Episode 172

And the next day, I was immediately summoned to the Imperial Palace.

I wanted to make an excuse about being ill, having just returned from the war, and decline the summons.

Because I wanted to rest with my rabbit-like child and fox-like beautiful wife.

Moreover, I currently held no official position and was on a two-month leave, including reward leave, consolation leave, and sick leave.

So, I should have the right to stay locked up in my mansion, playing with my adorable son during the day and being tormented by Laura at night…

But the empire was a strictly hierarchical society, and if the Emperor called, one must set everything aside and go, or else face unimaginable consequences later.

“All unnecessary. Surely, he wouldn’t be asking me to return from my leave and start working immediately. That can’t be it. Surely not. Eh, surely.”

Thus, although I was a legendary figure who had slain hundreds of enemies, I entered His Majesty’s office as a mere soldier, earnestly praying not to be cut from my leave.

“General Peter Yeager greets the empire’s sole sun.”

“Lift your head. I’m truly sorry for calling you during your leave.”

“If His Majesty calls, must I not set aside all urgent matters and come?”

Hearing that, the Emperor had the servants place a chair for me across from him.

“Take a seat for now. This conversation may be a bit lengthy.”

“Yes, understood.”

The butlers and maids inside the office immediately exited, and the Emperor sighed before speaking.

“General, are you aware of the current political situation in the empire? It’s a total mess.”

In a way, this was an obvious statement that could make one’s mouth hurt just by talking about it.

After all, looking solely at the outcome of this expedition, one could say that the Crown Prince narrowly achieved victory against the Swiss army.

Nonetheless, the fact that a legion of 50,000 nearly faced annihilation due to His Highness’s error remained unchanged.

Just this fact alone would justify the beheading of related high-ranking generals, and it wouldn’t be surprising if several families were destroyed for committing not just errors but blunders.

Moreover, the fact that the Crown Prince nearly got captured by the enemy due to a mistake was a blunder incomparable even if we assume that all 50,000 imperial soldiers had died.

Even if it was better than the Emperor being captured, to retrieve the Crown Prince, several dukedoms and over a million citizens would have to be sacrificed.

Therefore, this was not something that could be simply passed over with a “since a major disaster was averted, all is well.”

Moreover, even if I attributed all the merits of the surprise operation at Dolphino Castle to the Crown Prince, those of high status would already know the truth.

“A quarter of the nobility supporting Michael has switched to the factions of the 2nd and 3rd Princes. Moreover, among the nobility remaining around the Crown Prince, some are beginning to show intentions of switching factions.”

“I consider it a regrettable matter.”

“Had things gone as originally planned, after taking three cantons of Switzerland, I intended to say that I was getting too old to bear the responsibility of the Emperor and open an election for the Emperor. Then, this old man planned to retire to a villa, living a comfortable life with the Empress and the concubines.”

Planning to retire and live a happy life in old age at the relatively young age of about 50 without suffering from any chronic illnesses was surprising.

But as mentioned, punishing Switzerland and occupying its territory had been a long-standing wish of the emperors throughout the empire’s history.

However, Switzerland’s uniquely beautiful but treacherously difficult terrain for outsiders to attack, and the fact that the bandits living there were so strong, made even considering an expedition reckless.

But honestly, the last expedition was worth attempting because we had a completely trustworthy count-level double agent on the empire’s side.

Had the Count not been a double agent, the expedition planned and designed by the Crown Prince himself would have proceeded successfully.

Then, he would have become an iron-blooded Emperor wielding power that no one would dare oppose.

The Emperor stood up, grasped my hand tightly, and spoke with a benevolent smile.

“However, Count Bern was a double agent, and the Crown Prince nearly died there with the 50,000 expeditionary force. So, to be honest, when I first heard this news, I thought, ‘Everything is over. Now the empire will begin its decline.’”

The empire had many potential enemies due to its geographical characteristics.

