Azur Lane: Kaiserin (Book 1)

Ch39: Midnight Adventure (1)

As promised, all my forces left the camp around an hour after the old man and I finished speaking. As I now had greater numbers with me, I sent most of the army that had moved to the camp to help Clarissa's forces secure it east. They'll help the civilians in relocating to the Leningrad region whilst also providing my commanders in the region with any potential encounters with other Iron Blood forces. At the same time, all camps along the route were also given the same options I provided to James and whilst only one chose to fight alongside my forces, all chose to also relocate. The ones that chose to fight will be trained in Leningrad to join the Eastern front whist providing security for their own citizens thus allowing my more experienced troops to leave the city behind for good.

All that is behind us, however, as we march towards Berlin. I've chosen against taking the fastest route to buy us enough time to give the new recruits time to train. Some already have experience due to having fought in prior wars but the vast majority seem to have been born and raised in the camp making them the greenest of recruits. The only advantage they possess comes from their enhanced physical state due to being forced to do intense labour pretty much all their life. Still, I know just how to get them up to speed.

Me: Roon! I have a job for you.

Roon: You do? Is it maid work?

Me: Even better. I'm giving you seven days to train this army into the greatest fighting force the world has ever seen.

Her eyes widen with surprise which is almost as quickly replaced with the most devious look I have ever seen. I can tell she's going to enjoy this and I can't say I'm not looking forward to the results. However, we must first set some rules or rather a single rule.

Me: There's one thing...

Roon: I should have known. What's the catch?

Me: No one can die. So, what do you think? Can it be done?

Roon: I'll have them ready in a day-

Me: Haha. I said no one can die.

Roon: Awe...you're no fun. Fine! A week, but to be clear...as long as they don't die I'm ok, yes?

Me: Yes but-

Before I can so much as get the next word out she's off. As I watch her hurry away, I can't help but laugh. Still, it will be interesting to see how resolved these men and women are. If they survive without quitting they might very well become the best army under my command. That said, while we're at it...I might as well get my special forces trained as well.

Me: Clarissa...

She glances nervously at me as if knowing what is coming but rather than put her under Roon, I decide to allow Friedrich to train her and the forces under command. I also instruct Roselyn to have the other units meet up with us during our stop at Stettin. 

As they all head off, I move towards the tent set up for me overlooking the field the army is currently situated in. There I find the Northern Parliament girls all waiting on me.

Me: You could go and enjoy yourselves, you know.

Rossiya: We are here to serve.

Me: As much as I like the gesture, in a situation like this you really wouldn't require more than one or two to "serve" right now so might as well create a timetable amongst yourselves so that you don't all get worn out at the same time. Take turns or something but don't needlessly overwork yourselves.

They seem surprised to hear me say so but as I take a seat around the table, they do heed my advice. All but Rossiya excuse themselves and head out, presumably to enjoy the good weather, whilst she remains behind.