Chapter 83: Appointments And Promotions

Victor was excited to use the Legendary-Level Commander Summon. There were so many awesome figures that he could get, specifically he hoped for Marshal Davout, Marshal Berthier or The Duke of Wellington. They would be great additions to the Luxenberg army.

With an eagerness, Victor used the Legendary-Level Commander Summon. Red smoke engulfed the screen as the animation began. A man wearing a heavily decorated Austrian Field Marshal's uniform was beginning to become clear. He had curly black hair and mutton chops, and his eyes were a hazel-like colour.

Victor grew a massive grin at realising who he had summoned. This was a man who commanded the massive Army of Bohemia, a man who fought at battles such as Leipzig, Wagram and Aspern-Essling.

This man was none other than Field Marshal Schwarzenberg. Once the animation had finished the screen read, 'Field Marshal Karl Philipp, Fürst zu Schwarzenberg' with 5 stars next to his name. Gaining a commander like Schwarzenberg was a massive step forward for Victor's plans. With all the summons used, Victor awaited the arrival of his new subordinates and soldiers.

The next day the city of Archenshien was buzzing with the arrival of 20,000 infantrymen and 4 dashing-looking commanders, all sporting the pristine uniforms of the Luxenberg military. Happy to see his new summons Victor greeted them and gave the new infantrymen orders to assist in the city's restoration. 

The new commanders followed Victor into the palace and joined Generals Bertrand, Tauentzin, Bülow and Marshals Soult and Bessières. In total, there were 9 commanders in the room with 2 absent, that being General Hill and General Rapp.

"Gentlemen I have gathered you all to discuss some new appointments and a promotion. Firstly I would like Generals Gimborn, Vandamme, Kamensky and Field Marshal Schwarzenberg," Victor said in a positive tone while motioning his hand to the generals.

"With the conquering of new cities, I need capable men like yourselves to serve as governors. To help grow the cities and surrounding villages and train up the military. General Hill and Rapp have received letters of their appointment as governors of Gamburg and Bourbon." Victor said before pausing and then continuing to speak.

"General Bertrand, you will continue serving as the Governor of Jenkas. General Tauentzien, I would like you to take on the role of Governor of Leibenzig. General Bülow, you will become the Governor of Kreighelm. General Gimborn, you be appointed Governor of Hausen. General Kamensky, you will act as an aide-de-camp to Duke Gundenvarg and will go to his city of Vrague. Finally, General Vandamme will become Governor of Sardia."

All the generals nodded at their assignments however Marshal Soult raised his hand and asked, "My lord, who will govern Archenshien? This city is the only one without any form of ruler."

Victor smiled at Marshal Soult and replied, "Now that you mention it, I forgot to announce the promotion that I stated earlier. Archenshien will be ruled by my newest vassal, The Duke of Archenshien." 

Marshal Soult was confused, he was not made privy to any new ally joining their Grand Duchy. "My lord, who exactly is this new Duke of Archenshien? No one here has heard of the appointment of a new duke."

Victor once again smiled at Marshal Soult and pointed to him. "Marshal Jean-de-Dieu Soult, I strip your title as my Commander of The Luxenberg Army and appoint you the new Duke of Archenshien. Consider this my way of thanking you for your loyal and excellent service over the years."

The other commanders in the room applauded at the rise of station for Marshal Soult. He had been a great commander for the Luxenberg army and had been with Victor since the war with the Grand Duchy of Maximillian. Victor was appreciative of Soult's service and how vital he was to the success of the Grand Duchy of Luxenberg.

Marshal was deeply honoured and bowed his head with his fist on his heart. "My lord, you honour me. I live to serve you and will take on this new title with the greatest respect. Thank you so much."

It was a cheery gathering, Generals Bertrand, Tauentzien and Marshal Bessières were quick to congratulate their comrade who they had served alongside. While the newcomers were quick to properly introduce them and build bonds with the others. 

All was going well until General Bülow asked Victor a serious question. "What do you plan on doing with the Maldenberg family, my lord?" Everyone's attention was now fixated on Victor as they awaited to hear his answer. He knew that he would have to decide their fate sooner or later, but with Bülow bringing it up he had to think on the spot.

"In truth gentlemen, I am not too sure what to do with them. I am not opposed to letting them in a dungeon cell, like the remnants of the Maximillian family. On the other hand, maybe mob justice is the answer to boost support in the region. Grand Duke Maldenberg had stripped many of these citizens in his domain of wealth and supplies to bolster his military. I would like your thoughts," Victor said in a weary tone.

"I for one think a public execution for the family is a good idea, especially after both the grand duke and his son considered firing on their own people. Let their heads fly I say," General Bülow said in an affirming tone.

Generals Kamensky, Gimborn and Vandamme all agreed with the middle-aged Prussian general. Mob justice was an effective way to win the hearts of the citizens, yet it was a risky strategy that could instigate riots and at worse rebellion.

"I would have to disagree, my lord. The last thing a recovering city needs is more barbarity. It has only been a few days since tens of thousands of soldiers were slaughtered in the streets. There has been too much bloodshed in this city," Marshal Bessières said passionately.

Generals Tauentzien and Bertrand agreed with the elite guard commander. There had been enough bloodshed in Archenshien. Many of their soldiers were slaughtered in the siege and adding more senseless murder was not an ideal tactic in their eyes.

Marshal Soult and Field Marshal Schwarzenberg were the only ones left who had not shown any support to any side. Victor turned to the two men and gestured for them to state what they thought. Schwarzenberg would be the new commander of the Luxenberg army so his input was crucial and Marshal Soult was now the ruler of the city so his thoughts held merit.

"My lord, in truth I would abstain from such a public display. For a recently conquered city adding a public execution could lead to riots if we are not careful. At the same time though, I do not oppose the idea of doing it but if you were to follow through with it we would need to boost security for such an event," said Field Marshal Schwarzenberg.

Turning to Marshal Soult, Victor calmly said, "You are the ruler of this city now Soult. It should be you who makes this decision. After hearing the council of your peers, how would you like to proceed?"

Marshal Soult pondered for a moment. As the newly instated Duke of Archenshien, this decision would lay the foundation for his rule. He could be cautious and let Victor take the Maldenberg family back to Hannover or he could be daring and let his citizens exact their revenge. Collecting his thoughts, Soult began to address the room.

"I say we give the people a taste of revenge for their previous ruler's actions."