Chapter 468: Democracy(1)
Chapter 468: Democracy(1)
I said I’d become a writing machine, but I’m still a human being who needs rest. I can’t spend every waking hour doing nothing but writing.
I pushed myself for the first three volumes of Blood and Iron because the readers' reactions were so satisfying, but from Volume 4 onwards, I have a lot to think about.
In Volume 4, the United States—which could be called the epitome of democracy—is set to make its appearance.
To be precise, they’ll show up toward the end. Until then, I plan to give a rough explanation of what democracy is through Hitler’s desperate antics.
The Nazi Party’s rise to the second-largest party was due to the Great Depression, so it fits the progression. As the Great Depression hits, I’ll shift the focus toward America.
Oh, and of course, I haven't forgotten to shine a light on Hitler’s eternal rival, Stalin. Since it’s before the Great Depression, he hasn't become the General Secretary yet, but I plan to show him briefly.
Also, the 'Great Purge' happens after Hitler takes power, so it’s not needed right now. What’s important for now is Hitler’s frantic struggle before the Great Depression—in other words, the 'election.'
Elections are the most basic and core element of democracy. It’s a part that can never be omitted when explaining the concept.
However, the concept of an 'election' doesn't exist in this world. Kings rule nations, and nobles represent the face of their territories.
Above all, an election is a contest of pure political skill, regardless of rank or status, so it’s highly likely to be difficult for people here to accept.
"An election?"
"Yeah. It’s the core of democracy I mentioned last time."
"Where monarchs lay down their power—not just their authority—and commoners can participate in politics?"
That’s why it’s better to consult with someone involved. And that person just happens to be the Imperial Princess.
Lina, who had accepted my invitation, tilted her head after hearing my explanation. Seeing a beauty with such sharp eyes react like that felt quite refreshing.
I nodded at her words while glancing to my side. Mari was sitting there as well to offer her opinion.
Squeeze, squeeze.
Perhaps it was because Lina was right in front of us, but was she feeling playful? Mari was currently teasing me by fiddling with my thigh.
Since this was happening under the desk, Lina naturally hadn't noticed a thing.
I wanted to tell her to stop, but given the situation, I couldn't.
I’ll just have to settle for holding her hand quietly. Usually, if I do that, she stays still and just holds my hand for a while.
"Well... I’m not so sure."
While I was dealing with Mari’s mischief, Lina spoke up, sounding uncertain. She had a contemplative expression, resting her index finger on her chin.
If even Lina was reacting this way, it meant the concept was truly ambiguous to them.
When I explained the constitutional monarchy last time, she just accepted it, but now she was neither agreeing nor disagreeing.
"You're not sure?"
"Yeah. Just hearing about it, it sounds like the commoners' sphere of activity would increase, so it’s not bad. But is there a need to introduce it in our current situation? Things are a bit unsettled because of the demon worshippers, but we’re handling it."
"Is that so? Then Mari, what do you think?"
"I agree with Lina. For now, I can't help but think, 'Why bother?'"
Both Lina and Mari had similar reactions to my explanation. Regarding the idea of implementing elections—and by extension, democracy—their response was essentially: Is it necessary?
Actually, I agreed with them. Up until World War I, most of Europe followed some form of monarchy.
However, Britain was the first to start democracy by introducing a parliamentary system, and the United States began electing presidents after the Revolutionary War.
In other words, to 'forcibly' end a monarchy, something on the scale of World War I or the French Revolution would have to happen.
Short of that, the only way is for the monarch to voluntarily surrender power like in Britain. Neither of those scenarios applied to the Minerva Empire.
I thought so too. I had only gathered them because I wanted to hear their thoughts.
"Right? I suppose if the political situation is peaceful, no one would seek change."
"Exactly. And even if a monarch wanted to lay down their power, it wouldn't be easy to do so at will."
"Huh?"
Just as I was thinking I should just go ahead and write it, Lina said something unexpected. A monarch can't lay down power even if they want to? What did that mean?
Lina took an elegant sip of the tea Adelia had prepared and then set it down quietly.
She looked into my eyes and continued her explanation in her characteristically mature tone.
