NOVEL NEXT Chapter 32
The news of the 7th Legion’s defeat reached the Empire’s leadership.
The Minister of War had to rush into the palace to inform the Emperor of this bewildering news.
It was only natural that beads of sweat would form while delivering the report.
“—Thus, the 7th Legion is currently in a position of temporary withdrawal, Your Majesty.”
“I see. You’ve had a hard time, Minister.”
“I deeply apologize, Your Majesty. The responsibility for this incident rests entirely with me and…”
Then the Emperor lightly waved his hand.
“The war has only just begun. And in every war, victory and defeat are simply a part of the game. Tell me, Minister. Did the 7th Legion fail to resist and suffer a disgraceful defeat?”
“That is not the case.”
“Then, was there anything so serious that immediate responsibility needs to be ascertained?”
“That is also not the case.”
Though the one asking the questions was the Emperor, that alone was sufficient as an answer.
There would be no immediate punishment. It would depend on the merit one could achieve later on. Just because they lost doesn’t mean they would be punished unconditionally, so don’t be too rigid about it.
“It seems to me that what comes next is more important.”
“Your Majesty’s words are indeed true. Among the Three Kingdoms Alliance, the strongest Burgai has suffered significant losses. If this continues, there is a possibility that the balance of power within the alliance may be shaken.”
Before the war broke out, the Emperor and the Empire’s leadership had held meetings for several days.
How much power to project to the East. How to proceed thereafter.
And if by some chance they were to win, how to reorganize the situation beyond the Eastern border.
The conclusion drawn from those discussions was that it would be difficult for the Empire to completely conquer the East.
The history of the three kingdoms is incredibly long. That is the source of the pride they exhibit.
Even if they were to win and occupy it in war, it wouldn’t last long.
Rather than simply subduing them by force, they would have to bring them to submit once, and then sap their strength from within.
To achieve that, it is essential to create situations that would divide opinions internally.
The decision regarding the survival of the Pro-Imperial faction there was merely a bonus.
“Now that Burgai has been hit, Kaden will step in. Perhaps Polrand might also be mobilized.”
“They will likely press Polrand with even more force in some way.”
“What is the news concerning the alliance?”
At the Emperor’s question, the Minister of Special Affairs, responsible for external intelligence, began to speak.
“Before the Eastern Three Kingdoms united under the name of an alliance, Burgai was already pressuring Polrand. It’s hard to believe that the atmosphere could have changed drastically at this point.”
“Continue.”
“According to recent intelligence, the mood among the three kingdoms is quite strange, Your Majesty. If the main forces had not suffered losses in the battle against the 7th Legion, there is a possibility that they would have pressured Polrand by force.”
Polrand currently has about 20,000 troops available.
That number is equivalent to about one Imperial Legion.
Burgai has two to three times more soldiers than that Polrand.
They worked hard to induce a split among the alliance, but would they just leave Burgai alone?
They would either threaten them with forceful intimidation or swallow them up by strength.
Up until now, Kaden had been containing Burgai, but things are different now.
If Polrand were to truly betray, it would be too far behind in terms of justification.
And even if it were not genuine, many covet Polrand’s fertile lands.
The likelihood of joining forces with Burgai to divide up Polrand is quite high, the Minister of Special Affairs concluded.
Some might raise their eyebrows at the Empire’s legion looming right in front of them.
However, it is precisely in such situations that impossibilities surface.
We often find ourselves captivated more by a 1% possibility of “What if?” than a 99% probability of failure.
Thinking rationally and making judgments should only be done when it is rational.
War does not occur if reason prevails. Thus, all possibilities must be considered.
That’s precisely how so many brilliant generals and ingenious strategists appear.
“Minister of Foreign Affairs.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I am at your command.”
“Reiterate our willingness to accept and protect any defector from the Empire.”
“I shall carry out Your Majesty’s command.”
The promise to accept and protect defectors applies to anyone.
Even now, there might be pro-imperial figures within the alliance who are cautious.
Perhaps even Polrand, who is getting fed up with facing 2:1 pressures.
*
After the meeting with the ministers concluded.
“Your Majesty, the Crown Princess has arrived.”
“Let her in.”
The Emperor warmly welcomed his first daughter, who had come to see him.
“Welcome, Crown Princess. So, have you concluded matters with the Minister of the Palace?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I have relayed Your Majesty’s intentions through the staff following our discussion.”
“You did well. You managed to confirm such matters on time, even amid your busy schedule.”
