Chapter 275: Chapter 271: Visiting the Military Camp
For Perfikot and Kallen, the almost all-night long conversation still felt insufficient. Even as the East began to lighten, there was still so much they wanted to say.
However, the gradually brightening sky was signaling to them that their time of confiding and exchange should come to an end.
"It’s really a pity, we’ve chatted away the night without noticing, I still want to say more to you, but now you have to leave." Perfikot looked out at the gradually brightening sky, showing Kallen a regretful expression.
Although reluctant to part, Kallen also understood it was time for her to go, so she stood up and said to Perfikot, "The entire night of conversation with you has been very rewarding, and it answered many of my doubts. I believe I will put the things you taught me to use, and achieve our shared ideals!
I hope that when that day comes, we can welcome the sunrise together."
Throughout the night, Kallen didn’t talk about anything else with Perfikot but discussed the topic of workers and the movement.
In this area, Perfikot also lacked real-world experience, but she had sufficient life experience. After all, in her original world, the country she was in had tried all possibilities during its darkest and most turbulent times before finally finding a road that could save the nation.
Those failed experiences were so precious and when applied to this world, everything seemed to proceed from a commanding height.
"That day will come, but by then I may not be able to see it." In Perfikot’s view, the greatest enemy Kallen would face in her current endeavor was herself. Hoping to welcome the sunrise on the day their ideals were realized was somewhat overly idealistic.
Perfikot was a pragmatic and realistic person who considered herself never to be an idealist.
For her, the most important thing at present was dealing with the impending doomsday winter. As for overthrowing exploitation and oppression, she doubted if she would live to see such a thing happen.
Therefore, faced with Kallen’s idealistic words, she could only respond with a kind smile.
However, Kallen took it very seriously. Although she didn’t say much more, her eyes showed unwavering belief in what she said.
Perfikot neither affirmed nor denied Kallen’s attitude, because the undertaking she was involved in required such unwavering belief and ideals. Otherwise, how could a path be paved in the darkness?
Watching Kallen leave, Perfikot took a green potion from her pocket and drank it in one gulp.
The night-long conversation was also quite draining for her, leaving her no choice but to use a stamina potion to replenish her mental exhaustion.
Feeling the revived energy after the potion went down, Perfikot said to Beifa beside her, "I’ll take a bath, Beifa, please get ready."
Beifa received the order, turned around, and left the room to prepare the bathwater for Perfikot.
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After a comfortable hot bath and a breakfast featuring local specialties, Perfikot returned to the public eye in a fresh set of clothes.
"Count, are you planning to inspect the barracks today?" an officer from the 17th Guards Division inquired of Perfikot.
Perfikot should have inspected the barracks yesterday to meet her troops, but she went sightseeing at Pignes Castle in the afternoon, so the inspection was naturally postponed to today.
Perfikot actually wasn’t too concerned about inspecting the barracks.
After all, her interest in the army originally established by her grandfather was limited, and she had no intention of winning over hearts or showing care for this army.
The army certainly held an important place in her future plans, but with the White Bear Knight Order as a super force in hand, a pre-industrial era guard division equipped with muskets couldn’t draw much of her attention.
Nonetheless, tasks that needed to be done still had to be completed.
Therefore, when the officer inquired, Perfikot naturally stated she would inspect the barracks today and dine with the soldiers.
This news brought a small surprise to the officer, as in his understanding, a grand noble like Perfikot would never want to dine with ordinary soldiers, even just for appearances, it wouldn’t be with regular soldiers, but instead, she’d choose young officers.
After all, everyone knew what ordinary soldiers were like, and if these rough fellows offended a grand noble, it would cause severe trouble.
Even if there were military commanders willing to endure hardship with soldiers, it would only be in certain respects, such as having the same dietary standards. Expecting a general to stir the pot with soldiers in the same pot was unrealistic.
Because even excluding hygiene issues, just the disparity in status and social class meant such things were impossible in this era where there were still distinctions between high and low, noble and humble.
But this time, Perfikot’s command was clear; she wanted to dine with the soldiers, which was somewhat beyond the officer’s imagination and comprehension.
However, Perfikot didn’t concern herself with the officer’s doubts and further clarified specific matters, then set off for the barracks.
The officer dared not delay and quickly informed other higher-ranking officers in the barracks.
Faced with what seemed like an absurd command from Perfikot, the officers of the 17th Guards Division genuinely felt troubled. After all, they had never encountered a request from a grand noble to dine with the lowliest soldiers.
Eventually, they made arrangements according to Perfikot’s request, coordinating with the local garrison at Pignes Castle to provide a sumptuous dinner meeting requirements in the shortest possible time.
Meanwhile, the officers relayed the news that the Count would be dining with the soldiers to all the soldiers in the barracks, strictly instructing them not to make a fool of themselves or offend the Count, or they would face immediate execution.
In this era, the lives of ordinary soldiers were not highly valued. Officers had the authority to execute disobedient soldiers, as many ordinary regiment soldiers were recruited from criminals, local thugs, and other societal outcasts forcibly conscripted. Officers typically showed little concern in dealing with their lives.