"As you know, it’s true that a nation's monarch holds overwhelming power. However, that doesn't mean the nobles' power is insignificant. In other words, even if the monarch lays down their power, the nobles are likely to protest. It would look strange if the Emperor himself gave up his power while they refused to give up theirs."
"Hmm. I see what you mean."
The explanation made sense immediately, and I found myself nodding. Come to think of it, France during World War I followed a similar path.
Because it was an era of romanticism and noblesse oblige, the nobility all enlisted as officers.
Then they tasted the horrific hell of trench warfare, and the vast majority never returned. Even those who did were broken in body or mind.
In short, the aristocratic system was completely severed because there were almost no heirs left to carry on the titles.
Even during the French Revolution, they only stripped the King and nobles of their privileges; the system itself remained. If it hadn't, Napoleon would never have been born.
"I’m currently working on stripping the nobles of their power, but as for elections... I can't help but be skeptical. Still, if Imperial Father heard about this, he might be interested."
"He’d be interested? His Majesty the Emperor?"
"Why would he be? His imperial authority should be at its peak right now, shouldn't it?"
Not just me, but Mari was also surprised and had to ask. Emperor Berit might look benevolent on the outside, but he was still the Emperor of the Empire.
I had felt that atmosphere clearly when I visited the Imperial Palace. Moreover, wasn't he ruling well even during this turbulent time with the demon worshippers?
I couldn't understand why such a man would want to lay down his power.
Lina shrugged and gave a reason that made perfect sense.
"You two. Do you know what it means to have strong authority?"
"That you have a lot of power?"
"That’s true, but it also means you have an excessive amount of work. From administration to sensitive military matters. Things that the nobles should be able to handle, Imperial Father has to resolve himself."
It was overtime and overwork. I nodded at the logical answer.
Even with a reliable business partner like the House of Rekilis helping him, it was extremely difficult to rule such a vast territory alone.
If he were to dispatch lords to each region like in feudalism, it would result in the side effect of weakening the throne.
Especially in chaotic times like now with the demon worshippers, a rebellion could break out if he wasn't careful.
Fortunately, no rebellion had occurred; instead, feudalism had weakened further. The fact that Emperor Berit’s power grew as a result was just a bonus.
"Our Empire’s territory is wide—too wide. Moreover, if we completely drive out the barbarians in the northern region, it will get even wider. Imperial Father is doing well, but he feels the need for a 'Council' like the one in the Ters Kingdom."
"Come to think of it, wasn't the cause of death for most past Emperors overwork?"
I had read that in a book. The Minerva Empire had been established for 300 years, and in that time, there had been 15 Emperors.
In other words, each one ruled for about 20 years. If this were my previous life, that would be a decent reign.
But humans in this world have long lifespans thanks to the existence of mana. It’s only long compared to the era, but even considering that, the reigns were very short.
And most of them died from 'overwork.' Occasionally, someone blinded by power appeared, but even that Emperor collapsed from exhaustion.
For some reason, even the tyrants worked hard. It was quite strange.
Also, it was a miracle the country didn't fall apart despite the Emperor changing every 15 years. I knew the House of Rekilis had stepped in as regents each time.
"Right. My Imperial Grandfather also collapsed from overwork, which led to a struggle for the succession. Perhaps because of that, Imperial Father wasn't very interested in the heavy workload at first. Not until the Jayros Revolution broke out, anyway."
"...I guess he can't just not work."
"Well, even without a revolution, the past Emperors struggled to live past sixty because of the workload. It’s the same in other countries. Isn't that just what the position of a monarch is?"
That was true. Even outside the Minerva Empire, the world was full of monarchs who died young from the burden of their duties.
With great power comes great responsibility. This was both the greatest advantage and disadvantage of a monarchy.
Democracy and elections took the greatest power—authority—away from those monarchs, but they also took away the responsibility.
'Is that why Queen Elizabeth lived to be nearly a hundred?'
Of course, I was just half-joking. Still, he must be suffering from a terrifying workload proportional to the vastness of the land.
"So, he plans to gradually shed his authority to some extent. That’s exactly what I’m working on right now."
"I’ve been curious for a while, but what exactly are you doing?"
"It’s simple. I’m separating the 'Law' from the nobility."
Lina’s explanation was as follows: when a commoner committed a crime, the trial was usually handled by the local lord.
