NOVEL NEXT Chapter 216
The cold winter has passed, and as warm spring winds begin to fill the world…
“What is this supposed to mean?”
The Crown Princess’s heart was filled with confusion thanks to a particular report.
[ Lecture content from the Chief of Staff at the Imperial Military Academy a week ago ]
[ In-depth discussion on methods for the Empire to restrain foreign countries based on other nations ]
[ Some are outdated and completely useless, while others still hold potential today ]
[ Future external strategies may be modified based on the Chief of Staff’s lecture for foreign countries ]
It had been far too quiet for a while. In the end, my brother-in-law causes trouble once again.
As she touched her forehead, the Crown Princess confirmed what sort of lecture had shocked the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Could it be that she just casually said some things at the students’ requests? That seemed possible.
And it wasn’t long before it was proven that their concerns were not unfounded.
‘This is rather… awkward. These aren’t really things to brush off as jokes.’
Each point discussed was a significant headache from the Empire’s perspective.
In fact, some of them had even been secretly discussed within the Minister of Foreign Affairs regarding their feasibility.
However, those plans had never materialized, as the Empire first acted to preemptively block them.
At the center of it all was Kael, who had gotten himself into a slightly awkward situation this time.
‘…Brother-in-law. Even if the students are curious, couldn’t you have toned it down a bit?’
Nobogord is now in a somewhat awkward state, uncertain of whether to sever ties with the Empire.
Atria has disappeared from its name and is now part of the Empire.
Even so, if a similar situation arises in the distant future, Kael’s strategies could certainly prove effective.
The matters relating to the Eastern Three Kingdoms and the Southern Kingdoms are even more serious.
Here, if the circumstances align, there are ample possibilities.
If public sentiment against the Empire arises, flipping internal public sentiment is not particularly difficult.
Of course, the Empire has been nurturing pro-Empire factions steadily during this time.
Therefore, it wouldn’t be easy. Nevertheless, if hostility is continually stirred up, it’s not impossible.
Perhaps all previous efforts could go to waste.
‘If others were discussing this, it might even be acceptable. But it’s problematic that it’s my brother-in-law.’
The Chief of Staff of the Empire. With the sole Duke making such statements, controversy is unavoidable.
It seems he made a mistake almost unknowingly, but a mistake is a mistake nonetheless.
“Your Highness the Crown Princess. His Majesty the Emperor is looking for you.”
Given the timing, I could guess the reason for his summons.
Thus, the Crown Princess headed straight to the office, where the Emperor was reading a report.
“Did you call for me, Your Majesty?”
“I did. Sit down.”
As she took her seat, the Crown Princess quickly examined the Emperor’s face.
He looks just like usual. For now, I can feel a bit relieved, but I can’t completely let my guard down.
After all, the Emperor is adept at hiding his emotions and inner thoughts.
At least lately, due to having gained a son-in-law, that has diminished considerably.
“I believe you’ve heard the news by now.”
“If you’re referring to the matter regarding the Chief of Staff… Yes. I learned about it just moments ago through the news from the Minister of Foreign Affairs.”
I’m not overly worried. The Emperor would not dismiss Kael over something trivial like this.
This is a significant matter. We should view it as just a discussion about possibilities, rather than treason or anything of the sort.
Had it not been before the connection with Isabelle, perhaps it would have been a different story, but now he’s clearly a member of the Imperial Family by virtue of being the Emperor’s son-in-law.
However, no matter how much that is the case, a mistake is still a mistake. And the Emperor’s will can change.
No matter how much of a trusted official he may be, in the end, he is still not the master of the Empire.
The Crown Princess merely observed the Emperor’s demeanor, waiting for his response.
“Crown Princess.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Would it be problematic if the Chief of Staff were involved with the Minister of Foreign Affairs to some extent?”
“…Your Majesty?”
In that moment, the Crown Princess struggled to comprehend what the Emperor was saying.
Is he suddenly asking if Kael could handle matters related to the Minister of Foreign Affairs?
Then she soon realized the smile forming on his face and whispered, “Ah.”
Yes. It seems the Emperor had no intention of reprimanding Kael over this incident.
Instead, he was simply more interested in the possibilities and capabilities that Kael had pointed out.
As he demonstrated his exceptional abilities in other areas, it was only natural to consider how best to utilize them.
