Ch.388Tripoli’s Dictator

# The Simple Solution

It was a simple matter to send in the Libyan Free Army to push them out. From their perspective, being judged by their own citizens wasn’t problematic.

After all, that’s exactly what the Libyan Free Army was created for. As mentioned earlier, they eventually marched their forces into Tripoli.

“Let’s go! Let’s bring down Gaddafi!”

They had finally entered Tripoli.

One could say that our esteemed Libyans who formed the Libyan Free Legion had finally succeeded.

The military tried desperately to stop them, but their efforts were merely that—desperate attempts.

The Free Libyan Army had almost no combat experience, but they were determined enough to fight and overthrow their dictatorial regime.

Unfortunately for that Gaddafi fellow or whatever his name is, he’ll soon be captured.

Not much longer now.

Once we finish this quickly and march back to Egypt, we’ll be done.

The return journey might be a bit troublesome, but if we want to ensure the new government is composed of pro-Roman Treaty figures, it can’t be helped.

Moreover, the natural environment here is somewhat challenging.

The coastal areas are fine, but go just a little further south and you’re in desert territory.

I could have used the Okhrana to incite the Libyans within Tripoli to find a less bloody solution, but I can’t stay here much longer.

Dealing with Egypt after this would become quite bothersome.

“Ah, what a sad affair this is.”

“Is it?”

Indeed it is. This is a sad situation.

People shedding each other’s blood to bring down a leader by their own power.

“Yes. It’s especially sad that fellow Libyans are fighting each other like this.”

Truthfully, I prefer protests, but protests take too long—far too long. So I don’t wish for protests.

If a leader could be swayed by protests, he wouldn’t have established a military dictatorship in the first place.

Now we just need to wait carefully.

“Provide as much support as possible to the Free Army. At minimum, we need to deploy officers even if we don’t directly intervene, understood?”

“Without question, sir.”

I gave La Rocque sufficient instructions.

To end this quickly, officers with war experience need to assist.

Frankly speaking, the Libyan military officers who surrendered when we arrived can’t be expected to fight properly.

War isn’t won by willpower alone.

Just look at history—didn’t General Mutaguchi emphasize that mental strength while fighting, yet failed to achieve victory at the Battle of Imphal?

So I don’t think that way.

While we may not shed blood, our officers must provide assistance.

“Now that they’ve entered the city, won’t he be dragged out soon?”

That’s right. The Libyan Free Army has flooded in.

Of course, they seem to be fighting quite intensely with the Libyan National Army in the city, but that’s not our concern.

The Roman Treaty isn’t the one shedding blood.

These are just Libyans who fell for my instigation.

But don’t you think? This is something the Libyan people should accomplish themselves.

We shouldn’t give them reason to think they’ve become a colony by accepting help from the Roman Treaty.

“I sincerely hope it turns out that way.”

“If this succeeds, it will finally be Your Majesty’s victory.”

Louisa suddenly launched into unexpected worship.

My victory? In a sense, that’s correct.

I’m achieving results without lifting a finger, and simultaneously winning the hearts of the Libyan people.

It’s essentially my victory, but there’s no need to frame it that way.

It would be more appropriate to present it as a victory for the Libyan people.

“I wouldn’t call it my victory. This can be considered a victory for the Libyan people.”

The Libyan people are overthrowing their military dictatorship.

Isn’t that the true victory?

Though they’ll engage in civil conflict in urban warfare, I could clearly see this would lead to Libya’s democratization movement.

“Ah, as expected, you’re yielding the victory to others.”

I’m not yielding victory.

The Libyan people themselves are shedding blood, refusing outside help.

It’s only natural that they claim the victory. We’re merely providing some weapons support.

“Yielding? This is just the natural order of things. It’s simply how it should be.”

I’m not explicitly saying, “How wonderful that we don’t have to shed blood! Tee-hee!”

It’s just beneficial for everyone involved. Won’t the Libyan people eventually be known for having cut off military dictatorship by themselves?

“By the way, Spain is in charge of supplies this time.”

“Spain? I hope they’re not expecting something in return.”

Of course, as a member of the Roman Treaty, they’re obligated to provide support.

The only difference is who provides it.

“Perhaps from their perspective, they haven’t been able to establish a direct connection with Your Majesty beyond being bound by the Roman Treaty after the Great War.”

“Ah, that could be it.”

People’s perspectives can differ greatly.

Spain is essentially at the edge of the Atlantic.

Of course, Portugal is even further out, but they seem to be a member nation riding on the coattails of others.

In contrast, Spain has had considerable corporate exchanges with Hispano, or whatever that weapons company is called.

We even supported them with 20,000 (50,000) during their civil war.

Come to think of it, we haven’t had much connection recently.

While other allied nations like Hyeongseong, the Donut Federation, Bulgaria, and others maintain close friendly relations within the Roman Treaty…

Only Falangist Spain doesn’t.

I wonder if they have some grievance against me. I’ve thought about this before, but now they’re helping here, hmm.

“I wonder why.”

“Recently, there’s been a Roman fever spreading in Spain.”

“Roman fever?”

As a member of the Roman Treaty, that should be expected. Why mention it now?

Wait. Until now, Spain has maintained its independence as Falangist Spain.

“Perhaps they’re recognizing themselves as part of Rome?”

True. Although they were part of the Islamic realm with Andalusia and such in between, they were once part of ancient Rome.

So it’s natural for them to think that way.

Separately, they probably don’t want to be marginalized.

France, which is practically a war criminal nation but holds an ambiguous position due to Free France, is eagerly wagging its tail.

“I just don’t understand the reason.”

“Well, I should visit Spain sometime.”

I don’t think I’ve ever been to Spain.

