Translator: Cinder Translations
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The kingdom's military campaign in the south finally concluded victoriously with the capture of Five Goats City.
After repeated discussions within the Crystal Glare Palace, further arrangements were made: among the six newly formed infantry regiments that participated in the suppression of Giles, four regiments, along with some auxiliary forces, would remain stationed in the southern territories to eliminate any remaining resistance left behind by Giles and eradicate all rebels who dared to disrespect Crystal Glare.
The other two regiments, the First Infantry Regiment and the Second Infantry Regiment, would set off northward. These were the two most distinguished units in the campaign. The First Regiment played a pivotal role in multiple siege operations, while the Second Regiment executed a highly challenging flanking maneuver in the Battle of Eagle's Pass.
Under the leadership of King Rodney XVIII, the kingdom's government devised an ambitious plan: to train more modernized military forces. These two exemplary regiments would serve as models—seeds, so to speak—to cultivate a stronger military framework for the kingdom. Upon hearing about the training corps being established in Alden, the king decided he wanted one for himself.
As the southern region stabilized, more details of the war became public, allowing many to gain a deeper understanding of the newly established army that the kingdom had relied upon.
Anyone with a basic understanding of military affairs could not help but be astonished after reading the battle reports. Beyond the impressive combat capabilities displayed by the new army in conventional warfare, what truly shocked people was the Second Infantry Regiment's flanking operation at Eagle's Pass.
In past wars, outflanking maneuvers, though rare, had been successfully executed before. However, the Second Regiment faced the notorious "Devil's Belly"—a terrain so fearsome it struck dread into all who heard its name. Moreover, they had to contend with relentless rain and other adverse weather conditions. Despite these challenges, they executed their combat plan flawlessly and achieved their objective on schedule. Such a feat demonstrated an extraordinary level of organizational capability.
Many were thrilled that Crystal Glare had regained a powerful, formidable armed force. In aristocratic salons and commoners' taverns alike, people enthusiastically discussed the suppression war, raising their glasses in celebration of the kingdom's military strength.
Heroic deeds from the war were adapted into poems and theatrical performances, receiving rounds of passionate applause.
When the First and Second Infantry Regiments returned, marching in disciplined columns through the streets, the citizens of Crystal Glare poured out in droves to welcome them. The entire city seemed to come to a halt as the people showered the soldiers with flower petals and brightly colored scarves.
It was as if the glorious era, when the king's authority shone like the sun in the sky, had returned once more.
However, among the upper echelons of Crystal Glare, there were those who remained level-headed. The kingdom's new army, in many ways, was merely a simplified version of Alden's military forces. To quickly train an army with significant combat effectiveness, Claude and his team of Alden instructors had streamlined many aspects of Alden's rigorous training regimen before applying it to the kingdom's forces. Additionally, to accommodate the kingdom's relatively poor logistical conditions, the training intensity had been reduced.
If the kingdom's new army could so easily crush Giles' traditional forces, then what kind of power did the Alden military—the model they were imitating—truly possess?
The thought alone was enough to send chills down one's spine.
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"Gentlemen, you have all worked hard in this campaign! Cheers!"
In the banquet hall, King Rodney XVIII raised his glass, beaming as he looked at the officers seated on both sides of the dining table.
Among them were Levin, commander of the First Regiment; Chambers, commander of the Second Regiment; Chief Advisor Claude; and several other senior officers who had participated in the suppression war. They had been invited to the royal palace to have lunch with the king.
"To His Majesty, cheers!" The officers raised their glasses in response.
Rodney XVIII took a small sip of wine and joked, "Please forgive the simplicity of my hospitality today. I assure you, a much grander banquet is being prepared, where every meritorious individual—including the most outstanding soldiers—will be invited."
Claude smiled. "Your Majesty is most thoughtful."
Before coming to Crystal Glare, Claude had imagined that a king would be an aloof and unapproachable figure. However, Rodney XVIII had shattered that preconception. In some ways, this king was quite similar to his own liege, Marquis Paul Grayman. Perhaps this was why the marquis was willing to assist him.
Rodney XVIII turned to him. "I must especially thank you, Sir Claude. Thanks to you and your colleagues, I now have such an exceptional army. I also extend my gratitude to Marquis Grayman for sending someone as capable as you."
Claude immediately stood up. "You flatter me, Your Majesty. It has been my honor!"
And he truly meant it. After all, what teacher would not take pride in seeing their students excel?
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"Brother, you're so unfair! How could you hold such an important luncheon without inviting me?"
A somewhat petulant voice rang out from the doorway of the banquet hall. It was Prince Yuriko Rodney, the king's younger brother.
"Ah, Yuriko, I thought you were out hunting again. Since you're here, come and join us! Let me introduce you to everyone."
Delighted by his brother's arrival, the king stood up and introduced each officer in turn as Yuriko approached the table. "This is Levin, commander of the First Regiment. Every time there was a siege, he and his troops were the first to breach the walls. This is Chambers, commander of the Second Regiment. You must have heard of his heroic feats—the conqueror of Devil's Belly! The bards of Crystal Glare are already singing his praises. And this is…"
As the introductions went on, Yuriko greeted each officer with impeccable manners, quickly earning their favor.
At the end, the prince added sincerely, "Thank you all for your dedication to Aldor."
The luncheon proceeded in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, lasting until two in the afternoon before the guests finally departed.
Afterward, the king and Yuriko moved to the throne hall. Rodney XVIII intended to attend to some state affairs there, but Yuriko followed along with an expression full of contemplation.
This puzzled the king. "Yuriko, is there something on your mind?"
He suspected his brother had gotten himself into trouble again. Despite receiving an excellent education, Yuriko, as a pampered royal, often gave him headaches with his antics.
Yuriko looked at him directly. "Your Majesty, I wish to serve in the military!"
"What did you just say?" The king's voice echoed across the high dome of the throne hall, filled with disbelief.
Yuriko suddenly dropped to one knee on the crimson carpet, his knuckles turning white as he gripped the hilt of his sword. He gazed up at his brother, his silver-trimmed epaulettes rising and falling with his quickened breath. The brass buttons on his uniform pressed uncomfortably against his collarbone—it was evident that he had deliberately chosen to wear this outfit today. Recently, due to admiration for the new army, this style of uniform had become highly fashionable among the nobility of Crystal Glare.
"Brother, is there a position available in the military? I wish to assist you and contribute to the kingdom." His voice was sincere.
Rodney XVIII hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Hmm… I'm glad to hear that you have such aspirations. This is far better than wasting your days in pleasure with your friends."
Hearing this, Yuriko's eyes lit up with excitement. His brother's approval clearly meant a great deal to him.
"My dear brother, could you appoint me as the commander of the First Regiment?"
The king's expression immediately darkened into a deep frown.
(End of the Chapter)
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