Chương 196: The home front

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-third person Pov tenth moon 288 AC

In The Reach, loyalty to the Prussians was not merely a matter of obligation, but one of conviction. During years of occupation, the Prussians had proven their effectiveness, their organization, and their ability to maintain order and prosperity in a region that, before their arrival, had seen times of instability. The inhabitants of The Reach, known for their pragmatism and attachment to tradition, began to see their conquerors not as oppressors, but as the saviors of their lands.

The propaganda filling the streets only reinforced what many already believed: the Prussians were the best hope for preserving their way of life in times of war. Pamphlets urging citizens to work harder and collaborate in the war effort against the Ironborn fell on willing ears. The people of The Reach, proud of their region and their loyalty, responded fervently.

"The strength of the men who fight for your safety is measured in the swords and armor we can send! But our workers can't do it alone. Prove your loyalty! Attend the textile factories and support the making of sacks and clothing for our men on the islands!" shouted the herald from atop a platform in the central square of the city closest to Highgarden.

The echo of his words resonated through the streets, and the inhabitants of The Reach, loyal to the Prussians, listened attentively. Some nodded in determination, while others murmured among themselves about how they could contribute even more. Despite the ongoing effort, the propaganda campaign continued to mobilize the population. The message was not only clear but appealed to the pride and loyalty the Prussians had skillfully cultivated in the region.

The herald, with his immaculate uniform and rigid posture, represented the new era in The Reach, where every citizen, every effort, counted toward sustaining the conflict.

The afternoons, once filled with laughter and joy after a day's work, had transformed into long hours of effort. The Prussian garrisons scattered across The Reach became hubs of activity as thousands of men, both young and old, gathered for optional training sessions. Though voluntary, these meetings had become a fundamental part of daily life. Under the guidance of Prussian officers, the locals learned basic defense skills: how to use their fists in hand-to-hand combat, wield spears with precision, and fire crossbows effectively, preparing themselves for any potential Ironborn incursion.

Social gatherings and festivities, which once filled the squares and taverns, had given way to strategic assemblies. In large halls and communal spaces, Prussian rear-guard officers organized meetings with the civilian population, preparing defense plans for the cities and towns in case of attack. These gatherings focused on identifying the most defensible points of the cities, evacuation routes, and how to organize resistance if enemy forces breached the outer defenses.

With large maps spread across wooden tables, the inhabitants watched attentively as the officers traced possible attack routes. "If the Ironborn approach from the west, this hill will be key to holding them back," explained one officer, pointing to a strategic position. "The narrow streets here will allow us to buy time until reinforcements can arrive from the north."

The atmosphere was far different from the meetings of the past. The seriousness on the faces of those present reflected the tension of living under the shadow of war. Though the main conflict was still far away, the people of The Reach knew that their participation and preparedness were crucial to protecting what they valued most: their homes, their families, and the future of their lands under Prussian rule.

Even in the Prussian banks, the war against the Ironborn had infiltrated the daily lives of the people of The Reach. Through carefully crafted speeches and propaganda strategies, citizens were encouraged to contribute to the war effort economically, beyond their work in factories and workshops. The concept of national unity and devotion to God's chosen leader, the Prussian king, echoed throughout the region.

In one of the busiest banks in Highgarden, a worker addressed the crowd with a firm voice as customers waited to carry out their daily transactions. "Wars are not won with swords, soldiers, and armor alone," he said, raising his voice for all to hear. "Wars are an economic phenomenon. Gold is as necessary as the blood spilled on the battlefield. With gold, we pay the soldiers who protect our homes, and with it, we buy the raw materials worked in our workshops and forges."

Some in line nodded, understanding the importance of their contributions, while others murmured among themselves, reflecting on how they could do more for the cause. "Buy war bonds, support your king. Show the unity of the people under God's chosen one. Only united can we defeat the Ironborn," the worker continued, appealing to the sense of duty and loyalty the Prussians had instilled in the region.

The bank, normally a place of quiet transactions, had become a space where the call to duty was inescapable. Posters adorning the walls urged the purchase of war bonds, with promises of rewards and honor for supporting the kingdom. The propaganda campaign had found its way even into the most mundane places, reminding everyone that victory depended not only on the warriors in the field but also on the sacrifice and commitment of every citizen, from the workshops to the financial institutions.

The spirit of sacrifice had become a constant. Without anyone explicitly demanding it, citizens volunteered for unpaid extra work in factories and workshops, knowing their efforts were key to sustaining the military campaign against the Ironborn. Men and women alike offered to train in the use of weapons, fully aware that the duty of defending their lands fell upon each of them, not just the professional soldiers.

