NOVEL NEXT Chapter 13
“There are various methods available. We could wield trade as our weapon, or we could employ tactics of discord. If the other side isn’t a bunch of fools, they’ll likely prefer to remain appropriately passive while subtly reaping the benefits instead of a full-blown war with the Empire.”
“Once we stabilize the surroundings and restore relationships, we will make them economically subservient to our Empire. They won’t be able to pick up a spear even if they want to.”
“Kroisen. The glorious order of peace revolving around this Empire. Pax Kroisenka. That’s the vast vision I ultimately desire.”
At first glance, doesn’t that sound nearly nonsensical? A bit far-fetched, even.
Yet, upon further reflection, there’s something convincing about it, and I find myself increasingly drawn to those words.
It seems the reputation of the Crown Prince’s eloquence is well-deserved.
If I were not a member of our family and belonged to the neutral faction, I would have positive thoughts about it.
Of course, the Princess sitting next to me quickly interjects with a dismissive retort against the Crown Prince’s ramblings…
“…”
No, Your Highness? What’s with that entranced expression on your face?
Get a grip! You’re not a proponent of reformism but of military expansion!
“Ah.”
Fortunately, the Princess quickly regained her composure and scowled.
“The content was so grand that I briefly fell for it. But looking again, it’s just empty talk.”
“What part do you mean, Bel?”
“If the Empire uses means other than force, do you think they’ll say, ‘Oh dear, the Empire’s pressure is too strong. We must bow our heads’? No, they’ll become even more fervent in their military actions!”
“That’s—”
“And do you think military actions only bring about losses? They’re actually the fastest and most effective solution! Just look at the neighboring countries! When our Imperial Army moves near the borders, nine out of ten surrender!”
That’s true. When the Empire goes to war against a kingdom, nine out of ten times it results in an Empire victory.
The larger the territory, the more resources it has, and the more people it can mobilize. Every aspect is advantageous.
The reason why it’s called the Empire is that those three factors are overwhelming.
And those three factors were made possible thanks to the unending wars.
“Okay, fine. Now, let’s look at the more realistic aspects, not the ideal ones. Bel.”
At some point, it became not a conversation between the Crown Prince and me, but rather a quarrel between the Crown Prince and the Princess.
However, I didn’t intervene. It was rather entertaining to watch.
“Do you know how much tax has gone to the military this year, Bel?”
“…Quite a lot.”
“Not just quite a lot, it’s gone up again. With increased military activities, the consumption of resources has risen as well, meaning the taxes burdening the citizens won’t decrease or stay the same but will increase!”
Hmm. As expected. The most critical and realistic issue has surfaced.
Financial matters are always important, whether it be a household or an Empire.
Especially taxes that aren’t just income… Ugh. My head is already starting to hurt.
“The Empire continues to use enormous amounts of tax for military expenses. However, the returns aren’t as good as before. Moreover, unlike the Great Emperor or the pioneers who established the Empire through conquest, we’re consuming just as much.”
“But we’re maintaining a semblance of deterrence!”
“That deterrence can also be filled with less tax expenditure. At the same time, we can prevent unnecessary casualties among the Empire’s youth from dying or getting hurt.”
The Crown Prince’s words prompted the Princess to ardently argue against him with other reasons.
However, it looked quite difficult for her. And why wouldn’t it be? ‘Tax’ came from the Crown Prince’s mouth.
It’s not just simple money. It’s the public sentiment of the Empire’s citizens and the love and support for the Imperial Family.
An increase in taxes implies that those sentiments would inversely decrease.
“Prince Kael.”
Eventually, the Crown Prince turned to me after repelling the Princess.
“As you know, the cost of war is never small. Just the friction with Nobogord alone has been tremendously costly. Moving just one legion has drained a significant amount of funds. This has been the case almost every time. How long can we endure this?”
“…”
“As I mentioned earlier, it’s not about giving up on military force. It’s about being more thoughtful and considerate. Let’s aim to make it the option we choose last, not first.”
Damn it. I shouldn’t be getting sucked into this. That rhetoric, that eloquence!
“Those who can’t bear the tax burdens won’t give up on military expansion. Because that’s the easiest option. That’s why I need someone like you who can understand my position, even while being part of the military build-up.”
“Are you saying that’s me?”
“I saw potential in you. No, I’m certain of it.”
Potential. Certainty. What does that even mean, I wanted to ask.
Then the Crown Prince smiled and broke the silence.
“Though we may advance to the battlefield, we can break the enemy’s will and bring them down through methods other than battle. Even as the eldest son of the Duke of Bertier Empire, who could be an ardent supporter of the military, to step back and think, then execute such ideas, that part I hold in high esteem.”
