Chapter 15
Chapter 15
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 15
Chapter Title: Pride Over Taxes
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"Everyone, listen carefully to what I have to say."
After parting ways with Kael, the Princess immediately held a secret meeting with key figures from the Hawk Faction.
"The Dove Faction is making their move. Specifically, they're trying to sway the hearts of the Imperial citizens."
"Is that even possible, Your Highness? Especially right after our victory against the Norobogord Demon Alliance of all things."
"That's exactly what they're aiming for. It wasn't just a win—we achieved it without massive losses. Now they'll argue, 'Why not keep taxes low and still pull this off?' They're definitely going to push that line."
It felt a bit embarrassing to repeat word-for-word what she'd heard just moments ago.
But it was fine. Listening closely to a strategist was a skill in itself, wasn't it?
Following the advice of someone wiser than herself was the right thing to do.
"If that's the case, as Your Highness suggests, this could be quite troublesome."
"Bringing up taxes will shake not just the citizens, but the Neutral Faction too."
"It's unfortunate, but military budgets do eat up a lot—that much is true."
Right. She acknowledged that. It was why even she had wavered.
They weren't mad for war. They weren't warmongers.
War was simply the surest way to solidify their foundation.
Once they built an unshakable Imperial order, she'd gladly accept the Doves' views.
But not until then. Not until every neighboring nation bowed in submission.
"If they're using taxes to sway the citizens, then we'll do the exact same."
"We'll heed your wise insight, Your Highness."
Wise insight, huh? If it was wise, then it was wise. Even she thought so.
With a smile, the Princess unpacked the bag of tricks the strategist had given her.
*
A few days later, the two factions clashed fiercely once more in the Imperial Parliament.
A victory over Norobogord was a victory, but parliamentary matters were a separate beast.
"It's time we set aside swords and spears for other weapons. Haven't we proven it ourselves? Slaughter isn't the only path to success!"
"Hahaha! Anyone hearing that might think we're the mad warmongers here. And that 'proof' you keep touting? It only worked because of the unique conditions on the battlefield! Know what you're talking about before you spout off!"
"Your words are too harsh. Keep this up, and we'll have to dive into budget discussions for real!"
"Ha! Diplomacy and talks with those who test our patience every time? What exactly do you plan to offer them—and how much?!"
This place was no different from Norobogord in intensity. Save for a few details, it was much the same.
They checked the opposing political faction, hammered at them, and bit without mercy when a weakness showed.
The victory kept things from getting as razor-sharp as the battlefield, though. That was something.
"Go ask the citizens right now. Who wouldn't protest higher taxes? Especially if it's for conflicts we don't even need to start!"
"Higher taxes? Sounds like you're implying it'll double or something. It's barely a 3 percent bump from last year..."
"Barely? A 3 percent increase is huge! See? You war hawks clearly don't care about the Empire's economy!"
"You're the ones ignoring the outside world! Neighboring nations are still eyeing us like hawks! That's why you idiots think talk beats strength!"
The Doves relentlessly attacked the Hawks over tax issues.
They were absolutely certain the citizens would back their stance.
Such news reached Kael as well, on his way back to the family estate via the Princess's channels.
'As expected. Nothing scares a nation more than the budget.'
Budget hikes inevitably meant tax increases.
Even that very day, people buzzed with hopes of military tax cuts.
The Doves had clearly seeded those rumors by quietly deploying agents.
No matter how noble, even aristocrats had to watch the eyes of the Imperial citizens.
How many nations had toppled that way? History lessons weren't for nothing.
At this rate, the Hawks would squirm even more under the warmonger label.
But the next day, public opinion flipped in an instant, like a miracle.
It was all thanks to the Princess's plan (technically Kael's, but still).
"Is it true our Empire plans to bow first and extend a hand?!"
"What nonsense is this? Sounds like we've suffered some massive defeat!"
"We beat those brutish demons of Norobogord—what more do we need?!"
This wasn't baseless bravado. The Empire had been victorious time and again.
Could they have held this vast territory after even a single defeat?
And that was thanks to a wise Emperor, dutiful nobles, hardworking commanders...
...and soldiers like these, who fulfilled their duty to the last man.
So to tell such heroes now that the Empire should yield a bit?
That they needed to step back to open talks?
"Lower taxes? Sure, sounds nice! But we won't trade our pride for a single silver coin!"
"If they want dialogue, let them bow first! Why should we?!"
The Empire ran primarily on a volunteer military. But conscription kicked in when needed.
That meant far more citizens had served than one might think.
And every one of them was a hero, returning triumphant as victors.
So if you made those people choose between a single silver coin and the Empire's pride?
Could they pick the coin without a second thought?
Kael's answer was a resounding 'no.'
'Sure, it might sound like we're belittling war or being warmongers at first glance.'
Look weak, and it's over. Everything boiled down to momentum. Half the battle was won there.
Why did neighbors quiet down whenever the Empire moved troops to the border?
They knew the Empire would strike for real. They never forgot the fear.
'The Prince's ideals make sense for the future. They do. But they mean nothing if the Empire's the only one following them. We need intel on the neighbors' internals first. The Hawks clearly hold the edge there.'
With that thought, Kael quietly gazed out the window.
A peaceful isekai life seemed long gone by now.
*
"Alexei. How do I look?"
"Splendid, young master."
"Right? Hmm. This should keep the nagging at bay."
"Well... Honestly, if it were Miss Kaya, I think she'd nag no matter how dashing you look."
Ouch, damn it. Don't kill me with facts like that.
At times like this, just say something vague like 'Probably!' and give me a pep talk.
Bertier Imperial County. We'd arrived in Clauvitz family territory.
But instead of heading straight to the castle, I paused for a moment.
Then I dolled myself up with all sorts of accessories I'd bought in the capital.
"Oppa! You need to dress up more! What's with this every time? What will other girls think?!"
"No, Kaya. I'm just patrolling the territory briefly—what's the big deal..."
"No way! Oppa has to always look cool!"
You know what's unfair? I got so fed up with the nagging that I started dressing sharp.
And boom—another wave of Kaya nagging hits like a tsunami.
"What's this?!"
"Why are you mad again?!"
"You're too cool! Everyone will stare at you if you go out like this! I hate it!"
"What do you want me to do?!"
Too much? Problem. Too little? Problem. She came at me like she wanted to devour me.
I glanced at Father for backup, but he just sighed heavily.
Mother beamed about how close we siblings were. I thought I was going insane.
After that, I found the sweet spot—the level of polish Kaya could tolerate.
'Not too flashy, not too plain. Somewhere in that Goldilocks zone.'
A huge hassle, but what could I do? It was for our Kaya.
She wanted her big bro to look cool, yet got jealous at the thought of him stealing the spotlight.
I decided to cut her some slack.
Once she grew up a bit more, dated someone—poof, indifference.
"Young master."
"Yeah? All done?"
"Just got word. You entered the territory a bit ago—why aren't you here yet...?"
"Kaya said that?"
*nod nod*
A bit ago? Kaya, little sis. Twenty minutes isn't 'a bit ago'...
I'm only doing this because you nagged me into it—can't you wait even that long...!
"Let's hurry."
I quickly wrapped up and headed for the main castle.
The bumpy carriage gradually slowed.
A brief commotion outside, and then—
—thud!
"Whoa!"
Not waiting in the hall or garden. Not even at the gate.
The second the carriage rolled in, she flung the door wide and tackled me with open arms.
"Kael oppa!"
"Hey, Kaya."
"Oppaaaa!!"
Oh man, my little sister. But you're not a kid anymore, you know?
Hugging me this hard is gonna suffocate your big bro...!