Episode 170

Nations tend to create heroes when they want to cover up defeats or undesirable events in wars.

This was similar to individuals finding solace and strength in enjoying a fun movie or performance when facing hard and painful times.

On a national level, heroes were highlighted to divert people’s attention and interest when something unfavorable happened.

And now, His Majesty the Emperor wants to highlight me and our 7th Division.

After partially recovering, I went up to the capital, and without being able to return home right away, I participated in a victory parade with the surviving soldiers of the 7th Division.

Now, I am forcibly attending a special encouragement banquet hosted by His Majesty the Emperor in the palace courtyard with the soldiers of the 7th Division.

“Sergeant Otto, for someone like me, a mere serf, to attend a banquet in the palace is something I’ve never even dreamed of in my life.”

“Idiot, His Majesty the Emperor himself ordered us to participate. And serfs? We are no longer serfs. We are proper citizens! If you want to be a serf, do it yourself, you fool!”

“Damn, honestly, when I stayed behind at Richten Hill with the division commander, I thought my life was screwed. But thinking about it now, it was the best decision of my life! Life is short and intense. Make it count!”

But as long as the soldiers who fought alongside me, risking their lives, were all satisfied, it was all good.

“Division Commander, instead of just watching your subordinates enjoy the banquet, how about giving them a word of encouragement?”

“I think everyone would really appreciate it if you, their commander, praised them.”

Normally, on such occasions, it would be best for someone of high rank to stick to a corner and sip on their drink.

But now, as Anya and Charlotte suggested, I think everyone would appreciate it if I went around and offered them some praise.

Thinking this, I was about to go to a nearby battalion to offer some words of encouragement when I heard a loud voice accompanied by the sound of trumpets.

“The great sun of the Reich Empire, His Majesty Fernando von Reich, arrives! All soldiers of the 7th Division, pay your respects!”

Hearing this, the soldiers, who had never even met a baron, much less an emperor in their lives, didn’t know what to do.

The fact that they were meeting the most noble Emperor of the empire, whom they never expected to meet in their lifetime, probably made them so nervous that they forgot everything they had been taught by the officers and court nobles.

Seeing this, the officers quietly instructed their soldiers as if ventriloquizing,

“Kneel on both knees and bow your heads.”

“Do not raise your head until you are told to do so. If you do it wrong, you could be charged with irreverence.”

“Kneel as you would when praying in church.”

The nobles around His Majesty, who would normally be angered by such a situation, simply looked at the soldiers with content expressions.

“Normally, those who are not nobles must kneel on both knees to pay homage to me, but the soldiers here from the 7th Division are the saviors of my son, the Crown Prince, and the heroes who saved the empire. It would not be right to have such individuals kneel on both knees on this auspicious occasion. This time, let’s make an exception and have them kneel on one knee, just like the other officers. And now, raise your heads.”

According to the class system, commoners or serfs must kneel on both knees when paying homage to a king or a titled noble.

This carried the meaning of ‘infinitely humble serfs daring to pay homage, feeling deeply apologetic and sorry.’

However, the Emperor, truly grateful, invited them, meaning to show respect regardless of class by kneeling on one knee.

The soldiers might not fully grasp this meaning yet, but the officers, who clearly understood what it meant for the Emperor to express sincere gratitude, were wide-eyed.

Yet, the Emperor, as if unconcerned with such matters, took the decree from the Grand Chamberlain next to him and read it himself.

“With the tearful sacrifice and dazzling valor of all soldiers belonging to the 7th Division, the empire was spared from the great crisis of losing the Crown Prince and 50,000 troops. Hence, I, Fernando von Reich, Emperor of the Reich Empire, sincerely express my gratitude.”

After saying this, the Emperor bowed his head towards us, albeit slightly.

Although the gesture was small, considering that the Emperor, in principle, does not bow his head to anyone except God and His representative, the Pope, it was equivalent to showing how much the Emperor appreciated us and promised exceptional rewards.

Naturally, this fact would be an honor that all members of the 7th Division could boast of for the rest of their lives.

“Thus, I have pondered with my ministers on how to reward you, who have contributed to overcoming a crisis that could have greatly shaken the empire. As a result, it has been decided to reward you with the utmost sincerity and gratitude.”

Hearing this, I was certain.

Honestly, without the 7th Division’s efforts, the expeditionary force would have completely lost 50,000 troops, and the Crown Prince would have been taken hostage.

