NOVEL NEXT Chapter 41
Hmmm. Our Princess. You’ve grown a lot since the first time I saw you.
As someone from the main faction, I thought it would be better to pressure rather than directly receive a surrender.
But still, as a princess, you’re considering what benefits the Empire.
That’s a good change. If I’m the reason for it, that’s even better.
However, one thing is a pity. You’re still a bit lacking.
Just looking at the demands related to Burgai’s surrender shows that.
Well… From her perspective, it’s understandable since she hasn’t dealt with these kinds of matters often.
Surely, someone like the Crown Princess would be able to think, “It would be better to handle things this way.”
Then what about me? I was just lucky enough to recall the memories of my past life.
When I go back, I should at least hold a ceremony for the goddess of luck.
“Just a moment, Prince Kael. Among the demands we’re making of Burgai, shouldn’t we include the transfer of territory to Polrand?”
“That’s correct.”
“Do you think Burgai will accept that? They surely have a mountain of things to give our Empire, and now we’re asking them to give away territory to Polrand…?”
Oh dear. Your Highness, when did I say we would receive anything in the name of the Empire?
If that were the case, we’d become laughingstocks. The Empire shouldn’t be positioned like that.
“It would be better for the Empire not to demand territorial concessions from Burgai.”
“What about just a moment ago when you said it’s important to weaken Burgai? The best way to do that is by taking away their territory and people, isn’t it?”
“Instead, that would sow the seeds of conflict.”
Let’s not forget. Burgai has existed as Burgai for a long time.
Though it’s not as significant as the Empire, it’s a nation with its own identity.
It’s not as if the currently residing ethnic groups are vastly different, or that there are different religions.
If we tear them apart, they’ll want to revert to their former state regardless of how long it takes.
And the Empire will end up waging another war because of that.
“It’s best to avoid wars that can be avoided. It’s right not to give reasons when we don’t have to. In the current situation, extracting territory from Burgai would result in more losses than gains, unless we can take over more than half of Burgai’s territory.”
“That’s… impossible.”
Demanding half of their territory means declaring that we’re ready to fight to the death.
No matter how much Burgai is weakened, they wouldn’t agree to such conditions.
Even if they agreed… it would lead to chaos due to internal strife.
In that case, it would be natural for the demands and the surrender to be null and void.
“Anyway, there’s not a lot we can materially extract from Burgai. After all, the three eastern kingdoms only banded together under the name of a union so that they could barely contend with the Empire. Ah, but this actually refers to the ‘East’ of the Empire specifically.”
“Still… not getting anything from Burgai…”
“It’s not that we won’t receive anything. That can’t be the case. If we do, it would lead to the Empire being looked down upon, so we need to extract something else instead.”
I revealed to the princess the thoughts I had been contemplating.
To be precise, I shared the knowledge I learned from my past life.
“…”
Hearing all of this, the princess sighed audibly.
“Prince Kael.”
“Yes, Your Highness the Princess.”
“When did you start thinking about all this?”
It’s not that I thought it through; I just learned and picked it up, so I can’t say that.
I just mumbled something vague.
It hasn’t been long since I thought about it. That’s why there are many gaps.
“…”
“There’s no reason for you to regard me as remarkable. Similar discussions are likely happening among the Empire’s leadership.”
Of course. There’s no way the Empire’s leadership is that foolish.
What I know, they also know. What I can offer, they can also provide.
After all, the name of the Empire isn’t something to be used carelessly.
*
“Congratulations, Your Majesty.”
At the Crown Princess’s congratulations, the Emperor smiled gently.
The war ended much sooner than expected.
Burgai acknowledged their defeat and bowed their heads.
Kaden, who had allied with them, became a bystander. Polrand became the Empire’s collaborator.
“Second Princess has sent a surrender request from Burgai.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. We are currently waiting for the decision from the Imperial Family and the Empire’s leadership.”
As the Emperor, this is truly a good thing. Our soldiers won’t suffer any further.
At the same time, as the Emperor, it’s incredibly disappointing. If the surrender had been delayed, I would have pressured Burgai fiercely.
“What are the opinions on this matter?”
“During the recent meeting, several opinions were raised. Some suggested dragging it out to make them anxious, while others suggested demanding territorial concessions to show sincerity.”
“Hmmm.”
It seems there are hardly any opinions leaning towards moderation.
The Emperor tapped his fingers thoughtfully on the armrest.
I can’t say I don’t understand. The pro-reform faction is likely being cautious.
They can’t say they have no stake in this war.
