Conquest (4)
As winter approached, the legion bases along the frontier grew quiet. Travel between the forts connected to the main base and the independent units became difficult.
Commanders let the soldiers rest in their barracks if the barbarians weren't stirring. Training all but ceased, making it hard to even hear voices.
But this winter was different.
Thud thud thud.
Legionnaires marched in step after step into the garrison. They were troops gathered from legions across the region for the "Great Barbarian Subjugation" we planned to launch this winter. The city square was packed with eagle standards and unit banners from every corner of the empire.
Beyond the city walls, countless barbarians in fur garments had assembled.
Most were soldiers sent by the empire's allied tribes, bearing our eagle standards as a mark of their loyalty to the empire.
I stood on the city watchtower, gazing down at this vast host.
"Impressive, isn't it? So this is our empire's might."
"That's right. Our army."
I placed a hand on the palisade.
"The force gathered here numbers thirty thousand, right?"
"About that, yeah."
"Remarkable."
"By the way, have we sent envoys to the northern barbarians?"
Rubiot rubbed his nose at my question.
"We did. But with all the snow, contact's a bit delayed."
I nodded.
"I'd prefer a quick response from them if possible. Assembling forces like this weakens our defensive line on its own."
Rubiot gave a wry smile.
"Sir, the Thunder Tribe's troops have arrived."
I turned at Rikius's report.
'I see.'
Far off, a column of soldiers followed Brikin. I'd kept him in Bellgorod due to the risks he posed, but for this campaign, I'd specially dispatched him as a blocking force to bring his tribe.
With Brikin's army added, there wasn't even space to pitch tents around the city. I figured it was time to meet the commanders and descended from the watchtower.
"Rikius, go tell His Majesty it's time to meet the commanders."
"Yes, sir."
Rikius bowed his head.
While Rikius fetched the emperor, I shook hands with the legion officers. Boruman, Bofiadus, Riti—faces I hadn't seen in ages approached one by one to greet me.
I clasped hands with them, clapped shoulders, and shared laughs.
As we talked at length, Rikius returned with a troubled look.
"Where's His Majesty?"
I asked, puzzled.
"His Majesty says the fatigue from the journey hasn't worn off and wishes to rest longer in his chambers."
"What kind of nonsense is that? The legion commanders and barbarian chiefs are all here to see him. Go back and tell him again. If his slaves block the way, shove them aside. Bring him by force if you must."
"Yes, sir."
Rikius replied briskly.
I sighed, realizing the young emperor didn't grasp the legions' importance. If asked for the emperors' strongest political foundation, it was the legions sworn to their loyalty and the empire's vast lands.
The latter had shrunk dramatically after the Deirisia War, making the legions even more crucial. Without their support, holding the throne was impossible now.
And yet, playing sick with all these generals present.
I decided to drag him out, even if it bruised his feelings. The boy needed to learn that duties came before everything when the time called for it.
As I thought that, Rikius returned—but still no emperor. Irritated, I demanded,
"Where's His Majesty?"
"Well..."
"Rikius! Out with it. Why couldn't you bring him?"
Rikius glanced around, then whispered close,
"I dismissed his slaves and reached the bedroom door. But it seems His Majesty is... with a woman. I couldn't bring myself to open it."
I rubbed my forehead.
"Understood. I'll go myself. Rubiot!"
"Yes, sir."
Rubiot stood on ceremony, given the formal setting.
"You greet the barbarian commanders in my stead. I'll fetch His Majesty shortly."
"Got it."
I unbuckled my scabbard and handed it to Rikius, then strode toward the governor's residence.
The governor's residence was unusually well-equipped for a legion base, with a private dining hall, bedroom, and even a bathhouse. The only drawback was no separate hot and cold water, but it was still luxurious.
As I entered the residence corridor, the emperor's attendants greeted me awkwardly.
"S-Sir."
"Is His Majesty inside?"
"Th-That's... not convenient right now."
I recalled a similar incident recently. Not again.
I shoved past the attendants and marched to the emperor's bedroom.
"Your Majesty! Praetorian Prefect Ain reporting!"
"G-General?"
A panicked voice came from within.
I took a deep breath and addressed the room.
"The legion commanders and barbarian chieftains are waiting outside to pay their respects."
"C-Couldn't we meet tomorrow?"
"Your Majesty, these men toil on the frontier to safeguard your throne. Keeping them waiting erodes their support. Who will protect you in a crisis? They will."
"......"
The emperor fell silent.
Then came a faint moan from the bedroom.
I recognized the sound all too well.
