Capítulo 8: Chapter 8
These words not only stunned Vallavaraiyan and his men but also Karthikeya's own subordinates.
Vallavaraiyan realized that he couldn't underestimate this Prince based on mere rumors as the prince showed a completely different personality than what the rumers said about him. Understanding Karthikeya's seriousness, he bowed, pleading guilty, "I apologize for my words, Your Highness Karthikeya. Please forgive this servant."
"Nevermind, now for the various tasks to be assigned," Karthikeya declared, dismissing the prior subject and redirecting his gaze toward Bairavendra, a formidable and well-trained warrior originating from one of the major noble families on the mainland. Bairavendra had participated in numerous wars for the Chola Empire, making significant contributions. Aware that Bairavendra had been appointed as his father's observer, Karthikeya valued his expertise, recognizing the advantage of having such a skilled individual in his territory.
"Bairavendra," Karthikeya called out, prompting the warrior to rise and approach, delivering a military salute. "Your Highness," Bairavendra acknowledged respectfully.
"You have been here for the past month and should already be familiar with the situation concerning the various influential families in Anuradhapuram, as well as their manpower. Am I correct?" Karthikeya inquired.
"Yes, Your Highness. In my role overseeing the hunting and capture of rebel forces within the territory, I have gathered information on the various forces and personnel affiliated with each of the existing families, monitoring their factions for any potential rebellious activities," Bairavendra responded composedly, offering a comprehensive overview of the situation.
Karthikeya acknowledged Bairavendra's explanation. "Bairavendra, you are tasked with the responsibility of integrating my personal army with the existing Chola army, thus creating a formidable standing army ready for deployment at all times.
For now, you have two tasks. Firstly, screen the soldiers with limited capabilities, particularly those nearing retirement age, those who have been injured, or those who have become handicapped. Separate them to form a new team called Team B."
Understanding his responsibility, Bairavendra didn't question the directives.
"Secondly, you are to train the remaining soldiers. I don't want none of them to worry about food, accommodation, salary, or their families. Their focus should solely be on training to become the best of the best, always prepared for war," Karthikeya instructed with a serious tone.
Bairavendra refrained from interrupting Karthikeya, but after pondering for a moment, he posed a question, "Your Highness, all your instructions can be executed as ordered, but do you wish for me to recall all those who retired due to injuries or have become handicapped?"
"Yes, if you believe they are capable of handling the task of recording information, they are to be recalled," Karthikeya ordered.
"As you wish, Your Highness," Bairavendra replied without hesitation.
"You may be seated," Karthikeya stated, allowing Bairavendra to resume his seat before shifting his gaze to the next subordinate.
"Kannappa," Karthikeya called, his voice softer yet resolute, "I entrust you with a critical mission. Sail the seas, secure more vessels, and gather those impacted by the disaster. Employ them as workers, disregarding their backgrounds, but ensure they are young and healthy. Expenses are of no consequence."
"However, keep an eye out for individuals with special talents or expertise in various fields, and recruit them if possible. These individuals and their families should take priority over the rest, but I do not wish to force it," Karthikeya added, providing further clarity to the mission.
As Kannappan bowed, meeting Karthikeya's unwavering gaze, the weight of the task settled upon him, amplifying the gravity of the situation.
As Karthikeya's instructions continued to flow forth with unwavering determination, the room remained hushed, steeped in urgency and dedication. Kannappan, meeting Karthikeya's gaze, affirmed, "Yes, Your Highness Karthikeya," his resolve unwavering.
The focus then shifted to Ramu, standing with composure and deference, ready to fulfill his duties. "Understood, my liege," Ramu acknowledged, his voice unwavering and resolute, fully aware of his responsibilities without even Karthikeya explicitly mentioning them.
Karthikeya's gaze swept across the room, his determination remaining steadfast. "Ramu, ensure that funds are readily available for Kannappan. Coordinate with Sreenivasan for the journey and dispatch messengers to both Vikraman and Devi Lekshmi for the restoration efforts. Emphasize the necessity of a comprehensive project proposal, covering all aspects of the reconstruction work, for my review before implementation," Karthikeya directed urgently.
"Yes, Your Highness, I will ensure that everything is organized as swiftly as possible," Ramu acknowledged with a determined assurance.
"Vallavaraiyan, Ramu will assume your duties concerning accounts and the management of food reserves and their distribution," Karthikeya instructed with authority.
Vallavaraiyan frowned momentarily, but quickly concealed his expression as he bowed, agreeing to Karthikeya's instructions.
Karthikeya then turned to address Rana specifically. Rana, the scholarly elderly man, stood up with a slight bow. "Your Highness," he acknowledged respectfully.
"Rana, your disciples will arrive in Trincomalee within two or three days, correct?" Karthikeya inquired, his mind already formulating plans for these knowledgeable individuals in various fields.
"Your Highness, I have summoned them as per your command. Based on my estimations, barring any unforeseen circumstances during the journey, they should arrive within two days," Rana explained.
Acknowledging Rana's response, Karthikeya issued a directive. "Upon your disciples' arrival in the kingdom, they are to come to the capital. You both bear the critical responsibility of conducting a comprehensive survey of the entire kingdom's population, cultivable land, livestock, and more, but that is for another time."
"But for now, you will conduct a survey of the people and make use of this opportunity, as I plan to recruit workers from the refugees to participate in restoration work instead of merely providing relief food all the time."
Confusion marked the faces of Rana and the others upon hearing Karthikeya's words. "Your Highness, please pardon my ignorance. I understand the necessity of surveying the cultivable land, the city infrastructure, and the roads connecting the cities, among other things in the kingdom. However, why the emphasis on the people now of all times? What benefit would it bring to the Kingdom?" Rana inquired earnestly.
"Rana, the survey of the current population is essential for multiple reasons. It allows us to grasp the number of newborns, children, young, healthy men and women, middle-aged individuals, and the elderly. Through this data, we can allocate work according to the capabilities of the youth and middle-aged population, provide better care for new mothers and infants, cater to the needs of the elderly, and tap into the unique life experiences and knowledge they've acquired over the years. This will aid us in structuring a more efficient and comprehensive restoration plan for the kingdom's well-being and progress," Karthikeya explained, outlining the benefits of the population survey in the current situation.
"As for the specifics of the recruitment and the benefits to those recruited, I will prepare and provide them within two days" Karthikeya announced in a single breath as he turned to Vallavaraiyan.
"You and your men will be in charge of the recruitment, and this is also an opportunity for you, as I do not tolerate idlenes and I hate greedy curropt people the most," Karthikeya emphasized, sensing that many of these officials weren't entirely trustworthy.
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