NOVEL NEXT Chapter 227
Lately, if I were to find joy in life, it would surely be in the videos of the twins captured in the magic orb.
No matter how tiring the work was, just seeing them peacefully asleep would energize me.
They were an existence that could draw out even the passion I thought was absent. A miracle that filled me with enthusiasm for my work.
Surely, our twins would be unprecedented loyal subjects in the history of this empire.
Yet, I wasn’t mistaken; my workload was, if anything, increasing with each passing day.
And not in ways I ever imagined during wartime.
“Chief of Staff, we have a visitor from the Ministry of Land.”
“Show them in.”
You might wonder why someone from the Ministry of Land suddenly appeared in the office. However, there’s a deeply interconnected reason behind it.
First of all, they were the ones who established supply routes within the empire and outside during the wars we fought.
Furthermore, since the Dedorant area has now become part of the empire, it needs to be officially improved into a proper road.
And that’s not all; with legions constantly coming and going, we need to repair damaged roads and create new ones.
“Welcome.”
“Hahaha! I hope we didn’t keep you waiting too long, Chief of Staff!”
“Not at all. You arrived just on time.”
After guiding the representative from the Ministry of Land to their seat, I engaged in some casual chit-chat.
As always, such conversations help build personal and departmental relationships.
Having wrapped up our small talk adequately, I gradually steered the discussion towards the main topic.
“I understand there are matters you wish to discuss regarding the road in the New West Region.”
“Exactly as you heard. The Ministry continues to send people to monitor the situation, but as is usually the case, those who have primarily traversed that area until recently are the commanders, right? They might have submitted reports or maps.”
“Though it’s been a while, the reports submitted back then should be archived in the office. As for the maps… it would probably be quicker to directly ask the commanders from that time.”
In this regard, it seems collaboration will be necessary with not only the office but also the Ministry of War later on.
When it comes to roads, there were transportation of troops as well as military supplies involved, which falls under the purview of the Ministry of War.
It’s possible that later, the office, the Ministry of War, and the Ministry of Land may find themselves brainstorming together over the road issues in the New West Region.
“Next on the agenda is the matter regarding the Eastern Three Kingdoms Alliance. It seems they are earnestly hoping for a formal road connection with the empire.”
“A road, you say?”
“Oh my! Is this for real? I had heard some rumors, but honestly, I didn’t believe it.”
While it’s true that relations between the Eastern kingdoms and our empire have vastly improved, such harmony isn’t guaranteed to last forever.
Just a few years ago, we had thousands clashing, with countless deaths and injuries—a complete disaster.
If we could laugh and live together indefinitely, we might as well call ourselves one nation.
“It’s unexpected. Building a road will undoubtedly bring benefits, but it will also naturally lead to many losses.”
“Connecting our empire with the Three Kingdoms will speed up our access to them, and as you know, the routes into the kingdoms are ultimately predetermined.”
“…If we do construct this road, how will the construction costs be handled?”
“The Three Kingdoms Alliance will cover 60%, while our empire will take on 40%.”
“That’s surprising. I thought there would be concerns about the empire potentially mismanaging the infrastructure.”
At this rate, it feels like the Three Kingdoms Alliance is rolling out the red carpet for us.
If the alliance sought to harm us, we would be ready to face them head-on.
Naturally, with this arrangement, there would be many eyes on our empire, so recklessness is not an option.
“And the most crucial location for the road connecting our empire and the Three Kingdoms will undoubtedly be the Pavilion Area.”
“Pavilion, indeed. That makes sense.”
Speaking of which, that was where I had my first major success. Hard to believe that was already several years ago.
Even now, when I close my eyes, I remember giving numerous pieces of advice to the 12th Legion that was defending there.
Back then, I did nothing significant; just following the army was the extent of my involvement.
That was where it all began. The moment I got buried in work rather than living as comfortably as I once did.
“You effectively defended the Pavilion Area during the war against the Three Kingdoms Alliance, Chief of Staff. You must know that region better than anyone else.”
“To enter the Three Kingdoms, it’s an unavoidable route.”
“Exactly. Therefore, while constructing the road, I’d like to hear your insights on any essential precautions we should take.”
Though I’m calling them precautions, what the Ministry of Land truly wants from me is straightforward.
To build the road, and, just in case, to prevent the possibility of the Three Kingdoms Alliance charging into the empire down that new road.
Should the relationship between our empire and the Three Kingdoms Alliance deteriorate rapidly, we would need to consider how best to manage that road to ensure it benefits our allies and creates hurdles for our enemies.
