Chapter 610: Supply(2)
Chapter 610: Supply(2)
Lately, it had been one thing after another. The wedding was steadily approaching, North was busy drawing aggro, and I had to set the soccer schedule.
Writing wasn't a huge issue since I had a massive stack of save drafts, not to mention my trump card: the "canned food" method.
I was just busy. I wasn't being dramatic; I was genuinely busy because there was so much to think about.
Back when I first started serializing Blood and Iron, I had plenty of leisure time because all I had to do was write. But as I started sticking my nose into various projects, my free time vanished.
If there was one saving grace, it was that I could delegate the tedious stuff to others. Unlike my father, I was making full use of the personnel dispatched by the Imperial Family, placing them exactly where they were needed.
"Offside."
"What? This is offside?"
However, one thing remained unchanged: I had to step out and act as the referee whenever a soccer match was held.
It had only been two weeks since soccer became a trend, and a proper rulebook hadn't even been finalized yet.
There wasn't even a place to professionally train soccer players yet, so what hope was there for referees? I just had to do it myself.
The problem was that the number of soccer teams had grown to nearly ten. Thanks to that, I had to go out and referee matches every single day.
"It's not offside! I didn't even touch the ball! I swear it by Lord Luminous!"
"Don't make me laugh! I saw it with my own two eyes—it clipped your leg!"
"Shut your mouth! That pass you made went straight to our team!"
"How dare you lie in a territory protected by the gods! Do you not fear divine punishment?!"
The residents of the territory who enjoyed soccer were satisfied with me refereeing. I was fair and impartial to everyone.
But in cases like this, where someone felt truly wronged, they tended to protest fiercely. Even now, they were appealing their case as if their lives depended on it.
This was understandable, considering we were running a league system with prizes on the line, just as Marie had suggested.
The prize was a whopping two pigs. One might call it "just" two pigs, but considering the era, it was an enormous reward.
Even in the distant past of my world, stealing livestock was consistently met with the death penalty or life imprisonment. It didn't matter if it was just a chicken.
Since two pigs were essentially on the verge of flying away, the players couldn't help but get aggressive. If they weren't careful, they'd be robbed in broad daylight.
[I think we need to check. It looked ambiguous to me as well.]
While the argument over whether it was a penalty or not raged on, Gartz's voice echoed in my head.
As soon as I heard his voice, I held one hand out in front of me and pressed the other to my ear.
He had raised the offside flag earlier, but it seemed he wasn't confident in his own call.
I had stationed assistant referees for more accurate rulings, but there were times like this when they made an ambiguous judgment.
For moments like these, we were recording every match. While Cecile helped, Lina played a major role in this.
Her reasoning was that the Minerva Empire would distribute the footage far and wide for promotional purposes, and she predicted that a soccer craze would soon sweep the entire Empire.
'And the result is the VAR of this world.'
Tweet!
I blew the war horn loudly to signal a more definitive judgment and ran toward the area where the footage was being recorded.
Normally, the orbs used to record video were so expensive it was almost disgusting, but money was the one thing I had in excess.
Furthermore, Helium was already standing tall as a leader in the film industry. The Minerva Empire just had to settle on a reasonable price.
Flash!
"Hmm..."
When I tapped the recording orb, a hologram appeared before my eyes.
At first, it showed the very beginning of the match, but Gartz stepped up, fiddled with a few things, and skipped to the scene in question.
Due to the limitations of technology, we had to operate it manually, but this was more than enough. Magic really was a cheat code.
Moreover, thanks to the Minerva Empire's characteristic habit of throwing money at problems, I could watch the scene from various angles. It was an impressive world in many ways.
'It's not offside.'
Exquisitely, the ball had passed between his own teammate's legs and gone to the opponent. He had essentially nutmegged his own teammate.
He hadn't touched the ball at all, which meant it wasn't offside. I tilted my head at the strangely familiar scene, but for now, I had to get back.
After finishing the review, I turned around and ran back toward the pitch.
Tweet!
I blew the war horn loudly again and drew a square box in the air with my hands. Since the hologram was also a rectangular window, it didn't matter if I mimicked the gesture exactly.
Amidst the tense atmosphere, I pointed straight toward the center circle.
It meant it was a goal.
"WAAAAAAAH!!!"
