Chapter 56: Even Trash Can Be Recycled 7

As Anhalt fervently advocated for Prince Friedrich’s appointment as supreme commander before the assembled nobles, Count Turen found himself filled with admiration and joy over his son’s capabilities.

‘To have predicted even this scenario… When he spoke of observing the world’s currents during his time away, it was no mere idle talk.’

Initially, when Santana had first broached the subject, Turen had been skeptical.

Regardless of the circumstances, he had deemed it inconceivable that Bohemia would overlook him in favor of appointing Friedrich as the supreme commander.

However, upon hearing his son’s subsequent elaboration – the very narrative Anhalt was now eagerly presenting – Count Turen could only nod in acknowledgment.

And now, that very scenario was unfolding before his eyes.

‘But still… To have read the tide so accurately… Is he truly my son? In his youth, he showed little promise, yet now he has grown formidably, almost frighteningly capable.’

Filled with a father’s profound sense of reassurance, Count Turen observed Anhalt gradually sway the nobles as he calmly interjected.

“Indeed… From various perspectives, it seems only fitting for His Highness Prince Friedrich to assume the role of supreme commander in this war.”

“B…But Count…?”

Caught off guard by Turen’s unexpectedly acquiescent response, his supporters voiced their bewilderment.

However, Turen maintained a composed smile as he addressed them.

“Why such surprise? This is war. Is it not worthwhile to relinquish a minor point of pride in exchange for greater gains?”

“But that is…”

“Moreover, by rank alone, His Highness Prince Friedrich stands above not only myself but all present here. It is only principled that he should serve as the supreme commander.”

“Umm…”

“If the Count speaks thus…”

Swayed by Turen’s ‘concession’, the remaining nobles could no longer protest.

Yet, despite their outward composure, many present were astonished to witness the typically unyielding Count Turen so readily yield the supreme command.

‘Who could have imagined Count Turen would concede so willingly…’

‘Had this been in the past, he would have undoubtedly raged and instigated a fierce power struggle…’

‘Not just a power struggle – swords might have been drawn! Yet his reaction now is so subdued…’

‘This must be due to his son’s return. Ever since Santana came back, he has been heeding his son’s counsel, has he not?’

‘Indeed, even the lion-like Count Turen cannot help but yield before his own son…’

Thus, once again acknowledging Count Turen’s newfound docility, the nobles accepted the situation.

At that moment…

“However, in exchange for relinquishing the supreme command, I would like to make a request of Your Highness.”

“A request, you say… What might that be?”

In contrast to his earlier demeanor, Turen’s voice now carried a hint of his characteristic obstinacy, prompting Anhalt to inquire cautiously on behalf of the seemingly preoccupied Prince Friedrich.

“As I have stated, I shall yield the title of supreme commander to Your Highness. However, this is merely to uphold the pretext you have mentioned, Lord Anhalt. I cannot relinquish the right to lead the Bohemian forces in this war.”

“!…Th…That’s… No, is it not only natural for the supreme commander to also assume overall command?”

In essence, Turen was offering the symbolic title while refusing to cede actual command – a declaration that visibly disconcerted Anhalt.

However, Turen responded in a firm tone.

“Regrettable as it may be, Lord Anhalt, we cannot follow your… No, His Highness’s command. Your Highness lacks experience in warfare, as do you. As the lord responsible for this war’s outcome, I cannot permit any decisions that might diminish our chances of victory, no matter how slight.”

“But… But… That would hinder our ability to formulate an overall strategy…”

While Anhalt possessed some political acumen, his military capabilities were universally questionable.

Confronted with Turen’s blunt assessment, Anhalt struggled to formulate a rebuttal.

At that moment…

“Very well, let it be so.”

“!…Y…Your Highness?”

Prince Friedrich’s unexpected interjection caused Anhalt’s face to harden.

Disregarding his subject’s reaction, Friedrich addressed Count Turen.