With the war commencing and the battlefield situation unfolding all over Pavillion, the 7th Legion may have lost, but they also inflicted significant damage on the alliance.
With everything happening, both the Emperor and the Crown Princess were inundated with tasks.
When things develop this way, matters that may seem relatively less important inevitably get pushed back.
Yet, the Crown Princess managed to catch a request made by a noble youth.
“How could we overlook something? This is a request from someone whose influence greatly affects not only the Pavillion region but, more importantly, the next steps our Empire takes.”
“That is indeed true.”
The Emperor nodded and suddenly began with “Impressive.”
“No, no. I must say it’s astonishing. A young man who has not spent several years on the battlefield can predict the grand strategy of our Empire and precisely devise a strategy that incites division among the alliance. Has he perhaps received some hints?”
“No, Your Majesty. I was equally surprised. Even when I first met him, I thought he was certainly no ordinary person. However, I did not expect his mindset to be this profound.”
Both the Emperor and the Crown Princess, as well as the Empire’s leadership, wished to subdue the alliance with lesser losses.
If too much blood is spilled, even if victory is achieved, it cannot truly be considered a “victory.”
Moreover, if too many forces are projected to the East, other borders may be shaken.
The best method would be to achieve a victory through military maneuvers in battle, followed by creating division from within the alliance to turn their backs on each other.
With this, both externally and internally, a complete surrender could be achieved.
In this regard, the most persuadable party would be the weakest Polrand.
Or Kaden, which, having been overshadowed by Burgai, can only occupy second place perpetually. One of these two.
And a brilliant young strategist, like a shooting star, emerged to accomplish that.
“Truly remarkable. Delivering the Empire’s message to Polrand through the Pavillion region. Even if they do not turn on us, you’ve succeeded in instilling doubt in the two kingdoms.”
“Thanks to this, the beleaguered Burgai launched an offensive without waiting for reinforcements, and though the 7th Legion lost, it significantly weakened the enemies’ forces.”
Both the Emperor and the Crown Princess were convinced that Kael’s strategy had anticipated everything.
If Kael were present at that moment, he would shout, “I had no idea the Empire wanted something like this! It’s all luck, you know!”
“That young man this time has requested the company of the Princess.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. When I asked if he could assist in managing the aftermath of the 7th Legion, that was the response he sent back.”
At that reply, the Emperor stroked his chin for a moment before bursting into laughter.
“Your Majesty?”
“Were you not talking about the son of the Duke of Bertier Empire? How remarkable it is. Clausewitz, who has dedicated himself as a warrior since the time of the Great Emperor in founding this country.”
It’s genuinely exciting. I wonder just how far this young man can go.
It is indeed fortunate that someone like him emerged not in a foreign land, but within the Empire.
As the Emperor mumbled this, a momentary coldness dripped from his eyes.
While he rejoiced at the emergence of an outstanding minister as the master of the Empire, as a ruler, he must remain vigilant about certain aspects.
“Crown Princess. What are your thoughts? How should we engage with this person? Can he be handled?”
“If he says he has no ambition, that would be a lie. However, I believe Kael Clausewitz’s ambition takes on a different form.”
“A different form?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I cannot say for certain what it is. However, he is not someone who would rise against the Empire. Furthermore, he knows how to be humble and is naturally born with that virtue.”
The Emperor also knew that the Crown Princess had an extraordinary eye for people.
Thus, upon hearing such an assessment, he exclaimed, “Oh?”
Many possess extraordinary talents that could easily overshadow others, yet they never lose their humility.
That is a level that few can hope to achieve in their lifetime.
“I’m truly curious how you’ll manage the 7th Legion.”
“I am even more excited about what comes next.”
“The next, I thought I hadn’t issued specific commands for yet.”
In response to the Emperor’s question, the Crown Princess nodded in agreement.
“However, Your Majesty. He is already a person who sees through the Empire’s grand strategies. Perhaps the reason he accepted the task of managing the 7th Legion is not merely for that, but to aim for something else entirely.”
That is likely the case. No, it must be the case.
The Crown Princess’s statement, almost approaching certainty, elicited an “Oh?” of admiration from the Emperor.
Especially because it was said by none other than his successor, it brought even more excitement.
“Yes. Prince Kael. You are special.”
I wonder what he intends to do through the Second Princess, Isabelle, my sister.
*
A while later.
“Excuse me, Prince Kael?”
“Yes, Your Highness the Princess.”
“Is this really true…?”
“Of course. Just trust me.”
Isabelle unwittingly fell for his firm words once again.
She was currently busy providing cooking support for the 7th Legion.