And by some twisted stroke of luck, I happened to live in a country where such paranoid concerns were routine in my previous life.
“In any case, the road must be made large. For peace to be prolonged, the flow of goods and people must be abundant. If we give off the wrong vibe, it could instead instill wariness and hostility.”
“I wholeheartedly agree with your words, Chief of Staff.”
“However, the Pavilion Area is flanked by mountains and steep hills. It’s inevitable that the road will narrow from there. I suggest installing rockfalls in the area.”
“Rockfalls, you say?”
“Obstacles on the road. In normal times, they would simply serve as barriers against falling rocks or appear as meaningless constructions, but with magic, they can be converted into obstacles that block the road entirely.”
Or maybe, we could even paint promotional messages on each rockfall.
“Welcome! You’ve arrived at the Empire! Or perhaps, welcome to the Three Kingdoms Alliance!” Something along those lines.
We could use them as much as possible, and during truly crucial times, revert to their original purpose.
“…Indeed, if operated that way during peacetime, it could work out quite well. I thought such obstacles might cause some backlash from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Hahaha.”
“Oh dear. We must absolutely avoid clashes with other departments. I feel like I’m going to die every time there’s an issue with the Ministry of Finance.”
“Hahaha. Isn’t it the same for everyone with the Ministry of Finance?”
Speaking of which, I have another meeting with them tomorrow. Wow, it’s truly driving me crazy.
Despite the empire winning every battle, I feel like I’m losing my mind over military expenses.
The Ministry of Finance appears eager to revert the expanded army back to its previous size, but isn’t that easier said than done?
There were far too many battles fought, and the investigations are still ongoing.
We must accurately assess the merits earned to provide appropriate compensation.
We can’t let ‘funny’ characters get our hard-earned taxes, so it’s essential to be thorough.
“Anyway, I’ll keep that in mind…”
—Knock, knock
What was that? A knock? They must know I’m in a discussion with important guests, right?
When I inquired about the urgency, my aide’s frantic voice filtered through the door.
“Um, Chief of Staff. There’s a matter that must be conveyed to you immediately.”
“Is it urgent? I have a guest at the moment, this is quite awkward.”
“I apologize, but it’s truly urgent.”
Surely they wouldn’t jest at a time like this. What on earth could it be?
I briefly excused myself and requested understanding from the person from the Ministry of Land before opening the door.
“Aide? Your expression looks odd.”
“Uh, well… This is news that just came from the Ministry of the Palace…”
“What is it—”
In that instant, I doubted my own eyes. This is insane. Is this for real?
It can’t be a joke, right? It’s too ridiculous for an April Fool’s prank!
Wow. I’m seriously losing my mind. What on earth does this mean?
[ His Majesty the Emperor has hinted at the possibility of abdication to the Crown Princess. ]
My father-in-law dropped a bomb in the quiet political arena.
*
…
It has already been two hours. The Crown Princess has been kneeling in the Emperor’s office.
Despite the Emperor’s command to leave being issued five times, she refused to budge.
“If you don’t retract your thoughts on abdication, I will remain like this.”
“Crown Princess.”
“There’s still much I need to learn. And tasks left to fulfill.”
“You are the one destined to take this position.”
“Someday, yes, but certainly not now.”
When the possibility of abdication was first suggested, I thought it was at least a few years down the line.
I envisioned at the very least five years would pass before she would give up that glorious yet fearful position.
But now it hasn’t even been a year, and he’s already alluded to it!
Once the news reaches the Ministry of the Empire, it will undoubtedly spread like wildfire.
“You’ve already proven yourself sufficient as the next Emperor of the Empire.”
“I still have no consort and no heir. I will accept all those things when I am ready.”
“Hmm.”
“I’m a woman. If the time comes when I must bear the successor of this country, a significant gap will form.
There would be no greater crisis than facing that confusion as an Emperor.”
From the Crown Princess’s perspective, she had the perfect reason.
She still has no heir, meaning a minimum of several months’ vacancy is inevitable.
If she brings that part up, perhaps the father wouldn’t relent either.
“Couldn’t I manage for a few months?”
“Rather than that…”
“I had a bit of a cold recently, and unlike before, I’ve been feeling a bit off. That’s when I realized that such glory is akin to a fleeting moment;
to wish for it to last forever is selfish. Thus, passing it to someone more brilliant before that light dims would be the right thing to do.”
The dispute between the two—what they wish to hand over and what she refuses to accept—remains ongoing.