who are still stationed in Alden Town."
Bernard responded and left, while Paul picked up the two documents he hadn't shown to the female advisors.
Paul carefully read through them again, furrowing his brow at their contents.
"Can greatly enhance strength and speed, and even turn people into monsters?"
He muttered to himself. This effect was more exaggerated than steroids. In this technologically backward world, how could such drugs be manufactured?
Soon, the intelligence director and senior military officers arrived at Paul's office, and they all gathered to discuss the intelligence brought by the Navy in detail.
The Navy's report mentioned a mysterious figure named "Bennet." Prisoners confessed that the drugs brought by Jaden seemed to be provided by this person, and Jaden obeyed this individual unquestioningly.
However, prisoners did not know further details, and the only person who might have known about Bennet's identity, the pirate leader Jaden, had already met his end.
Paul was quite annoyed. Who exactly was this Bennet? Despite his efforts to combat piracy, which had become well-known in the Northwestern Bay, this person was still aiding pirates, clearly disregarding him.
Could it be the neighboring lords who resented him? That was highly possible, such as the Kent family, who had recently threatened him with force.
With a displeased expression, he ordered Cecil, "Use all means necessary and spare no cost to uncover this person's identity."
"As for that mysterious drug, the Navy seized a bit of it from the pirate stronghold. I've decided to have it thoroughly researched by the alchemists recruited from the capital."
What pleased him was that the "Hope" did not disappoint in this battle. Not only did it sink an enemy ship in naval combat and hold off three others, but it also single-handedly captured the pirates' secret stronghold.
Originally, the Navy's plan was to rotate ships to guard the stronghold. However, by the time the second shift arrived, the officers and men from the "Hope" had already turned the pirate stronghold upside down.
Paul asked the group, "What do you think of Captain Quik's proposed plan for cultivating reserve talents?"
Among the slaves rescued this time were many young boys who hadn't yet grown up. Some of them had lost their families to pirates and were essentially homeless.
Captain Quik proposed a suggestion: the military should take in these children, allowing them to live aboard ships with the officers and teaching them various maritime knowledge and military discipline, preparing them as reserve talents for the Navy.
Bryce shook his head, "Don't pirates like to capture underage children to replenish their ranks? Does he want to bring that pirate practice into the military?"
Paul said, "I actually agree with this proposal."
During the peak of the British Empire's dominance at sea, they had a special system in their navy—the Officer Cadet system.
This talent development system was established by King Charles II of England. Any nobleman's child who wanted to serve in the navy had to start as a naval apprentice. This greatly enhanced the navy's combat capability and trained a large number of outstanding officers.
The rank of Officer Cadet was somewhat ambiguous; they were mostly underage boys who learned practical navigation and combat on board ships. These boys were usually from middle-class families, starting as naval servants around the age of 13. After two years at sea, at age 15, they could be recommended as cadets and take the lieutenant's exam at age 20.
Many of the great leaders in British naval history joined the navy in their youth: Nelson joined at 12, Cunningham at 10, Fisher at 13, and Beatty at 13.
Their experience working alongside petty officers, sergeants, and sailors, climbing masts and working hard in the lower decks, allowed them to understand the thoughts of the lower-class sailors. This experience was immensely helpful when they later became lieutenants, captains, or even admirals.
The British naval supremacy lasted for nearly 400 years, and the Officer Cadet system played a crucial role.
Thinking about Officer Cadets, Paul remembered a movie—"Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World." It depicted the story of the British sail warship "HMS Surprise" during the Napoleonic Wars, hailed as a movie for real men. There was a character called Lord Blakeney, a young officer cadet on the ship, which left a deep impression on him.
Schroder also chimed in, "I agree with this proposal too. From what I've observed, the work on ships requires a high level of technical expertise, and we currently lack sufficient equipment and personnel to train new recruits. It's better to let these children learn directly on board; they usually have high learning ability and understanding."
Paul clapped his hands, "Then it's settled."
...
In the central square of Frand Port, the Administrative Hall specifically dispatched personnel to publicize the news of the eradication of Jaden's pirate gang.
Although under the protection of the Navy, the coastal areas of Alda had rarely suffered pirate attacks, occasional news of nearby territories being plundered by pirates still surfaced. The most notorious was the Jaden pirate gang, and people celebrated the reduction of another scourge on the sea.
Amidst the festivities, a figure cloaked entirely in black stood out from the crowd, feeling out of place with the surrounding atmosphere.
Bennet adjusted his hood to cover his face. He snorted and muttered in barely audible tones to himself:
"Paul Grayman, huh? I want to see what you're capable of."
His tone carried full disdain.
(End of the Chapter)