Chapter 145: Appointment
"Your Highness!"
As Simon approached, Liam saluted.
Dismounting, Simon motioned for Liam to stand at ease while studying the elderly man beside him. "If I’m not mistaken, this must be General Benjamin." Simon said, extending a hand out to reach Benjamin for a handshake.
It was brief and firm, establishing a sense of authority to both Prince Simon and General Benjamin.
Benjamin sized up Prince Simon, noting traces of Alaric in his features. Bowing, he said. "This disgraced official pays his respects to Your Highness."
"General Benjamin, there’s no need for such formality. This prince cannot accept such solemnity from a veteran like yourself." Simon smiled. "General, let us continue our discussion inside."
The three entered the residence, where Simon had Joan prepare tea.
In the main hall, Simon invited Liam and Benjamin to sit before bowing deeply to the latter. "General, you’ve suffered greatly. My father has long regretted failing to repel the reavers and asked me to convey his apologies."
The years had tempered Benjamin’s once-unyielding pride. Rising, he said, "How could this disgraced official dare accept Your Highness’s bow? That His Majesty still remembers an old relic like me is already more than I deserve."
"You humble yourself too much, General." Simon’s smile widened. "Your military exploits are legendary, and this prince holds you in the highest esteem. I hope you can assist me in thwarting the reaver invasion."
Benjamin frowned. "At the city gates, Liam seemed hesitant to speak. Now you mention this matter again, what exactly has happened?" Benjamin asked curiously with all of his attention now focusing on the matter.
Exchanging a glance with Liam, Simon recounted the court debate.
"Those traitorous, nation-wrecking scoundrels! Had I been there, I’d have skinned them alive!" Though five years of hardship had mellowed Benjamin, the news still ignited his fury.
"General, calm yourself. What’s done is done. We can only do our best and leave the rest to fate."
Aiden had already departed for Dunmere to repair its walls, taking nearly all of Brambleford’s cement production with him. Simon could only hope he would transform the city into an impregnable fortress.
"Ah, poor His Majesty, finally resolved to teach those reavers a lesson, only to be betrayed by his own subjects. Those villains deserve death!" Benjamin spat.
After a pause, he added, "But if we can repel this invasion, the reavers will learn to fear the Eldorian Empire again. No more tributes or marriage alliances."
"Precisely. That’s why I hope for your assistance, General." Simon seized the opportunity.
Benjamin nodded solemnly. "Though a convicted criminal, if Your Highness will have me, I’ll brave fire and flood without hesitation."
Simon felt a weight lift from his shoulders. He had feared Benjamin might resent Alaric’s harsh punishment, but the general seemed far less volatile than rumoured.
With this, he had truly gained a commander of the highest calibre.
Simon’s ambitions extended far beyond defending Dunmere, a task well within Lancelot’s capabilities. The vast lands beyond the city had once belonged to the Eldorian Empire. If reclaimed, they could expand his domain significantly.
Most crucially, recapturing the Pass would permanently bar the reavers from threatening the heartland.
"General! General!"
As the three sipped tea and discussed the reavers, Lancelot’s voice suddenly rang out.
The man himself burst in moments later, eyes alight at the sight of Benjamin. "General, is it really you?"
Benjamin looked equally surprised. "Lancelot."
"Yes, General! It’s me!" Lancelot was practically vibrating with excitement.
Simon and Liam exchanged puzzled glances. "General, you know Lancelot?"
Lancelot explained, "When the general was stationed at Dunmere, I served as his personal guard. After he returned to Eldora, we local soldiers stayed behind.
"Ah, ancient history. But seeing you like this, clearly, His Highness trusts you deeply. Good, good. I knew I hadn’t misjudged you." Benjamin nodded approvingly.
"I’ve never forgotten your teachings, General," Lancelot said fervently.
Simon’s gaze swept over the three men. Previously, Brambleford’s forces had only Lancelot. Then Liam arrived, and the two clashed incessantly.
Now with Benjamin here, a man who clearly commanded their respect, the discord should cease.
Moreover, Benjamin was renowned for his strict discipline. With him overseeing training, Simon could finally stop worrying about infighting undermining the army’s readiness.
As a former grand general who had effortlessly commanded 100,000 troops, Benjamin’s expertise in military administration far surpassed Lancelot’s haphazard efforts.
Frustrated by Lancelot’s inability to establish proper systems, even basic budgeting, Simon had been forced to reclaim control of military funds, entrusting them to Baldwin instead.
But with Benjamin’s arrival, these structural issues would be resolved. Separating military and civil administration would prevent overlap and clarify chains of command.
Modern history had taught Simon the dangers of blending military and political power. An army’s sole purpose was obedience; it could not be allowed independent thought.
Regardless of who commanded, the troops’ loyalty must belong solely to him.
This was why he had established political officers in the army, to represent his authority and control its ideology, ensuring stability.
Thus, whether Lancelot, Liam or Benjamin led, they could only act on his orders. Should he ever need to replace them, the transition would be seamless, with no risk of mutiny.
Only such an army met his standards.
This system also eliminated concerns about Benjamin, Lancelot and Liam gaining undue influence. The military was his alone; the generals merely directed its operations.
Once Lancelot had calmed somewhat, Simon said, "General, since Lancelot once served under you, it seems you’re the only one who can manage this troublemaker. In that case, the position of the Brambleford Army Commander naturally falls to you."
Beyond his title as feudal lord, Simon held the rank of Grand Commander of the Six cities, controlling all regional forces. Even Lancelot needed his seal to mobilise troops.
In the Eldorian Empire, the commander role was a military post subordinate only to the grand commander. And currently, the Brambleford army was the strongest among the six cities.
After all, with limited resources, Simon could only focus on building one elite force.