“We were originally just supposed to show our faces, so we returned home without helping with the post-war cleanup. There really was no need to go to war after all…”
The two who had joyfully rushed out said:
“Wow, I really got a bit too carried away for my age.”
“Hey, old man. You need to be careful or you’ll hurt your back again, you know? Well, if that happens, I’ll take care of things in your place!”
“Look at you, speaking confidently! Just because you did well in your first battle, don’t get cocky. Well, I guess my teaching method was effective after all.”
The two were chatting cheerfully.
It was certainly a joy to be able to participate in the battle, and since they had achieved some military success, they had received a small reward from the Count of Vaivarl.
As I listened to their conversation, memories of the battle came flooding back.
“Still, when you think of a battle, you expect something more flexible… I didn’t expect it to be a straightforward clash and grind.”
Somehow, I thought there would be tactics and formations involved. It makes sense to cause disruption with a preemptive magical attack and then break through.
Herbert seemed to understand what I was trying to say.
“Lord Ainzich, most of the soldiers are farmers. It depends on the skill of the knights in command, but basically, it’s just about advancing and retreating.”
Ah, I see. They are not soldiers who have formally learned how to fight. As long as they can maintain formation with simple instructions, that’s enough.
But still… I can’t shake the feeling that it seems wasteful. The farmers, who are being used as human shields, are ultimately the source of the nation’s agricultural power. It’s not a separation of soldiers and farmers, but couldn’t we gather volunteers, train them, and create soldiers?
In situations like this, the old wise man is a convenient person to consult.
“Old man, if we continue this kind of warfare, our national power will decline. Would it be possible to gather soldiers from the farmers and train them?”
When I asked this, the old man made a troubled expression.
“From the farmers, you say…? Hmm. I don’t mind, but the knights of other houses and the count might dislike it.”
“Why? I’d think they’d appreciate having an increased fighting force.”
“It would lead to competition for opportunities and spoils.”
Huh? It feels like the conversation isn’t quite connecting in my head. Why is that?
It’s about soldiers from farming backgrounds competing with knights. Sure, it’s fine to promote those with potential to become knights, but… oh, I see.
“Old man, I don’t intend to train the farmer soldiers to become knights. If they have potential, that’s a different story, but I’m thinking of training them purely in the art of fighting.”
In this world, knights are a fighting profession, but there are also mercenaries. The fundamental difference between farmer soldiers or mercenaries and knights is education.
Knights work under nobles as tax collectors or assistants. This is why education is required, which leads to many knights being hereditary.
“I see… that sounds interesting… however, it sounds like it might cost a lot of money!”
Herbert laughed, and I could only respond with a wry smile.
Given the current financial situation in our territory, that’s a tough ask.
“Ainzich-sama! Once those soldiers are formed, leave it to me! I’ll handle the training too!”
Werner spoke excitedly, but imagining him conducting training makes me think it would turn into a brutal Spartacus-like situation…
“If the opportunity arises…?”
I brushed it off like that, but if it comes to that, I vowed to leave it to Herbert and Erich.
