บท 181: C181
In the past two days, Shirou had been occupied with a flurry of tasks, leaving him with little time to rest. However, there was a glimmer of relief as people sent by the lords had finally arrived.
Following a brief welcome ceremony, he assigned the newcomers to their respective departments before dismissing them.
Meanwhile, Agravain had also assembled a group of officials from Cornwall, consisting of both nobles and literate commoners who had been drafted as soldiers. However, despite their efforts, the manpower at their disposal was still insufficient.
The reason for the shortage of manpower was not due to any other external factors, but rather because many of the concepts and frameworks that he had established were difficult for the new recruits to grasp.
Although this presented a challenge for him, for the officials it was both a source of delight and frustration, as they eagerly sought to understand and implement these new ideas.
The officials' frustration could be compared to standing before an open gate that led to the truth, with no barriers preventing them from entering, yet still unable to do so. It was an incredibly exasperating feeling.
To overcome this hurdle, many of them, inspired by Lucan's example, began to take meticulous notes on parchment manuscripts. They painstakingly transcribed every explanation that he provided, in the hopes of being able to slowly digest and comprehend the new concepts over time. Shirou was left speechless by their dedication and perseverance.
Unfortunately, this situation had significantly impeded the progress of development. Shirou was forced to temporarily set aside his plans for commerce and manufacturing reform, and instead focus solely on production.
However, amidst the bad news, Gawain returned from leading his troops in the subjugation of bandits and outlaws. He brought with him some much-needed good news: his forces had successfully cleared a total of 22 hideouts, effectively eliminating the bandit threat in Cornwall's territory. Furthermore, Gawain and his men had managed to brought back more than 3,000 people.
Of the 3,000 people, the majority were elderly, weak, women, and children, with only around a thousand eligible for conscription. Nonetheless, their contribution was sufficient to provide a temporary boost to the army's ranks.
Gawain led him to where the captured bandits were being held. Though they looked fierce at first glance, they were in fact weak and emaciated, huddled together in the center while soldiers stood guard around them.
As Gawain introduced Shirou to the bandits, he declared, "This is our king, King Arthur."
Shirou stepped forward and greeted them with a smile. The bandits murmured amongst themselves, and soon several leaders stepped forward. One of them spoke up, saying, 'Great King Arthur, this shining knight, has offered us a place in your army. We do not object, but we do have one question: will our families and children receive food?"
"Of course!" Shirou replied. "As long as you abide by the law and do not commit crimes, you're all part of my people. I promise you, I'll make sure your families have a prosperous life under my care."
"But we are bandits," one of the leaders said.
He responded, "Past sins are not the fault of the people but of the kings. If Camelot had not lacked a king for ten years, you would not have gone hungry and turned to banditry. Therefore, your families are not considered bandits and can start anew. However, your banditry is not easily forgiven, so you must serve in the army."
The bandits chuckled, "We have no problem joining the army as long as our families and children are fed."
"Don't you have any concerns about yourselves?" He asked.
"We are mentally prepared for it," one of the leaders replied.
He shook his head and said, "You might think you know what you're getting into, but let me tell you, my soldiers are unlike any others. Each and every one of them is a hero, fiercely protecting their homes and upholding their honor. They're not just regular soldiers; they're legends. In life, they're celebrated, and even in death, their names are etched in the book of heroes. Their spirits will forever dwell in the heart of Britain."
After a moment of silence, he added, "I have great admiration for heroes, and I won't stand idly by while they suffer. If any of my soldiers fall in battle, their families will be taken care of by both me and Camelot. And if, by any chance, they get injured and become disabled, they'll receive the same support from me and Camelot."
The bandits and the soldiers exchanged astonished looks and started whispering to each other. The notion that the king and the state would provide support for the wounded and fallen soldiers was unheard of!
Enlisting in the army was a very difficult decision for many. Several veteran soldiers recalled that they were once farmers living in the countryside, but were coerced into service by the king and compelled to fight on the battlefield.
For those who perished, their lives and legacies would be forgotten. And if they became disabled, they would be promptly discharged and sent back to their homes, where they would resume their farming livelihoods, often leading a life of disability and poverty for the rest of their days.
But now, things were different. They had a king who not only preserved the memory of the fallen, but also enshrined their names in the book of heroes, ensuring their everlasting glory. This was already the highest form of honor and reward.
However, this king was willing to go even further, supporting the families of the deceased, compensating the wounded, and providing for the disabled...
This... This was too good to be true, right? Could there really be a king like this? They had never heard of such a thing! The bandits were skeptical and doubted it.
Even the veteran soldiers couldn't help but raise doubts. They questioned whether the king was merely making empty promises.
However, when Shirou ordered Agravain to send men to deliver money and food, the soldiers and bandits were left breathless. It wasn't due to anything else, but the tantalizing prospect of food and money that made their mouths water.
