episode_0032

The news of the Imperial 7th Legion’s defeat was also delivered to the Imperial leadership.

The Minister of War had to enter the palace immediately and inform the emperor of this devastating news.

It was natural for me to sweat while reporting.

“―So, it is said that the 7th Corps is currently in a situation where it has retreated for a while. Your Majesty.”

“I guess so. Thank you for your hard work. Minister.”

“I apologize. your majesty. I am solely responsible for this incident… .”

Then the emperor lightly waved his hand.

“The war has only just begun. And in all wars, victory or defeat means sickness. Tell me, Minister. Was the 7th Legion defeated without any resistance?”

“That’s not it.”

“If not. Was there anything serious during the process that required immediate accountability?”

“Not even that.”

The person who asked the question was the emperor, but that was already a sufficient answer.

There is no immediate punishment. It can only be taken into consideration depending on what kind of merit you make and how you do it afterwards.

There is no unconditional punishment for losing, so don’t be overly rigid.

“In Jim’s opinion, this next step is more important.”

“Your Majesty’s words are indeed correct. Burghay’s army, the most powerful of the three countries’ alliance, suffered significant losses. If this continues, there is a possibility that the balance of power within the coalition will be shaken.”

Before the war broke out, the emperor and the imperial leadership held meetings for several days.

How much power will be projected to the east? How will the future unfold?

And if by chance we win, how will we reorganize the situation beyond the eastern border?

The result was that it was difficult for the empire to completely occupy the east.

The history of the three kingdoms is very old. It can be said to be the source of their pride.

Even if we win the war and occupy the country, it will not last long.

Rather than forcing someone to submit only by force, bring them to their knees once with force, and then drain their energy from within.

To achieve that, we must create a number of cases that will cause internal disagreement.

It was a bonus that the continuation of the Juhwa faction was decided there.

“Burghai has suffered a blow, so Kaden will step in. Maybe Forland could also be mobilized.”

“It is believed that more pressure will be put on the Forland side in some way.”

“How much news is there about the inside of the coalition?”

In response to the emperor’s question, the Minister of Special Affairs in charge of foreign intelligence opens his mouth.

“Even before the three eastern kingdoms came together in the name of union, Burghay seemed to be putting pressure on Forland. It is difficult to say that the atmosphere has changed 180 degrees now.”

“Keep trying.”

“According to recently received intelligence, the atmosphere in the three kingdoms is strange. your majesty. If the main force had not suffered losses in the battle with the 7th Corps, it is possible that they would have put pressure on Forland with force.”

The number of troops that Forland can immediately operate is up to 20,000.

That number can be said to be equivalent to one imperial corps.

Burghay had two to three times more troops than Forland.

At best, they have caused division among the alliance, but are they leaving Burghai alone like this?

They will either use force and suppress it with threatening words, or they will eat it up with force.

Until now, there was Kaden who kept Burghai in check, but now it is different.

If Forland really betrayed us, we would be too far behind in terms of justification.

Even if it is not real, there are many people who are greedy for the fertile farmland of Forland.

The Minister of Special Affairs concluded his remarks by saying that there is a high probability of joining hands with Burghai and sharing Forland.

Some may wonder if this is so, given that an imperial army is right in front of them.

But it is precisely in such situations that something rationally impossible happens.

A 1% ‘what if?’ is better than a 99% impossible probability. My eyes wander more to the possibilities.

Thinking rationally and making rational decisions is something that can only be done in rational moments.

War would not happen if it were rational. So, you have to think about all the cases.

That is why many great generals and genius strategists appear.

“Minister of Foreign Affairs.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Please give me your name.”

“The Empire once again declares that it will gladly accept and protect any defector.”

I will accept “ people. Your Majesty.”

The promise to accept and protect defectors applies to everyone.

Even now, there are pro-imperial figures within that alliance who are watching.

Or maybe Forland, who will be fed up with the constant pressure of being beaten 2-1.

*

After the meeting with ministers concluded.

“Your Majesty. The Crown Princess heard it.”

“Come on in.”

The emperor welcomed his eldest daughter who came to visit him.

“Welcome. The Crown Princess. So, are you finished with the Minister of the Palace of Internal Affairs?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Afterwards, His Majesty’s will was conveyed through personnel.”

“Well done. Even though you were busy with other things, you still managed to check this on time.”

The war begins and we look at the situation throughout the pavilion.