There were witnesses and observers, but no prosecutors or defense attorneys. It meant the person on trial had to defend themselves alone.
Just looking at this, one could easily predict what would happen. I myself had been dragged to trial after slapping Hiriya, hadn't I?
Someone had helped me then, but it hadn't been very effective. If I hadn't been Xenon, I would have been dragged to the gallows.
"I plan to organize the judiciary more systematically so that fair judgments can be made regardless of status. Of course, even with this, some people will find loopholes. But it will significantly reduce the power of the nobility. What do you think? Not bad, right?"
Lina asked for my opinion with a bright smile. It wasn't a fake smile, but one full of sincerity.
It was like a haughty cat sticking its head out, asking for a pat.
Since she thought of me as a blue robotic cat or a bag of tricks, she seemed to be seeking my input.
"It’s a pretty good attempt. We have something similar in my world."
"Really? That’s a relief. I was a bit scared you might think it was strange."
"As I’ve said many times, it’s uncertain whether the knowledge I have will work here."
Still, the project Lina mentioned had a high chance of being successfully established. The noble class was currently shaken, and the imperial authority was strong.
Anyway, it seemed like the part about democracy and elections would pass over smoothly. There was no need to change the system when everyone was living well.
Of course, as time passed, the Minerva Empire might be greatly shaken. But before that, it was highly likely that a parliamentary system would be introduced first.
Emperor Berit wasn't very interested in the throne, and even Leort didn't have much greed. It felt more like he was taking it because it was obvious he would receive it.
"Oh, by the way, Isaac. Did you know?"
"Know what?"
"Imperial Father is growing a mustache to copy Hitler’s? I guess he liked it for some reason."
"..."
I’m fucked.
That thought dominated my mind, but I could only laugh awkwardly. I wanted to hold back on spoilers as much as possible.
Of course, if I just kept laughing, she might find it strange. I asked another question to somehow erase the awkwardness.
"Um... Lina? As you know, Hitler is... well, he's impotent. Won't people get the wrong idea?"
"Despite that, it’s currently enjoying explosive popularity. And..."
Lina stared intently at my face before lowering her gaze. Even though it was hidden by the table, I could tell exactly where her eyes were headed.
As if to prove it, her pale face began to turn red. This woman was having lewd thoughts again.
"...It’s nothing."
"What do you mean, it’s nothing?"
Naturally, Mari wasn't one to miss that. Mari began to tease her in a sly tone, as if she’d caught onto something.
Lina picked up her teacup as if she had no intention of answering. And then Mari...
"Are you curious? I can show you once. Want to see?"
She countered with a sexual innuendo, attacking Lina. Normally, Lina should have crumbled by now, but...
"No. It’s fine. I don't need to see it."
For some reason, she handled it with total composure. Her reaction suggested that such attacks didn't bother her anymore.
Mari hadn't expected this at all and was momentarily flustered before clicking her tongue and backing off.
But she didn't back off completely. Mari glanced at Lina and spoke as if in passing.
"Why don't you need to see it? Did you perhaps sneak a peek already?"
"Pfft! Cough! Cough!"
Our Princess had a massive reaction to the passing comment. She had been in the middle of drinking her tea, so it sprayed all over her face as she coughed.
Mari and I watched Lina quietly. She continued to cough as if something had gone down the wrong pipe.
"Cough! Cough..."
"...Lina?"
"Cough! I didn't! I said I didn't see it! Cough!"
Sure. Right. I made a dubious face and then glanced at Mari.
She was looking at Lina with an 'as expected' expression.
"You're really not honest. From the old days until now."
"I said I didn't see it! Why won't you believe me?"
"Talk to me after you look at your face. Your mask has completely shattered, hasn't it?"
"Urgh...!"
Was this really a conversation between an Imperial Princess and the daughter of a Duke? I shook my head.
Anyway, Volume 4 of Blood and Iron, which contained a bit of an explanation of democracy, was released a week later.
[Volume 4 of Blood and Iron is here! What is the concept of an election?]
[Is it a necessary system, or a concept unique to that world?]
Critics also passed it over indifferently, expressing the opinion: Why bother? However, at that time, no one knew.
That 'elections' would be born not in the Minerva Empire, nor the Ters Kingdom, but in a completely different place.