Shirou commanded, "Gawain, assemble all the disabled soldiers in the army."
"As you command, my king!" Gawain promptly led his men and departed.
Tristan and Lamorak, who were observing from the sidelines, were deeply moved and a little stunned. Gawain had already informed them about the compensation plan for disabled soldiers, but they hadn't taken it seriously because they knew how destitute Camelot was at the moment. They believed it was merely a benevolent gesture from their king.
But what they hadn't expected was that Shirou had already prepared the compensation while they were away, just after suppressing the bandits.
Gawain stood before the 97 disabled soldiers. Some were missing an arm, while others had broken limbs. They appeared to be in a miserable state, yet their backs were straight and unyielding, like mountains, eliciting only admiration and respect, not condescending pity.
Shirou addressed them, saying, "Every single one of you is a hero. With your brave efforts, you've ensured the survival of Camelot, and that's an honor that can't be denied. You've shed your blood for this land, but I promise you, Camelot won't let you shed tears. This money and food are tokens of appreciation and compensation from Camelot to you."
He then turned to the side and said, "Agravain, distribute the compensation accordingly."
"Understood!" Agravain affirmed and proceeded to distribute the money and food.
The bandits' eyes shimmered with greed. It was a covetous gaze that would have led them to brandish their knives and rob them on any ordinary day, but at this moment, they managed to restrain themselves.
Not only were they in captivity, not only were their families under Shirou's watchful eye in Camelot, but more importantly, the soldiers who surrounded them were well-armed and poised to use their weapons at any given moment.
As the soldiers received their reward and foods, tears flowed uncontrollably down their cheeks. Even the disabled soldiers, who had been as unyielding as mountains, were shedding tears without exception.
Shirou expressed his gratitude, saying, "I can't thank you enough for all that you've done for Camelot. Your bravery won't go unnoticed; your names will be forever etched in the book of heroes. Future generations will look up to and admire your incredible deeds. You're true heroes, giving selflessly of your blood and strength to protect your fellow countrymen and your people. It's nothing short of glorious! From this moment on, you will retire from military service, and the country will provide you with land and housing. You must live well from now on!"
Overcome with emotion, the wounded soldiers struggled to speak through their tears. The greatest agony of serving in the army was not death, but being half-alive and disabled.
In such a state, the kings would often shun them, while their families would reject them upon their return home. Without any honor or financial compensation, they would be condemned to live a bitter life full of suffering. And yet, now there was a king, a benevolent and great king, who had transformed their fate.
He bestowed honor and compensation upon them, imbuing them with a sense of purpose and worth. He made them feel valued, that their sacrifices were not in vain.
This sense of purpose, of being needed, and of being cared for... It moved them so deeply that they could not help but weep openly. Even the strongest among them were shedding tears uncontrollably, their cries reverberating through the sky. The soldiers around them were equally moved and could not contain their own tears.
It was a small moment, yet so profoundly moving.
"This is my king, the king whom I serve." Tristan took a deep breath. In this moment, he wished to play a melody that could convey the depths of his emotions.
Gawain was at a loss for words, while Lamorak was already weeping, sharing in the soldiers' emotion.
A wounded soldier asked Shirou tearfully, "My king, can I still serve you?"
"You are alive, and that is enough. Live well, and that is the greatest service you can offer me."
He then turned his gaze to the disabled soldiers and said, "To all of you who are retiring today, remember this: I have given you your final command. Live well, witness the glorious rise of Camelot, and embrace a brighter future. This is your ultimate and most profound loyalty to me."
The people were deeply moved, and the sounds of weeping grew louder.
Initially, the king was merely an elusive figure in their minds. They knew only that this king cared for them like a friend, like a trusted confidant. Thus, they abandoned their former kings, who had only exploited them, and followed their hearts, aligning themselves with this king.
Now, however, the image of the king in their minds had taken shape. He was the Red Dragon of Britain!
The bandits were astonished and moved by this spectacle, captivated by the king's generosity and compassion.
This was a genuine king, one who cared for his people and treated them with kindness. He also directed Agravain to reward other soldiers, recognizing those who had risked their lives to lure monsters away from their comrades.
However, at present, food remained a critical issue for Camelot. As such, the majority of the rewards given to these soldiers were in the form of coins, and the amount was lesser than that given to the disabled soldiers.
Despite this, these soldiers did not grumble, for their bodies remained whole. They knew that when the time came for them to retire, this king, the only monarch who had been good to them, would undoubtedly compensate them.
A bandit leader asked, "If I become disabled one day, would I receive such treatment as well?"
All eyes turned to Shirou, awaiting his response.
"Why not? The defenders of Camelot are its soldiers, and you, who are now becoming soldiers, should also receive the corresponding rights."
The people were deeply moved, and many exclaimed, "You are a great king, and I will be loyal to you!"
Shirou smiled, "Once you cease being bandits, you are already loyal to me."
...
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