NOVEL WEB Chapter 130 Every Citizen Is A Soldier
A murmur spread through the assembly before Count Charles raised a hand to silence it.
"I have summoned you here because King Charles V has issued a critical directive. From this moment, our kingdom will operate under the principle that every citizen is a soldier."
He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. Determination and apprehension flickered across the faces of the gathered lords.
"Our northeastern provinces are tasked with mobilizing between 100,000 and 150,000 soldiers. While this entire force won't be deployed at once, the first expeditionary army alone must number at least 70,000. In our last great war, the sacrifices made by nobles, commoners, and serfs alike were immeasurable."
The grim memory of those losses caused many to clench their fists.
"To avoid a similar fate, we must prepare thoroughly. This directive is not optional. Each domain must contribute its assigned number of soldiers, by whatever means necessary."
The room buzzed with hushed conversations until Count Charles's voice cut through again, firm and unyielding.
"This is a war for the kingdom's survival—there will be no negotiations. By the decree of His Majesty King Charles V, I have been appointed Governor-General of the northeastern provinces and granted full military authority. I expect your complete cooperation."
The announcement sent ripples of surprise through the assembly. Michael, too, was taken aback. While he had anticipated a large-scale conflict, the mobilization of the entire population was unprecedented. Was the Pamir Emperor truly so reckless in his twilight years? Regardless, the royal court's resolve was clear, signaling the severity of the situation.
Meeting his father's gaze, Michael nodded. Preparing for the worst, he resolved to train every able-bodied serf and citizen in his domain.
"Governor-General, while it is only right to follow the royal court's directive, the issue of cost must be addressed," spoke Viscount Wyatt with a calculated air of concern. Located at the southernmost tip of the northeastern provinces, his domain was relatively insulated from immediate threats, making him reluctant to bear the financial burden.
Sensing an opportunity, Michael interjected. If he intended to train his own serfs and citizens, securing food supplies was paramount—and he happened to have an abundance of it.
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"Governor-General, Viscount Wyatt raises a valid point," Michael said. "Many domains are still recovering from last winter's devastation caused by fanatics. If the entire population is to be trained, food production will give way to consumption, driving up grain prices and leaving many unable to cope with the rising costs."
Count Charles raised an eyebrow. "And what do you propose?"
"I suggest that the central command purchase surplus grain from the estates and redistribute it to impoverished nobles and their domains," Michael explained. "Our family, for instance, has a considerable stockpile of grain left over from our recent relocation. We procured it through contacts in the southern regions but didn't end up needing as much as anticipated. I believe other families may also have reserves that could be put to use."
It was the perfect opportunity to offload the massive quantities of grain accumulated through Drake's successful raids.
Count Charles considered Michael's proposal, his expression thoughtful. It was clear that while the war would demand sacrifices from everyone, those who played their cards right—like Michael—stood to gain.
Count Charles fell into deep thought after hearing Michael's proposal. As wrinkles formed on his forehead, the tension in the conference room grew. With the large-scale war looming, it was essential for the nobles within the castle to stockpile grain.
Baron Kensington, catching Michael's gaze, added his voice to the discussion.
"Your Excellency, the Governor. Sir Michael's proposal is excellent. Self-sufficiency in food during a war is absolutely necessary. If the nobles who have extra grain release it and the leadership purchases it to curb price hikes, it will greatly benefit us."
Others nodded in agreement, relief mixing into their expressions. Selling surplus grain now was preferable to having it seized later under the guise of requisition at a low price.
"What do you think, Court Count Woodlock? Would it be acceptable to use military funds to purchase surplus grain and sell it to minor nobles?"
Since the suggestion aligned with the king's orders, Count Woodlock had no reason to oppose it. The nobles gathered here were the affluent ones from the northeastern planet. As such, they could amass a substantial amount of grain. Affordable food always helped stabilize public sentiment.
"Well, if we can buy it cheaply and stockpile provisions for the war, it would certainly be a great help. I'll request the royal family for a budget allocation. How much grain do you all have in reserve?"
"Our Charles family can offer about 1,000 seok of wheat. Let's set the price at 90% of the market rate," Count Charles responded.
The conditions seemed reasonable. Dominic then spoke up.
"Our Crassus barony has a fair amount of stockpiled grain. We can provide 1,500 seok of wheat and 1,000 seok of oats at the same rate as Count Charles."
Once they set the tone, others eagerly offered their surplus grain. From Count Charles' and Court Count Woodlock's perspectives, it was an excellent way to stockpile provisions, while the nobles could sell their excess grain and procure military supplies.
When the meeting concluded, Dominic left the conference room with his son, overwhelmed with joy. Previously, as a minor noble, he had been in the position of buying food. Now, thanks to his son, he could sell his surplus grain.
Dominic gazed at Michael with deep affection.
"I never thought our family's fortunes would turn around like this. It's all thanks to you."
"Not at all, Father. It's the result of everyone's efforts," Michael replied.
Dominic laughed heartily and patted Michael's shoulder.
"Don't be so modest. I've been the lord for almost 50 years, but no one has ever benefited the territory as much as you have. Thank you."
While Michael basked in his father's praise, Philip was seething with frustration. Reading the letter from his father had left him utterly incredulous.
"Make contributions in the northeastern planet because circumstances don't allow it here? Then he should send reinforcements!"