On the other hand, the main faction probably doesn’t want to give them any chances to fuel their momentum.
In the end, all opinions are likely pushing towards pressuring Burgai.
“Crown Princess. What do you think?”
“At this point, it would be right to withdraw the legions. The reality is that there’s nothing left to gain.”
“Surely, others can’t be unaware of that either.”
“Exactly. However, for various reasons, it seems they are choosing to remain silent for now.”
– Tap. Tap.
In the Emperor’s silence, the Crown Princess waited a moment before speaking.
“In fact, there’s one more piece of news that came up through the princess.”
“What is it?”
“Kael Clausewitz, who fought alongside us, said that the Empire should avoid trying to gain anything materially, and it would be better to hand such things over to Polrand instead.”
Upon hearing this, a notable ‘hoho’ escaped the Emperor’s lips.
Realizing it was a signal to elaborate, the Crown Princess continued.
“He foresaw that even if the Empire received some territory from Burgai, it would become a seed for conflict. Ultimately, to manage that seed, it would require force, which would turn into an unfavorable justification for the Empire.”
“A clever young man.”
“Moreover, since Polrand is already viewed as a traitor among the three eastern countries, it would be best to fully tilt them towards the Empire now.”
“And the leverage for that would be the territory of Burgai.”
Burgai’s fertile farmlands and weaknesses. They have the smallest territory and population.
Even though they produce the most food among the three countries, they can’t effectively use that power.
Now, what would happen if the Empire were to snatch a piece of territory from Burgai?
What if they also gifted the current residents as an added bonus?
“The young strategist’s intentions are clear.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. He aims to spread the Empire’s order across the East. Simultaneously, he seeks to scatter hostility not towards the Empire but among themselves.”
The fact that they lost the war will surely torment Burgai.
However, what’s more painful is losing land and people.
Since Polrand is already switching sides, the hostility will surpass imagination.
Polrand, which has been suffering all this time, will need to take revenge.
Additionally, they’ll have to tear down Burgai to justify their switch.
They must continue to undermine Burgai to validate their choice in leaving the alliance for the Empire.
Kaden, once a bystander, can no longer act independently.
If such a situation arises, they will lose their justification. A bystander remains a bystander until the end.
However, they now know that they can gain from being a bystander, so they’ll likely be eager for it.
Burgai, once a strong nation, is now weakened.
Polrand, once a minor nation, has grown stronger.
In the midst of this, Kaden can gain advantages whenever they wish.
As long as this delicate balance remains, they will never unite.
“If we can gain the assurance that there will be no more wars in the East for our Empire, that will be a gain in itself.”
If it comes to that, I could always shift five legions, which were originally stationed in the East.
At least one, or possibly two to three, can be dispatched elsewhere.
Even if something happens in the East, it can be detected easily.
“…A suggestion came from the eldest son of the Duke of Bertier Empire.”
“That’s correct, Your Majesty.”
“A truly insightful young man.”
The Emperor and Crown Princess are not merely impressed by his clever strategy.
In fact, Kael belongs to the main faction as the eldest son of the Duke of Bertier Empire.
He’s the next head of the Clausewitz Family, which has been active in the military.
However, this Kael presented an opinion that seems more fitting for the reformist faction.
Typically, the reformist faction would hold their breath, while the main faction would hesitate to offer a justification.
Yet, a young strategist has stepped out to make a grand performance in battle.
“Crown Princess.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Inform the Eastern Imperial Army. We accept the surrender request from Burgai in the name of the Emperor. However, on the condition that a portion of Burgai’s territory is ceded to Polrand. Additionally, compensation must be provided to Kaden, who suffered damages while mobilizing. Lastly, we will demand reparations from the Empire.”
If we’re going to split the East, we might as well do it properly.
Not only Polrand but also Kaden will have a piece of Burgai.
To ensure they are hindered the moment they try to become Burgai again.
They must never be allowed to unite as a central point.
“Disbursements can be set at the standard amounts. However, one prince and one princess of Burgai must be sent to the Empire. If accepted, we will withdraw two legions immediately. Following that, after confirming that all arrangements are accepted, we’ll withdraw all troops.”
The Emperor and Crown Princess had already seen more than Kael.
“And one more thing.”
“Command me.”
In fact, this part can be said to be the most important.
“Prepare appropriate rewards for those who greatly contributed to the Empire’s glory this time. For the legion commanders who demonstrated outstanding leadership, the soldiers fighting under them, and those who supported the supply lines.”
“And for the young strategist who displayed the Empire’s might with his strategy.”