The Uniform Must Be Impressive
Translator: Cinder Translations
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In the Lord's Manor of Alden Town, a special fashion exhibition is underway.
A dozen or so carefully selected young men, all over 1.8 meters tall, are wearing unique outfits, being scrutinized and commented on by the spectators. They either stand straight or strike various poses as requested by the audience.
"This outfit looks really good; it seems very energetic."
"This one is better; it has more character."
"This one looks the best, but the craftsmanship is probably the most complicated, right?"
The audience at the exhibition includes military bigwigs like Schroeder and Bryce, high-ranking officials like Old Ford and Cecil, and of course, Lord Paul Grayman of the Alden domain along with his ally Malon Ganard. They are all discussing the displayed items with enthusiasm.
The focus of their appreciation is the various military uniform prototypes.
With the widespread adoption of the flying shuttle loom, the textile industry in Alden, Byerldine, and Emden is booming. Workshops producing textiles using these machines—perhaps now they should be called "factories"—are springing up like mushrooms. Everyone who has seen the flying shuttle loom in action realizes its potential for a dramatic increase in efficiency. Original handcraft factory owners have been shelling out money to upgrade their textile workshops with these magical machines, while newcomers to the industry are also flocking to the textile business.
In this wave of progress, many have tried to replicate the flying shuttle loom, and some have succeeded. However, they quickly faced the iron fist of the Patent Law. Paul has been particularly strict on this matter, and currently, the patent for the flying shuttle loom belongs exclusively to the Alden Town Machinery Factory, with orders coming in continuously.
To meet the huge demand, the Alden Town Machinery Factory expanded and recruited more workers, subsequently splitting into two separate factories: an agricultural machinery factory and an industrial machinery factory. The former handles the development and production of harvesters, threshers, and cotton gin machines, while the latter focuses on producing flying shuttle looms and other "industrial" machinery.
The increased weaving efficiency has significantly boosted the demand for cotton yarn, leading to a supply shortage and skyrocketing prices. Many spinning mills and home workshops have made substantial profits, with all involved experiencing a mix of pain and joy. They work doubly hard to produce cotton yarn while happily counting their earnings, and many newcomers have started entering the cotton spinning industry.
The rapid expansion of the cotton spinning industry has spurred related industries such as dyeing and garment manufacturing, ultimately resulting in a significant drop in the prices of clothing and fabrics. Now, middle-class families in Alden and Byerldine no longer have to wear patched clothes.
With the reduction in clothing costs, the plan to update the Alden army's uniforms has been put on the agenda. Currently, the uniforms for both the land and naval forces are simple, "basic" outfits. When Paul commands such a force to line up for executions, there's a strong sense of incongruity.
Executing people in a grand, flamboyant manner is the right approach.
Paul held a joint meeting with the heads of the administrative departments and military leaders to discuss the uniform change. He had previously mentioned the uniform replacement and requested them to each come up with designs. Now, Paul demanded that they produce samples of their designs and bring them to the manor for evaluation and selection.
The models on display are wearing what Paul considers to be "Renaissance" style uniforms. These designs, mostly by military high-ups like Schroeder and Austin, feature distinctive round ruffles like mill water wheels on the collars, and the jackets are padded to give a full appearance to the shoulders, chest, and upper arms, while the lower part consists of tight-fitting leggings. Some styles even include long robes or cloaks, with hats adorned with curled feathers, a fashion popular among young aristocrats and wealthy individuals in the Horns Bay area. According to Lord Paul's requirements, the new uniforms must break away from tradition, stay on the cutting edge, be flamboyant, and reflect the Alden army's spirited demeanor. Thus, they consulted female advisor Setia, old shipbuilder Benjamin, and other people from Horns Bay, a well-known fashion center.
"Are these the military uniforms you designed?"
Paul's tone carried a heavy sense of questioning, and it was clear that the Earl was not satisfied.
Schroeder and Austin exchanged glances and hesitantly responded, "Yes, my lord. Do you not like these styles?"
Heavenly Father, these are already very bold and avant-garde designs. Previously, the Northwest Bay was isolated and poor, with conservative and simple clothing, whereas in the affluent Horns Bay, clothing is bright and elaborate. The designers felt uneasy even referencing Horns Bay's style—contrary to the teachings in the "Holy Scripture" prohibiting extravagance.
They also made some additional design adjustments based on the Earl's instructions, intending to reflect the Alden army's spirit.
How ostentatious, how pretentious, how… nouveau riche!
Even with these designs, the Earl is still not satisfied?
"Gentlemen, I also designed a few uniforms—both navy and army. Let us review them together."
With that, Paul clapped his hands.
"Esteemed Earl! Winslow is at your service!" A bespectacled man with a flattering smile hurried over to Paul.
The crowd looked over and saw that it was the chief tailor of the manor. Nobles always have their own personal tailors, and the Grayman family was no exception.
Paul asked, "Winslow, are our new uniform samples ready?"
Winslow made a gesture indicating everything was in order, "All set, just waiting for your call!"
"Excellent!" Paul turned to the crowd, "Gentlemen, let me show you the truly revolutionary designs. Winslow, bring in the models!"
As soon as Paul finished speaking, a series of quick, sharp drumbeats sounded, and as the beats slowed, two rows of soldiers marched in to the rhythm. Yes, soldiers. Schroeder, Bryce, and others immediately recognized from their steps and movements that these were seasoned soldiers from the internal guard.
"Attention!" With a shout, the two rows of soldiers came to a halt.
The first row of soldiers wore black high-top hats, blue and white jackets with single-breasted buttons, white shirts underneath, white trousers, and black knee-high leather boots.
The second row of soldiers, similarly in black high-top hats, wore red jackets with black lapels, white knee-length trousers, black leather shoes, and shoe covers. They looked… like a bunch of roasted lobsters.
Paul smiled at the astonished crowd.
"Gentlemen, I said, the military uniform must be impressive!"
(End of the Chapter)
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