Trench Bolts and Magic

Chapter 113 Who can withstand this?
After finishing their business, Morin chatted with the lieutenant colonel in charge of personnel for a few more minutes.

The lieutenant colonel was clearly a talkative person, and having been stationed in the rear for a long time, he also took the initiative to ask about the situation on the battlefield.

The two chatted for a while and became somewhat acquainted.

For a lieutenant colonel, a rising star in the military like Morin, who has caught the attention of His Highness the Crown Prince, is certainly worth befriending.

Not to mention, Morin's identity was no secret in Dresden; many high-ranking officials and nobles knew that he and the 'Queen of Radiant Crystals' were like siblings.

For Morin, there was no harm in getting acquainted with officers in the Army Department, especially since they were in charge of personnel appointments and dismissals.

The lieutenant colonel only ended the conversation reluctantly after Morin had become quite hoarse from talking.

After that, Morin did not linger at the Ministry of War and returned directly to the manor in a carriage.

As soon as she entered, Cecilia quickly came to greet her.

It seems she has been waiting for him here all along.

"How are things, Fritz? The War Department suddenly contacted you, is something wrong?"

Her grey-blue eyes were full of concern as she looked Morin up and down.

"Nothing serious happened, I just received a new medal, and then there will be a new appointment."

After removing some sensitive information about the Secretary of the Army personally awarding him the medal, Morin told Cecilia about his mission to form a new force.

After hearing Morin's story, Cecilia was stunned at first, then her face lit up with genuine joy.

She was genuinely happy for Morin; her pride and joy almost overflowed from her eyes.

However, Cecilia's smile gradually faded when Morin mentioned that she needed to attend a three-month training course at the War Academy for this purpose.

Her beautiful brows furrowed slightly, and her tone revealed an undisguised resentment.

"So, you've only been back for a few days, and now you're going to military school for three months?"

This anxious and uncertain look made Maureen feel a little guilty.

He quickly stepped forward, put his arm around Cecilia's shoulder, and helped her sit back down on the soft sofa.

"Sister Cecilia, it's only been three months, it'll be over quickly. It's only March now, we'll be back around the beginning of June~"

As Morin spoke, he naturally stood behind Cecilia and began to massage her shoulders attentively.

"Once I graduate from military academy, won't I be able to serve the empire even better? You'll be even more proud then."

Feeling the pressure from Morin's fingertips and hearing his somewhat ingratiating tone, Cecilia's displeasure vanished instantly.

She couldn't help but chuckle softly, turning her head to glance at Morin.

"The way you're fawning over me now is exactly the same as before."

Even so, she couldn't hide the smile in her eyes.

After being coaxed by Mo Lin, her mood improved considerably.

"Alright, alright, I know you're amazing."

Cecilia enjoyed Morin's services, then changed the subject.

"Since you're going to military school, you don't need to worry about starting a company."

Her tone became serious.

“During this time, I will help you plan until you graduate from military school. The initial preparations will be basically complete. No matter how much your patent compensation is in the end, I will help you establish this company.”

Cecilia's tone carried an air of undeniable indulgence and doting affection.

Mo Lin felt a warmth in her heart.

Having such a wealthy older sister who unconditionally supports you definitely makes a difference.

No wonder so many people didn't want to work hard before they transmigrated.
"Thank you, Sister Cecilia."

"Oh my, why are you being so polite with me, older sister?"

The two chatted for a while about their plans for the company, with Maureen occasionally leaning close to Cecilia's ear and whispering his thoughts.

This intimate gesture made Cecilia even happier. The maids who occasionally passed by in the corridor couldn't help but cover their mouths and chuckle when they saw this scene before quickly slipping away.

However, this warm atmosphere did not last long.

Around 3 PM, the head maid Luna came over and reminded Cecilia:
"Madam, have you forgotten there's a cocktail party tonight? It's about time to start preparing."

"oops!"

Cecilia then slapped her forehead, realizing what had happened.

"Look at me, I forget all about the important things as soon as I start chatting with you."

She said with some annoyance, then looked at Morin, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"Fritz, will you come with me to the cocktail party tonight?"

"what?"

When Morin heard the word "cocktail party," his head started spinning.

He immediately pictured a group of men and women in fine clothes, holding wine glasses, pacing back and forth in a magnificent hall.

In those places, you can barely find a chair where you can sit down and eat properly; it's purely a place to suffer.

"Sister Cecilia, should I not go?"

Morin looked distressed and tried to decline.

"Those kinds of occasions are so boring. My legs get sore from standing. I'd rather stay home and work on my assault battalion plans."

Cecilia looked somewhat surprised when she heard his words.

"You don't even want to go to the cocktail party?"

She looked Morin up and down as if she were observing some rare animal.

