Refusing Politely

"Fortunately, our army's recruitment has already begun."

Rhodesney XVIII said with some relief, "That way, the opportunists around us won't be able to take advantage of the kingdom's recent defeat to scheme against us."

He looked at Paul with considerable gratitude. "Thanks to the large amount of military scrip shipped from the western bay, a steady stream of able-bodied young men is joining the Kingdom Army."

"I have to say, Paul, your idea was excellent. You could say that you've rendered a great service."

Paul nodded. "Your Majesty, I'm glad it worked as expected."

The king continued, "While you were away, two new military camps were built outside Crystal Radiance City, one to the south and one to the north. My preliminary plan is to train a standing army of fifty thousand."

"A standing army of fifty thousand?" Catherine exclaimed. "That's an enormous number."

"Yes." The king nodded. "Without military scrip, that would have been unimaginable before."

The Kingdom Army had previously maintained only an elite force made up of noble youths and knights during peacetime, then recruited soldiers temporarily to form a large army whenever war broke out.

Catherine shook her head. "But in my view, even with military scrip, this will be difficult to accomplish. After all, military scrip still needs to be supported by a large amount of matching supplies."

"And as for those officers, they won't be satisfied with merely obtaining life's necessities. Their compensation must be paid in real metal currency."

The king put on a solemn expression. "You're right. That's precisely the purpose of the reforms I intend to carry out."

At this point, Paul interjected, "As far as I know, the construction of the Economic Zone centered around Westport has been highly successful. Hasn't it brought at least some increase in the kingdom's