The headquarters of the Bayeran Reserve Army is located in the southeast of the upper city and shares a pentagonal fortress facing the sea with the War Department and the General Staff. But all those who had returned from afar had to come here to take over their personnel.

Griffith walked all the way through. There were only a few Sue left in his pocket who couldn't sit in the carriage, and he was too embarrassed to ask the elf to borrow money. Galadia also seems to have forgotten that he was poor.

Today is July 8, 1443 of the Quaternary Period, and there is still plenty of time before the deadline of the mission. Since it was not known in advance when he would be able to arrive, Griffiths did not have an exact appointment with Captain Heinz.

Passing through the huge pillar, the midshipman did not know where to go at the crowded gate. Under the imposing ceiling, the smooth marble is bright enough to illuminate a human face. The center of the hall floor is beautifully tiled into a soaring eagle banner.

"Don't block the way," said a senior sergeant in a white helmet, spotting the midshipman looking around, and approaching him, "to the secretary's desk." ”

Griffith, trying to maintain a dignified posture and not allow himself to slip on the floor, came to the secretary's desk with a nervous face.

"Eastern Corps 502 A Cavalry Wing, Second Class Leader, Griffith Blanton asks to see Captain Heinz Banner, Director of the Armored Cavalry. ”

Moments later, he was ushered through the deep hallway to a secluded office.

Captain Heinz Wilhelm, the former director of the Junior Non-commissioned Officer School, was writing in a mountain-like document, and when he heard the footsteps, he raised his head slightly and stood up with a smile: "It's good to hear that you don't forget to fight for the peace of the kingdom during your duty in the rear. ”

Griffith immediately straightened his chest and struck his chest with his right hand: "Victory to Bayeran!"

"Victory to Bayeran," Heinz, the chief of the armored cavalry, raised his arm, "in a few hours, you will be attached to the Lamor family, and the kingdom will not even have to pay you until the completion of four years of study." The premise is that the Lamorse family thinks you are still useful. ”

"His Majesty's military men will never forget their oaths and loyalty, regardless of their affiliation. Griffith replied without the slightest hesitation.

"Well, of course ~ loyalty," Heinz smiled, and his smile seemed to be a little mocking, "The Count is one of the most honorable people in this kingdom. I see you're ready to impress him. ”

"I bought brand new coats, shirts and boots," Griffith said as he thought about the large sum of money he had spent.

"Yes," said the commander of the armored cavalry, who had just been transferred to the capital, tugging at his bow tie, "life in Bayeran is completely different from that of the provinces, but you young people adapt faster than I do. The Earl has a pair of children about your age, and I want you to be friends with them and nothing else. ”

Before Griffith could figure out how to answer, Heinz diverted the subject: "Tell me about the East." In the last battle you participated in, how did the armored cavalry wing implement its own tactical policy? ”

"Enemy Byck, Lord Governor," Griffith said like a weak-minded student, but he himself felt that the tactics of that battle were problematic, "but after reflection, I felt that it was not wise to attack Beamon head-on in the end. ”

"Hmm~ those fools don't understand armored cavalry," Heinz nodded, "maneuver, defense, shock." Armored cavalry units should be a balance of all three, choosing the battlefield flexibly and relying on effective defenses to exert their assault capabilities, rather than attacking an undefeatable mythical creature like infantry. You can assault the other orc infantry and leave that slow-moving target for the artillerymen's bed crossbows. Luckily Maximus reacted after being hit head-on, otherwise you young people would all have been filmed ......"

Griffith let out a "groan" in his heart. Director Heinz noticed his student's sad expressions in time and quickly changed the subject.

"I'm going to reorganize the tactical formation of the armored cavalry. Adding armor to the existing archers will follow you. If you encounter a strong defense of the spear phalanx and have to surprise you, you and the archers will attack together, breaking through through with white-knuckle combat under long-range cover. ”

"However, the rate of fire and firepower of the archers have no advantage over the archers, and it is not easy to deploy when there are more people, and they will block the way of the armored cavalry. Griffith, who thought about it a little, found it difficult to command, and simply offered his opinion.

"That's natural," said Director Heinz, "the archers cannot be formed and fought in the same way as before, their composition and equipment are still being experimented, if you have any ideas, you can write to me."

"Griffith Brandon, you're a young man with brains. You know, the capital is no safer than the East, there are completely different evils and intrigues here. In the next few years, I hope that you will not die like you are not giving up your life until you make your contribution. ”

The words of the Armored Cavalry Director were very sincere. Griffith, knowing that this was his teacher's peculiar way of expressing his concern, nodded very earnestly.

"Alright, we have something to say on the way to Lamor House again," Director Heinz removed his coat from the hanger and strode outside, "I'll go with you."

A carriage was already waiting for them outside the General Staff. The two of them whirlwind into the carriage and galloped towards the House of La Morr.

"Is there anything else you've found besides your little battle?" Mr. Heinz asked as soon as he sat down, "I know about goblins and living corpses, and I'll say something else." ”

"The food supply is not as tight as I thought," said Griffith at once, "and on my way back, before the official armistice, the common people were still eating brown bread as their staple food, but the food was adequate, and the supply of meat and complementary foods was acceptable. ”

"Interesting concern," Heinz nodded with interest, "the supply pressure has been greatly eased by the grain shipments from the southern provinces, and the Senate is preparing a new bill to encourage the grain trade." Had Cornelius' expeditionary force not taken there, the offensive of your Eastern Army would have been unsustainable due to logistical pressures. Blanton, do you know the real strategic purpose of the General Staff in this war?"

