For now, there was no better solution. Ang could only take things one step at a time.
He had long since lost any favorable impression of the legions under those grand dukes. Factions were everywhere within them, each one checking the others. Seeking real growth in such a system was practically harder than reaching the heavens.
Before long, the first batch of soldiers in Ang's army to complete their terms of service retired.
Most of the retired soldiers naturally joined the Garrison Camp of 47th City.
As they took over, the regular army previously stationed in 47th City gradually withdrew, all relocating to the West Bank of Valagaju.
More than two thousand soldiers retired this time.
Quintina brought over a thick report and placed it solemnly on Ang's desk.
"Another four thousand or so are expected to retire within the next year. But during that year, we probably won't be able to recruit more than three thousand new soldiers." Quintina's tone was filled with helplessness.
Ang rubbed his brow, feeling a headache coming on.
"This is truly strangling our development." He sighed.
"How about... accepting Count Austin's offer after all?" After hesitating, Quintina voiced her thoughts.
"That won't do." Ang rejected it without hesitation. "Joining is easy. Leaving is hard."
"But didn't you leave the Third Legion too?" Quintina retorted softly.
Ang gave a bitter smile. "That wasn't leaving. I was expelled."
During this time, Quintina and the other advisers had repeatedly discussed various plans. However, most of the proposals could not be carried out due to practical constraints and had to be abandoned.
They were like people trapped at the bottom of a well. They could see the sky outside, yet could not jump out no matter what. To break through, they had to accept the harsh terms offered