Chapter 198 - Episode 192: Talk of Politics ②
Hearing Noein's concept of 200 regular soldiers, 30 golem users, and 300 Reserve Corps, Count Burkhard asks.
"At first glance, it seems few, but Lord Arqvist's army possesses special troop types and equipment not found elsewhere... I would like you to tell me the details of your concept."
Nodding to this, Noein opens his mouth again.
"First, regarding the 200 regular soldiers, these are very general soldiers. I intend to have them learn the use of spears, swords, and bows, and further select about 40 people to undergo mounted combat training so they can be operated as cavalry. Additionally, I will have them trained in Ballista operation. Construction of a fort is progressing at the front-line base of the Bezel Great Forest Road, and I intend to install 20 Ballistas there."
"Speaking of Ballistas, you mean those explosive flame arrows?"
Oscar asks.
"Yes. With Ballistas equipped with explosive flame arrows, just a few units can attack the width of the forest road evenly. With 20 units, even if the enemy invades, we can maintain a thick, ceaseless curtain of fire. It should be greatly useful in a defensive battle."
Noein answers while nodding.
"Next are the golem users; currently, the Arqvist territorial army possesses seven. All of them, through a training period of about one year, have become able to manipulate one golem with at least half of my skill."
"Half of Lord Arqvist's... Even so, they would likely boast extraordinary strength against average soldiers."
Count Burkhard, who has seen Noein's golem manipulation skill, mutters.
"Yes. These golem users—they are called Claymores—possess power equivalent to dozens of soldiers with a single golem. I will eventually increase this to 30 people and organize them into squads of four to five. With this, one squad should be able to hold back a hundred-man unit of average proficiency."
"...In other words, those Claymores alone can deal with as many as 700 enemies. To think that puppet mages, who were said to be useless, could transform to such an extent. I almost want to assemble them as a combat force for the Royal Army as well."
Oscar said while raising an eyebrow.
"With all due respect, Your Majesty, golems are certainly excellent as white-combat strength, but there are drawbacks, such as the training time required before they become usable, the fact that even if each individual is strong, they are inferior to human units in terms of numbers and versatility, and their poor compatibility with skilled mages. These drawbacks will likely become more prominent on open battlefields such as plains."
Noein speaks of the golems' weaknesses matter-of-factly.
"Golems are not omnipotent. When facing mages, for instance, a single direct hit from high-tier magic can result in total destruction, so human units that can attack simultaneously from multiple directions are far more advantageous. Also, if the enemy spreads out over a wide area to attack, the golems will be unable to keep up with the attacks, and gaps will open in the defensive line. In an army specialized in local battles and defensive warfare like my territorial army, they are a very reliable combat force... but I believe there are many parts unsuitable for handling in a great war."
"I see, things do not go quite so conveniently... However, I still wish to possess golem users with combat capability in the Royal Army, even in small numbers. They will be useful in some situation."
"Once there is leeway in my territory's combat strength, I shall dispatch golem users as instructors to the Royal Army. But for now..."
"Yes, I shall not take away the strength necessary for border defense from a noble."
"Thank you for your consideration."
Noein felt relieved that he would not have to lend out the precious golem users outside the territory, at least for now.
Returning from the slight tangent, Noein continues the explanation of his concept.
"Now, as I have explained, even if golems are sufficient as combat strength, if the numbers are low, it inevitably places restrictions on our way of fighting... Therefore, I will assemble 300 soldiers for the Reserve Corps."
"This Reserve Corps? That is a term I have not heard."
Count Burkhard asks again, and Noein turns toward him.
"As the name suggests, I will organize a reserve combat unit consisting of territorial residents. However, it is not a form of conscription; I will gather soldiers through the volunteers of the residents. I will recruit by setting conditions such as a certain period of residency in the Arqvist territory and maintain their proficiency by having them undergo regular training. As compensation for volunteering, I will grant partial tax exemptions, and further, they will be treated similarly to regular soldiers within the territory."
Tax exemption is an attractive offer, and the status of a quasi-soldier is just right for gaining trust in the territorial society. Noein believes that sufficient volunteers will gather.
"...In other words, it is like a more strengthened version of the system of organizing vigilante groups in villages and such."
Count Burkhard muttered as if convinced.
In small territories where a full-scale territorial army cannot be organized, it is common to create vigilante groups that prepare for monsters and bandits by having the village men undergo regular training. He seemed to interpret the Reserve Corps as a quasi-military organization that further strengthened that.
"Yes. I will primarily provide Crossbow training to these 300 Reserve Corps soldiers. In the event of an emergency, they will be summoned and deployed to the forts or the territorial capital, operated to compensate for the low number of golems."
"...So, you create a defensive line with Ballistas and golems, and the enemies who break through that are finished off by the Reserve Corps soldiers with Crossbows."
"Yes. That is the extent of the border defense concept I have devised."
When Noein concluded the explanation by saying so, Oscar turned toward Count Burkhard and spoke.
"How is it, Ragnal?"
"...It should be sufficient. The Kingdom of Lancel suffered considerable losses in the great war the year before last and the recent royal expedition. The attrition of elite soldiers and mages must also be severe. Regardless of numbers, it seems difficult for them to assemble a high-quality unit and invade from the Bezel Great Forest Road. If the army can be organized according to Lord Arqvist's concept, I believe the border can be protected without issue."
Having obtained the seal of approval from the Minister of Military Affairs, Noein felt relieved inwardly, though he did not let it show on his face.
"I see, then that is fine... Lord Arqvist. You may strengthen your army according to your concept. In conjunction with the expansion of the Arqvist territorial army, the scale of the garrison force will be reduced as needed, and once the organization according to your concept is completed, the garrison force will be withdrawn, and the defense of the Bezel Great Forest Road shall be entrusted to you."
"Yes. I shall strive to expand the army, staking my life."
Having received formal approval from Oscar, Noein answered while bowing his head.
"Then next... we must decide what kind of assistance the Royal Family will provide to realize that concept."
As he spoke, Oscar this time directed his gaze toward Marquis Skeggjason. The Marquis nodded in response. Since it was a conversation regarding assistance for territorial development, it seemed it was now the Minister of Internal Affairs' turn.
"Lord Arqvist, to expand the Arqvist territorial army as you said and maintain that scale, how much of a population is necessary?"
Asked by Oscar, Noein answered without appearing to ponder.
"I believe at least 3,000 people are necessary."