Chương 237: Target – Biddeburg

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

"Present arms!"

"Prepare!"

"Aim!"

"Fire!"

With the company commander's order to fire, a burst of loud crackling sounds echoed across the parade ground, accompanied by thick white smoke billowing up.

Jos endured the choking smoke and hastily retreated to the third row with his comrades in the same rank, fumbling to load paper cartridges with ammunition.

After the procedures, he withdrew the ramrod, poked it into the barrel to pack the charge, then stood with his gun in hand, nervously awaiting the next firing command.

"You fool! You forgot to pull out the ramrod again! Want to shoot it out together?"

Next to him, a frustrated mutter came from Sergeant Markalov, his squad leader standing in the same row. As a veteran, he was the first to load ammunition and habitually checked the loading procedures of others in his squad. He immediately noticed that Jos had forgotten to remove the ramrod.

"Sorry, Sergeant!"

Jos slapped his forehead in frustration, removed the ramrod under Markalov's stern gaze, and anxiously awaited the company commander's next order to fire.

...

Jos's company was scheduled for shooting practice in the morning. Under the command of officers, he repeated mechanical actions. Initially, when he first handled the musket, he was excited. Sergeant Markalov said that with this weapon, just moving a finger could create a big hole in the enemy, even if they were armored.

"A masterpiece!"

During his first shot, Jos couldn't help but admire the single hole punched in the front board.

But after several training sessions, the initial excitement had faded, replaced only by careful caution to avoid mistakes.

"Advance shooting! Quick march - march!"

Just as the company commander was about to move on to the next exercise, a runner dashed onto the parade ground, blowing his whistle and shouting, "First Battalion, assemble! First Battalion, assemble!"

The squads on the field immediately stopped their current training, swiftly formed ranks, and headed to the assembly area. Others who weren't part of the training also hurried over upon hearing the command.

"Sergeant, are we going to the front lines to fight?"

Recalling the discussions he overheard during breakfast in the mess hall, Jos quietly asked Markalov beside him.

The sergeant replied, "Perhaps, perhaps not. But whatever order comes, we must execute it."

Everyone in the unit knew Alden was already embroiled in the conflict between two factions in Northwestern Bay. It was only a matter of time before they were sent to the battlefield. Since February, the army had increased its training intensity significantly, confirming this.

...

Two battalions were assembled, with over a thousand soldiers from the First and Second Infantry Battalions standing neatly on the parade ground. Soldiers from the Artillery and Transport Companies were also present.

Several officers stepped onto the reviewing stand. Jos recognized the two leading them as Colonel Bryce, commanding the First Battalion, and Major Joyce, commanding the Third Battalion.

"Soldiers! The day to test your training has finally arrived!"

Bryce appeared extremely excited, his voice surprisingly loud.

"I'm sure you've guessed it already. We're about to engage in fierce combat, with the foolish enemy delivering themselves to us!"

Are we really going to war? murmured the crowd below.

"First, we need to clarify our enemy. Yes, it's the Kent family who humiliated Alden and Byerldine last year. Yet, in our spirit of neighborly friendship, we forgave them. But little did we know, this year their patriarch, Maltz Kent, not only shamelessly seized the duke's title but also attempted to rebel against the kingdom. This is an unforgivable crime!"

"We have formed a powerful alliance with the territories of Rankar, Adlara, Portley, and others, vowing to destroy the Kent family and their supporters! I am proud to announce that the brave First and Third Battalions have been selected as the first units to deploy, while the loyal Artillery Company and Transport Company will be our solid backing."

"We will be the lord's sword, striking directly at the enemy's heart! We'll make those scum left behind by the Heavenly Father's creation tremble at the mere mention of our names, like worms in the sewer recoiling at the sight of the sun!"

Lieutenant Colonel Bryce, waving his large hands, spat as he addressed the soldiers.

"Now, I order all departing units to begin preparations immediately. Pack your marching supplies, weapons, and ammunition. We depart at dawn tomorrow!"

...

For the entire day, the two selected infantry battalions engaged in intense preparations.

Early the next morning, the entire departing force of officers and soldiers assembled on the training ground once again, then marched southward toward Biddeburg.

The townspeople lined the streets to see the soldiers off, with shouts like "Teach those Emden people a lesson!" and "Long live Alden!" echoing through the streets.

The government dispatched propaganda teams to roam the streets with megaphones, shouting,

"If we don't take Biddeburg, the trade route will be cut off, and goods won't sell. You'll all lose your jobs!"

"If the Emden people invade, they'll enslave us all! They'll steal our money and dishonor our sisters."

These primitive but effective propaganda methods targeted a population that was largely uninformed and had only recently learned to read a few words in the literacy campaign.

Thanks to the various factories established over the past year, many townspeople had seen significant improvements in their income and quality of life. The thought of some Earl possibly destroying everything they had now was something they couldn't bear.

So the entire town became united in thought.

This mission was led by Bryce as the highest-ranking officer. Although he had seemed full of enthusiasm on the training ground the previous day, he was still feeling nervous up until the moment of departure.

It was his first time commanding an entire army on his own. His concern wasn't about his abilities—the Alden army was well-trained and equipped with advanced weapons. As long as they performed as they did in training, they might not determine the outcome of the entire battle, but they would be able to hold their own on the battlefield. Paul had been working hard to build an army that could remain undefeated, even if its commander was mediocre.

What worried Bryce was his status—as an unrecognized knight, would he be ridiculed by the other lords and knights? Was Alden and Byerldine, two noble Earldoms, truly lacking in talents?

In the meetings, Bryce had strongly recommended that Chief of Staff Schroeder be appointed as the commander for this expedition, given that Schroeder was a legitimate knight. However, Paul had rejected the suggestion, stating that Schroeder needed to stay in command at headquarters to oversee the overall strategy.

The earl had told him, "Go, Bryce! Everyone has a first time!"

Bryce was very grateful for Paul's trust in him and felt a deep sense of responsibility. This was the first time Alden's new army would make an official appearance before the major territories. Their previous operations against pirates and the suppression of the Byerldine rebellion hadn't drawn much attention in the Northwest Bay.

The enthusiasm of the townspeople also inspired Bryce.

"This battle for Biddeburg is a great opportunity to showcase our strength!"

His anxiety dissipated. Although the military strategy decided in the meetings had been "to assist our allies as much as possible while preserving ourselves," Bryce was determined to make an impressive showing. He wanted to announce Alden's rebirth to the other lords, to establish Grayman's reputation, and to ensure that they could no longer dismiss this "exiled family."

Mounted on his horse, the lieutenant colonel raised his whip and pointed southward. "Target—Biddeburg!"

(End of the Chapter)