Chapter 408: Burden of the Empire (4)
Soldiers are those who die with pride and live with pride.
Even those who belong to the most elite units often lose their will to fight and cannot resist the fear of death when their pride is hurt.
On the other hand, if they have pride, they can become the strongest army, like the Joseon navy, which was a ragtag group except for Admiral Yi Sun-sin and the general who fought with them in the Battle of Myeongnyang.
Knowing this fact, countries with a sound mind teach soldiers to respect them, or at least pretend to respect them.
“I want to emphasize to the soldiers of the Tuscan Empire the honorable duty they must fulfill as soldiers of the Empire, or rather as subjects of the Empire.”
“Subject? What does that mean?”
“It means subjects of His Majesty.”
When I hear this, the phrase imperial subjects comes to mind, and my mood suddenly drops.
I don’t think there is a better word to instill loyalty to the Emperor in the minds of the people of the Tuscan Empire, or more precisely, the soldiers, than the word “subject.”
It’s a word that gives them the pride that they, as a mere citizen, are serving the Emperor and playing a valuable role.
Pride is free, but its effect is astronomically huge.
“I understand the word “subject.” Then why do you make even a mere soldier have an honorable duty?”