Chapter 565: Military Port Inspection
After Leo's departure, the order formally appointing me as the provisional Field Marshal was sent to various locations.
On the surface, it was said that I would lead both the Imperial Navy and the Principality Navy, but the real aim was to divert attention towards Arnold Lakes Adler.
Of course, this true intention was not made public.
For this reason, various objections were raised, both major and minor.
It is a basic rule that there is one Field Marshal in the Imperial Capital and two on the national borders. They are the top of the Imperial Army and also the overseers of the battlefield.
Many were opposed to the idea that I, not Leo with his overwhelming record of achievements, should take up this position, even temporarily. After all, Leo is not a Field Marshal. If we joined forces on the front line, Leo would be under my command.
Many people did not understand why it was me, not Leo.
It's an issue of the chain of command. Leo has not been given the rank of Field Marshal. Many were not satisfied with the fact that I, without any significant achievements like Leonardo, would be placed above him.
It was necessary to perfectly control the Navy of the Principality. Even if it was just a formality, a rank was necessary for Arnold, who did not have the same achievements as Leonardo.
After joining the Kingdom, Arnold will become the supreme commander, but he will merely be a rear-organizer. Leo will take command of the army.
With this explanation, the Chancellor silenced the majority.
Yet, those who were still unhappy were Erik's supporters.
From their point of view, it was intolerable.
I, who they considered to be no more than a hanger-on to Leo, had suddenly become a powerful figure in the military, on par with Erik and Leo.
In response, Father granted Erik a position known as "War Minister".
This is a position only available during wartime, similar to a military advisor. It's a post that allows you to provide military advice and recommendations to the emperor at the closest possible distance.
Originally, the Field Marshal in the Imperial Capital would take on this role, but this time, Erik was specifically given this role and position.
It was to maintain the balance.
Thanks to this, Erik's supporters also quieted down. There was more than enough benefit for Erik.
In this way, thanks to the work of Father and the Chancellor, I safely ascended to the position of Temporary Field Marshal.
A Field Marshal in name only.
My first job was to inspect the Imperial Navy.
"Prince Al! Glad you could make it! I've been eagerly awaiting your arrival!!"
At the Imperial Navy's home base, the Imperial port town of Waltas, the first person to greet me was Minister of Technology, Cuber.
The reason why Cuber was here was that he was involved in the development of a new type of ship following the flagship Alphonse.
He was involved in the construction of ships related to the flagship Alphonse.
"I've been dying to introduce you to my masterpiece! I couldn't wait to come and meet you!"
"Thank you, Minister Cuber."
"No, no, it's not that big of a deal... But, it doesn't suit you. That mantle."
Looking at the blue mantle I was wearing for the Field Marshal, Cuber expressed his honest opinion.
I didn't think I looked good in it either, so I agreed with his opinion.
"I don't think it suits me. I probably won't be able to pull it off."
"I see, a typical Prince Al opinion. Well, it's better than getting cocky all of a sudden because you're a Field Marshal. Come on, this way."
With that, Cuber tried to take me straight to the port.
"Sorry, could you stay behind me?"
"Oh? Is something wrong?"
"I am a Field Marshal, after all."
With that, I walked in front of Cuber.
Despite Cuber's curious look, I entered the port.
I knew what was going to happen.
It's a tradition, and a messenger had come before Cuber arrived. This is also a ceremony. It's meant to boost morale.
As I entered the port, a line of soldiers made a path.
At the very end of it.
There stood Minister of Marine, Giresberger.
"Imperial Navy officers and soldiers!! Salute to Field Marshal Arnold!!"
At the command, all the soldiers standing in the harbor simultaneously saluted me.
It was a straight path to Giresberger. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ Nov3lFɪre.ɴet
I proceeded while returning their salute.
"Thank you for the welcome, Minister of Marine."
"When welcoming a newly appointed Field Marshal, it is customary to involve all the officers and soldiers. But of course, that's not the only reason for such a grand welcome. You're the first Field Marshal to lead our Imperial Navy. In the Empire, the Navy has been somewhat sidelined. But now, it is the era of the Navy. We all hope you will become a symbol of this." ℟а𐌽ŏ𝖇ƐṠ
"Don't get your hopes up too much. I'm just a temporary Field Marshal after all. Of course, I'll do what needs to be done. The Navy only felt marginalized because it lacked opportunities to shine. If it demonstrates its presence in this war, the importance of the Navy will increase. You don't need to rely on me. You should depend on the abilities you've polished."
"Indeed... I feel embarrassed. We will earn our own place. Please forget what I said."
"No problem. Minister Cuber! The welcome is over. I want to hear about the new ship. Show me around."
Cuber, who seemed bored while the welcoming ceremony was taking place, visibly brightened when I called him.
Watching this, the Minister of Marine Giresberger grimaced, but it's best not to expect formalities from Cuber.
All we need is talent, and that's why Cuber holds the position of Minister of Technology.
However, it seems that's not the only reason Giresberger frowned.
"Field Marshal, between you and me..."
"The new ship is a failure. It's not something that can be used at all."
"Everything depends on how you use it. I was called a spent prince and still am, but now I'm a temporary Field Marshal."
I lightly chuckled and slapped Giresberger's shoulder, then followed Cuber away.
The Minister's name was a pain to translate....
edit 2: Friendly reminder that in case you don't read the announcements I made a discord group where I announce when latest chapters are posted for everyone so yea...
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