Chapter 130 Every Citizen Is A Soldier

A murmur spread through the assembly before Count Charles raised a hand to silence it.

"I have summoned you here because King Charles V has issued a critical directive. From this moment, our kingdom will operate under the principle that every citizen is a soldier."

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. Determination and apprehension flickered across the faces of the gathered lords.

"Our northeastern provinces are tasked with mobilizing between 100,000 and 150,000 soldiers. While this entire force won't be deployed at once, the first expeditionary army alone must number at least 70,000. In our last great war, the sacrifices made by nobles, commoners, and serfs alike were immeasurable."

The grim memory of those losses caused many to clench their fists.

"To avoid a similar fate, we must prepare thoroughly. This directive is not optional. Each domain must contribute its assigned number of soldiers, by whatever means necessary."