Fate: I Will Eventually Become the Hero of Justice

Chapter 177

Shirou was being showered with proposals from various officials in charge of production and manufacturing, including fishery, mining, and handicrafts. The requests were piling up, and it was getting overwhelming.

To make matters worse, Gawain was also by his side, insisting on getting soldiers. The chaos was starting to take a toll on him, and he felt numb from the sheer volume of demands being made of him.

He directed the officials of the production and manufacturing industries to prepare their proposals and send them to the palace. Once he had done that, he turned his attention to Lucan and the others, asking them to digest the information he had just taught them. Finally, he discussed military matters with Gawain, addressing any concerns that had arisen since their last meeting.

"Have the soldiers expressed any complains recently?"

Gawain responded with a question of his own, "Your Majesty, what do you mean by complaints?"

He cited an example, "Have any of them expressed resentment towards Camelot for sending them to risk their lives without giving anything in return?"

"None of that, Your Majesty. The soldiers are all in high spirits, dedicated to serving Camelot and doing their best for their king. They have even expressed their willingness to die and become spirits, protecting Camelot with their souls."

Shirou lapsed into silence, struck by the realization that, despite their small numbers, the soldiers' morale was truly remarkable!

"How many disabled soldiers are there in the army?"

"There are 97 disabled soldiers, Your Majesty."

He nodded thoughtfully before saying, "The country will allocate a batch of food and money for you to distribute as rewards to the soldiers. Be sure to give extra to the disabled soldiers, and reassure them that they need not fear becoming disabled. The country will support them. Similarly, they need not fear death, for the country will provide for and care for their families and descendants."

Gawain looked at him with a bewildered expression.

"What's the matter?"

"Well... Your Majesty," Gawain replied, looking puzzled. "I understand the need to provide food and rewards to the soldiers, but why should we give special attention to the wounded and the deceased? Won't that put an additional strain on the kingdom?"

He looked at Gawain in astonishment, "How did Camelot, Orkney, and other kingdoms treat wounded soldiers and the deceased in the past?"

"We simply dismissed them," Gawain replied matter-of-factly.

Shirou: "..."

He massaged his temples, trying to alleviate the throbbing headache that had taken hold. He couldn't help but recall how the rulers of old viewed their subjects as mere pawns on a chessboard. While a military medical system existed, those soldiers who were no longer of use were unceremoniously discharged without any compensation.

This lack of regard for human life was largely due to the rulers' preoccupation with their own pleasure, but it was also rooted in the weak productivity and economy of ancient civilizations. After a battle, the number of disabled soldiers was simply too high for these countries to support.

Shirou inhaled deeply before speaking. "We cannot allow our soldiers to bleed and suffer without proper compensation."

"You are a truly merciful king. However," Gawain hesitated for a moment before asking, "Can Camelot bear the cost of such compensation?"

"Money can be earned, and crops can be regrown, but a heart that has gone cold may never be reignited. Gawain, you don't have to worry about this matter. As my knight and commander, your primary focus should be on leading our soldiers in battle and defeating our enemies. The internal affairs will be taken care of by me and my team of advisors. I'll start planning the compensation standards right away."