Alexander woke up late on the next day, maybe it was because he was tired from planning the day before. Well, he couldn´t let it get into his way today, he still had a lot to do. Slowly Alexander stood up and started to get himself dressed. Then he made his way to the kitchen and grabbed a quick snack from a table in the kitchen. When he entered the dining room he was greeted by Theodor.

"Good morning, my prince."

"Good morning, Theodor."

"What would the prince like to eat as breakfast today?"

"Nothing, just bring me a plate of fruits into the garden, latter."

"Like the prince wishes it to be done."

Theodor bowed to Alexander while the later left the room and went to the garden. Well, he didn´t go directly. He first went into his "office" to get some pieces of paper and some pencils to work out different military strategies for the coming war.

Alexander then ordered maps from a maid. After a few minutes, the maps arrived and Alexander started, well he was trying, to figure out the best way for normal Infantry to advance. Because not only was this really difficult but it turned out that, although he is extremely talented in predicting economic developments, he is in no way skilled enough to create logistical routes to supply his troops. After a while of staring unknowingly onto the map, Theodor spoke.

"You should but the route onto the road through the forest and let it go through the valley."

"But why, wouldn´t it be best to put it onto the biggest road?"

"It depends on what you want to achieve."

"What do you mean."

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"If you are in a war where the frontline changes every minute then it is the best to put the supply on the main road. But if you are in a war where the frontline doesn´t move much you can, of course, use both and now what do you do when you are preparing a surprise attack?"

"I will use the track through the forest."

"And why?"

"Because it keeps the enemy from noticing the attack."

"That´s not entirely true. In our times it is only possible to cover the attack for a short time. The scouting equipment and methods have just become too good. That is why you have to change the supply route eventually."

"That makes sense.

Theodor, have I ever asked you why you wanted to become my butler? You are a decorated military commander and could have retired with pride?"

"I have a question for you. What brought your family power, so that now they are the ruling class of a nation?"

"Wealth and an invincible army."

"You are right and what comes through them."

"Influence."

"I think now you have your answer, don´t you."

"Yeah, but why would you like to influence me?"

"Let´s stop that shall we. Back to the main topic. I think you should hire someone for doing the logistical stuff. Well, not hire more like recruit someone."

"Ok, but Theodor please tell me. How do you know that I should use the road through the forest."

"Simply because the map before you is from our enemy the empire of Westrain. The part of the country you are in is very hard to travel through and the resistance from the troops of Westrain isn´t going to be small either."

"So, you are saying that there won´t be any short victory?"

"Yes, that is what I´m saying."

"Ok, Theodor would you be so kind and pass an order to my military academy and tell them they should practice more trench warfare."

"Of course, my prince."

"Ahh and order as many machine guns as you think fit for 849 km of shared border with the minimal amount of required troops."

"Yes, my prince. Although I don´t know how long this will take."

"Take your time. I expect them to be needed in around two years."

Theodor turned around, with a big smile on his face. Why do you ask? Well, the reason is simple. Since the prince was young, he distrusted people and needed to do everything himself. He wanted to keep everything under his control. At this moment the old man was feeling a few successes boost his confidence, in bringing the prince to trust more people. The general knows that this will never go away completely and that is by all means nothing bad. If one wants to stay in power. You can´t just trust everyone blindly.