Steel, Guns, and the Industrial Party in Another World

TL: Etude

The northwestern territories of the Kingdom of Ordo had passed the Day of Descent in 1993 of the sacred calendar amidst cold winds and winter snow, welcoming the new year.

That year, Paul chose to spend the important holiday in the barracks with the soldiers.

The army of Alda now consisted of eight infantry battalions, with two stationed in Emden, two in Baylding, and the remaining four in Lakeheart Town.

On the Day of Descent, over two thousand people from the four battalions assembled on the parade ground, forming four neat squares. All officers and soldiers were notified that their supreme commander, Count Grayman, had important matters to announce.

Paul, under the watchful eyes of everyone, walked up to the podium with satisfaction and “scanned” his troops back and forth with his gaze.

The effect of the new military uniforms was good; the morale of his army had been elevated, and with their attention to proper military posture, the soldiers looked energetic and alert.

Following the general pattern of the era, Paul first spoke at length about honor and loyalty, encouraging the officers and soldiers to continue their diligent defense of their homeland and loved ones.

However, these were just formalities; it was Paul’s next practical words that perked up everyone’s ears.

“A booklet has been specially printed to explain the changes in our compensation and reward system, which will be distributed to everyone. I hope you will bravely fight our enemies, obey commands under any circumstances, accumulate military merits, and raise your own rank. And I—Paul Grayman—vow to strictly adhere to the regulations I have set!”

“Allow me to specifically mention our privates, who are the most numerous among us. After the salary increase, an ordinary private can now receive 700 copper coins a month, and their family will receive 100 grams of salt a month.”

“Hurrah!” Before Paul could even finish, a huge cheer erupted on the parade ground, and the atmosphere instantly shifted from solemnity to fervor.

Even the most common soldiers could receive so much; the benefits for officers went without saying.

“Count Paul Grayman—our commander, our lord—”

“Under the guardianship of the Heavenly Father—like the thundering wind and lightning—”

“Who doesn’t know of Count Grayman and his soldiers—”

The officers and soldiers spontaneously started singing “The Ode to Count Grayman.”

This military song, which Paul found somewhat embarrassing, was surprisingly popular in the army and nearly everyone knew it.

Although strictly speaking, the response of the officers and soldiers at this time was a bit undisciplined, preventing them from expressing their affection would obviously hurt their feelings. Therefore, Paul had no choice but to clap along with their rhythm until the song ended.

In maintaining a military’s fighting spirit, besides strict discipline, adequate material support is also essential. Paul recalled from his memories that the soldiers from another timeline were able to maintain high morale over a long period, not only because of their noble revolutionary ideals but also because the soldiers’ pay was double what enemy soldiers received in hand.

After calming down, Paul continued to announce his other measures.

“From now on, the distribution of salary for everyone in the army will be the sole responsibility of the logistics department. The personnel in charge of this will practice vertical management, not controlled by military commanders at any level. They will personally deliver the money into each person’s hands. If any brother receives less than the stipulated amount, he has the right to report it directly to me.”

This was to prevent malicious incidents such as embezzlement or siphoning off soldiers’ pay from occurring. Although the scale of his current army was still small and such things had not happened, it was always good to take preventive measures.

“Moreover, I will establish a ‘postal’ department within the army to handle the delivery of letters or packages for you, including your salaries and clothing, which can be sent to your families through this postal department.”

The establishment of military mail was intended to provide convenience to soldiers and also for the sake of confidentiality. As Paul made great efforts to promote literacy in the army, writing a simple letter home was not a problem for most. However, letters could contain information that should not be disclosed, and a unified department for screening was far better than allowing soldiers to entrust their personal communications to others. ṙαＮôᛒÊＳ

Paul also planned to establish a postal system among the civilians, but he intended to do so after the establishment of the customs union, drawing in the territories of other lords as well.

“Alright, I now declare you may disperse. Except for those on duty, today you are free to engage in activities within the barracks, but make sure to arrive at the mess hall on time before dinner. I have prepared a special delicacy for everyone.”

All were dismissed, and the crowd, fueled by the enthusiasm of the pay raise and curiosity about the special delicacy mentioned by their lord, rushed off to their desired destinations.

There were many entertaining places in the barracks of Lakeheart Town. In order to enrich the recreational activities of the soldiers, Paul had racked his brains. Besides promoting more ‘refined’ activities such as card and chess games, he also replicated various types of sports and entertainment activities from his previous world in this era, such as football, basketball, and billiards. Compared to card and board games, sports had two distinct advantages: they improved the soldiers’ physical fitness and consumed a lot of their energy and attention, reducing the time they spent thinking about the opposite sex.

After a brief rest, Paul and his chief of staff Schroeder went to the small chapel in the barracks. When they arrived, 200 people were already waiting there. These were the so-called “Grayman Military Academy’s” young officers in training, mostly selected from ordinary soldiers with better education and outstanding performance, who were then concentrated for further teaching by educators transferred from the neighboring Weiss Academy. They were learning culture and arithmetic, and receiving military skills training such as command, horsemanship, map reading, and orientation from Schroeder, Bryce, and others with knightly capabilities. But the most important aspect was the instillation of loyalty to their commander, Paul Grayman.

This group of officers had one thing in common: most were from civilian or serf families, an element Paul valued. Those from serf families had been freed by Paul exercising his lordly rights, including their families.

Originally, they were scheduled for three years of training and learning, but Paul couldn’t wait. He instructed Schroeder to compress the curriculum and accelerate the pace, aiming to place these officers into the army for practical training as soon as possible.

Today, the young officers had received early notice that after the lord’s speech to the whole army, he would have a private “heart-to-heart” with them in the chapel, so they gathered there after the dismissal.

“Lord Count!”

As Paul entered, everyone stood up and saluted in unison.

“My gentlemen, please be seated.”

Paul replied.

He took a chair and sat in the center of the hall, instead of on the elevated platform. Then he commanded everyone to rearrange their seats around him.

“Today I’ve come not for any important military matters, but simply to learn about each of you.”

“Let’s start with your families: where you’re from, how many people are in your family, and how you joined the army. Although I’m the lord, I’m quite interested in the lives of my subordinates. I’ve been busy with state affairs until now, but today I finally have the time to learn more about you.”

To maintain the dignity of nobility without alienating people was a balance that had to be struck—a lesson Schroeder had taught him.

To forsake the dignity of nobility would make one appear weak in the eyes of the people of this era, but to be too distant would make it hard for them to speak their minds.

“My lord, I… my name is Makarov.”

A bearded, well-built man raised his hand and was about to stand.

“There’s no need to stand, just speak while seated.”@@novelbin@@

“Yes, my lord. I come from a village near Port Fran…”

“That year, when the pirates attacked… my family…”

…

Paul listened attentively as the officers shared their circumstances, their joys and sorrows.

Time ticked away second by second, and the meeting continued until the sun set in the west.

“Today’s conversation has given me a much better understanding of you. I think such a special meeting could be held regularly, allowing everyone to exchange ideas on learning insights, work experiences, and life’s difficulties. Even when I’m not present, someone in a higher position could preside.”

“Yes, my lord.” The officers responded in unison.

Paul stood up and looked around.

“Well, that’s all for today. Let us now go and enjoy the delicious food.”

The group followed Paul to the mess hall, where a food called “dumplings” awaited them.

…

I love dumplings btw