So, if the Crown Prince were captured by the Swiss hillbillies, who had nothing but mercenaries, and several dukedoms were extorted, neighboring countries including Chekovia, the Françoise Republic, the Peronia City Alliance, and the Grand Duchy of Ostrica would say, ‘Is this the famous Reich Empire?’ and rush in.

Then, with a high probability, the empire would not be able to handle wars breaking out simultaneously in multiple fronts and would head towards defeat.

“Thanks to you and the 7th Guard Division staying behind to cover the retreat, the Crown Prince was able to return safely. You’ve protected the empire’s soldiers, its pride and honor, and, furthermore, the safety of its citizens. Personally, I consider you a benefactor. Moreover, as long as Peter Yeager lives, I will never doubt the Count Yeager family.”

Being called a benefactor by the Emperor meant, in blunt terms, that even if I gambled away all my family’s wealth and ended up in debt, it would be equivalent to saying that the national treasury or the royal budget would cover it.

Also, saying he would never doubt my family meant he would give me absolute trust unless I openly committed treason.

Seeing how long the introduction had become, it seemed His Majesty had a lot he wanted to say…

I swallowed hard.

“I’ve spoken too long for someone who should be resting. Let’s get to the main point. Isn’t there a good way to restore the Crown Prince’s position?”

There were indeed many ways to restore one’s position.

Firstly, His Highness could show himself to the people and use his wealth to help them, or select officers and lower-ranking administrators in similar situations to mine to gradually expand his power.

Meeting officers of the 7th Guard Division personally and leaving a good impression on them to solidify their families as allies, and so on.

“Firstly, what His Highness needs now is thorough reflection. He must clearly show what efforts he will make to ensure such mistakes are not repeated and to prevent the remaining factions’ nobility from defecting.”

“He is reflecting greatly in his own way. He plans to collect all taxes from the County of Brandenburg and distribute them to the casualties and their families. Thanks to this, he is living solely on the allowance provided by the court.”

“That is somewhat insufficient. At the very least, he should personally visit the homes of officers and soldiers who died in heroic battles or were posthumously awarded medals, especially those living in or around the capital, Reichsburg, to offer condolences and financial support.”

The Emperor seemed shocked by my words, initially widening his eyes, but then he nodded, apparently finding reason in them.

“If we do as you suggested, it will somewhat bruise his pride. Of course, once the word spreads, it will return to him as many times more honor. Moreover, our empire’s nobility will be impressed by the Crown Prince’s magnanimity and grace in comforting even common soldiers and lower-ranking officers.”

Bending one’s knee for common soldiers and lower-ranking officers was difficult, but most nobles, having served in the military, would understand well.

That the imperial army did not operate solely by the actions of generals and high-ranking officers.

Therefore, showing respect and care for lower-ranking officers and soldiers was essential to maintaining the army in its best condition.

“Of course, such stories about His Highness will naturally spread across the country. Nobles intending to leave His Highness’s faction will hear of his kindness in mourning even the death of a low-ranking officer or soldier and will see potential in him.”

“You make a good point. Then, do you plan to go with him?”

Honestly, I very much wanted to comfort the families of the 7th Division soldiers who participated in this battle and other unit members.

Frankly, I’d return my entire leave if it meant I could comfort them.

“I have already gained too much reputation from this battle. Therefore, I cannot accompany His Highness now.”

Though unsaid, it was clear what the reaction would be if I went with the Crown Prince.

Families and wounded soldiers from other divisions would naturally welcome the Crown Prince, but the 7th Division would welcome me more.

Because, even if it was for strategic needs, the Crown Prince left the 7th Division behind as a shield and fled.

I was the general who stayed until the end on the battlefield, sword in hand, to send back even one more of them.

That would cause a rivalry between His Highness and me, even if unintended.

“So, I will truly stay home and rest for two months. In the meantime, if His Highness comforts them, it will surely help maintain his position.”

Hearing that, the Emperor smiled very satisfied and asked,

“It seems you have a much bigger plan than what you’ve just mentioned. Feel free to speak up. It’s just between you and me, isn’t it?”