Side Story. The Crown Princess of Mercy and Character.

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Seorae, revealing her true colors, was truly unstoppable.

 

There were several tests that no one knew about, only a few quick-witted people noticed, and she began to ruthlessly cut off everyone except for the small number of nobles who passed those tests.

 

Most were merely demoted in rank or had their vested interests taken away, but those deemed too severe were charged with lese-majesty and their entire families were slaughtered.

 

The number of nobles who died that way was easily tens of thousands.

 

At this point, the nobles might have united and done something about it, but they were already torn to shreds by Seorae’s followers, making it difficult to do so.

 

 

In the end, the power of the nobles was definitely reduced compared to before, and only those who followed Seorae or were quick-witted enough to get in line survived.

 

The problem was that wasn’t the end.

Even if they survived now, there was no guarantee they would survive in the future.

In the end, the nobles discussed alternatives while trying their best not to oppose Seorae’s words and 맞춰 주었다 (matched her).

 

 

At the same time as organizing the nobles, Seorae further escalated the war.

If there was a border, she would invade first, and she advanced at a rapid pace while the other side couldn’t respond to the sudden invasion.

 

Because she stabbed at the gap of carelessness, they mostly collapsed helplessly, and some countries even had their capitals fall in just one month.

 

In some ways, it was too cowardly a trick, and in fact, many people cursed at her for it.

However, Seorae didn’t care at all and even provoked those people.

 

It’s your fault for being careless….

 

Naturally, people were even more angry, and the backlash against her intensified.

However, it was too insignificant compared to the overall trend, and there was already no force that could oppose Seorae.

 

 

 

+++

 

 

 

“I told you, didn’t I? Deception is the best strategy.”

“I don’t like your attitude, but I’ll admit it.”

 

Seorae held a private meeting with a woman.

A woman who would be beautiful if she dressed up.

She is Seorae’s teacher and now a noble.

 

“Tactics may change, but strategy is eternal. Since ancient times, deception has been essential in all aspects. Concealing one’s intentions, deceiving the opponent, and striking unexpectedly in an unforeseen way… There are not many beings who can block this.”

“I certainly didn’t think the nobles would collapse so easily. To trust me out of so many people.”

“That’s truly unfortunate.”

“Oh, you think so?”

“You said it yourself, didn’t you? The truth is the truth, so accept it.”

“I don’t like it.”

 

Even while saying that, Seorae only tilted her glass, and didn’t kill her like the others.

Even though there were aspects she didn’t like, it was an undeniable fact that she would have been淘汰 (dotai – eliminated) if it hadn’t been for Mayo.

In a way, she was Seorae’s savior.

 

 

 

“By the way, what are you going to do in the future?”

“About what?”

“You’ve practically got the Eastern Continent in your hands. Are you going to focus on internal affairs?”

“Internal affairs… hmm….”

 

There aren’t many countries that have surrendered or been conquered yet, but looking at the war situation, they can be conquered without much difficulty.

They’ll probably fall within a few months.

 

If that happens, almost all of the Eastern Continent will fall to the Mei Empire.

 

“Shall we aim for the Central Continent and the Western Continent?”

“The Western Continent is one thing, but the Central Continent will be difficult. If you make a mistake, the empire you’ve worked so hard to build could collapse from within. I don’t want that either.”

“That’s true, but it’s too annoying to leave those religious peddling bitches alone. It’s also a gateway to the Western Continent.”

“It would be better to strike the Western Continent first… but that side won’t be easy either. Because 고려 (Goryeo) is there.”

“I wish I could achieve world unification in my generation.”

“It’s difficult. Give up.”

“You’re saying that in an irritating way.”

“You can only develop by accepting reality. I’ve taught you that all this time, haven’t you realized it yet?”

“Okay. I got it.”

 

Seorae waved her hand as if she understood.

 

“Rather than that, be mindful of the Vasa region.”

“Vasa? Why such a backwater? I’d rather worry about Srodia.”

“It’s fortunate that they’re fighting among themselves, but if they unite, it will be a scary place. The total population alone is over 28 million, and the territory is also large. Once the civil war ends, it will revive frighteningly.”

