A New Opponent

Weber was speechless after Santos's remark.

Upon seeing this, Powell directly asked Santos, "Regimental Commander Santos, why do you say that? You should know that if we start expanding the army now, the territory has already drawn a large number of militia to assist in the suppression mission."

Continuing to conscript soldiers on this basis would result in too many able-bodied men being recruited, which would affect the autumn harvest in the territory, reducing grain production. The territory's grain reserves were already insufficient, and winter military training would consume a large amount of rations, potentially causing many contract slaves to starve.

"Lord Powell, the Viscount made it very clear in his order that Count Colt wants to consolidate the military forces of the Three Counties of the Northern Frontier in order to begin the confrontation with the Grand Duke. The reason why the two sides have not yet started the war is that neither side is ready, and winter is coming soon."

In other words, we only have six months to prepare for war. After spring arrives next April, we not only need to expand our army, but also ensure that it is a powerful army capable of achieving victory for the Viscount. Time is very tight, and now is not the time to be considerate of the people's strength.

Powell fell silent. After a moment, he turned to Bob and asked, "Director Bob, is the current output of the Arms Factory sufficient to meet the needs of the expanding army? Do you need our help?"

Marvin and Ron were immediately delighted to hear Powell's words, as this statement meant that Powell, the top leader of the political system, had agreed to begin the military expansion plan now.

Bob cleared his throat. "It's like this, Mr. Powell..."

Weber, looking anxious, interrupted, "Chief Political Officer Powell, the territory's current financial situation is still acceptable, but if we expand the military, next year's finances will definitely suffer a large deficit. We finally have a chance to achieve a balance, so we just need to wait two more months to expand the military."

"Weber, don't say that. All the development work in the territory is for the survival and strength of the territory. Now, in order to deal with future crises, the territory must expand its army. I agree with Regimental Commander Santos's judgment."

Our priority now is to ensure the expansion of the territory's military. Besides, the Viscount's order mentioned that the Old Baron Wembley will be coming to the Two Rivers Territory to take charge later, so we just need to do our jobs well.

"Okay, I understand." Weber sighed. He also understood that expanding the army was necessary, but it was the end of the year's work, and starting to expand the army now would inevitably increase costs. However, since things had come to this point, he would fully cooperate.

Powell continued, turning to Bob, "Manager Bob, you can continue now."

"Okay, here's the thing. The Arms Factory is not short of raw materials right now, and our production capacity has reached its limit. However, the task given by the Viscount is to achieve 100% armor coverage for the territory's army. Even Auxiliary Troops must have a set of iron-plated leather armor, combat soldiers will wear chainmail with half-plate armor, and heavy infantry and Cavalry will use full plate armor."

Plate armor production is not a major problem. With the help of the Viscount and Lady Veronica, the water-powered forging hammer has been improved, and our production efficiency has increased significantly. We can produce 1,200 sets of half-body plate armor and 400 sets of full-body plate armor per month. It only takes three months of production capacity to complete the replacement of all the soldiers' equipment.

However, there are some problems with the chainmail and rubber armor. These two types of armor require a lot of manpower to manufacture, and we don't have enough workers, especially female workers. We hope the territory can provide us with some new workers.

Powell nodded. "Don't worry, Manager Bob, I'll make the arrangements right after the meeting and make sure the staff is in place by the 20th."

"That's great, then the costume change can be completed by the end of this year."

"No, Factory Manager Powell, it's not just about fulfilling the territory's military expansion and equipment replacement needs. I also need you to expand production as much as possible and repair the weapons and armor that are being phased out during the replacement. I will transfer 1,500 Freemen people from those who are about to be freed from serfdom to the Arms Factory and Steelworks to increase production capacity."

"Isn't this a bit too much, Powell? Our factory's original workforce is only 600, and even with the Steelworks in Rafam, it's only 1400. This is double the number. The territory's army can't possibly consume this much weaponry."

Powell looked around the conference room. "War is imminent, and the nobles of the Three Counties of the Northern Frontier will begin to expand their armies. Weapons and equipment on the market will soon become scarce and even increase in price. Our Two Rivers Territory should take this opportunity to enter the arms market, which can greatly increase the territory's fiscal revenue."

Everyone looked delighted, especially Weber, who all thought there was a high probability that Powell was right.

"Alright, I think today's meeting can be adjourned. The military expansion plan will proceed as planned. We still have a lot of work to do, so let's hurry up."

Silver Maple City, at the Imperial Guard Legion's garrison, the Legion Commander, Viscount Borey, was chatting with a young officer.

"Father, thank you for entrusting me with the task of welcoming the delegation from the Raine Kingdom. I will certainly live up to your expectations."

"Rasul, I've said it many times, when we're in the military camp, call Legion Commander."

"I'm sorry, Legion Commander, I'm just too happy."

"This mission is a rare opportunity. As long as you complete it step by step, I am confident that I can recommend to His Majesty that you be appointed as the Cavalry Regiment under Count Kimberly of the Fifth Legion."

"I understand. The only regret is that I can't serve as Regimental Commander in the Imperial Guard Legion."

"Rasul, you're fine as a Battalion Commander under me, but being Regimental Commander would be too conspicuous. Don't rush things."

"Legion Commander, I just really want to improve."

"I understand your thoughts. You are my youngest son and cannot inherit the territory, so you have always harbored resentment."

But rest assured, I have known Count Kimberly for many years, and he will certainly help and support you in achieving merit in the upcoming war. Combined with my own military achievements, it will be enough for you to become an independent nobleman. This is the greatest future I can secure for you."

"Father, I am very grateful for everything you have done for me. I will definitely complete this mission well. However, will Count Kimberly be willing to support me? He himself is just a Court Noble. Doesn't he want his family to become an independent noble family?"

"Of course it's not that simple. There's a reason for it. Kimberley's son, Sodak, is currently the deputy Regimental Commander of the Second Legion Cavalry Regiment. I will later transfer him to the Imperial Guard Legion as the Cavalry Regiment."

My Imperial Guard Legion will also participate in the upcoming war, and I will help Sodak gain merit in battle. Essentially, it's a mutually beneficial arrangement.