As the goal that was almost ruled offside was validated, the players and the spectators alike cheered wildly.
The number of people wanting to watch soccer had increased recently, so we had just expanded the spectator stands. Perhaps because of that, the roar was even more intense.
Ultimately, the team bolstered by that goal took home the three points as the match ended. I could feel it evolving into "real" soccer as time went on.
Of course, I was suffering for it, but since I was the one who spread this culture, I had no choice but to take responsibility.
I'd have to hand over the refereeing duties eventually, but I suspected that would take quite a while. I had to draft the rulebook in detail first.
"That was truly entertaining! So this is what soccer is!"
And today, specifically, I was greeted by special guests as soon as I returned.
Lina promoting it on an imperial level meant that the nobility would also be participating.
Whenever they had time, nobles from all over the country were coming to watch soccer. This wasn't just limited to the Empire; it was the same for other nations as well.
Even the nobles who were initially indifferent found themselves fidgeting with excitement before long. The passion for entertainment is the same regardless of social class.
"It's been a while, Viscount Kalas. I'm glad you enjoyed it."
"You may call me Marshall. By the way, was this 'soccer' also your idea, Lord Isaac?"
"For now... yes. Something like that. I conceived it after seeing children playing with a ball."
My conscience pricked me as I lied through my teeth. I avoided Marshall's gaze, which was becoming quite burdensome.
As I looked away, my eyes met those of Marquis Mathews. He was also looking at me with an intrigued expression.
His skin was still pale enough to be called white, but his coolly shining eyes stared straight at me as if piercing through my soul.
"The more I see of you, the more remarkable a person you seem. From Call of Duty to soccer... are you truly not from the future?"
"Call of Duty was my partner's idea, not mine. I merely lent my name to it. Soccer was just a simple shift in perspective."
I didn't always meet with the nobles who came from all over the country to watch soccer.
The nobles who found me intimidating usually just made their faces known and left.
Marshall and Marquis Mathews had met me before, and Marshall in particular had exchanged advice with me through letters.
Furthermore, Marquis Mathews had a personal connection with my father, so I treated him as a proper guest.
"By the way, your fiancée..."
"Marie is sleeping right now. As you've heard from the rumors..."
"I see."
Marquis Mathews nodded understandingly. Being a married man himself, he understood this much.
The news of the marriage between Marie and me had already spread throughout the world, not just the Minerva Empire.
Naturally, I had also personally informed everyone that we had "sped things up." Still, most of the reactions were celebratory.
Of course, occasionally, there were media outlets asking when the wedding with the other women would be. They were genuinely curious.
On Earth, that would sound sarcastic. But given the era and the fact that this was a world where polygamy was accepted, it was a different story.
Moreover, the whole world already knew that my relationships with women were complicated. I'll probably be recorded in history as a beast.
"I understand the wedding isn't far off."
"Yes. Only a few days left."
The long-awaited wedding was scheduled to take place soon. There was no need to hold it on a grand scale; I planned to invite only those I knew.
Of course, the residents of the territory had to be there. It wouldn't be a stiff social gathering for nobles, but a festival for the territory itself.
I had also prepared a wedding dress for Marie. It was a design I had put a lot of thought into, and she really loved it.
The wedding itself would be conducted simply, in a medieval fashion. It was essentially a festival using our wedding as an excuse.
"May I ask whose blessing you plan to receive? Lord Luminous or Lady Mora?"
"Cardinal Kate said she would bestow the blessing."
Cecile was an option, but we declined by mutual agreement. I was going to marry Cecile eventually anyway, so it would look strange.
In the first place, weddings were usually handled by the Church of Light. Nothing was changing there.
However, there was one "event" I was preparing in secret. I hadn't even told Marie.
It might be an even more nerve-wracking event than the proposal. For the proposal, it was just Marie and me.
The event I was preparing this time would be performed in front of everyone.
"Will you be attending? It won't be a stiff social gathering; it'll be held in a festival format."
"I would love to attend, but unfortunately, my position as a commander makes it difficult. Viscount Kalas also has heavy duties that would make it hard for him."
"As the Marquis said, if we were to rest for even a day, the soldiers on the front lines might starve. I am sorry."
Not only Marquis Mathews but even the usually energetic Marshall politely declined. I gave them a soft smile, appreciating their true soldierly conduct.
