Published: December 12th 2024, 7:05:21 am
A Peaceful Land of the Orcs (4.3)
The field kitchen wagons, consisting of two large units assigned to regimental supply trains and two smaller ones allocated to battalion supply teams, gathered about 500 meters behind the front lines and began lighting fires. To avoid attracting attention with cooking smoke, they set up under the branches of a small grove, using meticulous measures to conceal their activities.
The field kitchen wagons resembled mobile kitchens, featuring stoves and several large and medium-sized pots installed on the wagon beds, with chimneys extending upward. Similar equipment existed in the armies of other nations, but these wagons, true to the Orc army's emphasis on food, were not only finely constructed but also abundant in number.
The preparation must have been completed beforehand, as cooking proceeded swiftly. Although these field kitchen wagons could not cook while on the move, they carried pre-prepared ingredients in cans and pre-stacked firewood, showcasing thoughtful ingenuity.
The supply troops manning the field kitchens, along with representatives dispatched from various units, began filling two-liter aluminum thermal cans with what appeared to be stew. These cans, designed to fit into larger outer containers for easy carrying, were quite heavy but allowed the meals to be efficiently delivered to the front-line units, where soldiers would collect the stew using their mess tins.
Simultaneously, something dark and liquid was being dispensed from the auxiliary cooking pots on the wagons—coffee. By this time, supply wagons from further back in the reserve positions had arrived, carrying rye bread baked by the division's bread-baking company. These loaves, baked thoroughly over three hours to remove moisture, were distributed as part of the rations.
Rye bread was supplied once daily as the primary ration for soldiers in the field, delivered in whole loaves. The sight of these dense loaves stacked on the wagons resembled piles of railway ties.
Ideally, this bread distribution was scheduled for the morning, but it seemed they couldn’t meet the timeline this time. Naturally, the supply wagons brought more than just food; those carrying feed for the military horses headed to the field stables where the horses were gathered.
The meticulous organization of meal preparation was quintessentially Orc-like, reflecting their attention to detail and structured systems. While it might seem leisurely, eating while one could was a wise strategy, as hot meals were a rare luxury on the battlefield and a significant morale booster.
Dineluth couldn’t help but recall the magnificent meal served at that mountain lodge, which had rejuvenated her weary body and spirit. Truth be told, she was hungry. Having left Walderberg without breakfast amidst days of fatigue, her stomach felt the emptiness keenly.
Judging by the expressions of Iavasril, who seemed to have something to say, and Operations Officer Captain Raelnoa Celebrin, who appeared slightly restless, they felt the same way. Yet, as representatives of their proud races, they couldn’t simply admit they were hungry.
As if someone had been waiting for the perfect moment, an Orc soldier from the command section arrived to announce, "Lunch is ready. Please follow me." The timing was a lifesaver.
"Whose is this?" asked Gustav upon returning to the tent and eyeing the served dishes. An Orc soldier stirred a massive pot, similar to the ones their troops used, with a ladle-like spoon, checking something.
"It's the same as what the Blue Army’s Seventh Grenadier Division has. Since we couldn’t rely on their supply chain, we replicated it using the same ingredients and cooking schedule."
"I see. Good, good. There are no onions. Staupitz, you can safely enjoy the soup."
"Much appreciated."
The surrounding soldiers chuckled. Dineluth, already informed, knew that the Kobolds, as a species, could not eat onions or scallions. This wasn’t a matter of preference but a biological limitation; these vegetables contain compounds that could cause anemia, dizziness, fainting, or even death.
Consequently, the Orcsen Army had removed onions and scallions from their supply and ration lists in recent years. These vegetables were excellent as preserved foods and could be processed into dried rations, making their exclusion a significant loss. However, dividing rations at the front by species would overburden the supply system, leaving no other choice.
When supplying these vegetables was unavoidable due to seasonal or front-line conditions, meat rations within unit distributions were adjusted to allocate more to Kobold soldiers.
What surprised Dineluth was that even the command section personnel—the King, two High Generals, Major Generals, and elite officers of colonel rank—intended to eat the same rations as the soldiers in the field. In most other armies, the commanders would likely have brought private chefs to prepare extravagant meals with fresh ingredients.
"What’s in this? Beef shin?"
"Excellent broth."
"My boys are skilled cooks, after all."
"True to their bandit roots!"
"Not bandits, I assure you!"
Smiles, laughter, and casual conversation filled the tent. Far from complaining about the simple meal, the officers seemed to enjoy it. Dineluth found it heartwarming as well. He wondered whether his subordinates scattered across the training grounds had received their lunches and was relieved to learn that even visiting officers were served rations at their locations.
Of course, a small amount of private alcohol had made its way in—red wine, beer, and spirits.