Crusader Kings: Prisoners of War.

Chapter 101 Strong Man
It has been tested before that the quality of the soldiers from Palphi is worrying. It may be exaggerated to say that they were half refugees when they came out. Although the Romans allowed them to eat something in Egypt and during the voyage so as not to starve to death, the hygiene, health and mental state of these people were not very good and were just maintained at a decent level.

These "soldiers" were pushed to Orville. He did not like the wave charge tactics that used people as animals, both emotionally and rationally, so if conditions allowed, he would let these strong men go back alive. But who can say for sure what happened on the battlefield? Although the Roman Empire in history also quelled the rebellion in Gaul during this period, it was not so grand. There is no corresponding record of this battle in history, and who knows who won or lost.

So Orville thought that even if he died, he would rather die with a full stomach, so he made sure these people had a full stomach before the battle and also prepared a farewell banquet for them.

The legionnaires were distributing bread and other food, several large barrels were boiling a roux soup with meat slices, and Orville also took out some wine from his stock.

This was their dinner. It was far inferior to the treatment of the Roman legionnaires who had all-you-can-eat fish and meat, but no one was dissatisfied. They all just kept eating.

The two are indeed not comparable. The former are respectable citizens, with a social status of at least upper-middle class, and they have benefits such as salary, free medical care while in service, and retirement benefits.

In the early days of the Roman Empire, auxiliary soldiers generally did not receive any salary. After twenty-five years of military service, they could only receive a certificate of citizenship and a certificate of honor. The end of one's efforts is the starting point of others. No one would blame Orwell for treating them differently. If he treated them equally, someone would make trouble for him and question his disrespect for citizens and soldiers.

Seeing the young men who looked like starving ghosts, skinny but still stuffing food into their mouths, Domitia felt some instinctive fear. This kind of situation would not be seen in Rome, and the center of the world certainly would not allow such starving people. Even the slave market was more respectable than other places.

Orville didn't feel disgusted with this kind of scene. The people coming out of the Holy City were even more half-dead, and there were even cases where some people ate themselves to death. This was considered a small scene, and the eating manners were just a little bit indecent.

He gestured to the soldiers on his left and right, indicating that he was about to start speaking.

The soldiers first loudly announced that everyone should stop eating, then they started scolding, and later they even used canes and sticks to hit those who were still eating. It took a lot of effort to get everyone to stop and listen to Orville's speech.

“I don’t know whether you came here voluntarily or under duress, and I don’t know whether you can understand the concept of war, but from now on you will need to obey my orders and fight for me.

I will not let you die on the battlefield, but I can foresee that many of you will die on the battlefield. In order to prevent you from losing your lives, I will use more stringent means to urgently train you, regardless of whether you can bear it or not, the decision is this.

If you want to go back alive, listen to your instructors. If you don't listen, there will be severe punishment waiting for you. It will be difficult to adapt at first, but you have no choice. I can guarantee that you will have enough food under my command. As long as you train hard, you may be able to go back alive. The brave will be rewarded, and the cowardly will eventually die. You may not understand what I say, just remember to obey orders. "

Completely different from the powerful speeches Domitia had read in books, which involved honor, patriotism, morality, courage, and professional responsibility, Orville's speech was very dry and straightforward, and could be summed up in one sentence - follow orders and don't complain.

It was obvious that these people were concerned about "having a full meal". Some of them rushed out from the crowd, bowed to Overna, and prostrated themselves on the ground to express their humility and obedience.

Domitia couldn't quite understand what was happening. It seemed that what Orville said had a good effect. She really couldn't understand how such a speech could move people. Orville felt a little embarrassed about the situation, but he continued, "Now, please continue to enjoy your dinner. This may be the last time, so cherish it. But don't cherish it too much. It would be more troublesome if you overeat yourself."

After saying this, he signaled to everyone to continue eating. They didn't hesitate and picked up their bowls to continue eating.

Orville stood there and did not move, just letting Domitia observe the eating habits and expressions of these people.

Domitia also watched it very seriously for about ten minutes before Orville took her away and brought her to Tia's tent.

At this time, the self-disciplined general had finished dinner and was reading a book by the light of the torch. She was also surprised to see Domitia coming over, but after Domitia explained the situation again, Tia fell into silence.

Tia felt more guilty, but she really couldn't solve the problem on her own.

After a few minutes, Tia rolled up her sleeves and showed Domitia her bruised arms.

Her fingers were not as slender and soft as those of her peers. Instead, they were covered with calluses from years of martial arts training and handling swords and guns, and they also appeared much thicker.

Due to her superb martial arts skills and good protective armor, Tia was rarely injured on the battlefield, but as a general charging on the front line, scars were inevitable.

Sword marks, arrow wounds, scrapes, scratches. Just the shoulders and arms that were visible to Orville had many completely different scars. This was a soldier's medal of honor, but it was inevitably a bit shocking to bystanders.

"I can't guarantee that you will have a bright future after you choose the same path as me, but I will try my best to give you the right to choose. This power is not available to many daughters of prominent families, but it may not be suitable for you. It's good for you to follow me now. At least you have enough time and opportunity to think about these things, which you can't do in Rome.

If you choose to give up and return to normal, I will ask my father to arrange a truly suitable marriage for you, so that you can have a happy, peaceful and prosperous life, which may not be bad. However, the final choice is up to you, and you are the one who makes the final decision. I can buy you four or five years, during which you can slowly think about what is best.

Don't give me a definite answer now, you have to see with your own eyes, feel with your heart, and finally make a decision. I will solve your father's problem for you. I agree to this matter. You can stay with Berenice. She can take care of you. Don't worry about other problems. I will find a way for you. "

(End of this chapter)