Chapter 128: The Banquet Table Is Ready (1)
Reich Empire Palace, Grand Council Hall.
Count Patton has done something typical of himself again.
If only his temperament were better, he would have already been a marshal. What did he do this time?
He ordered a march 1.3 times longer than the strategy set by Major General Yaeger in the Eastern Expedition, causing chaos in Francois. Moreover, I heard the count himself participated in a lance charge.
Minister of Military Affairs Otto must have been gripping the back of his neck in frustration.
As the ministers and generals, the heads of the empires administration, were engaged in such informal chatter, the door opened with the sound of a trumpet.
Presenting His Imperial Majesty, Fernando von Reich, the Sun of the Reich Empire!
At this announcement, everyone stood and bowed in respect, and the Emperor took his seat on his throne at the top and then spoke.
No need for unnecessary greetings. We have much to discuss today, so lets start right away with the commendation ceremony. Begin with Count Patton.
Following the Emperors command, the empires chancellor stood up to make the declaration.
Count Heintz von Pattons achievements are as follows. Acting as a field commander, he expanded the scope of the pillaging operation conceived by Major General Yaeger by 1.3 times, maximizing damage to Francois. In the Battle of Crecy Plains, he successfully led 6,000 knights to completely annihilate the enemys infantry, contributing greatly to the victory.
Upon hearing this, the Emperor experienced the curse of feeling a headache again whenever he heard the name Patton in commendations.
Indeed, the former operation was riskyl; a sudden change could have led to disaster if it had not succeeded.
And for the latter, it was absurd that a task that should have been commanded by a lieutenant colonel or major general was being carried out by someone in a commanders position.
Fortunately for the Emperor, Patton would retire in a year, meaning he would no longer be on the battlefield.
Count Patton has greatly contributed to the military for decades as a general. Therefore, I propose awarding him the Diamond Knight Sword honor, granting him the lifetime status of honorary general, and bestowing upon him the title of Count of Rashtadt and 12,000 gold. What do you think?
None of the ministers opposed, and they gestured to the chancellor to proceed with reading about Peter Yaeger, who had the next greatest achievements.
They braced themselves for what they internally referred to as Yaegers antics, calming themselves before focusing intently.
Next, I will list the achievements of Major General Peter Yaeger. Under the instructions of Minister Otto von Moritz, he initially designed the expedition plan, annihilated a 10,000-strong Francois army with just one brigade in Hatin Forest, and successfully captured the enemys commander-in-chief in the Battle of Crecy Plains.
The Emperor nearly chuckled inwardly upon hearing this.
For Major General Yaeger, known for being flawless, executing a baron would be one of the few blemishes on his otherwise impeccable career.
The Emperor saw through Count Logoss intention to hinder Yaegers promotion or advancement by any means necessary, given his support for the Second Prince.
Even though personal motives were involved, Count Logoss claim also served to prevent reckless generals from trying to gain fame by imitating Major General Yaeger.
The Emperor decided to propose a consensus that would save the face of the Justice Minister and be agreeable to everyone, including himself.
Very well. We will consider both his faults and achievements before deciding on his reward. His contributions to Hatin Forest and the Battle of Crecy are truly significant. I would have considered a promotion to lieutenant general, but there is no precedent of a general receiving a double promotion except in cases of national crisis, and given his fault, we will promote him by one rank to lieutenant general.
Upon hearing this, all ministers and army generals lost any reason to oppose Major General Yaegers promotion, considering his enormous achievements, including capturing the enemy commander and annihilating a 10,000-strong force with just 4,000 troops.
At the same time, they were also growing increasingly envious because their sons and grandsons couldnt even come close to matching Major General Yaegers feats.
In recognition of his numerous achievements and his significant role in securing vast territories as a negotiator, we will bestow upon him the city of Strasbourg and its surrounding lands, 10,000 gold, and a shield and sword engraved with the Imperial crest.
With a sigh and an expression of regret, the Emperor concluded his statement.
Lastly, as the killing of Baron Granz was legally sound under military law, no harsh punishment is warranted. However, there was a slight shortfall in executing him without reporting to superiors and sending him to a military court. Therefore, I plan to return his unit to the capital and impose a one-month suspension on Major General Peter Yaeger. What do you think, Justice Minister Logos?
Logos, suddenly called upon, thought this was not what he intended.
He had aimed to impose a minor shackle on Major General Yaeger with this opportunity, but a mere one-month suspension for someone in his mid-twenties
Far from being a chain, this seemed like a meaningless punishment.
For older generals striving to advance before reaching retirement age, a one-month suspension could be career-ending.
It often meant missing a promotion and having to retire at the current rank.
Since Major General Yaeger had just been promoted and wouldnt be eligible for another promotion next year despite his achievements and being in his twenties, he could potentially serve in the military for another 40 years or so
However, what Justice Minister Logos actually said was,
Its a wise decision, Your Majesty. Then let us widely disseminate this joyous news throughout the nation.