'So that's it.'
I bit my lip.
It made sense why the attendants tried to bar even the door. With a normal woman, they wouldn't have gone that far.
"Your Majesty."
I called out, pretending ignorance.
A young emperor tumbling with his sister in the barracks.
If confirmed by the troops, reverence and loyalty would vanish without a trace.
Who would truly serve a monarch reduced to jokes and mockery?
To prevent that, I had to pull him out now.
Moments later, the emperor emerged, clothes haphazardly thrown on.
The instant he appeared, I said sternly,
"Your Majesty, be honest with me."
"Wh-What about?"
"What is your relationship with Princess Euresia?"
"Wh-What relationship with my sister? What are you implying, General?"
"Then may I inspect your bed?"
"Th-That's insolent."
I had no intention of cornering him.
I placed a fist over my heart.
"Of course, I have no thought of such irreverence. But remember one thing, Your Majesty. The frontier troops and imperial citizens don't see you as merely human. They expect perfection, a god in every way.
Any flaw, and they lose awe, questioning why they should pledge loyalty. That's no good for the empire—or you."
"Can't an emperor do as he pleases?"
"No. That's why the throne is heavy and sacred. I don't expect you to match past wise rulers' perfection—you're young, inexperienced. But avoid needless acts that cost the legions' loyalty."
The emperor bit his lip.
"Can you promise?"
He hesitated.
Then Princess Euresia emerged from the bedroom, impeccably dressed as if nothing had happened.
"Why raise your voice to His Majesty?"
"It concerns you too, Princess. Excessive closeness invites ugly rumors. I'm urging caution."
"Interfering in His Majesty's private life?"
"My duty as Praetorian Prefect."
"Overstepping, General. His Majesty decides for himself."
She was right, of course.
A Praetorian Prefect meddling in private affairs bordered on overreach. But ignoring inevitable disaster clashed with my nature.
"Your Majesty. Your answer?"
"Fine."
"Your Majesty?"
Euresia widened her eyes.
"I promise."
The emperor grumbled reluctantly.
I knelt on one knee at his word.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Sister, withdraw. I must meet the commanders with the general."
Euresia clutched her skirt briefly, then spun away.
I rose and walked beside the emperor.
Upon reaching the parade ground, the legion standard-bearers knelt as one.
"To the merciful, just, and dignified sovereign of the empire, master of the golden eagle to whom the legions pledge loyalty, first among free citizens— the legions offer homage to His Majesty the Emperor!"
As the standard-bearers knelt, legionnaires dropped to their knees, gripping shields and weapons.
"Glory to His Majesty's reign! We behold the dignified leader of the empire!"
Following the troops' cheers, the legion commanders saluted with arms across chests.
The emperor received their homage awkwardly. A boy who hated attention—it was natural.
Still, he raised a hand in response.
As he acknowledged them, I stepped forward and called,
"Rise, all of you."
The legionnaires lightly struck shields and stood. The emperor took his seat.
Soon after the legions paid respects, the barbarian commanders entered and prostrated before the emperor. Mostly auxiliary leaders, but many were chieftains whose tribes had provided troops.
"Brikin of the Thunder Tribe greets His Majesty the Emperor."
The barbarian commanders touched foreheads to the ground.
After accepting their obeisance, the emperor asked me,
"Why are they here? I came to encourage the troops, not meet barbarians."
"Since Your Majesty is here, we summoned the empire's allied barbarians to subjugate the northern threats."
"Subjugate northern threats? In this freezing winter?"
He looked incredulous.
"That's the plan."
"But the empire lacks funds to pay all these barbarians."
Even the boy knew that much.
"No need to worry. We'll grant them land within imperial borders."
"Giving land to barbarians? Too risky, no?"
Of course it was. If they rebelled inside our territory, isolated legions could be annihilated. Purely militarily, better not to.
But crushing fiscal deficits left no choice. Without tax hikes, we couldn't satisfy them with coin. So land it was.
"Fear not. Succeed in the subjugation, and none will dare rebel."
I declared firmly.
And it was true.
Once we crushed Sartia and Goti as examples, barbarians wouldn't cross our borders lightly for years.
Seeing nomads many times their strength destroyed would deter any foolhardy raids.
They'd stir again if shortages worsened or they sensed weakness, but we'd have years of peace. That was my goal for this war.
In that respite, rebuild weakened legions, amass funds for the Ersia campaign—the empire could dream of tomorrow.
I watched the kneeling barbarians from before the emperor, envisioning a pacified north.
(To be continued)