I think I’ve mentioned this before, but back on Earth, I was a reservist officer.
My branch was infantry.
I was an ROTC graduate and made it to captain, spending a few years as a company commander before leaving the service.
Why did I choose such a hardcore life path? Honestly, I don’t have a good answer.
Even now, I occasionally regret it.
When I was young, I was blindly caught up in patriotic fervor and lacked proper judgment.
But let’s set that aside for now; there’s a more important point here.
Before becoming an officer, back in my university days, I majored in history—specifically, military history.
I studied when and where battles took place, how military technology evolved, and why wars happened.
To give you an idea, my undergraduate thesis was about the Napoleonic Wars.
Perhaps that’s why, when I was reincarnated in this world, I was able to adapt surprisingly quickly to its tactics and weapons.
“Because I’d already seen it all while writing reports and doing assignments.”
The weapons and strategies employed by the kingdoms, empires, and other nations of this continent were roughly equivalent to late 17th-century Earth.
There were no machine guns yet, and cold weapons like spears and swords were still widely used. Knights were still active, and while there were mages, the overall state of affairs was more or less comparable.
“Thanks to that, I could quickly identify what needed improvement.”
Once I understood the level of this world’s military, the next step was evaluation and improvement.
Having studied the history of war, I knew exactly how to develop the kingdom’s army.
It was as simple as copying what was already written in the history books.
Solving problems with the answers right in front of me.
However, thinking about it was one thing; actually implementing it was another.
Why? Because I spent ten years fighting on the frontlines.
When you’re desperately trying to survive, there’s no time to waste on military research.
Even after earning the rank of major, I still had to personally carry a musket into battle—hardly the environment for indulging in such luxuries.
And when I finally climbed the ranks high enough to focus on such matters?
That’s when the rigidity of the organization became the obstacle.
“The military is a conservative institution, whether in Korea or here.”
Few places in the world are as obsessed with tradition and maintaining the status quo as the military, except maybe some old-fashioned scholars in a secluded village.
If new technology were recklessly introduced, it could spell disaster not only for the military but for the entire nation.
This is why careful examination and repeated testing are the norm.
Lacking the patience to endure such tedious processes and bureaucratic pushback, my ability to push forward was inherently limited.
Even if I worked hard to prepare proposals and submitted them, I’d only be criticized for wasting time.
What’s the point of trying when even the best solutions would go unnoticed by those at the top?
Thus, the real modernization of the kingdom’s military only began after I staged a coup and transformed the revolutionary forces into the central army.
“One day, every army in the world will follow this system. I’d stake my honor and position on it.”
“I’m not entirely convinced yet… but if that’s what you say, we’ll follow. You’ve never been wrong before, sir.”
“At the very least, we can trust in its firepower. You’ve armed them all with guns, after all.”
Once I seized power and became the most influential figure in the kingdom’s military, nothing stood in my way anymore.
I could implement any tactics I deemed necessary and allocate budgets for new equipment as I saw fit.
I even armed every soldier in the central army with their own expensive flintlock muskets.
After pouring immense resources into this project, I finally completed it last month—the creation of a military unit equivalent to the 18th-century line infantry.
“And how large should the dispatched force be?”
“We can’t send the entire army. About half should be sufficient.”
“Then I’ll prepare two divisions.”
The combination of the kingdom’s elite central army and cutting-edge doctrines for this era gave me confidence.
There was no army in this world that could match them one-on-one.
Any opposing force would need at least twice their number to even have a chance.
Given the rough terrain and limited supply lines in the northern regions, this unit was the most efficient choice for reinforcements.
“When should they depart?”
“We’re short on time, so make sure they’re ready to leave within ten days.”
“Ten days?! That’s too short of a deadline—”
“Even at this moment, our comrades are dying on the frontlines. You’ve been keeping the troops ready for deployment at all times anyway, haven’t you?”
“Well, that is true, but still…”
With the situation on the frontlines too dire to waste time, I ordered them to pack only the essentials and depart immediately.
If all goes well, we should reach our destination in about three to four weeks, judging by our marching speed.
“The troops remaining here will be under your command, Vaden. Work closely with General Albrecht to manage the capital.”
“Understood, sir. Leave it to me.”
While leaving the capital—the core of our power base—unmanned weighed heavily on my mind, I trusted my subordinates.
They were capable enough to ascend to positions of lieutenant general or general even without my support.
Moreover, I had allies and collaborators outside the military, among the civilian population.
On the day of departure:
“You’re leaving already?”