In the meantime, the 7th Corps was defeated, but at the same time, it also caused great damage to the Union.

Because all kinds of things were going on, neither the emperor nor the princess could blink.

If things go this way, things that may be relatively less important tend to get pushed to the back burner.

However, the Crown Princess managed to point out a request that originated from a noble young man.

“How could I neglect it? This is a request from someone who has greatly influenced not only the entire Pavilion, but also the next steps of our empire.”

“He is like that too.”

The emperor nodded and suddenly thought, ‘Amazing.’ I started my luck with these words.

“No, no. I have to say this is amazing. A young man who had not been on the battlefield for several years. How did you predict our empire’s grand strategy and then accurately devise a plan to cause division in the alliance? Did you get some kind of tip?”

“No, Your Majesty. So I was also very surprised. Even when I first met him, I thought he was definitely not a criminal. I never expected that my feelings would be this deep.”

Not only the emperor and the princess, but also the imperial leadership wanted to suppress the alliance with less damage.

If too much blood is shed, even if victory is achieved, it cannot be a real ‘victory’.

If too much power is projected to the eastern part, other borders may be shaken.

The best way is to follow victory by military movement followed by battle.

Next is to divide the coalition from within and create those who turn their backs on it.

If this happens, they will completely surrender both externally and internally.

In that respect, the one that can be persuaded is the weakest, Forland.

Or Kaden, who was pushed by Burghai and was forced to be second place forever. One of these two.

And a young schemer who appeared like a comet ended up doing just that.

“I am truly impressed. Delivering the imperial message to Forland throughout the pavilion. Even if they don’t turn back, haven’t they planted doubt in both kingdoms?

“Thanks to this, Burghai, who was in a hurry, did not wait for reinforcements and took the initiative, and although the 7th Corps was defeated, it greatly reduced the enemy’s strength.”

The emperor and the princess. Both men had ‘already anticipated everything’ about Kael’s strategy. I was convinced that it was.

If Kael were actually here, he would say, ‘I didn’t know the Empire wanted that? ‘It’s all luck!’ I would have shouted.

“This time, such a young man is asking the princess to accompany him.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. When I asked if I could lend a helping hand to the 7th Corps’ recovery, I received that answer.”

In response, the emperor stroked his chin for a moment and then burst into laughter.

“Your Majesty?”

“Did you say that Berthier was the son of a white prince? This is truly amazing. It was Klauwitz who had been active as a military commander ever since the Emperor founded this country.”

I’m looking forward to it. Indeed, how far can this young man go?

It is truly fortunate that such a person came to the empire and not to a foreign country.

As the emperor muttered, a coolness momentarily dripped from his eyes.

As the owner of the empire, he was happy that an outstanding subject had emerged.

Also, as a person in power, I am vigilant about areas where I should be cautious.

“The Crown Princess. What does it look like to you? How should I deal with him? Is this something you can handle?”

“I would be lying if I said I have absolutely no ambition. However, I think Kael Klauwicz’s ambition is of a slightly different type.”

“It’s a different form.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Not sure what it is. However, he is not someone worthy of rebelling against the empire. Also, they are born with humility and know how to humble themselves.”

The Emperor also knows that the Crown Princess has a great eye for people.

Therefore, the emperor exclaimed in admiration at such an assessment.

Even though most people have extraordinary talent that can surpass them in an instant, they never lose their humility.

Isn’t that a level that is difficult for people to achieve even as they grow older?

“I am truly curious as to how the 7th Corps will be resolved.”

“I’m even more looking forward to what happens after that.”

After “. I understand that no special order was given after that.”

In response to the emperor’s question, the Crown Princess nodded in the affirmative.

“However, Your Majesty the Emperor. He is someone who has already seen through the empire’s grand strategy. Perhaps the reason for accepting the 7th Corps settlement is not simply settlement, but may be aiming for something else.”

Probably so. No, it definitely will.

The emperor let out an exclamation at the words of the princess, which were almost confirmation.

I was even more excited to hear that my successor, not anyone else, said that.

‘okay. Prince Kael. ‘Because you are special.’

Indeed, the second princess. Isabel, what are you trying to do with my sister?

*

Some time after that.

“Hey, Prince Kael?”

“Yes. Her Royal Highness.”

“This. That’s really true… ?”

“Of course. Just trust me.”

Isabelle fell for those firm words again.

She was currently working hard to help with cooking in the 7th Corps.