Chapter 62
Chapter 62
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 62
Chapter Title: Fact-Bombed the Emperor (2)
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There was one tradition in Europe.
When one guy seemed to be doing exceptionally well, everyone else would roll up their sleeves and stomp him down together. A fine custom indeed.
Thanks to that, Europe figured that even if they fought and succeeded on their home continent, they'd just get crushed as a group.
That's why they threw themselves into colonizing overseas.
And the Empire's current situation was exactly that.
Having grown too strong, it had become a massive threat to the surrounding nations.
"Major Schumacher, your statement has two problems right now. Allow me to point them out personally."
The Emperor held up two fingers.
"First, according to the reports from the Empire's civil officials, the Empire is currently enjoying unprecedented prosperity in history. Tax revenue alone reaches a staggering 2 trillion marks, and we possess over 400,000 elite soldiers. Plus, we have the continent's most capable officers."
And that's the problem.
Because the Empire was doing too damn well, it was actually in danger.
Think about how the neighboring countries must view us.
With their own nations and rice bowls at risk of vanishing overnight, what if they band together and joyfully gang up on us?
"Second, you dared to utter that absurd notion of the Empire possibly falling before me. Even if you're a Golden Eagle Medal recipient..."
At the Emperor's gesture, several spears were aimed toward where I sat.
"Just because your mouth works doesn't mean you can spout off whatever you please, Major."
You've probably heard that bitter medicine is good for you.
This was advice wrapped in admonition.
It might twist your insides just hearing it, but if you listen and follow it, it's good advice.
Like adults nagging you to diet or study more.
Do it anyway, and it'll generally help your life a lot.
But hear it at a drinking party, and your stomach flips; get it from relatives during holidays, and you're in a foul mood all day.
Still, as an Imperial officer, I had to say what needed saying.
'Even if it means death.'
"Does Your Majesty know how villagers deal with a tiger, lion, or bear appearing in their midst?"
"Out of nowhere, hunting talk. I don't know what you're getting at. But fine, I'll answer. The village men would grab their farm tools and chase it off. Might even kill it."
The Emperor answered nonchalantly.
Then shrugged his shoulders.
But soon after, the Emperor's face paled.
He even covered his mouth with one hand.
"Your Majesty, are you suddenly feeling unwell?"
"No, Grand Chamberlain. My body is perfectly fine. I was just a bit startled."
A simple metaphor, and he seemed to grasp my point immediately.
Like viewing the world through one eye, only for the other to suddenly clear up.
The Empire was enjoying greater prosperity internally than ever before.
"Your Majesty, the Empire is no different from that hunted lion, tiger, or bear right now. No matter how strong a lion is, it can't stand against soldiers with guns. If the encirclement by neighboring nations continues in this state, the Empire could fall someday."
"......My stomach's upset. Very upset."
"My apologies."
"But not a word you've said is wrong. As you pointed out, the Empire is in an unprecedented crisis."
The Emperor requested a cigar.
"Mind if I smoke one? If you like cigars, join me."
"Smoke as Your Majesty wishes. I'll pass, though."
"What a stuffy fellow. By age, you're the same as Alexei."
The Emperor lit the cigar and began washing it down with strong liquor.
His insides must feel terribly unsettled.
He thought the Empire was at its peak prosperity, only to learn it's teetering on the brink of collapse at any moment.
No one would feel good about that.
"Do you have countermeasures? If you've diagnosed the illness in my Empire, you must have treatments too, right?"
"Two measures."
"Make the Empire so strong no other nation dares challenge it, and sow discord so they can't unite. Execute those two thoroughly."
The tactics I described traced back through history to the Qin Dynasty.
Over 2,000 years ago, if you went that far back...
Refined diplomacy based on that was still in use in the modern era, thousands of years later.
"I'd love to hear how to make the Empire stronger than others, but tell me more about sowing discord first."
"Soldiers with guns are strong because dozens move as one body, wielding spears that pierce the enemy with a single thrust."
That's what they taught in military academy strategy and tactics classes.
Fight as if the musket is a spear with a 50-meter reach.
And that's not wrong.
The origins of line infantry tactics go back to Roman legionaries, after all.
"The Empire is cornered now because the surrounding nations are moving as a single mass to pressure us."
"You're right, Major."
"Then, breaking that alliance would open a path to survival for the Empire, wouldn't it?"
"Shatter the alliance those bastards formed to corner the Empire..."
A smile crept across the Emperor's face.
If proper discord could save the Empire from crisis, how fortunate that would be.
"They don't fully trust each other. Promise massive gains that turn their heads, persuade them to betray... and you can make them defect at the most critical moment."
"Before power and money, even parents and siblings mean nothing. I've seen all sorts climbing to this seat."
I didn't know the details, but I could guess.
Someone sent poison promising a one-way ticket to the Lord's side.
Or some uncle charged at him with a dagger while he walked. Things like that, plenty.
"Specifically, who should we drive a wedge between?"
"Sow discord between the Marco Kingdom and the Dolce Republic."
"Why them?"
"The Monaco region is something the Marco Kingdom has eyed for 200 years. But they've never recaptured it."
Give a person a few billion—no, tens of millions—and they'll ditch even their best friend.
Not everyone, sure.
But politicians? Gladly, and then some.
Climbing high means their character is that rotten.
Even in big corps or mid-sized firms, the moment the chairman dies, the family sues each other silly.
Dangle the Monaco region as bait for Marco Kingdom...
'100% they'll listen to us.'
"We must make them distrust each other like this. Then the Empire crushes them one by one."
Tough studies become doable if tackled step by step.
High school math hard?
Check where you're lost, start from addition and subtraction, keep going...
You can pull decent grades.
Disbanding the alliance? Do it methodically, slowly—plenty of chance for victory.
"Then, what about making the Empire stronger?"
"Educate the populace through the military."
"Educate...? Bestow knowledge on the lowly commoners?"
Why were elementary schools created?
Not for human rights, that's for sure.
Conscripted soldiers had heads too empty to even function as troops...
So the state force-fed them education from childhood.
And drilled hierarchy into them thoroughly while at it.
"No need for anything difficult. Teach reading and writing, basic arithmetic."
"That much, we can manage."
"And most importantly, morality."
"Morality—as in, the duties one should have as a person?"
These days, holistic education is trendy, cultivating proper character through schooling.
It's always been that way, really...
But true education's purpose wasn't to raise morally upright people from the start.
It began to label undesired types as human trash.
"Teach them young not to kill, not to hit, not to evade taxes. It sticks deep in their heads. And loyalty to the Empire, too."
"Teach soldiers that..."
"They're over 20, but know little, so whatever non-coms and officers teach, they'll take as absolute truth."
Loyalty to the state is forged through education.
"Furthermore, isn't it common now for non-commissioned officers in the Empire to come from fairly wealthy families, even if not nobility?"
"Yes."
"Raise the proportion of enlisted soldiers becoming NCOs from under 10% to 80%. Tell them hard work in the military can change their fate. The Imperial Army's combat power will soar."
The Emperor grinned at my words.
"Approved. Your plan appeals greatly, but look at the time. Submit the rest as a report. I'll discuss with the ministers and implement it actively."