The heavy oak door swung open, breaking the silence of Alberto's private office.
Alberto, seated at his desk, was engaged in an unusual task: trying to balance the tip of a pen on his fingertips, his brow furrowed in concentration.
The scene was so bizarre that Elizabeth paused for a mont, a hint of amusent on her lips. She cleared her throat delicately, and Alberto's head spun, the pen falling to the desk.
"Elizabeth," he said, his voice calm but with a hint of embarrassnt. "I didn't hear you coming."
"Your Majesty," she replied, a hint of subtle mockery in her voice. "I see you… practicing your skills. A new hobby, isn't it?"
Alberto leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes narrowing playfully. "A ruler must have many skills, Elizabeth. Even in trivial matters. Now, what brings you here at this ti?"
Elizabeth stepped further into the room. She carried a sheaf of parchnt, neatly tied with a red ribbon. "The matter of the Guardsman Corps, Your Majesty. It is ti to finalize the details."
Alberto gestured to the chair opposite him. "Sit down. Let's discuss."
Elizabeth sat down in the chair, placing the papers on the desk. She began with a brief summary. "You know, the expansion of the Empire has brought us into control of vast territories. The Latvian Kingdom, Jimland, and Amazonia are now under our control, but maintaining order in these territories is becoming expensive. That is why we need the Guardsman Corps. A local force, recruited from the occupied territories, to maintain order and loyalty. But we must first ensure loyalty. Unlike the core territories of the Empire, these territories have no concept of nationalism. Their loyalty is to those who provide for them. Therefore, we will offer them sothing they cannot refuse: high salaries, comfortable housing, and a higher status than the common people."
Alberto nodded slowly. "Appealing to their interests rather than their patriotism. Clever. That is how much their salaries are set anyway."
"For their salary, we propose to pay them 2 gold coins per month, as well as housing and dical benefits. We will also offer land grants for veterans. The promise of land ownership will turn even the most reluctant peasant into a willing soldier."
"Land grants?" Alberto leaned back, rubbing his chin. "A powerful incentive. The prospect of rising above one's own position cannot be resisted, even by those born with nothing."
"And, Your Majesty, housing. The barracks will be built to a high standard, with proper living conditions. Compared to their current living conditions, joining the Guardsman Corps will feel like a new world of opportunity."
"Hmm.... very good. Also, what kind of weapons have been selected for them?"
"Your Majesty, we have many weapons from the First and Second World Wars in our arsenal. Kar98k, MP40, M1 Garand. We have decided to equip these forces with these weapons. These weapons are very powerful by the standards of this world but outdated compared to our modern equipnt. If they ever rebel, we can easily suppress them. Also, their ammunition will only be produced in Imperial-controlled factories, which we will ship from here, a closed supply chain. If they turn against us, their weapons will beco useless the mont we stop production."
Alberto's eyes lit up with approval. "Hmm..…. Also, these weapons require less industry to produce, which ans we can equip them faster. How many soldiers will we need to recruit in total?"
Elizabeth opened another docunt, detailing the proposed structure of the Guardsman Corps. "We are proposing an initial force of 50,000 soldiers, divided into regional battalions. Each battalion will be responsible for maintaining order in its own region. Officers will be drawn from our Imperial forces to ensure oversight."
She pointed to a section of the docunt. "The recruitnt process will be rigorous. We will select individuals who do not have strong ties to rebel groups or forr rulers. They will undergo basic training, focusing on discipline and loyalty to the Empire."
"I have also selected a uniform for them."
Elizabeth opened another parchnt—a series of uniform designs.
Sharp, imposing coats of black and dark blue, trimd with silver. High collars, brass buttons, the symbol of the Empire on the chest. A uniform that makes people walk tall, makes them feel powerful.
"Their uniform will be a symbol of status. The mont they put it on, they will beco sothing more than ordinary people."
Alberto looked at the uniform. (Hmm, these look really cool. It will boost their morale and increase our influence in the minds of the enemy and the public.) Alberto was reminded of the German SS uniform from World War II.
The SS had understood the power of image—the psychological effect of a uniform that radiated authority, fear, and prestige. Their black coats, skull insignias, and high collars had made them symbols of unwavering discipline and ruthless efficiency. Alberto recognized the sa principle at play here. A uniform was more than clothing; it was a statent. It transford n, gave them an identity beyond their origins, and made them instrunts of the state.
He ran his fingers over the fabric sample Elizabeth had placed before him.
"Also, Your Majesty, these soldiers will be the face of the Empire in their region. If we treat them well, they will spread goodwill among the people. It is a subtle but effective way to win hearts and minds."
Alberto's gaze remained fixed on her, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "You have thought of everything, Elizabeth. As usual, your foresight is invaluable."
She nodded politely. "Thank you, Your Majesty. It is my duty as Pri Minister of this country."
"Hmm, okay then start recruiting imdiately. How long will it take to prepare the first regint?"
"We will recruit the soldiers of this force with basic training and then their skills will be improved over ti. And we hope to be able to prepare ten thousand n within three months."
"Hmm... okay then make all the arrangents"
Alberto said, putting his stamp on the files.
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