Currently holding the position of Chief of Staff, the Emperor likely aims to give him responsibilities in the Minister of Foreign Affairs as well.
Just hearing those words made it clear he intended to make proper use of Kael’s talents.
Perhaps he had already summoned the Minister of Foreign Affairs for in-depth discussions regarding this matter.
“I apologize for bringing this up, but I think it might be difficult.”
“Is that so? After all, the military is formally part of the military. If they were to intervene in Ministry affairs, the military’s influence could expand too much. That could cause chaos in the administration.”
“If you value the Chief of Staff’s talents, how about you quickly transfer him to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?”
After a moment of thought, the Emperor shook his head.
The tasks of the military are certainly not few. It may not be as bad as during wartime, but it’s still busy.
From rebuilding the legions to improving care for the dead and injured, there are pressing matters.
In addition to that, the replenishment and storage of various materials lost during the time is underway.
The reason they have kept Kael in the Chief of Staff position is precisely because of that.
If the person in charge were to change during such a crucial time, it would naturally disrupt the workflow.
Maintaining the current commander and preventing unnecessary changes in the situation is the foundational posture that the uppermost levels of the Empire should have when appointing personnel.
‘Above all, if my son-in-law were to enter the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it would likely shock the other kingdoms.’
It wasn’t like he committed a massacre or stained the continent with blood.
However, from the perspective of foreign nations, Kael is a victor of war and a conqueror.
If such a person were to move to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it would appear as though he were preparing to juggle military might.
“This, this. Having such a capable son-in-law can be a problem.”
“Isn’t it a blessing from God to the Empire and to Your Majesty?”
“Suddenly, I find myself envious of you. Can’t you have your brother-in-law do various tasks?”
“Your Majesty, it would be more than enough for you to remain in your position for a long time.”
At her response, the corners of the Emperor’s eyes lifted slightly.
Noticing that change, the Crown Princess cautiously gauged her father’s reaction.
“…Your Majesty?”
“The reason I called you today is not because of your brother-in-law.”
“What do you mean by that…?”
“The war that determined the order of the continent has now become a story of the past. The cleanup it has caused is nearly finished. Although under my reign, the days of the Empire’s new glory have begun, one could still be greedy and wish to see not just a new beginning, but a new Emperor shining more brightly than myself.”
The Emperor rose from his seat and slowly approached his eldest daughter.
“All tasks that should have been performed as an Emperor have been fulfilled. Now, I believe I may step back without fear of harsh judgment from my ancestors.”
Strange and inappropriate words are spilling forth.
It’s too shocking to hear more. The Crown Princess, risking rudeness, tried to interrupt the Emperor’s words.
But once someone has made a resolution, there’s no stopping them.
*
Meanwhile, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, having secretly concluded a private audience with the Emperor, headed directly to find the Chief of Staff.
He had reported to the Emperor about what had transpired at the Military Academy.
However, it wasn’t merely out of worry or concern, nor was it an attempt to check the Chief of Staff.
Instead, it was a kind of grand plan to place that young and exceptional individual in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“For now, the Duke of Neomes belongs to the military, but that won’t last more than three years. Even at the longest, it won’t exceed ten years. And after that time has passed, he’ll still only be in his thirties.”
Wisdom tends to grow with age.
Once he finishes the tasks in the military, he will reach his peak.
At that time, wherever he nests anew will be the scene of changes in the administration.
From that perspective, Kael’s lectures at the Military Academy serve as concrete proof of his diplomatic acumen.
When he emerges from the military, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs may lend its voice to where he should go next.
Given his abilities and instincts, placing him in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would be an act for the benefit of the Empire.
“Anyone can deny that seeing the Duke enter the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would be the best outcome based on his achievements.”
The improvement of relations with Nobogord, victories against the Eastern Three Kingdoms, and establishing the Empire’s superiority.
He defeated Benito and reshuffled the order in the South and even conquered the West entirely.
If Kael were to take up a position in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, smooth operations would be possible.
“Chief of Staff.”
“Minister of Foreign Affairs?”
Kael greeted the suddenly appearing Minister of Foreign Affairs with surprise yet joy.
As the Minister took a sip of the tea offered, he decided to get straight to the point.
“Chief of Staff, if you finish your tasks in your current position, would you consider moving to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?”
“…What?”
For someone who was merely wishing for retirement, this new development was shocking.