"I remember it clearly. You used to go to great lengths to get into those aristocratic parties, shamelessly begging me to take you." "Well, times have changed."

Morin scratched his head awkwardly.

"Now that I'm an Imperial officer, I need to be mindful of my image and can't just think about having fun all the time."

He tried to find a plausible reason for himself.

However, Cecilia had no reason to believe his story.

"No, you have to go."

Cecilia's attitude seemed unusually resolute, but Maureen saw through her little scheme at a glance.

This woman probably wants to take him to a party and show him off.

He intended to firmly continue to refuse, but to his surprise, Cecilia suddenly stretched out her arms like a little girl, took his arm, and gently shook it.

"Please, Fritz, just this once, okay?"

The soft touch and the gentle, coquettish voice in her ear instantly shattered all of Morin's defenses.

Who can stand this!

"Alright, alright."

Maureen felt her cheeks burning and agreed without really thinking.

Seeing Morin 'surrender' instantly, a triumphant smile flashed in Cecilia's eyes.

She released Morin's arm, nodded in satisfaction, and then turned to Luna beside her.

"Luna, go and arrange for the newly made military uniform to be sent to Fritz's room."

"Yes, ma'am."

After saying that, Cecilia went upstairs to prepare. Before leaving, she winked at Morin and told him to dress up nicely.

Maureen stood there alone, feeling her cheeks burning.

He shook his head, trying to shake the image from his mind, and then turned and went back to his room.

Not long after, two young maids carrying an exquisite trunk knocked on his door.

Upon opening the trunk, a brand-new junior officer's uniform was neatly folded inside.

From shirts and trousers to leather shoes for banquets, even white gloves and a sword were provided.

One of the distinctive features of the Saxon army is that officers had to purchase their own uniforms.

Officers from families with modest means would typically choose to buy standard-issue uniforms and then have them slightly altered by a tailor.

Those with better financial means often choose to have their clothes custom-made at a specialized tailor shop.

As for someone like Morin, who has powerful connections, his custom-made officer uniform essentially dances wildly on the edge of what's permitted by regulations.
The fabric must be the highest grade allowed by the regulations, the cut must be the most form-fitting, and the details of the decoration must be both flamboyant and within the rules.

This trend was mainly influenced by those above.

The current Emperor Albert II is a prime example of an officer who "disregards regulations."
The practice of officers adding pockets to the front of their uniforms was started by His Majesty.

After changing into this brand-new, crisp military uniform, Morin felt much more energetic.

Next, he began to put on his medals, which was the part he was most looking forward to.

The Iron Cross Second Class is worn only with its black and white ribbon, threaded through the second buttonhole of the uniform jacket.

The newly awarded Iron Cross First Class was worn directly on the left breast.

Below this medal, he also wore the uniquely designed Seville Battle Medal – featuring the Seville city center church and two rifles with bayonets crossed.

Finally, he put on his shoulder insignia, which he rarely wore, fastened his belt, hung his command sword at his waist, and put on clean white gloves.

After putting on all the badges, Morin stood in front of the full-length mirror, looking at the handsome and upright young officer in the mirror—especially the medals on his chest—and felt a little proud.

Whether it's showing off or flaunting, for a young soldier like Morin who is eager to make a name for himself, this is the most direct proof of his bravery.

"Elder Jinchi is right. If I don't wear this robe, how will the world know that I have severed my ties to the mortal world and that the Golden Sea has dried up?"

After finishing getting ready, Maureen didn't rush downstairs.

Although I was a single woman before I transmigrated, I've seen pigs run even if I've never eaten pork.

He knew how complicated the preparations were for a lady of Cecilia's stature to attend a cocktail party.

From choosing dresses and jewelry to makeup and hairstyling, it takes at least an hour or two to finish.

Perfect timing! He can use this time to carefully plan the future of his 'Royal Guard First Training Assault Battalion'.

Not to mention that as a battalion commander, he now has to consider far more things than when he was a company commander. He also needs to study many professional things at a military academy.

The future weaponry of the assault battalion alone requires careful consideration.

In his previous battles, he had come to deeply understand the pain of insufficient firepower.

While the artillery version of the P08 pistol is very effective at splashing water at close range, it is ultimately only an emergency option.

The assault team members who are truly responsible for breaking through must be equipped with weapons that have more powerful and sustained firepower.

"We still need submachine guns."

The thought immediately popped into Maureen's mind.

In this world, submachine guns, or rather, automatic firepower that can be used by individual soldiers, have not been given much importance.

Morin did have images of a few classic early submachine guns in his mind, such as the MP18 and the Thompson. But he only knew the general principles; he had no idea about the specific internal structure.

"It seems we still need to consult professionals for this matter."

Morin was making plans in his mind.

(End of this chapter)