In the early morning, the rising sun gradually pierced through the darkness, bringing light back to the world, and the continuous heavy rain finally ceased.
After the sudden downpour, branches were broken, leaves were tattered, and petals were scattered, presenting a scene of desolation; however, the ubiquitous wild grass exuded vibrant vitality, embodying an ordinary yet great strength.
Delicate flowers and weak willows that could not withstand the wind and rain were not worth pitying; the resilient wild grass covering the mountains was his foundation. Augustus stood on the high platform, gazing north with determination, his heart completely devoid of any sorrow.
After a long while, Augustus took out his pocket watch, saw that it was almost time, and ordered someone to summon Claudio, the Quartermaster General, who was not far from the encampment.
Those responsible for logistics and supply were all subordinates of Lorenzo, and Claudio was no exception, though he was not considered a close confidant of Lorenzo. Lorenzo knew that this battle was of great importance and did not dare to appoint people based on favoritism, so he appointed Claudio, who, although not very close to him, was capable and ambitious.
Soon after, the person arrived. He had a rugged, weathered face, a burly and robust physique, simple and light clothing, and a swift, agile gait, giving off a steady and substantial impression. Augustus took a quick look and was very satisfied, a nascent idea vaguely forming in his mind.
Claudio bowed respectfully and said, "Quartermaster General Claudio greets His Holiness the Pope."
Upon hearing that the Pope had specifically called for him, Claudio was startled awake, all sleepiness instantly gone. He recalled that he should not have overlooked anything recently, and then, feeling uneasy, he dressed and came forward.
Seeing Claudio looking tense, Augustus reassured him, "Don't be nervous, and don't be so formal. I invited you here simply to understand the logistical situation and to inform you of some upcoming plans. Feel free to speak your mind about any questions you have."
"Yes," Claudio immediately began to meticulously report the logistical situation he knew by heart. "Currently, the grain stored in the Ferrara grain and fodder camp can supply for over three hundred days at the current consumption rate; at the wartime consumption rate, it can last for at least two hundred and forty days.
However, if we account for the losses incurred during overland transport to the Hungary front, it can only supply for less than two hundred days; and if transported by sea, although losses and transport time would be greatly reduced, the risk would significantly increase, as the Ottoman people are highly likely to dispatch ships to attack our supply lines.
At the same time, newly raised grain from other areas is continuously being transported here. Once the autumn harvest matures, a large amount of grain will again be available for the front lines. With the improvement of logistical transport routes and the maturation of the system, transport efficiency will become increasingly high.
Overall, the pressure on grain supply is not very great. As for various weapons and equipment, although military factories are stepping up production, if the war is too intense and battlefield losses are too high, the existing reserves might quickly become insufficient.
If the reserved weapons and equipment cannot be replenished to current standards, besides emergency imports from other countries, we will only be able to resort to using equipment for reserve military training, or even reactivating previously discarded equipment."
Knowing it in his heart was one thing, but Claudio laying the problems out in the open was another, and Augustus couldn't help but feel a headache coming on, gently rubbing his temples.
The Papal States' military industry foundation was ultimately a bit weak, unable to compare with established military powers, and this was very difficult to remedy in a short time. This meant that the Papal States, at least for the next few years, absolutely could not get involved in a protracted major war, otherwise it would take an extremely long time to recover, and by then, having missed the most crucial opportunity, everything would be too late.
"Your Holiness..." Seeing the Pope looking troubled, Claudio hesitated to speak.
Augustus snapped back to attention, met Claudio's concerned gaze, and kindly patted Claudio's sturdy shoulder: "You've done very well, and your considerations are very thorough. Just as you said, that's why we must achieve a swift victory and avoid a prolonged stalemate as much as possible."
Augustus pondered for a moment and decided not to tell Claudio too many unnecessary secrets for now. He continued, "Of course, even if we temporarily encounter some difficulties that lead to logistical problems, I believe you will still find the best solution as quickly as possible, won't you?"
Facing the Pope's sudden entrustment, Claudio bowed solemnly and said, "I will do my utmost and not fail Your Majesty's trust."
Augustus nodded with satisfaction: "Very good. Do a good job with the logistical supply, and if this war succeeds, you will have performed a great service. When the time comes for rewards based on merit, you will certainly not be overlooked. Coincidentally, some people in rather important positions have become old, muddle-headed, and unfit for their roles, and I am currently looking for candidates..."
Upon hearing this, Claudio's body trembled, his eyes immediately lit up, then he reined in his gaze and performed another grand bow: "Thank you, Your Holiness, for your high regard!"
"Alright, you can dispense with these formalities from now on. I still have something to entrust to you, and this matter might incur some animosity, so you need to be mentally prepared."
"Please speak! As long as it is your command, I will not hesitate even if it means going through fire and water!"
"Very good, then I won't beat around the bush. You know, the Venetian reinforcements arrived last night. I want you to prioritize all supplies for Venice from now on. Not only that, but you must also publicize this widely, making sure as many people as possible know. However, I am to be completely unaware of this." Augustus's eyes deepened like a dark pool.
"This... Your Holiness, why is this? Doing this without your command, wouldn't I be..." Claudio was so startled that a chill ran down his neck, and the words caught in his throat.
Augustus saw through Claudio's concerns at a glance and immediately reassured him, "Don't worry, since I have promised you a future, I will certainly protect you. I never abandon a tool after using it. This is a plan. Firstly, no legion-level officers will trouble you for this; secondly, ordinary soldiers might resent you for a short time, but once the plan is complete, everyone will understand your sacrifice. This is also key to making you the top meritorious servant in this battle!"
At this point, Augustus lightly coughed twice, then sheepishly added, "Of course, during this period, your security around you must be strengthened, and it must be people you trust. There's no ruling out some special circumstances."
With the Pope's assurance, the stone weighing on Claudio's heart dropped, but then he thought of his momentary hesitation and felt deeply ashamed: "To dedicate myself to the Papal States should be my supreme honor, yet I briefly felt fear just now. I am guilty. I do not aspire to the top merit; I only hope to successfully complete the task you have given me, and then I will be at peace."
Claudio's frankness, on the contrary, made Augustus think more highly of him. Augustus expressed great understanding: "Self-preservation is a human instinct, and fear of death is human nature, especially an inglorious death. If it were fighting on the battlefield, I imagine you wouldn't even bat an eye."
"Indeed, I misunderstood just now, but even if you wanted me to die, I should have done so without hesitation!"
"I don't want you to die for me; I want you to live well. Only by living can you make greater contributions to the Papal States. Your talent should not be limited to this."
"Your Holiness is benevolent!" Claudio said gratefully.