If things had gone that way, even if His Majesty decided to dethrone the Crown Prince later as retribution, he would first have to retrieve the Crown Prince from them.

In exchange, at least 3 to 4 dukedoms would have to be given to the Duke of Switzerland, weakening the empire’s power and cornering it diplomatically.

The Emperor mentioning such a crisis hinted at the exceptional rewards to come, and such rewards, by highlighting heroes, likely carried a political intent to cover up any defeat in war.

“First, the 7th Division of the Imperial Army, which saved the empire, will be specially promoted to a ‘Guard’ Division, and the soldiers will be promoted and awarded medals according to their merits. In addition, I will bestow 10 gold coins from myself and 5 gold coins from the Crown Prince on all members of the 7th Division. A special bonus will also be provided separately. Furthermore, all soldiers and their families will be liberated from serfdom.”

In the Bear Empire, the title ‘Guard’ was freely given by the Emperor without much benefit, but it was different in the Reich Empire.

Units titled ‘Guard’ typically receive more than double the salary of their counterparts in other units of the same rank, whether officers, non-commissioned officers, or soldiers.

Furthermore, anyone, from officers to non-commissioned officers to soldiers who had served in this unit even once, would receive significant bonus points for future promotions.

Moreover, in the imperial army, even the lowest grade of medals was practically only awarded to officers.

Receiving even the lowest grade of medal here, if one diligently continued their military service, they could graduate from an officer training school to become a lieutenant, easily reaching the status of a quasi-noble.

Additionally, 15 gold coins were enough to buy a reasonably large piece of land, a house, and even a beautiful wife in any rural area of the empire.

In short, those serving in my division have struck it lucky, whether they would continue their military service or were discharged.

“All officers will also receive substantial bonuses according to their rank and merits, and all officers will be promoted one rank. In addition, they will be awarded medals and swords bearing the royal crest.”

The promotion of all officers by one rank and the medals were significant, but a sword bearing the royal crest was something even a considerable noble would struggle to receive before becoming a colonel.

This meant those who served under me would be promoted much faster compared to other officers.

Moreover, given the atmosphere, it seemed that a significant number of Knight’s Cross medals, which automatically confer a knightly title, would be distributed.

At this rate, the 7th Division might truly earn the nickname ‘Knight Division.’

“Especially for their significant contributions in this war, Lieutenant Colonels Kerzhit and Werner will be formally granted the title of Baron, along with baronies, and a reward of 30,000 gold each.”

As all officers were promoted to one rank, those two had effectively become colonels and true barons.

“And now, Lieutenant General Peter Yeager, commander of the 7th Guard Division, step forward.”

Following that, I quietly approached the Emperor under everyone’s gaze, kneeled on one knee, and bowed my head.

“Lieutenant General Yeager was the first to notice that the Count of Bern from Switzerland was a double agent, and completely defeated the division of the Count of Ticino with minimal losses. Leading the 7th Guard Division, he took the forefront himself to preserve the Crown Prince and 50,000 imperial troops as much as possible. Over a month, he courageously killed at least 200 Swiss soldiers, elevating the empire’s dignity with his bravery, martial prowess, and strategy. His merits are indeed reaching the heavens, instilling fear among the enemies of the empire across Europa.”

Although all these achievements from the expedition were mine, hearing them from someone else, especially through the emperor’s mouth, made them seem truly incredible.

“Therefore, I, Fernando von Reich, in recognition of these unparalleled and overwhelming achievements, hereby award the following—I confer the title of Count upon Peter Yeager, and bestow upon him the counties of Ingolstadt, Augsburg, and the barony of Angol. Specifically, he is promoted to General and awarded the Diamond Knight’s Cross and the Double Dragon Medal.”

Becoming a count in the empire placed one among the highest ranks of nobility, just below dukes and the royal family, and not many counts possessed multiple counties.

Moreover, being promoted to General meant one could serve as a deputy commander in any expedition.

Although it was a failure, like the expedition to Switzerland, if it involved escorting the Crown Prince, one essentially becomes the supreme commander.

The Double Dragon Medal, being the highest honor awarded last to a marshal who overcame the empire’s dire situation over a hundred and several decades ago, was considered far more prestigious and influential than the Diamond Knight’s Cross, which was regarded as the highest medal in practice.

This meant even the marshal of the imperial army had to defer to my military career and achievements.

So, with sincere gratitude, I exclaimed,

“I will dedicate my whole body and soul in gratitude to Your Majesty’s grace.”