“Hmm… is that possible? It’s easier said than done, they’ve been fighting for years now…. And in terms of population, we have far more.”

“Haa….”

 

Mayo sighed.

 

“That’s a really annoying reaction, isn’t it?”

“War… and battle is not simply about numbers. Of course, if there are overwhelming numbers, the chances of winning increase, but the most important thing is the skill of the soldiers. The fact that they’ve been in a civil war for so long means that the soldiers have accumulated that much combat experience. On the other hand, our imperial army has been steeped in peace for a long time. We’re currently at war, but we’re far behind them.”

“Hmm….”

“So be mindful. It would be even better if you could keep them in check.”

“Okay, I understand for now. Are there any other kids I should be careful about?”

“There’s nothing else. If I had to pick one, it would be Macedonia. As a nomadic people, they gather troops very quickly, and their basic combat abilities are excellent. Moreover, they are cavalry. However, they don’t have many outstanding knights, so if you fight them properly, even just Srodia would be able to win.”

“Really?”

“Of course, Macedonia may suddenly increase its power based on some kind of focal point. In that case, you must suppress them early on.”

“I can just keep them in check from now on. I can interfere with them through Srodia.”

“Oho. That’s an excellent plan. By interfering through Srodia, you turn their anger towards Srodia and we take the practical benefits… You really are an insidious person. This teacher is happy that her disciple has surpassed her.”

“Shut up.”

 

Seorae threw a marshmallow she had brought as a snack at Mayo.

 

 

 

+++

 

 

 

The war ended in the empire’s victory.

 

Seven countries surrendered and entered the Mei Empire as vassal states,

and in three countries that shouted for a fight to the death, all the royal families were executed and a new dynasty was established.

 

Seorae, betraying those who had no doubt that an era of peace would continue, opened an era of blood.

In just one year, she became the emperor who killed the most nobles in history, and soon after, she became the emperor who subjugated the most countries.

 

The history of hegemony that had only just begun.

However, even in that short time, she plunged the entire continent into despair, and afterwards, she repeatedly caused countless wars, demanding mergers and tributes.

 

 

She was also excellent at internal affairs, strengthening her own power by 직계(jikgye – direct control) the Six Ministries, while also showing interest in the arts such as poems and songs, creating countless works.

She also paid a lot of attention to the treatment of commoners, opening the door for anyone with talent to become a magician or knight, and even created educational centers where they could receive the most basic education so that they would not suffer from ignorance.

 

 

The people of that time, especially the nobles, called this period the Dark Ages.

However, the people of later generations, especially the commoners, called this period the Golden Age.

 

An era when the power of the nobles was weaker than at any other time in history, and there was strong protection and welfare from the emperor.

 

The era of the 100th Emperor, Seorae Yueun, came to an end after a short reign of 23 years due to her own abdication.

 

 

 

Achievements of the 100th Emperor Seorae Yueun.

 

– Expansion of vassal states.

– Territory expansion.

– State Council Report System ㅡ》 Six Ministries Direct Control

– Improvement of commoner treatment.

– Expansion of commoner welfare.

– Establishment of knight order and magic unit exclusively for commoners.

– Agricultural reform, increased agricultural production.

– Holding an arts festival every year and supporting the winners.

– Actively introducing commoner culture and art.

– Introduction of standing army.

– Establishment of special security forces.

– Introduction of upper limit on estate tax.

– Introduction of labor wages.

– Establishment of commoner organization to check nobles.

– Reduction of noble benefits.

– Enactment of noble special law.

– Enactment of mercenary law.

– Enactment of family law.

– Enactment of trade special law.

– Establishment of the Ministry of Men.

– Advancement of men’s rights.

– Recognition and management of public brothels, including male brothels.

– Many others.

 

 

Production of the 100th Emperor Seorae Yueun.

 

Imperial Husband: Geumsa Yueun (deposed in Seorae’s 20th year), Aran Habsburg de Yupimia.

 

Children

 

1st daughter: Moae Yueun

 

2nd daughter: Soi Yueun (101st Emperor)

 

Third: Unknown.