“…”
In that moment, I wanted to say it’s all a misunderstanding.
It seems the Crown Prince thinks I have reservations about using military force.
But in reality, I don’t feel that way at all. If I were truly skeptical, I wouldn’t have even joined the army.
“Your Highness, you are seeking a new path.”
“If I had to put it that way, I suppose you could say so.”
“There’s one thing I’d like to ask.”
Up till now, we’ve only been discussing pleasant topics.
And just like all figures in the political world, a carrot is always followed by a stick.
“If the military and the reformists continue down this path, what will you do?”
“If that happens, the next budget assembly for the Empire will certainly become quite noisy.”
“Are you saying you will put pressure on the military budget?”
“Without any gain, provoking neighboring countries to ultimately spend more on the military is an act of treason against the Empire, in my view. What’s your take on that, Prince Kael?”
In response to the Crown Prince’s words, I fell silent, while the Princess stood up, exclaiming in disbelief.
People are working hard every day to defend the Empire, and you propose to pressure them through the budget?
That’s akin to turning all the heroes of the Empire who’ve fought honorably into enemies.
Yet the Crown Prince countered smoothly, as if remarkably satisfied with his own words.
“Bel. What did the heroes of the Empire fight for? To change things. For their sons and daughters. Grandchildren. And all their descendants, so that they don’t face the threat of war. We’re not in the early days of our foundation, and with barely any countries poised to invade the Empire, what do you propose if we cling obstinately to outdated ideals?”
“There’s no country ready to invade? Just look at Nobogord! Sure they may be numerically inferior, but in training and actual combat, they’re not lacking! And! That’s only if we consider a singular opponent. What about the possibility of neighboring countries uniting to pressure the Empire?”
“Then we should deal with that situation through diplomacy…”
“Those schemers are only looking for bigger prey! They want to gather crumbs? No! They’re eyeing a massive chunk they can tear from us!”
Both sides are making valid points. It’s hard to conclude who’s right or wrong.
So I quietly observe the standoff between the two siblings as the Crown Prince turns to me.
“My discussion seems to have reached its limit, Prince Kael. What do you think?”
“First and foremost, I found Your Highness’s words incredibly impactful.”
“Glad to hear that. I thought you might find it idealistic to the point of being nonsensical.”
“After all, military force is ultimately a means to maintain and uphold peace. You, Your Highness, and you, Your Highness the Princess, ultimately share the goal of achieving peace for the Empire, don’t you?”
The Crown Prince was looking at me with quite favorable eyes.
Even with a father who was active in the military and a pillar of the military establishment.
Seeing me showing a positive reaction to his views must make sense.
Conversely, the Princess glanced at me with a worried expression.
“However, Your Highness, military force is a necessary factor in compelling the opposing side to listen more closely. This is not a choice but a necessity. History attests to this.”
“…”
“Your Highness. Ultimately, I will cast my vote in favor of your opinion. But not yet. I wish to state that it is premature.”
“Even with the burden caused by frequent acts of military force?”
Like the Princess, I also think of attacking on the tax issue.
It’s definitely clear. Nobles and the Imperial Family alike. Furious citizens of the Empire can be terrifying.
How many nations have crumbled under excessive taxation?
“It seems the reformists are planning to use that as leverage during the next assembly.”
“That seems likely.”
“Is it really alright for you to be sharing all this with me and Your Highness?”
“You’ll find out soon enough anyway, and I’m sure you had an inkling already.”
Actually, I didn’t. Please don’t overestimate me. Stop the delusions!
“Then, as a heads-up, I’d like to share my thoughts as well: Your Highness, I doubt such claims will have much power during the next assembly.”
“…What do you mean?”
“The citizens of the Empire likely won’t react as strongly against tax increases as you think.”
Then, the Crown Prince’s expression turned incredulous, as if he couldn’t believe my words.
How could the citizens of the Empire not react? After all, it’s directly related to taxes.
“Economic reasons create political outcomes, Your Highness. There’s a saying; politics is subservient to the economy.”
“That’s quite an impressive statement. It resonates deeply. Is it something Prince Kael came up with?”
“…Well, sort of.”
My apologies, Yang Wenli. I’m taking credit for it since you’re not here.
“However, if we follow your reasoning, it becomes rather strange. In essence, the economy is money, and taxes are also money. By that logic, wouldn’t the citizens’ claims be advantageous for us?”
“That’s true. But sometimes, it can be turned upside down.”
“Turned upside down? Even with growing taxes, clearly visible economic losses?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Have you ever heard of nationalistic fervor, Your Highness?