Three months passed, marked by a flurry of activity and progress in Tatsuo's domain. The newly recruited 2,000 soldiers endured grueling, hellish training, transforming them into a disciplined and formidable fighting force. The administrative machinery of the city hummed with efficiency, thanks to the efforts of Countess Seraphina and her appointed officials. The city flourished, its economy booming due to the establishment of lucrative trade routes with various parts of the Empire.
The construction of Tatsuo's Prince's Castle was completed, a magnificent structure that stood as a symbol of his authority and a testament to the city's prosperity. Minor skirmishes with the Blackhorn Duchy occurred along the borders, but they were quickly dealt with, preventing any significant escalation. Tatsuo's standing army now numbered 6,560, a testament to his successful recruitment and training initiatives.
With the region stabilized and his forces growing, Tatsuo decided it was time to organize his division army into a more structured and efficient fighting force. He summoned a meeting of all his officers and trusted advisors, including Hui Cheng, Rota Uno, Valerius Stronghand, Alaric Stoneheart, the Blackrose family, and other key figures.
"Gentlemen and ladies," Tatsuo began, his voice commanding, "we have made significant progress in establishing our authority and securing our territory. However, to ensure our continued success, we must organize our forces into a cohesive and effective division army."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the assembled group. "We will establish a clear chain of command, define roles and responsibilities, and implement a standardized training and operational procedure. Our goal is to create a division that is not only powerful but also adaptable and resilient."
"We will also discuss our expansion plans and how to improve our economy even further," he continued. "We need to make sure that we are prepared for any challenges that may come our way."
Tatsuo proceeded to outline the organizational structure of his division army, emphasizing the importance of a clear hierarchy and defined roles.
"Our division army will be structured around four Brigades," he explained, "each consisting of 2,000 men. These Brigades will be led by four Clash Commanders, who will report directly to me."
He continued, "Within each Brigade, there will be four Battalions, each comprising 500 men. These Battalions will be led by four Rare Commanders, who will report to their respective Brigade Commanders."
"The remaining 2000 men," Tatsuo stated, "will form my direct Battalion. They will serve as my personal guard and will be deployed on missions requiring my direct involvement."
He paused, allowing his words to sink in. "This structure will ensure a clear chain of command and allow for efficient deployment of our forces. It will also provide opportunities for advancement and allow us to identify and nurture talented officers."
With the structure of the division army laid out, Tatsuo proceeded to the next item on his agenda: the promotion of new commanders.
"Now," he announced, "it is time to recognize the exceptional service and leadership of some of our officers. Based on their performance, I have decided to promote the following individuals."
Tatsuo began the promotions, his voice ringing with authority and appreciation. "First," he announced, "I would like to recognize the exceptional service of my trusted knights and officers. For their loyalty, battlefield prowess, and unwavering dedication, I am promoting them to the rank of Clash Commander."
He turned to Rota Uno. "Sir Rota Uno," he said, his voice warm, "my first knight, you have served me with unwavering loyalty and have proven your merit time and again on the battlefield. Your leadership has been instrumental in ensuring the smooth execution of my orders. Therefore, I promote you to the rank of 2nd Class Clash Commander. Furthermore, in recognition of your service, I grant you the village of Hollowtree and bestow upon you the title of Baron of Hollowtree."
Rota Uno stepped forward, his expression filled with gratitude. "Your Highness," he said, bowing deeply, "I am honored by your trust and will serve you with unwavering loyalty."
Next, Tatsuo addressed Ragnar Sternguard. "Sir Ragnar Sternguard," he announced, "my second knight, the Half-Giant, your strength and ferocity on the battlefield have been instrumental in securing our victories. The sheer number of enemies felled by your axe has been a testament to your power. Therefore, I promote you to the rank of 1st Class Clash Commander."
Ragnar stepped forward, his massive frame radiating strength. "Your Highness," he boomed, his voice filled with respect, "I am honored to serve you."
Tatsuo then turned to Count Valerius Blackrose. "Count Valerius Blackrose," he said, "you have demonstrated your truthfulness and loyalty since pledging your allegiance to the Empire. Your dedication to your duties has been commendable. Therefore, I promote you to the rank of 1st Class Clash Commander."
Valerius stepped forward, his expression composed. "Your Highness," he said, bowing slightly, "I am grateful for your trust."
Finally, Tatsuo addressed Reeldos Umbra. "Sir Reeldos Umbra," he announced, "my third knight, your strategic mind and meticulous planning have been invaluable assets to our cause. Therefore, I promote you to the rank of 1st Class Clash Commander."
Reeldos stepped forward, his expression as calm and collected as ever. "Your Highness," he said, "I am honored to serve you in this capacity."
Tatsuo moved on to the promotions within his direct battalion, his voice resonating with gratitude and recognition. "Now," he announced, "I will address the promotions within my direct battalion. These individuals have proven their worth through their unwavering loyalty and exceptional service."
He began with Major Anya. "Major Anya," he said, "your loyalty and your unwavering ability to execute my orders have been invaluable. Therefore, I promote you to the rank of 1st Class Rare Commander. You will lead the Hand Cannon Battalion."
Anya stepped forward, her expression composed and grateful. "Your Highness," she said, bowing slightly, "I am honored by your trust."
Next, Tatsuo addressed Kael Elmsworth. "Sir Kael Elmsworth," he said, "your bravery in battle and your continued loyalty, despite the loss of your father, have earned my respect. Your father would be proud of the man you have become. Therefore, I promote you to the rank of 2nd Class Rare Commander. Furthermore, you will regain your title as Baron of Stonebridge Town, and you will lead the Elite Prince Guard Battalion."
Kael stepped forward, his eyes filled with emotion. "Your Highness," he said, his voice firm, "I will not disappoint you."
Tatsuo then turned to Nard. "Nard," he said, "your dedication has been exemplary. Therefore, I hereby knight you." Nard knelt, and Tatsuo performed the knighting ceremony, bestowing upon him the title of Sir Nard Crossblast. "Sir Nard Crossblast," Tatsuo continued, "you will serve as a 2nd Class Rare Commander and lead the Hand Cannon and Archer Battalion."
Nard rose, his expression filled with pride. "Your Highness," he said, "I am honored."
Finally, Tatsuo addressed Sokzal. "Sokzal," he said, "as one of my original guards, you have earned this recognition. Therefore, I hereby knight you." Sokzal knelt, and Tatsuo performed the knighting ceremony, bestowing upon him the title of Sir Sokzal Steelwall. "Sir Sokzal Steelwall," Tatsuo continued, "you will serve as a 1st Class Rare Commander and lead the Elite Sword and Shield Battalion."
Sokzal rose, his expression resolute. "Your Highness," he said, "I am ready to serve."