In the squares and markets, gold, which was once a symbol of prosperity earned during the boom years brought by Prussian administration, now flowed into the banks and coffers of the kingdom. The inhabitants handed over their valuable possessions without hesitation, convinced that their personal sacrifice was a small price to pay for collective security and success. It was not uncommon to see entire families parting with jewelry and family heirlooms, united by the belief that gold in the hands of the Prussian king meant the ultimate victory over the Ironborn.

For the first time, the people of The Reach felt more Prussian than Westerosi. The bond with the traditions of the Seven Kingdoms had weakened, replaced by a new identity shaped by loyalty to the Prussian regime, its discipline, and its promise of a safe and prosperous future. Ancient customs had given way to the influence of a more modern, militaristic, and collective mentality. The Prussian banner waved proudly in every corner, not just as a symbol of power but as the emblem of a new, shared identity.

In Tumbleton, the center of Finnish power under Prussian rule, the fervor for war was no less intense than in the rest of The Reach. During the brief religious war, the city had already demonstrated its loyalty by sending thousands of men to support the cause, but now, with the threat of the Ironborn looming, the governor of Tumbleton intensified his efforts. Ruling with an iron fist, he controlled every aspect of the inhabitants' lives and had begun mobilizing all available forces to pay the soldier tax owed to the Prussian king for the privilege of living under his protection.

In a time when every armed man was needed, the governor not only called up regular soldiers and veterans but also summoned the adopted sons who had been trained in his territory for years. These youths, some barely reaching fourteen years of age, had undergone brutal training designed to mold them into the finest warriors possible. Each represented a living offering of loyalty to the Prussian king, and the governor did not hesitate to display his devotion by sending these young men to the front lines as a testament to his commitment to the cause.

Tumbleton, once a bustling commercial hub filled with merchants and farmers, had transformed into a city marked by war. No longer did the voices of traders echo through its streets, replaced instead by the constant sound of military training. It had become the center for training Prussian scouts and spies, Finnish men and youths hardened by their rigorous preparation, marching in orderly ranks through the streets, ready to face the threat of the Ironborn.

Each of them wore a helmet adorned with the likeness of a wolf, boar, or even a bear—trophies from solitary hunts that demonstrated their bravery and skill. These helmets, more than just military attire, were symbols of the resilience and prowess of the soldiers of Tumbleton—men who knew the wild and were ready to confront the enemy with the same determination they used to hunt the most dangerous beasts of their land.

Wherever the veterans and young Finnish soldiers passed, the unwavering support of the people of The Reach followed. The inhabitants came out of their homes to offer what little they had: cloth, thick wool to withstand the cold awaiting them in the frozen lands of the Ironborn, and food to sustain their long march. Children ran alongside the soldiers' ranks, seeing in them the heroes who would protect their homes. Mothers and elders offered blessings and words of encouragement, knowing these warriors faced a ruthless enemy in an unforgiving climate.

As The Reach continued to pulse with its tireless patriotism and loyalty, the nobles appointed by the Prussian king to coordinate the propaganda efforts privately celebrated their success. They had transformed an agricultural and commercial region into a war support engine, where every citizen—from the humblest farmer to the artisans and merchants—contributed in some way to the war effort. Yet, despite the clear successes, these nobles knew their work was far from over.

Gathered in dark, quiet halls, far from the bustle of the squares and training grounds, these strategists debated and adjusted their plans. They knew that maintaining nationalist fervor at such high levels was a constant task, requiring a delicate balance of motivation and discipline. Every decision they made was carefully calculated to tap into that deep sense of loyalty to the Prussian king without exceeding what the people could bear.

The nobles discussed new ways to keep the populace engaged and enthusiastic. Some suggested organizing more elaborate ceremonies, with parades to exalt the sacrifices of fallen soldiers and honor citizens who had made outstanding contributions to the war effort. Others proposed increasing the number of public rewards and recognitions, ensuring that every contribution, no matter how small, received proper acknowledgment.

Meanwhile, the propaganda campaigns did not slow down. Posters, speeches, and pamphlets continued to remind the population of the importance of their contributions. The nobles knew that the fear of the Ironborn, combined with pride for their land and their king, was a powerful mix that, if managed correctly, could sustain the war effort for much longer. Loyalty was not taken for granted—it was cultivated daily, and the nobles of The Reach were determined to squeeze every last drop of it to ensure the people remained united under the Prussian flag.

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I remind you to leave your ideas or what you would like to see.

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