Translator: Cinder Translations
...
The northwest territories of the Kingdom of Aldo spent the New year 1993 of the Holy Calendar amidst cold winds and winter snow, welcoming the new year. This year, Paul chose to spend this significant holiday with the soldiers in the military camp.
The army of Alden now consists of a total of eight infantry battalions, with two battalions stationed in Emden, two in Byerldine, and the remaining four stationed in Alden Town.
On the Day of Advent, over two thousand soldiers from the four battalions gathered in formation on the parade ground, arranged into four neat squares. All officers and soldiers received a notification that their supreme commander, Earl Grayman, had important matters to announce.
Paul stepped onto the podium under the watchful eyes of everyone, satisfied as he "scanned" the officers and soldiers below him.
The effect of the new military uniforms was impressive; the morale of his army was elevated once again. Coupled with the soldiers standing at attention, they appeared spirited and alert.
Following the common practice of this era, Paul first extolled honor and loyalty, encouraging the officers and soldiers to continue their efforts to defend their homeland and loved ones.
However, these were mere platitudes; the practical words that followed made everyone perk up.
"In recognition of your loyalty and dedication, I—Paul Grayman—have decided to raise the salaries of all members of the army."
"I have specially printed a batch of manuals explaining the revised salary and reward system, which will be distributed to everyone. I hope you will bravely fight the enemy, obey orders under any circumstances, and accumulate military achievements to elevate your ranks. And I—Paul Grayman—swear to strictly adhere to the regulations I have set!"
"Here, I mainly want to mention our largest group of soldiers, the private brothers. After this salary increase, an ordinary private will receive 700 copper coins per month, while their family will receive 100 grams of salt each month."
"Hooray!" Before Paul finished speaking, the parade ground erupted with enormous cheers, and the atmosphere shifted from solemnity to enthusiasm.
Even the most ordinary privates could receive such a generous amount, let alone the officers.
"Earl Paul Grayman—my commander, my lord—"
"Under the protection of the Father in Heaven—like wind and thunder—"
"Who doesn't know Earl Grayman and his soldiers—"
The officers and soldiers spontaneously began singing the "Hymn of Earl Grayman."
This song, which slightly embarrassed Paul, was actually quite popular in the army, and nearly everyone knew it.
Although, strictly speaking, the soldiers' reaction at this moment was somewhat against discipline, stopping them from expressing their affection would clearly dampen their spirits. So, Paul could only clap along with their rhythm until the song ended.
Whether an army can maintain its combat effectiveness relies not only on strict discipline but also on sufficient material supplies. Based on Paul's memories, the soldiers in another world maintained high morale not only because of great revolutionary ideals but also because their salaries were double that of enemy soldiers.
After a hard-fought silence, Paul continued to announce his other measures.
"From now on, the salary distribution for everyone in the army will be centrally managed by the logistics department. Those responsible for this will implement vertical management, free from the constraints of military commanders at all levels, and will hand out the money to everyone directly. If any brother receives less than what is stipulated, he has the right to come to me directly to report the situation."
This was to prevent incidents of salary withholding and other malignant occurrences. Although the army he commanded was still small and had not experienced such issues, it was always good to have preventive measures in place.
"Additionally, I will establish a Postal Department within the army to facilitate the delivery of letters and items for you, including your salaries and clothing, which can be sent home through this postal service."
The establishment of military mail aimed not only to provide convenience to the soldiers but also to ensure confidentiality. As Paul vigorously promoted literacy within the army, most could now write simple letters home. However, there might be inappropriate content in these letters, so having a unified department for screening was much better than letting soldiers casually entrust personal deliveries home.
Paul also planned to establish a postal system for civilians but intended to do so after the customs union was formed, bringing in the territories of other lords.
"Okay, I now announce the disbandment. Except for the duty personnel, you are free to move about the military camp today, but be sure to arrive at the mess hall on time before dinner. I have prepared a special delicacy for everyone."
With the announcement of disbandment, everyone, filled with enthusiasm from the salary increase and curiosity about the special delicacy mentioned by their lord, rushed to their desired destinations.
The military camp in Alden Town had many entertaining spots. To enrich the soldiers' recreational activities, Paul racked his brains. In addition to promoting card and chess games, which were considered relatively "refined," he also replicated various sports and entertainment activities from his previous life into this world, such as football, basketball, and table tennis. Compared to board games, sports activities had two significant advantages: they improved the soldiers' physical fitness and consumed a lot of their energy, reducing their focus on romantic interests.
After a short rest, Paul, accompanied by Chief of Staff Schroder, went to the small chapel in the military camp. By the time they arrived, 200 young military officers were already waiting inside. These were the young officers being trained at the so-called "Grayman Military Academy," mostly selected from ordinary soldiers based on their cultural knowledge and outstanding performance. They were gathered together to receive further instruction in culture and arithmetic from teachers transferred from the nearby Weis Academy, while individuals like Schroder and Bryce, who possessed knightly abilities, taught military skills such as command, horsemanship, map reading, and location identification. Most importantly, they instilled loyalty to their commander, Paul Grayman.
Another characteristic of this batch of officers was that most came from commoner or serf families, which was something Paul valued. Those from serf backgrounds had already been granted their freedom along with their families, thanks to Paul's lordly power.
In the original plan, they were to undergo three years of training and education. However, Paul was eager, instructing Schroder to compress the curriculum and accelerate the pace so that these officers could quickly be assigned to the army for practical training.
Today, the young officers had received early news that their lord wanted to have a private "heart-to-heart" talk with them in the chapel after addressing the entire army, so they gathered here after the disbandment.
"Your Excellency!"
Upon Paul's entrance, everyone stood and saluted.
"Everyone, please sit down."
Paul responded.
He placed a chair in the center of the hall and sat down, rather than on the high podium. Then he ordered everyone to rearrange their chairs to sit around him.
"I'm not here today for any important military affairs; I just want to learn about each of you."
"Let's start by talking about your home situations. Where are you from, how many people are in your family, and how did you enlist? Although I am a lord, I am quite interested in the lives of my subordinates. I have been busy with government affairs, and today I finally have time to learn about you."
Striking a balance between maintaining noble dignity and not being aloof—this is what Schroder had advised him.
Giving up noble dignity would lead people of this era to look down on him, while being too distant would make them feel uncomfortable speaking.
"Your Excellency, I... I am Markalov."
A bearded, sturdy man raised his hand and was about to stand.
"No need to stand; just speak while seated."
"Yes, Your Excellency. I come from a village near the port of Frand..."
"That year there were pirate troubles... my family..."
…
Paul listened attentively as the officers shared their circumstances, hearing their joys and sorrows.
Time passed second by second, and the "discussion meeting" continued until the sun set in the west.
"Today's conversation has significantly deepened my understanding of all of you. I think this special meeting can be held periodically, allowing everyone to exchange ideas, such as learning insights, work experiences, and difficulties in life. Even if I am not present, a higher-ranking officer can host it."
"Yes, Your Excellency," the officers responded in unison.
Paul stood up and surveyed the crowd.
"Alright, let's wrap up for today. Now let us go enjoy the delicious food."
A group of people followed Paul toward the mess hall, where a dish called "dumplings" awaited them.
(End of the Chapter)
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