The assassination of Francesco finally came to a successful conclusion, and Augustus breathed a sigh of relief.
As for the small interlude Enzo mentioned about some stragglers escaping from the economic dealings, everyone knew what was going on.
However, now was not the time to relax; what lay ahead was the truly severe test.
"Karl, Duke, guess why I insisted on your presence at this meeting?" Augustus asked with a smile.
"Could it be that there's finally a war to fight? Our troops have already undergone thorough training; they just need the tempering of real combat.
Given time, they will surely become an elite force with formidable combat power.
Who are we fighting? Recently, the war between Austria and Ottoman seems to have picked up again. Is it Ottoman? They seem a bit stronger, but I believe our soldiers can handle it. Or V..." Duke's excitement was barely contained, almost blurting out "Venice" before he managed to stop himself, then pretended to cough twice to cover his embarrassment.
Augustus smiled; it was certainly a good thing to want to fight, dare to fight, and be confident in winning, but his guess was wrong.
He would never let the Papal States' soldiers risk their lives against the Ottoman army, which was at the peak of combat strength throughout Europe, for their first battle.
"Not so fast.
What I'm thinking is, although your training is very thorough now, you are still lacking in practical combat experience.
Without experiencing life-and-death struggles, directly confronting battle-hardened regular armies might lead to disadvantages and many unnecessary sacrifices.
I think it's better to proceed gradually.
Due to Francesco's previous dereliction of duty, bandit suppression not only stagnated but even allowed the bandit menace to worsen, with signs of bandits from other regions fleeing into the Papal States' territory.
These bandits, though not strong enemies, clearing them out will still provide practical combat experience.
Therefore, I want you and Karl to suppress the bandits; this will both train the soldiers and effectively maintain the stability of the Papal States, killing two birds with one stone.
What do you think?"
Duke was visibly disappointed; he had originally thought he could finally return to the battlefield, but it was just to clear out these petty thieves.
He wondered how long it would be until he could return to the true battlefield that belonged to him.
Karl said solemnly, "Maintaining the stability of the Papal States is the duty of the National Defense Force; I have no problem with that."
Duke then sullenly added, "It's all up to His Holiness the Pope's arrangements."
Augustus nodded, "Good, you can arrange the specific division of labor yourselves.
Within one month, I hope to see some progress in the Papal States' bandit problem.
Rewards for diligence, punishments for mistakes.
If you have any good suggestions, you can always come and tell me."
"Your Holiness the Pope, I have a suggestion," Romeo began.
"Our large-scale bandit suppression will certainly have some effect in the short term.
However, these elusive bandits are highly mobile and might very well flee or hide now, only to re-emerge and cause trouble once the heat dies down.
Therefore, it can only ensure temporary peace, not long-term stability."
"Then why don't you tell us what good ideas you have?" Duke said, displeased.
Romeo, facing Duke's interrogation, calmly replied, "I believe we can unite with other states in the Italian region to jointly carry out this bandit suppression operation.
This will not only leave those bandits nowhere to hide throughout Italy but also strengthen the connections and improve relations between the various states.
His Holiness the Pope was attacked within Tuscany's borders this time, and Tuscany cannot shirk its responsibility.
Furthermore, His Holiness the Pope and Tuscany also have a clan relationship, so Tuscany certainly won't refuse to join.
As for other states, the bandit problem is a common threat.
They can even participate nominally, allowing our army to enter and alleviate the bandit menace without expending much effort.
And our new army can gain renown throughout the Italian region through bandit suppression, which will also solidify our leading position in the Italian region."
"That's a good idea," Duke, being straightforward, did not hesitate to praise a good suggestion when he heard one.
"Indeed," Augustus approved.
"Then the important task of contacting other Italian states for joint bandit suppression will be entrusted to you, Romeo."
"My pleasure."
Romeo proposing such a good idea was an unexpected gain for today.
Next agenda item.
"In addition, the performance of the Public Order Team previously can be said to have been completely useless.
Under Francesco's indulgence, it was thoroughly corrupted, rotten to the core, one might say.
Furthermore, a significant number of Public Order Team members were involved in this assassination, and even the captain was one of the main accomplices.
I believe the Public Order Team is completely unusable, so I plan to simply disband it."
"But if the Public Order Team is disbanded, who will be responsible for public order in the Papal States?" Lorenzo asked in surprise.
Augustus unhurriedly continued, "I plan to establish a new institution called the Police Department.
It will be directly subordinate to the Papal Palace, managed by Faol on a daily basis, with a hierarchical structure below.
Personnel will be re-selected, and the Papal States' public order system will be completely rebuilt."
Establishing a Police Department now was indeed somewhat ahead of its time.
Historically, the first police institution was not established until March 1667, when King Louis XIV of France ordered its creation in Paris.
However, his current establishment of a Police Department was not about initiating some reform.
The functions of this Police Department were actually largely similar to the original Public Order Team, and any specific changes would be entirely up to Faol; it was merely using a new term to impress people.
The true purpose was to firmly grasp all armed forces of the Papal States in the hands of his own people.
As expected, the focus shifted to the name, and Lorenzo asked, bewildered, "Police Department? What is that?"
"A government department that maintains public order, protects people's lives and property, and possesses administrative and judicial powers," Augustus recited.
Lorenzo was a bit confused but didn't know what to ask, secretly pondering what this thing was.
"So, how is this different from the original Public Order Team?" David asked, cutting to the chase.
"Clearer division of labor, clearer responsibilities, more thorough accountability, and more effective and orderly," Augustus, who was well-prepared, prevaricated.
It was a universal template that said everything and nothing at the same time, yet it wouldn't make people feel like he said nothing at all, and if they didn't react quickly, they might even find it quite reasonable.
David nodded and said no more.
"But Fao Si seems to have no experience in this area, and he already holds several positions.
Isn't it too much to put the heavy burden of public order on his shoulders as well?" Lorenzo noticed some clues.
"Everything can be learned; no one is born knowing these things.
Besides, Faol has always been tireless.
Faol, do you have any issues?"
Faol didn't know Augustus's purpose in making such an arrangement, but he firmly believed that following Augustus was always the right path: "No problem at all, I think I can do it."
Karl also shrewdly chimed in, "While public order and warfare are not entirely the same, they do have some commonalities.
If you need help from me and Duke, just let us know."
"How did you include me as well?" Duke glared at Karl, then changed his tone, "But the words are fine, I agree."
This drew a round of laughter from everyone, and the matter was settled.