My father had said that while he might not trust other nobles, Marquis Mathews was someone he could rely on.
Though full trust was difficult due to practical matters, the fact that he relied on him at all spoke volumes about the man's character.
'Come to think of it, didn't they say Marshall handles all the logistics for the Northern Region?'
The Northern Region—specifically the northern border—was a place far removed from the capital.
Even now, with no railways laid, Marshall was displaying incredible ability. Even I was impressed.
Due to the limitations of the era, local procurement was prioritized, but the Northern Region was a cold and harsh environment where local procurement was extremely difficult.
Therefore, they had no choice but to operate separate supply trains, but those supply trains themselves consumed so much food that an enormous budget was required.
This was why the Navy Knights had to operate as a small elite force, and why in the past, people were ground down like in the Battle of Stalingrad.
Even the Minerva Empire couldn't afford to supply the Northern Region, so they just threw people at it recklessly.
If they had tried to live off the land there, they would have ended up like Napoleon or Hitler.
"Now that I think about it, how were you able to supply such a distant northern region?"
"Are you asking me?"
"Yes. You, who share the same name as the Marshall in my book."
So I asked him directly. General George Marshall, praised by Churchill as the "Organizer of Victory."
He was more of a staff officer than a commander who went directly to the front lines, but his ability was so great that even the President clung to him.
The sad reality was that he himself struggled to get away from his desk to leave his name in history. That was how talented he was.
At least that Marshall lived after railways were established; the Marshall of this world didn't even have that. And yet, he managed the logistics over that vast distance smoothly.
"I don't know if I mentioned this before, but I once visited the Navy Knights with my father. Aside from the lethally cold weather, the food was excellent and the barracks were warm. I heard this was all thanks to you, Mr. Marshall."
"You flatter me. If Lord Hawk hadn't bought us an immense amount of time, it would have been impossible to even organize the system."
Marshall waved his hand and replied humbly. Indeed, if my father hadn't bought time, they wouldn't have been able to create such an environment.
However, there are plenty of people who can't do it even if they are given time. My father's feat was great, but Marshall's ability could not be undervalued.
"Still, what's impressive is impressive. In Blood and Iron, it's possible because of technology that transcends spatial limits, like railways, but there are no railways here, are there? You must have had to use wagons for everything."
"Yes, that's correct. But it's really nothing special. I simply reached amicable agreements with the nobles."
"Amicable agreements?"
Marshall's explanation was as follows: Unlike the Ters Republic, the Minerva Empire was a country where the Emperor's power was very strong.
However, it wasn't as if there were no forces to check the Emperor. There were factions primarily composed of Counts, each holding actual power.
Marshall had cleverly targeted that. The most important thing for the Imperial Family and the nobility was none other than honor.
By securing both honor and interests while minimizing expenses, he was able to extract a massive budget from the higher-ups.
"Recently, the importance of oil has come to the fore, making it easier to obtain a budget. Moreover, the Kerison family, who handled the funds among the Counts, is under investigation for suspected collusion with demon worshippers. For now, we can supply without issue."
"...That's amazing."
"Thank you. Though even with all that, research into artillery shells hadn't progressed until your advice, Lord Isaac."
"Ahem. Ahem."
While Marshall spoke with a bright smile, Mathews cleared his throat awkwardly. I could only give a bitter smile.
Anyway, Marshall made it sound easy, but that was undoubtedly a phenomenal ability.
Didn't it mean he had charmed and persuaded numerous nobles, and even the Imperial Family, with his silver tongue?
The situation was good because my father had bought time, but it was an outstanding talent in many ways.
"Have you thought about what happens after the railway is laid?"
"Of course. Once the railway is laid and magical locomotives are running, the budget will be significantly reduced. The problem is that the Imperial Family keeps delaying it."
"I'll try to have a word with them. My brothers are working there, after all."
This wasn't just lip service; I meant it. Since my own brothers were working there, I should at least do this much.
Some might say, "Isn't this a bit much? Won't your brothers feel bad?" but as long as I wasn't moving their workplace, it was fine.
I was just saying I'd feed them well, send them fun things, and let them sleep in a warm place. What was the problem? No problem at all.
"I would be truly grateful if you did."