"Our offensive has been advancing along the coastline, but the real purpose is no longer to conquer the land fortresses of the orcs, but to seize their ports to avoid danger to the southern trade routes. Is the real intention of the kingdom to conquer the south?" Griffith made a guess of his own, "I thought the coastal advance was to maintain logistical stability, but that doesn't explain that the capture of Fort Atana would end the war. ”

"Hmph, you're right, the victory in the Battle of Atana wasn't a decisive battle with the orcs as advertised at the beginning. The capture of the fortress meant that their navy had lost the last large port that could threaten the south, and the raider fleet had to retreat to the farther east to regroup, and it would not be possible to come out again in a few years," said Superintendent Heinz Wilhelm with a smile, "Very well, Griffith, although your rank is only a petty sergeant, your vision is much broader than that of the GIs and officers. When you enter school, remember to take the advanced art of logistics. ”

The road from the Reserve Headquarters to La Mor House is smooth and quiet, and there is not a single annoying smell or noise along the way, except for the pleasant scenery. The carriage crossed the pretty streets to a luxurious mansion, and Director Heinz jumped off like a young man.

"Come down, little sergeant, this is another battlefield for you. ”

Respectfully dressed servants greeted them politely as they walked through the delicate courtyard to the spacious and luxurious living room for a rest. The sparkling crystal chandeliers shine a soft and beautiful light, and each piece of furniture is designed just right. The faint scent wafts through the cool interior, making it extremely comfortable. Floor-to-ceiling windows with three heights allow for unobstructed views of the exquisite garden, driving the oppression and boredom out of the living room.

While waiting in the living room, the servants brought refreshments and fruits, which were so delicate that people couldn't get their hands on them.

This place, which was countless times more beautiful than the headquarters of the reserve army, dazzled Griffith.

"Don't make such a fuss," said the Flag Captain, "where is the steadfastness of the legionnaires? These seemingly respectful and polite servants will secretly make fun of you in every possible way. You're just the second son of a frontier knight, a non-commissioned officer with little money in your pocket, and a senior security guard in the earl's house. When I'm gone, they'll approach you warmly, show you how to be a decent person in the capital, and try to get you to do a discredited folly. ”

Griffith was stunned for a moment, and hurriedly withdrew his confused and intoxicated expression, trying to change it to a serious one. But the Earl's Court was so beautiful and elegant that the midshipman could not make himself vicious through gritting his teeth.

The servants soon came to inform him that the Count was ready to meet him.

Commander Heinz didn't even need the guidance of a servant, and led the midshipman through the long corridor, through the main building of the mansion to a circular room in the gardens of the House of Lamour. A handsome, amiable, and elegant middle-aged man turned from the bookshelf and looked gently at the midshipman who appeared in front of him. He was tall, and his blond hair was dyed with the signs of age. The shining silver oak knight's ankh on his coat clearly states his identity.

This was the Count of Lamour, one of the king's most trusted and favored direct counts.

"Well, the second son of Knight Blanton, he looks like him, and it seems that the Legion has fed you well," the Count gestured to the nearby sofa and motioned for the Captain of the Banner and his little henchman to sit down, "I've seen your resume." Originally, I wanted to place you next to my eldest son, but unfortunately his ambition was to study history rather than politics and military affairs. My daughter has just turned 16 and is going to Holmonworth for her first year this fall, and Iluwassh's prophecy is that Mr. Cadet Knight will be a good buddy Knight. ”

Iluwassh...... The prophecy of this goddess is respected and recognized by both humans and elves. Most likely, he let Galadia go on an adventure in the forest alone......

"It is my pleasure, Lord Count," said Griffith, who had been waiting for the sentence for a short time after he sat down, bounced up like a spring.

The Earl nodded, motioned for Griffith to sit down, and then looked at Captain Banner: "The Army Command Section in Holmonwards is a nice place, but there are quite a few people who think it's too comfortable. What do you think?"

Captain Heinz, who had gray temples and a serious expression, said: "Maybe the Army University is a good choice, but for aspiring young people, the experience that a comprehensive magic academy can provide is more valuable than just military skills. ”

"Yes, you are right," said the Earl, sitting down at his desk, and picking up the quill at hand, "that I may worry less about the secrecy of Holmonwards, the temperament of these young men is effective in restraining it. ”

What is this secret of Holmonwards? Griffith had no idea what the Count meant, but kept it in his mind and studied it when he had the chance.

Just when Griffith was puzzled, the Earl of Lamor had already quickly written an envelope and handed it to the flag captain: "Then let it be like this today, and then let the second-level squad leader adapt to the life of Bayeran himself." ”

After seeing off the Flag Captain, the Count took the Cadet to the library on the first floor: "You can read the books here and have dinner with us during the time before you enter the school. ”

Isn't it a bit ...... to let someone of my humble status attend a dinner party? Without waiting for Griffith to thank him, the Count continued, "How many shirts do you have?"

"Two," replied Griffith, nervous at the sight of such a great nobleman condescending to care for such a trivial matter.

"Very well," said the Earl in a commanding tone, "go to the butler and get this quarter's salary, and buy twenty more." ”