“It’s less ‘already’ and more ‘finally.’ If it were up to me, we would’ve left the same day we received the orders.”
Standing at the gates of the royal city of Rahator, I exchanged my final farewell with Lady Arschach.
And it had to be at the crack of dawn, just as the sun was rising.
“Or… is it that you’re sad to see me go, my lady?”
“Of course! You have no idea how important you are to us.”
Despite shivering in the cold, the lady wrapped herself in a shawl over her dress, shaking her head resolutely.
Her thin gown accentuated her ample chest, which swayed magnificently, leaving me momentarily stunned.
Looking up at me as I sat atop my horse, she declared with firm conviction.
“You united us. The republicans, the military, the commoners, even the clergy—factions that are naturally at odds with one another. It was you who forged them into one force. Without you, this coalition would crumble in no time.”
“That’s true,” I thought.
After all, it was my accomplishment to use the military—my foundation and core strength—to gradually absorb, tame, and unify various groups.
At first, it was purely for survival, to grow our power after the coup.
But before I realized it, we had transformed into a formidable political force.
We were no longer the minority—we had become the majority.
“My heart wishes you wouldn’t leave, sir. If you were to fall to a bullet on the battlefield, it would all be over for us.”
“You know that’s not an option,” I replied.
“Of course, which is why I’m merely saying it,”
she said with a sigh.
“Even someone as insignificant as me understands the impact this mission will have on your honor and the kingdom.”
Lady Arschach let out a soft sigh, grasped my hand, and pleaded earnestly.
“So I beg you, please return safely. Don’t let all the reforms you’ve achieved collapse just because of your death.”
I placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder and offered a calm smile.
“Don’t worry, my lady. I have no plans to die until I’ve lived long enough to hold my great-grandchildren in my arms.”
I knew better than anyone the consequences of my death at this moment.
Even though we had gained significant political ground against the aristocracy and royalty, our movement was still fledgling.
The fractures within our ranks were many, and unity was something we could never truly count on.
The moment news of Carolus von Royten’s death reached the public, the Supreme Council for National Reconstruction would crumble, and the revolutionary army would lose its guiding force.
The republicans, who relied on my presence to secure their seats in the assembly, would be left defenseless against the wrath of the enraged nobles.
Thanks to us, even priests elevated to the rank of bishop or cardinal would likely lose their heads.
The moment I die here, the enemy will seize their chance for a counterattack, seeking revenge for all their past humiliations.
The dream of constitutional monarchy would fade into a distant illusion.
That’s why I cannot die.
I must not die.
Not if I want to ensure everything we’ve built doesn’t crumble to dust.
“Please, my lady, manage the assembly properly. I need to leave for the north without worrying about the capital.”
Likewise, Lady Arschach had her role to play while I was away.
She would need to steer state affairs, pushing forward the reforms we had planned in advance.
“…I’ll do my best. So much so that you’ll be amazed when you return, sir.”
“Now that’s something to look forward to.”
After Lady Arschach nodded and left, my aide muttered from behind me.
“Lady Arschach seems quite invested in you, sir. A young lady visiting a man alone like that… quite bold.”
“You don’t say.”
If this had been high society, it would’ve sparked a scandal in no time.
Surely, her motives weren’t just political… or were they?
In any case, the Central Army finally began its march northward, advancing at the fastest sustainable pace.
Stopping at rear units to replenish provisions, stock up on gunpowder, and cover 25 kilometers a day, we pressed onward.
Crossing mountains, fording rivers, and trudging through snowy plains, we finally arrived at our destination.
“Sir, that’s our allied encampment up ahead.”
“Which unit is stationed here? Is it part of the revolutionary army?”
“It seems to be Major General Mauer’s 2nd Division.”
After sending a messenger to announce our arrival and securing a spot for our camp, I was finally reunited with comrades I hadn’t seen in a long time.
“Long time no see, Major General—no, I suppose I should call you General now? Or perhaps Your Excellency?”
“…Mauer.”
His appearance was harrowing.
The weariness unique to soldiers subjected to endless battles was etched into his features.
Dark circles overshadowed his eyes, and his emaciated frame spoke of the hardships he’d endured.
Even at a glance, I could tell how much he had suffered.
“You’ve done well holding out for so long. Leave the rest to me now—go and get some well-deserved rest.”
“That’s a relief to hear, sir. I’ve barely had a wink of sleep these past few days.”
Supporting my staggering subordinate, we entered the command tent and immediately began planning our next move.