Steel, Guns, and the Industrial Party in Another World

Chapter 244: The Battle of Fort Bidou 3

TL: Etude

Bryce and Joyce took a tour around the entire camp and, upon returning to their own sector, immediately issued two orders:

First, to prohibit anyone from entering or leaving the Alda army’s camp area without authorization.

Second, to forbid any soldiers from participating in the camp’s ‘recreational’ activities.

These orders were communicated to the entire army that same evening, pouring cold water on the enthusiasm of those who were eager to stir up trouble. 𝘧𝘳𝓮𝓮𝓌𝘦𝓫𝓷𝘰𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝓬ℴ𝘮

The night passed without incident. The next day, the allied forces gathered, and troops from various territories familiarized themselves with each other, coordinating signals and horn calls to avoid the chaotic situation they had experienced in the previous battle. Presumably, the Kent family’s army was doing the same.

To prevent alarming their own men, the Alda troops once again demonstrated the firing of muskets and cannons in front of all their allies, causing a thunderous noise within the camp.

The curiosity of the soldiers had been piqued by the noise caused during the observation by the commanders the previous day. The entire camp was abuzz with speculation about the source of the mysterious sounds, with some guessing they were the legendary ‘fire crossbows’ and ‘thunder hammers’, especially since these weapons were known to have originated from the Alda territory, which had coincidentally sent its troops there.

Today’s demonstration was an eye-opener for the lower-ranking officers and soldiers. Seeing an army equipped with such powerful weapons on their side greatly boosted morale throughout the camp.

The senior officers were particularly impressed by the discipline of the Alda army. They marveled at how the troops obeyed orders promptly and moved in unison, and their uniform attire further solidified this impression.

“If only I had such an army under my command!” was a thought shared unanimously among the high-ranking officers.

The drill continued until after three in the afternoon. Considering the general stamina of the ordinary soldiers from other armies, continuing any further would have been exhausting, so they disbanded and returned to their respective camps.

No sooner had Bryce sat down in his tent than a guard came to report that three individuals, claiming to be from nearby villages, wished to see him.

He followed the guard to another tent, where indeed, three people were waiting. As Bryce entered, they immediately stood up and greeted him.

Bryce gestured for them to sit and kindly asked, “What are your names, gentlemen? And what brings you to me?”

Remembering his lord’s teachings to treat commoners with kindness, Bryce was amiable in his approach.

The representatives exchanged glances, and finally, the one sitting in the middle spoke. He introduced each person’s name and identity: they were representatives from the three villages designated as supply areas for the Alda army. They had come to negotiate the supply issue with Bryce, the highest commander.

That morning, a quartermaster, accompanied by a detachment, had requisitioned supplies for the last time from their respective villages. As for which lord’s quartermaster it was, they neither knew nor needed to know. Their only obligation was to dutifully hand over the supplies.

Upon leaving, the quartermaster had remarked, “From now on, you’ll be under Alda’s supervision.”

Hearing about a new army taking over had devastated the villagers. Being far from their lord, they couldn’t flee to the safety of the castle in time when the allied forces attacked. Even if they had had enough time, the castle couldn’t accommodate too many people. These unfortunate subjects had no choice but to stay at home and be at the mercy of the invaders.

Having been stripped of resources multiple times, the three villages promptly chose representatives to investigate the situation at the camp. They had no other option, as further exploitation would have left them unable to survive.

“This lord,” they began, somewhat less nervously seeing Bryce’s seemingly approachable demeanor.

“We wish to know… How much grain do you require?”

“Grain?”

“Yes, our three villages can still gather a bit. We ask you to please consider it.”

The representative in the middle handed Bryce a paper detailing the amount of supplies they could contribute to Alda.

Bryce, while pleased to see even rural areas adopting the use of paper, a sign of progress, perused the figures on the paper and then fell silent.

Seeing Bryce’s silence, the representatives grew anxious, fearing that he was dissatisfied with the numbers.

“Lord, please have mercy on us in God’s name,” they pleaded. “We really can’t offer any more. Our villages have already been visited by several armies.”

Bryce hurriedly reassured them, “What are you thinking?”

He continued earnestly, “Let me tell you now, and you must convey this to your fellow villagers — the Alda army will not requisition any supplies from your villages, uh… at least not at this stage.”

Bryce deliberately left his statement open-ended.

The representatives looked at each other in disbelief. An army not requisitioning supplies from nearby villages was unheard of.

“Forgive our disbelief, but… did you just say what I think you did?”

“I said — we will not be requisitioning supplies from your villages at this stage!”

Bryce repeated his statement, ensuring the representatives heard him clearly.

“This… this is incredible! No, I mean, we are deeply grateful to you!”

The representatives, realizing the implication of his words, repeatedly bowed and expressed their gratitude to Bryce.

“Good! Let me add something,” Bryce continued. “If we do need something that you happen to have, we will buy it with money. I hope you can offer a fair price.”

The idea of being paid for their goods was astonishing to the representatives, who fervently swore not to cheat the Alda army.

Bryce added, “Actually, I was considering another matter. Please listen carefully and convey my message to your villagers.”

The representatives listened intently.

“The location of Fort Bidou is crucial, and it’s likely that we and the enemy will contest it repeatedly. If life becomes unbearable here, you can relocate to Alda. There, you will surely find satisfying work.”

Alda? Recent news had indeed indicated its positive development. Perhaps relocating there was a viable option?

The representatives committed Bryce’s words to memory. “Rest assured, General, we will relay your message.”

“Also, I am interested in employing the able-bodied labor from your villages. Remember, it’s ’employment.’ I will pay wages.”

Hearing that it was not forced conscription and that there would be payment, the representatives’ eyes lit up. This could be a way for the villagers to earn some much-needed income, especially since they were nearly bankrupted by the constant demands of passing armies.

Bryce’s purpose in hiring villagers was simple: during the conflict, they would carry stretchers to transport fallen soldiers from the battlefield to the rear.

Of course, they weren’t expected to lead the army but to follow at a safe distance. Moreover, if the Alda army were to face unfavorable circumstances, they could flee without fear of retribution for their abandonment.

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