The son of the God-Emperor in Warhammer Fantasy

"The Old Guard, are you trying to emulate the Reiksguard?" Alfred immediately thought of the Empire's Reiksguard.

"Something like that, but it's quite the opposite," Ryan nodded. "The Reiksguard was created because the Emperor needed an elite cavalry unit, as the Empire had excellent infantry but lacked superior cavalry. We, on the other hand, need an excellent infantry regiment, which is why we need the Old Guard."

"Right," Alfred nodded, showing interest. "In fact, the Church of Justice realized this long ago. We have Templars, Penitents, Holy Marksmen, the Charlemagne Artillery Corps, the Templar Knights, and the Hospitallers. Our church has done well in this regard."

"That's only natural," Ryan remarked with a sidelong glance. "You know the state of the Church of Justice better than anyone."

"Speaking of which, what exactly did Luthor Huss say to nearly get excommunicated?" Ryan asked offhandedly.

"He gave a speech at the Great Cathedral of Justice that shocked all of Altdorf," Alfred explained. "This warrior-priest publicly declared that he could no longer tolerate the accumulated problems within the church over two thousand years. He believed there were numerous issues that needed to be addressed."

"First, the church's various ranks and positions were excessively bloated. Many so-called ecclesiastical and clerical positions were unnecessary, yet these positions were filled with people who contributed nothing. Additionally, too many deputies were appointed. A regional bishop might have several or even a dozen deputies, with unclear and overlapping responsibilities. Huss advocated for streamlining departments and eliminating at least a quarter of the redundant positions."

"Next was the issue of dioceses. Many dioceses, such as Mordheim, Drakwald, and Sylvania, had been abandoned for years, yet their entire administrative structures remained operational. For example, the Sylvania diocese's regional archbishop often resided in Stirland, only venturing into the Haelfen Marsh during bishop elections. A few votes would elect a new bishop, and they would all promptly leave."

Alfred spoke with some indignation. "Indeed, Huss wasn't wrong. Our church has become quite bloated."

"Hah, and how many people would lose their livelihoods if Huss's ideas were implemented?" Ryan sneered. "Go on. Surely he didn't stop there."

"Then, Luthor Huss criticized the collection of tithes and various donations, highlighting corruption from the Grand Theogonist downwards. Funds and resources were often siphoned off before reaching headquarters. Many clergy were more interested in political maneuvering and soliciting more donations from nobles, merchants, and commoners, rather than remembering their mission to fight chaos and evil, as per Sigmar and Charlemagne's legacy."

"Finally, Huss fiercely attacked the ecclesiastical council, stating it should not focus on grander banquets, ceremonies, and more magnificent temples, nor on collecting tithes and meddling in Imperial politics. His statements enraged the council, and he was ordered to publicly apologize and retract his statements within three days, claiming he had been drunk. Huss refused, and the council prepared to excommunicate him. It was Archbishop Vikmar who intervened, believing such drastic measures were unnecessary. He acknowledged the issues but found Huss's approach too radical. Huss left in anger."

"Idealism is beautiful, but reality is harsh," Ryan remarked with deep meaning. "Do you believe that following Huss's recommendations wouldn't lead to disaster? Think about it—how many would lose their jobs and livelihoods? What would they do then?"

"But Huss wasn't wrong!" Alfred was still aggrieved. "We do need change, just like you, Ryan. What do you think?"

"It's simple. Luthor Huss wasn't wrong, and neither was Archbishop Vikmar," Ryan nodded, speaking slowly. "The Church of Justice has existed for two thousand years, maintaining high discipline and strong cohesion. To have only reached this state after such a long time is impressive. Remember, Sigmar never dictated the church's structure, only answering questions and guiding the archbishop. Thus, over time, the church developed a highly bureaucratic structure."

"So Huss's ideas are wrong?" Alfred pressed.

"His ideas aren't wrong, but his position is," Ryan shook his head, sighing. "Look at me. When I arrived in this country, did I march into the palace of Couronne, making grand speeches denouncing the country's various problems? Did I tell all the dukes that the serf system was outdated and their rule was too dark?"

"Ah," Alfred suddenly understood.

"As someone who wanted to change the status quo, Huss's starting point was good, but he didn't consider his position. Young people often believe they hold the truth and challenge authority. Remember, Alfred, in court and church, never reveal your ideals and plans too early, unless you are in a sufficiently high position." Ryan advised earnestly. "Truth won't always help you, but authority will surely punish you."

"Not understanding his position was Huss's biggest mistake. Do you think Archbishop Vikmar doesn't know about the church's problems? He probably knows better than anyone." Ryan concluded. "For now, focus on your work. The Freya Cathedral district is a blank slate; you can build it according to your ideals. Use the people Vikmar sent; they follow your orders, which is enough. Those Templars, warrior-priests, and Templar knights might have some bureaucratic tendencies, but that's inevitable."

"Indeed, they are diligent and brave in combat against the undead," Alfred nodded, sighing. "I shouldn't discount their contributions just because I dislike some aspects."

Many in the Old World falsely believed that Britannia only worshipped the Lady of the Lake. In reality, while knights predominantly followed the Lady, other faiths also had a presence in the knightly kingdom. Knights weren't as opposed to other religions as some thought. For instance, the temples of Shallya, the goddess of mercy, and Manann, the sea god, had their main temples in Couronne and Bordeleaux. Additionally, except for Grail Knights, other knights' remains or ashes were often interred in the gardens of the god Morr's cult.

