A Peaceful Land of the Orcs (3.2)
Each had duties in their respective fields, while also dividing tasks related to civilian affairs. They sought instruction from instructors dispatched by the military academy and spent their nights poring over Orcsen Army manuals, such as the Infantry and Cavalry Handbooks, the Officer’s Guide, and military strategy books. Despite the inherent physical and magical stamina of the Dark Elves, even they struggled against the overwhelming fatigue.
The Orcsen military had an abundance of such manuals, which were mandatory reading for commanding officers. The Dark Elves toiled with improvised dictionaries in hand, determined not to lag behind.
Driven by their racial pride, they departed before dawn.
Their relentless efforts bore fruit, allowing them to arrive at the capital's grand training grounds ahead of the scheduled assembly time.
Passing through the gate, they marveled at the impressive array of barracks and dining facilities. Guided by soldiers stationed at various points, they reached the observation officers' gathering point just as the night sky began to brighten.
The location was vast, mostly open grasslands.
There were gentle hills, forests at the eastern edge, rivers, scattered lakes, and even farmland and uninhabited villages crafted to simulate rural environments. The grounds allowed simulations of nearly all battlefield scenarios typical of the region.
Orcsen had numerous such training grounds, differing in scale. Garrisons for units at the regiment level or above always had their own exclusive training grounds.
These fields were used for large-scale outdoor exercises twice a year. Designated areas ensured farming activities weren't disrupted, maintaining food production.
To avoid wasting such extensive land, the military often utilized the space for minor agricultural endeavors or rented it out as pastureland for nearby livestock farmers.
The Wildschwein Training Grounds boasted two private railway lines for military use, which astonished Dineluth and her companions.
At one section of the grounds stood a hill slightly elevated from its surroundings, with a flat summit where multiple tents were connected to form the command center.
Due to strong winds, ropes were securely fastened to wooden stakes driven firmly into the ground.
A large folding table occupied the tent's center, covered in red velvet. There was a blackboard, numerous chairs, and telescopes mounted on tripods around the tent. Nearby were field telegraph poles, small tents for communication devices, and a relay cavalry company stationed at the hill’s base.
Several giant wolves, accompanied by military police, wore brass half-moon tags around their necks, indicating they were serving military personnel.
Dineluth recognized the setup as described in the High Commander's Directive, a manual she had been studying. This was the Exercise Control Headquarters, equivalent to a referee's station in a competition.
Here, communication from units playing both allied and enemy roles, as well as observer staff scattered across the training grounds, was consolidated. Actions and outcomes were reviewed, judged, and summarized for post-exercise evaluations and discussions.
In this particular case, it also served as the temporary station for King Gustav Falkenhayn, who was observing the exercise.
Preparations had begun the previous day, and the king had stayed overnight at the training ground lodgings.
Although it seemed Dineluth and her team had arrived later than the king, their adherence to the officially announced assembly time for observers meant there was no issue.
Inside the tent, King Gustav occupied the upper seat. Behind him stood the giant wolf, Advin, wearing his own metal tag, lying calmly at his post.
“Ah, you’ve arrived, Major General,” Gustav greeted, raising a hand in a slightly formal tone. His demeanor reflected the presence of numerous officers and soldiers, many of whom weren’t his personal aides.
As usual, Gustav showed no interest in excessive ornamentation. His chair wasn’t a luxurious throne but an ordinary military folding chair—sized larger for an Orc but otherwise unremarkable.
With an unlit pipe between his teeth and a notebook and pencil in hand, it appeared the king had been mulling over something.
“My King,” Dineluth saluted briskly, adhering to proper protocol.
In most countries, including Orcsen, salutes involved fully extended fingers. However, Dineluth and her team performed a traditional Elven salute, extending only their index and middle fingers while curling the others. After some discussion, the Orcsen Army decided to allow the unit to retain their distinct style, thanks to Gustav’s remark: “It’s cool. I like it.”
During this era, Orcsen and other Human armies didn’t strictly standardize uniforms. While equipment followed military specifications, units often incorporated ethnic designs, colors, and distinctive features to showcase flair and individuality. This made blending the two styles relatively straightforward. Dineluth’s unit had unique uniforms for the same reason.
“Major General, you should keep an eye out for Elder Zebek today. He’s sober.”
“That’s... quite something, Your Majesty.”
Her gaze shifted to the figure standing near Gustav—a middle-aged Orc with a dignified air. He gave Dineluth a nod in acknowledgment of her salute.
It was the same man Gustav had called “old man” at the mountain lodge.
With a general’s insignia featuring a red background adorned with oak branches in gold, thick red stripes on his pants, and several medals, he was unmistakably a high-ranking officer.
Karl Helmut Zebek. Chief of Staff of the Orcsen National Army’s General Staff.
Known as Gustav’s closest confidant, Zebek had been with him even before he became king.
Dineluth had met him multiple times since their escape together.
She had even shared meals with him alongside Gustav.
Her personal impression was that Zebek initially came across as overly serious but revealed an unexpectedly entertaining personality once the ice was broken. Especially after some heavy Orcsen western red wine, he could be humorous, delivering sharp yet playful remarks.
Today, Zebek wore a green armband indicating his role as the Exercise Control Officer, overseeing the entire operation—a rare occurrence.
This particular exercise, a simulated divisional conflict, was significant but not so extensive as to require someone of Zebek’s rank. Normally, it would fall under a corps headquarters’ purview.
What do you think about this chapter?
