Chapter 44
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 44
The Grand Accord.
It was an agreement outlining the rules to be observed on the battlefield, though it was neither a formal treaty nor a codified law. It was merely a set of recommendations issued by the founder and first Emperor of the Empire.
However, the weight this Grand Accord carried was immense.
‘Because the Emperor himself observed the Grand Accord until the very end.’
The contents of the Accord were actually quite simple.
Do not use poison or attempt assassinations; do not feign surrender only to strike from behind; faithfully execute any treaties once they are signed, and so on.
There were many items, but the core message was to maintain the minimum level of trust required even in a state of war. If even these basic lines were crossed, war would become infinitely more horrific.
‘The problem is that all of this is ultimately just a recommendation.’
No matter how much weight a rule carried, there was no answer if someone was determined to break it. That was precisely why the Grand Accord had never been made into formal law. What good is brandishing a law book when the opponent has already decided not to follow it?
“No matter how much we outmatch them in numbers and quality, and even if we have an understanding of the terrain, our destination is the heart of Krepelt. The moment they break the Grand Accord and use everything at their disposal, it won't be a quick decisive battle—it will be the start of a gruesome, chaotic brawl.”
“Krepelt breaking the Grand Accord? Don’t make me laugh. You called me overly optimistic, but it seems you’re the one who doesn't understand reality.”
Marquis Bernhardt snorted, looking down at Lucian. His gaze seemed to ask if Lucian even understood the significance of the Accord.
“Listen, do you know why the Grand Accord is still observed hundreds of years later? It’s because the moment one side breaks it, a living hell unfolds. And that hell manifests far more severely for the weak than for the strong.”
Certainly, if one abandoned all means, the weak could resist the strong. However, that was only a short-term resistance. If both sides resorted to dirty tactics, the stronger side held a much greater advantage. With a vast array of means at their disposal and the ability to attack from all directions, how could the weak possibly endure?
“That’s not all. The Grand Accord also acts as a deterrent that prevents the victor from acting recklessly toward the defeated. If the opponent strictly observed the Accord, the victor must likewise show mercy.”
Observing the Grand Accord was proof that one had maintained their humanity despite having the option to use foul means. Therefore, no matter how powerful the victor, they could not treat a defeated foe who had followed the Accord poorly; they had to hand down the most generous sentence possible.
A crime deserving of execution might be commuted to the confiscation of property; a crime deserving of the extermination of a bloodline might end with only the execution of the individual responsible. If a victor ignored this unwritten rule and imposed harsh punishments at will, they would inevitably be shunned by the entire Empire.
“Breaking the Grand Accord means forfeiting even that minimum level of protection. Do you really think the weaker party, Krepelt, would do something so foolish just to win a single battle? Your concern is utterly pointless.”
“Is that because the Empire has the luxury to march on Krepelt again even if we lose?”
“Do you think it doesn't? The Empire is not so fragile that it would be shaken by a single failed attempt to suppress a rebellion.”
Perhaps they could break the Accord once and defeat the Allied Forces. But after that, stripped of all protection, they would be crushed by a second or third wave of the Allied Forces. The Marquis’s logic was that no rational being would do such a thing, especially since they would receive no mercy afterward.
The First Prince also nodded at those words.
“It seems the discussion is over. Do you have anything else to say? You... the proxy of the Grand Duke....”
“Brother, it is Lord Lucian.”
“Ah, right. Lord Lucian. If you have no rebuttal, I would like to conclude this council of war here.”
The First Prince nodded at the Second Prince’s reminder as if he had just remembered. To deny the Marquis’s words here would be tantamount to denying the power of the Empire itself.
However, Lucian shook his head nonetheless.
“The Empire certainly won't break from a single failure. But if challenges arise from all directions, will it truly have the strength to march on Krepelt again?”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“I mean that whether they break the Grand Accord or not, a single defeat could trigger a chain reaction of rebellions everywhere. If that happens, Krepelt would have no reason to adhere to the Accord.”
After all, if they could defeat the Imperial Army just once, they could maintain their independence from then on. In contrast, the Imperial Army would fall into a quagmire with a single defeat. They wouldn't even have the luxury of sending another army, let alone suppressing the rebellion.
“Above all, the Marquis mentioned a ‘perfect excuse,’ but where in the world does such a thing exist? A rebellion is ultimately an act of staking the lives of the dynasty and the ruling class. It makes no sense to start a rebellion just to gauge the Empire’s strength.”
“In other words, since their necks are on the line, they won't hesitate to use any means necessary? You are far too pessimistic.”
“And you, Marquis, remain far too optimistic. Are you not basing everything on the premise that the situation is favorable to the Empire?”
“And you are basing everything on the premise that things will go poorly.”
“I was taught that one must always keep the worst-case scenario in mind.”
“There is a difference between preparing for contingencies and being too paralyzed by fear to move forward.”
“Enough, enough, enough!”
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The First Prince slammed his hand hard against the armrest of his chair. Once the room fell silent, he glared back and forth between Lucian and the Marquis.
“I told you to decide on a policy, not to fight. Do not forget that I am sitting right in front of you.”
“My apologies.”
“Please forgive us.”
Lucian and the Marquis bowed their heads toward the First Prince simultaneously. The First Prince accepted the apology calmly but shot one more glare at Lucian.