However, Alfred receiving land was a groundbreaking development. Previously, the Church of Justice's influence extended only as far as Montfort, where the largest Justice church in Britannia was located. The church's slow spread was due to competition with the Lady of the Lake's faith for followers, similar to how the Ulrican cult resisted the establishment of Myrmidia's military academies in Middenheim, as both targeted military nobles, especially generals and knights.

"That's about it, Alfred. Let's call it a day," Ryan said, emerging from the water. They had soaked long enough.

"Thanks, my friend. You've cleared up many doubts I've had for a long time," Alfred's mood improved significantly.

The two men exited the bath, drying themselves with towels.

"No problem," Ryan nodded. "By the way, Sulia and I are visiting the Old Guard camp tomorrow. Want to join us?"

"Of course."

"Excellent."

... I'm the Vive l'empereur! Divider ...

The establishment of the Old Guard had become a hot topic throughout the southern part of the knightly kingdom, especially among the serfs.

Since the news broke, nearly every serf in southern Britannia had been fervently discussing the Old Guard.

For the first time, they saw a real chance for serfs to rise to knighthood!

Although Ryan had issued the Knightly Promotion Decree three years ago through the Lady of the Lake's church, serfs remained skeptical and disappointed about rising to the knightly class.

The reason was simple. Even with an annual quota of three, rising to knighthood still required dual approval from the Knight King and the Lady's witch. With Richard still on the throne, these slots often went to nobles' bastards. Three years yielded nine spots, while noble bastards were numerous, making it unlikely for serfs to have a chance even in a hundred years.

But Ryan never intended to rely solely on this for selecting knights from among the serfs. His real goal was to break the entrenched thinking of nobles and serfs alike. Through the Knightly Promotion Decree, the unbridgeable chasm between nobles and serfs was cracked. With this mental preparation, introducing the Old Guard faced minimal opposition.

It's like suggesting opening a window for ventilation in a stuffy room and facing resistance. If someone then proposes removing the entire roof, everyone would be shocked and rush to stop it. Returning to the initial suggestion of opening a window would then likely be accepted.

Thus, when the news spread, serfs throughout southern Britannia were ecstatic.

The Old Guard!

Higher wages! Better food! Superior benefits and an independent, high-class barracks!

Serfs who joined the Old Guard would enjoy the status of "honored freemen," with complete personal safety and property rights. They would have almost the same political status as knights, and captains would receive knightly titles. The Lady of the Lake promised that outstanding Old Guard members could be directly knighted.

Duke Ryan also promised a large estate in Mousilon named the Royal Old Guard Estate, owned entirely by the Old Guard regiment. The soldiers would receive additional salaries based on the estate's output.

This... this was a fief!

Serfs could truly become knights!

So, the entire southern Britannia buzzed with excitement over this new regiment. Serfs discussed the Old Guard while sitting on field ridges, around fires, in taverns, and even in their beds.

Who could become an Old Guard?

Serfs gathered in groups, pestering village elders and kingdom knights with questions.

At least five years of service!

At least three major battles!

Only those meeting these criteria could apply!

The stringent conditions caused many ser

f soldiers to sigh in frustration, while those who met the criteria were overjoyed, especially those who had followed Ryan since his arrival in Britannia, fighting in numerous campaigns.

After two weeks of training, five hundred men were selected as the initial batch of the Old Guard, destined to become a renowned force in the Old World.

Duke Ryan kept his word.

Neat and clean uniform trousers! White uniform shirts with straps! Luxurious, shining half-plate armor from dwarven workshops! Bearskin hats with elaborate plumes! And exquisite weapons—infantrymen received finely crafted dwarven weapons, archers got beautiful longbows from the wood elves, and the gunners received cavalry sabers and long-barreled muskets!

The newly selected Old Guard stood tall and proud, exuding confidence. Their neat uniforms, strict discipline, and the aura of battle-hardened soldiers impressed not just serfs but even noble ladies, some of whom considered marrying an Old Guard member.

This new regiment enjoyed luxurious barracks within the castle walls.

In the morning, Duke Ryan and Duchess Sulia inspected and addressed the new regiment. Sulia, even with her pregnant belly, gave a speech, deeply moving all the soldiers, who swore to serve Ryan, Sulia, and their unborn child.

At noon, the Old Guard camp mess hall.

The camp, covering one hectare, was built adjacent to Ryan's ducal castle. Dwarven craftsmen created imposing stone buildings with story-laden murals depicting Ryan's journey to Britannia and his heroic tales. Light filtered through long windows, bringing honor and brightness.

Rows of long tables were filled with Old Guard soldiers enjoying lunch.

Raymond, former captain of the Earl's Halberd Company's third company and now an Old Guard member, carefully examined his meal. A former escaped serf from Leonace, he marveled at his improved circumstances.

The Old Guard's food was much better than what he had as a halberdier. Their meals now included white bread with jam or butter, savory pies, delicious stews with meat and vegetables, and regular ale rations. Previously, they had meat once every three days; now, there was meat every meal, with occasional treats like cured steak.

This was knightly fare!

"Raymond, are you on leave tomorrow?" asked another Old Guard member, Arthur, a brave Winford man with a scarred face, giving him a naturally intimidating look.

"Yes," Raymond nodded. Old Guard leave was similar to before: two days off every ten while stationed, one day off every ten while deployed, with rest based on the commander's discretion during wartime.

"Any plans?"

"I'm planning to visit home," Raymond stirred his stew, a hearty mix of pork chunks, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, and mushrooms.

"Home?" Old Guard members had to live in the barracks, so Arthur wasn't surprised by Raymond's choice.

"Yes, to see my mother and brother," Raymond nodded, hesitating.

"Is... something wrong?"

"Thomas... he wants to study in Nuln, and Mother can't decide, so she asked me to come home."

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