Chapter 10: A Day Long Awaited

Chapter 10: A Day Long Awaited



Life in the Academy was tough, but fair. It was no walk in the park, but because Bruno already had experience in this regard from his past life, he was more than capable of fulfilling what was required of him.

In fact, he excelled where others had lagged behind. Even the drill instructors could not help but express surprise at Bruno's ability to complete the tasks required of him. Despite having no formal military training, the boy could march, salute, run, and shoot with the best of them.

On top of this, Bruno performed with the highest marks in all subjects, whether it was strategy, tactics, mathematics, science, history et cetera. He had demonstrated a clear mastery of all.

In addition to this, Bruno appeared to be quite innovative and forward thinking when it came to the subject of grand strategy. Gaining praise from all of his instructors for his revolutionary use of tactics within war games.

In the three years that Bruno spent in the academy, he had grown close to two of his fellow cadets. Heinrich Koch, and surprisingly the arrogant young nobleman Erich von Humboldt. As Bruno had anticipated, Erich had a hell of a first week at the Academy.

Growing up as a pampered nobleman, Erich was in no shape to perform the physical tasks required of them as Army Cadets. But through sheer perseverance, he had survived, and somehow managed not to get cut from the roster.

As a result, he became much more humble and realistic about his own limitations. Going so far as to begin approaching those who excelled in various fields searching for their guidance. This was an admirable quality which attracted Bruno's attention.

Erich would ultimately improve his performance over the first semester, to the point where Bruno had no problem including him into his study group, as the man had actually turned out to be a hidden talent he could make use of in the future.

Today was the day before Bruno's wedding day. Heidi had just turned eighteen a few weeks prior. Whereas Bruno was twenty years old at this very moment. He would be granted a day of leave from the Academy to attend his wedding.

But that would only happen tomorrow. For today, he was still at the Academy. Currently discussing the ongoing geo-political situation among his two friends. Heinrich and Erich.

"The Kaiser challenges the British Navy on the seas. This Naval Arms race is destined to cause conflict between our two great nations. And if handled poorly, will result in a war on a scale which will cost the lives of tens of millions of men on both sides.

But it may very well be a decade and a half before such a war breaks out. My immediate concern is the outbreak of war within Qing China. As we speak, the Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists, or the Boxer Movement, as we more commonly refer to them as. Have gained considerable size and strength.

The Boxers are an anti-imperialist, and xenophobic movement which seeks to expel all non- Chinese from the nation by force. They have already attacked our missionaries and merchants. At their current rate of aggression, it is only a matter of time before they grow bolder. Their slogan is quite literally "Kill the foreigners! Slaughter the followers of the foreign devils!" If they are allowed to continue to gain power and the Qing Dynasty chooses to support them even further. Then I fear the end result will be military intervention. I give it a year at most before such a thing occurs if things continue to progress like this.

Now, the Chinese may be a few decades behind us in terms of military technology, but they have made great strides towards modernization these past few years. Because of this, they should not be underestimated under any circumstances. Such a thing could lead to a humiliating defeat.

It is because of this I intend to volunteer for the East Asian Expeditionary Corps the moment I graduate from this academy. Which should be just in time to get comfortable with my new unit before we deploy to Northern China to put down the Boxer rebellion..."

Matters in China were far away on the eastern side of the world. Few Cadets cared to actually bother themselves with learning of such matters. But Bruno would have a thorough conversation with his fellow cadets about the subject, educating them on the importance the region had towards the future.

By the end of the discussion, both Heinrich and Erich seemed eager to take part in the war alongside Bruno. With Heinrich being the first to voice his agreement to volunteer for the East Asian Expeditionary Corps as well.

"Fuck it, why the hell not? What's the point of joining the Army if you don't actually get to see battle? Besides, I hear China is an ancient and mystical place. Full of many beautiful women, it would be a shame not to visit at least once in my life!"

Erich nodded his head in agreement with this statement. With their performance in the Academy, they would likely be given priority to wherever they desired to serve. And China sounded like it would be a good place to gain some proper combat experience. Especially if Bruno was so confident that war was about to erupt in the region.

As for Bruno, he smirked before responding to Heinrich's comment about beautiful Chinese

women.

"I'll leave the local ladies to you two. I'm a married man as of tomorrow. And I don't intend to take a mistress."

Heinrich immediately patted Bruno's back and commented on his situation as if it were something undesirable.

"That is the one thing I do not envy about you nobles. Imagine getting married upon reaching adulthood. Where is your opportunity to live and have fun?"

You and Heidi can make it your home as you build your family together. Consider it my

wedding gift to you, son."

Bruno was surprised that his father had bought him an entire house. But only for a second.

When he thought about it, he realized the cost of such a home was a drop in the hat compared to his family's wealth.

They were quite wealthy, more than enough to afford such an expensive present as a wedding

gift. But, still, Bruno had yet to reveal to his father his plans to go to war, and he was quick to do so as he felt guilty about owning a house he would not have the luxury to spend much time

in.

"Father, this is more than I could ever ask of you... But when I graduate I intend to volunteer to the East Asian Expeditionary Corps..... I won't be home outside those few weeks of leave I am granted each year. At least not for the first two years of my service. After that, I'll request a transfer back to Berlin... Don't you think it would be cruel to ask Heidi to live in such a home by herself?"

Bruno's father was naturally surprised by what his son had said, but he was not ignorant of the ongoings in China. He, too, was certain that Germany would be deploying troops to the region within a year's time. And because of this, he was quick to ask his son if he understood

exactly what he was getting himself into.

"Bruno... You are aware of what's going on in China right now, yes? Are you really going to go off to war so soon after graduating from the Academy?"

Bruno's father naturally knew about war and its horrors. He had earned an Iron Cross in the Franco-Prussian War. He had also fought in the Austro-Prussian War a mere five years prior. So he was more than experienced enough with battle to understand what Bruno himself was

walking into.

But Bruno's confidence was more than enough to quell the man's fears. As the young man was quick to announce that he was not so foolish as to underestimate the enemy. "Contrary to popular belief, the enemy are not savages. They are quite advanced, and though

victory is certain should the Reich go to war in China, let alone alongside the other Great Powers, we will still need capable officers if we wish to mitigate our losses.

I am confident enough in my own ability to lead men into battle. And besides, my generation

has yet to earn any honor or glory for our house on the battlefield. Wouldn't it be poetic that it was the youngest of us who first did so?"

Bruno's father sighed heavily and shook his head. He looked up at the stars and thought to himself for a few moments before finally responding.

"You're a man now, so you have a right to choose your own future. If you wish to go off to

China and fight for our family and nation. Then that is your right. But regardless, I still think it would be best if you and Heidi moved into the house.

It's close enough to the nearest military base so that when you do finally transfer back home,

you will be well within your rights to live there as an active duty officer. And the house is

small enough that your wife will be able to take care of it by herself. Although if she does wish for servants, I can spare the expense.

Now I have held you up enough. It's your wedding night. And I think it's time you and your

bride spent some proper time alone together. After all, tomorrow you have to be back at the Academy. So go, enjoy yourself while you can!"

Bruno smiled and nodded towards his father, stashing the key to his new manor away in his pocket, before running off to regroup with Heidi. They would continue to enjoy the festivities before retiring for the night together for the first time as husband and wife.