“As Count Turen stated, we are at war. It is wiser to set aside minor pride and focus on greater gains. In that regard, it is only proper for Count Turen, with his experience, to lead the Bohemian forces rather than the inexperienced Lord Anhalt or myself.”

“I am grateful that you have accepted my request, Your Highness.”

“Kuhk…”

With Friedrich’s words settling the matter, Anhalt’s face betrayed visible dismay.

In contrast, Santana, who had observed the proceedings, felt a sense of relief tinged with surprise.

‘While I had anticipated this outcome in principle… I still did not expect Friedrich to lend his assistance here…’

Anhalt Christian had found himself increasingly perplexed by the unexpectedly unraveling situation since arriving in Bohemia.

‘Why is this happening? What is causing these circumstances to unfold in such a manner?’

Upon their initial arrival alongside Friedrich, Anhalt had believed everything was proceeding according to plan.

The vast heretical alliance he had forged.

By securing Bohemia, one of its pillars, under his control, Friedrich would become the most powerful and influential Prince-Elector within the Holy Imperium.

Augmented by the might of this alliance, deposing the Emperor in the southern regions would have been entirely feasible.

However, this grand ambition had gradually unraveled due to an unforeseen variable – a man named Santana.

As the legitimate heir, his mere existence had obliterated Anhalt’s initial scheme.

While this setback could be attributed to mere misfortune, the true issue lay in what followed.

It began when his lord, Prince Friedrich, swiftly grew close to Santana.

As fellow young noblemen of similar age, a bond forming between them was perhaps natural.

Moreover, since fully subjugating Bohemia had become unattainable, Anhalt could even view their friendship positively, as a means of forging a steadfast alliance.

However, the real problem arose from the subtle changes in his lord’s demeanor as he grew closer to this Santana.

Friedrich, who had previously shown near-unwavering deference to Anhalt’s counsel…

Now, after arriving here, he had begun to occasionally refuse Anhalt’s suggestions or only reluctantly acquiesce after probing for more detailed explanations.

Strictly speaking, one could argue that such a shift in Friedrich’s attitude – asserting himself as a ruler ought to – was not inherently negative.

Indeed, Anhalt had initially been entrusted with Friedrich’s education at the behest of his mother, who had desired precisely such conduct from her son.

From a tutor’s perspective, Anhalt should rightfully view Friedrich’s unexpected ‘growth’ positively.

However, as one aspiring to elevate Friedrich to the Imperial throne rather than merely serving as a mentor, these changes significantly hindered Anhalt’s endeavors.

‘And at such a critical juncture, on the eve of our confrontation with the Emperor… For His Highness to undergo this transformation now is most inopportune…’

Due to Friedrich’s shift, Anhalt had already failed to secure certain prerequisites he had intended to establish prior to the war’s onset.

Consequently, the benefits he had sought to obtain by committing their forces – or more precisely, the steps necessary to elevate Friedrich to the Imperial throne following a victory – had been rendered unattainable.

Among these, the most detrimental had been the outcome of the recent council meeting.

Although he had secured the supreme command, operational authority had eluded him.

This meant that the numerically inferior Palatinate forces would be compelled to follow the commands of the Bohemian army led by Turen.

Moreover, they had openly acknowledged their own military shortcomings, leaving no room for retraction.

As a result, Anhalt’s plan to elevate Friedrich’s power by borrowing Bohemia’s forces had ironically transformed into enhancing Bohemia’s prestige under Friedrich’s name.

‘This cannot continue… If left unchecked, even in victory, we may find ourselves the proverbial dog being wagged. Some countermeasure must be taken… However, with war looming, reckless actions could prove too perilous…’

As Anhalt agonized amid this complex quandary…

“L…Lord Chancellor!”

“?”

The urgent voice of a servant caught Anhalt’s attention, his expression initially reflecting puzzlement…

Before swiftly contorting into utter shock at the words that followed.

“Wh…What is the meaning of this?”