I’ve already visited Germany, France, Donut, Britain, and others.

I haven’t personally been to Bulgaria, but we conduct military training there periodically.

“I don’t want them to feel anxious for no reason.”

After all, Russia is practically the last successor to Rome.

In terms of mainland territory, we only possess a fraction of the original Roman lands.

When you think about it, Spain actually maintains a portion of the original Roman territory.

Though only the Western Roman part.

I should visit sometime.

“Your Majesty, Gaddafi has been dragged out of the presidential palace.”

Gaddafi from the presidential palace?

Finally, things are wrapping up quickly.

“I see. The military dictator has been dragged out. Let’s see him in person.”

# # #

Upon entering Tripoli directly, the situation was more serious than I expected.

Due to the urban warfare, there was considerable damage.

Gaddafi’s subordinates, facing certain death, seemed determined to fight back, and they had put up fierce resistance.

At least they’ve been captured now.

“Hang Gaddafi!”

“Kill the source of military dictatorship!”

Kill the source of military dictatorship. Why does that phrase sound so frightening?

“Put that dictator on the guillotine quickly! Cut his head off!”

Using a guillotine seems a bit much.

They’re too excited. To be fair, the Libyan Free Army’s anger is partly due to our instigation.

Frankly speaking, Gaddafi hasn’t been in power for that many years.

Politicians have been corrupt since time immemorial.

If we really think about it, he might have eventually enjoyed his power and then properly developed the country.

But you know what?

That’s not my concern. Does the Roman Treaty think the money they provided is just pocket change?

It’s practically coming out of my own pocket!

They forced him to kneel before me.

“You’re Gaddafi, right?”

“Your Majesty, this is unlawful! Why is this happening?”

Looking at him kneeling before me, I feel pity.

Seeing him covered in blood and injured is somewhat pitiful.

But really, why couldn’t he have conducted himself properly?

Tsk, tsk, tsk.

“I could have come directly to Tripoli, so why did I come from the east?”

Let’s think about this. Why did I do that?

If you think about it, isn’t the answer obvious?

“What do you mean?”

“Libya stretches from east to west. I’ve seen Libya’s cities and was appalled.”

Surely he understands by now? Why I’m here.

“I don’t understand what you’re saying.”

Even after explaining, he claims not to understand.

Is this behavior only possible from someone young? Sigh.

No, age probably doesn’t matter, but there’s something about youthful vigor.

Perhaps he thinks what he did was justified.

“The Roman Treaty provided so much support, yet apart from the infrastructure from the colonial era, there’s been no development. You’ve squandered everything.”

I’m truly dumbfounded. To do so little with the money I provided.

I’m restraining myself from wanting to cut off his head right now.

“Libya’s terrain makes national development difficult. Most taxes go toward development, but shouldn’t I be allowed to take a little for myself? It’s all funds I’m saving for these ignorant people later.”

I don’t understand this logic at all.

“The problem is that it’s our money.”

I understand the feeling.

In Korea too, when they receive tens of trillions of won in budget support, they produce third-world results and embezzle the rest behind the scenes. That’s what’s happening.

This guy is already doing that.

“L-look at Tripoli! We’ve achieved modernization!”

Tripoli, huh? Yes, Tripoli does seem somewhat developed.

The cities have been modernized to some extent.

But so what? Is he asking for absolution based on that?

“You developed Tripoli because that’s where you live.”

Of course he’d develop his own home.

Would anyone leave their capital city like a pigsty?

“Y-Your Majesty, that’s…”

It’s amusing to see him desperately trying to defend himself, licking his dry lips.

“Besides, wasn’t it you who rejected our proposal to send an investigation team and resolve this through cooperation? Because you were afraid of losing power.”

I clearly said: let’s resolve this through dialogue and investigation.

But this madman refused. Then death is appropriate.

If it were just embezzlement, I would have let him step down quietly.

If he had done that, I wouldn’t have needed to manipulate public opinion.

“W-well, what about you? Haven’t you been deified over a long period to reach your current position?”

Huh? What is this bastard saying?

Did I hear correctly? Is he trying to get in one last word before he dies?

“How dare this bastard speak like that before His Majesty!”

“We must kill him immediately!”

The French officers are in an uproar.

Don’t be so harsh. I’m also dumbfounded right now.

Anyone listening would think I’m actually a dictator.

Does he understand how I feel about the unintentional abdication show?

“Me? Hahaha!”

This bastard is talking nonsense.

Has he not heard the news from across the Mediterranean?

I’m the one who wants to abdicate. No, even before that, if there’s even a hint of an unusual atmosphere, people protest and block my abdication in this country.

I can’t step down even if I want to.

“Isn’t that level acceptable? After all, this Libyan land needs a strong leader. It’s not like I’ve been bleeding the citizens dry.”

Right. That’s correct.

It’s correct, but he’s getting beaten. Does he not understand his current position?

He should be begging and confessing everything, yet this bastard is trying to engage in a power struggle?

“I thought you were young, but are you really just reckless with youthful vigor? I don’t know what you think being president means.”

This guy. Despite appearances, he’s a president.

President in name only. He seems more like a military commander.

He’s even wearing a military uniform. This bastard clearly intends to establish a military dictatorship, yet he’s criticizing me?

I don’t care about anything else, but his intention to become a dictator is misguided.

Honestly, I personally think it’s better for an exceptional person to be a dictator than to watch unqualified lunatics take turns as national leaders.

But this guy isn’t that person.

From the beginning, his actions show he’s only interested in satisfying his own desires.

“Ha. Please spare me just once. I’ll confess everything!”

Belatedly, Gaddafi prostrated himself before me multiple times.

I don’t even feel pity.

After all, we’re not the ones who will punish you.