"Count Latour, draw up a list and schedule with Count Kuran. I don't care how you do it, but within three years, at least a hundred thousand people must emigrate to Cuba.
"At the same time, implement compulsory military service in Cuba. Every male who reaches the age of twenty shall be obligated to serve in the army."
One day later, a detailed proposal concerning compulsory military service lay on Franz's desk.
"Your Majesty, the nation currently has 7.2 million males of military age. We only need to select 10% each year to join the standing army in order to maintain our current troop strength."
It seemed Count Latour still had not given up on his plan for massive army formations.
"Selecting 5% every three years will be enough. Set the term of service at the three years decided by the War Department. Two months of training a year for the reserves is far too excessive—the people still need to eat. Make it twenty days."
Hearing Franz's decision, Count Latour hurriedly explained.
"Your Majesty, how can reservists trained for only twenty days have any combat strength? Even our third-line troops train four months every year."
"That is the War Department's problem. Annual training cannot take too long; you may decide the specific intensity yourselves."
Count Latour wore a troubled expression.
"If you have no ideas, discuss it with your subordinates! The regular army can be divided into grades—can't the reserves be graded as well? Take it back and redo it!"
Franz rebuked him. He truly could not understand why these people were so fond of doing everything themselves. If someone could lend Franz a hand right now, he would happily take it easy.
Count Latour picked up the proposal and slunk out of Franz's study.
Mia Arties casually knocked on