“And you, watch your words. The Empire is not that weak.”
“I apologize if my words were offensive. However, as war is a matter of national importance, I cannot help but assume the worst.”
“Oh, is that so? What impressive loyalty.”
The First Prince threw a sarcastic remark at Lucian, who refused to back down easily. But when Lucian didn't even flinch, the Prince clicked his tongue and looked around.
“It seems two policies have emerged. Marquis Bernhardt’s quick decisive battle, and Lord Lucian’s... safety first. Which do you all think is better?”
“....”
At the First Prince’s question, the lords remained silent, glancing between the Marquis and Lucian. However, the silence was brief. Before long, a wave of unanimous opinions poured out.
“I believe the Marquis’s opinion carries more weight.”
“Lord Lucian’s thoughts are valid, but his lack of experience is....”
“It won't be too late to change our policy after they actually break the Grand Accord.”
As the support poured in for him, Marquis Bernhardt looked at Lucian with a triumphant expression. The First Prince also tilted his head, as if asking what Lucian would do now.
“It seems the Marquis’s opinion has more support.”
“I am merely offering advice as a subject. The decision rests with you, Your Highness.”
“Then we shall follow the majority and adopt the policy of a quick decisive battle.”
“If that is your will, Your Highness.”
When Lucian accepted the decision calmly, the First Prince grinned and shouted.
“The policy is set! Let us march quickly to the capital of Krepelt and show those bastards the power of the Empire!”
Lucian let out a sigh as he headed toward his tent after the council ended. He had hoped at least a few people would listen seriously, but to think there wasn't a single one.
“Pathetic.”
“Please do not be too discouraged.”
At Lucian’s sigh, Raymond approached and offered words of comfort. Although he couldn't participate in the council, Raymond had heard everything from his post near the tent as an escort.
“The strategy you proposed was logical, but it was too radical for the others to accept. It’s only natural they were drawn to the orthodox approach presented by the Marquis.”
“What nonsense are you talking about? Orthodox? What orthodox approach?”
“The quick decisive battle. Isn't it common sense that the sooner a war ends, the better?”
Lucian blinked at Raymond’s words, then let out a short laugh. He then began to explain calmly, as if teaching a child.
“Do you know who is footing the bill for this suppression?”
“Isn't it Marquis Bernhardt? I heard he was saddled with the costs because of the trouble involving you.”
“Then who saves the most money the faster the war ends?”
“...!”
Raymond’s eyes widened at Lucian’s point. He thought the Marquis was speaking of military doctrine, but it turned out to be a method proposed simply to save his own gold?
“Then what was the intention behind his talk of showing mercy and the Empire’s magnanimity?”
“If the royal family of Krepelt disappears, chaos will follow. Even if there isn't a full-scale war, the period where the army cannot be disbanded due to maintaining public order would be prolonged. The Marquis would have to pay that much more.”
“And the reason the other lords supported the Marquis’s opinion was....”
“A mere third son who isn't even an heir, versus the established head of a Great House. If the two clash, whose side would people usually take? Unless one house is overwhelmingly powerful, they’ll usually side with the latter.”
Raymond stared blankly at Lucian. He had thought Lucian, attending a council for the first time, had failed to read the room and was overwhelmed by the atmosphere. But looking back, it was Raymond himself who had failed to read the underlying currents.
“In truth, regardless of the Marquis’s ulterior motives, it was a policy the First Prince liked above all else. Ending a war quickly is the best way to prove a commander’s competence. He likely wanted to use this chance to boost his reputation.”
“Then... was the policy itself decided purely for political reasons?”
“Well, I suppose my opinion sounded absurd to them. From the lords’ perspective, the Marquis’s policy felt much more realistic.”
He understood. The Grand Accord had been observed for hundreds of years. The very idea of it being broken now probably wouldn't even cross their minds.
‘But the problem is that the Grand Accord really will be broken in this war.’
In his past life, the rebellion of Krepelt was famous enough that no one was ignorant of it. It wasn't because Krepelt managed to win against the Empire, nor because they were later scorched to the ground by an enraged Empire. It was because they were the first to thoroughly discard the Grand Accord, which had been regarded as an inviolable covenant until then.
If anyone asked where the age of chaos began, everyone would point to the rebellion of Krepelt.
‘As a result, a few years from now, anyone who still observes the Grand Accord will be considered a fool.’
A bitter smile touched Lucian’s lips. In a way, this was the starting point for all the tragedies that would unfold in the future.
Initially, since he was already here, he had intended to minimize the Allied Forces’ casualties as much as possible. But since they had adopted the Marquis’s policy, there would be no opportunity for Lucian to step forward. At most, he would only be able to look after the safety of the troops he had brought.
“Well, it can't be helped.”
He had given them enough of a chance. Since they had kicked away the opportunity before them due to their own greed, they would have to pay the price.
Above all, Lucian had nothing to lose from this. An opinion that others cannot understand is perfect for being labeled a crank, but the moment that opinion is proven right, one becomes a prophet rather than a crank.
‘I wonder what kind of expressions they’ll make when things turn out exactly as I said.’
Lucian turned back to look at the tent where the council had just been held, a cold smile playing on his lips.