"I—I am truly thankful. I shall not forget this kindness."
While Marshall was stoic, Marquis Mathews expressed his gratitude with a trembling voice. I just gave them a beaming smile.
And so, today's guest reception ended. I had planned to invite them to dinner, but they were the ones who declined first.
They said even coming here was time squeezed out of their schedules, and if they stayed for dinner, their work would pile up endlessly.
I understood their feelings, so I let them go without any lingering regrets.
"Mr. Marshall."
"Yes, Lord Isaac."
"I look forward to your continued hard work."
I didn't forget to thank Marshall before he left. In my mind, it was just a way of saying "keep doing what you're doing."
But perhaps it wasn't that way for Marquis Mathews. I found out later, but that statement was practically a life sentence for Marshall.
Well, that's a story for another time, so let's move on. After seeing them off, I returned to the bedroom.
"You're back?"
Marie, who was having her hair brushed by Adelia, greeted me with a welcoming voice.
Seeing her brushing her hair, it seemed she had only recently woken up. As usual, Adelia was staying by Marie's side.
I gave a beaming smile to her cheerful greeting and slowly approached. Soon, I took the brush from Adelia and began to brush her hair gently.
Her snow-white silver hair was beautiful and refreshing every time I saw it.
"When did you wake up?"
"Just a moment ago. Strangely enough, I always wake up before dinner. What about the guests?"
"You must have heard from Adelia. They left a while ago."
"Are you going to eat dinner here?"
It was Adelia's question, not Marie's. Since Marie's movements had become difficult lately, we often had our meals in the bedroom.
At this, I turned my gaze to Marie. Marie thought for a moment, then shook her head and spoke.
"No. We should see each other's faces as a family during dinner. Let's eat together this time, Sister. Your shift is over, too."
"My duty will continue until the baby is born. It's your child, but it's also Isaac's child."
"...That's a bit of a strange way to put it."
It really was strange. It sounded like something you'd hear in a drama or a movie.
As I stood there with a dazed expression, Marie and Adelia laughed softly.
Since Adelia's relationship with me was also semi-official, our bond had grown even stronger.
The newspapers had spread the word that Marie had brought in her guard knight because she couldn't handle my "nightly activities," so it would be strange if people didn't know.
Perhaps because of that, the concept of being "family" had become stronger than being rivals. That's why it wasn't awkward for her to say such things.
"If you feel bad, Sister, then have Isaac take a shot at you too. That way it's fair."
"It's fine. I don't particularly plan on having a child, and I'm perfectly satisfied as I am now. Besides, it's not me, but the other ladies who are waiting, right?"
"Oh, come on, Sister Adelia. I told you before, you should be more greedy. If it's you, I can give my approval."
"Is there anyone who doesn't have your approval?"
"Uh... I don't know. Anyway, you're okay, Sister."
It was a truly harmonious atmosphere. They didn't fight, and they were sincere with each other.
Thinking about it, starting with Marie, my lovers were all truly kind. They might bicker playfully once in a while, but they never divided.
Even if I wanted to share my love as fairly as possible, it was practically difficult. And yet, they all understood and showered me with love.
I must continue to love them with all my heart. I made a vow to myself with a smile.
"Oh, right. Come to think of it, I heard the Lirus Orchestra is coming to our wedding. Is that true?"
Just as the brushing was almost finished, Marie asked me in a curious voice.
I flinched slightly at the question but maintained my composure as much as possible. I even stole a glance at Adelia.
It was supposed to be a surprise event, but everyone who needed to know knew about it. I had even been in "personal contact" with the Lirus Orchestra.
"That's right. I invited them because it's a wedding that's more like a festival. Do you not like it?"
"Not at all. I love it! I want to wear my dress soon."
Fortunately, it seemed to have passed over well. I breathed a sigh of relief inwardly as Marie smiled brightly.
'We'll be receiving Lord Luminous's blessing, but Lady Mora will like it too, right?'
The other event I was planning.
And something I was working hard on, even going so far as to ask Mora personally.
'Singers are truly amazing. How do they sing in front of all those people?'
It was a "wedding song."
For the record, I am a terrible singer.
How bad? So bad that even the energetic Mora would fall into a stunned silence.
'...I have to do well.'
So lately, I've been putting myself into "canned food" mode to improve my skills.