Chapter 197
Chapter 197
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 197
Chapter Title: Major General Jaeger, Beloved by His Imperial Majesty (2)
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Reich Empire Imperial Palace, Grand Conference Hall.
The ministers gathered here spoke in unison as Emperor Ferdinand von Reich entered.
"We offer our heartfelt congratulations on His Highness the Crown Prince's great victory, Your Majesty."
The emperor knew their words were flattery, but he still felt pleased.
Until now, he had been considering whether it was time to hand over his throne to the crown prince and retire.
But his eldest son, Michael von Reich, who would become the empire's next emperor, lacked any definitive military achievements, making the emperor reluctant to step down.
This time, however, with a mere sacrifice of 10,000 men, they had seized a massive accomplishment by occupying the western regions of Ostrica equivalent to four duchies. This had solidly strengthened the crown prince's position, ensuring no issues even if an imperial election were held.
"Ahem, ahem. This is all thanks to the ministers' diligent support from the rear and the brave soldiers of the empire who risked their lives in battle. Therefore, in addition to the rewards for military merits, I intend to bestow commendations upon the ministers and administrators as well for this joyous occasion."
"All officials will rejoice at Your Majesty's merciful heart."
"Sharing good fortune doubles the joy. Now, let us proceed with the discussion of military rewards. First, speak of His Highness the Crown Prince's merits."
At those words, Marshal Banner, standing in for the Minister of Military Affairs, cautiously spoke up.
"As the supreme commander who led this war, His Highness the Crown Prince has secured territories in the western regions of the Ostrica Grand Duchy equivalent to four duchies. Moreover, through this great victory, we escaped the crisis of a united operation by the Chekovia, Ostrica, and Warsaw Grand Duchies, as pointed out by Major General Jaeger. The General Staff evaluates this war as having averted a future threat that could shake the empire while vastly expanding our territory."
When the marshal, leader of an army exceeding 500,000 men, spoke thus, the ministers voiced their agreement without any objection.
"Therefore, I, Lucas von Banner, marshal, petition that one duchy of Ostrica be granted to His Highness the Crown Prince as reward for his achievements."
On the Europan continent, there were principalities and grand duchies with populations exceeding ten million at minimum, but the duchies under the empire or other nations were somewhat weaker in power.
Even so, any territory bearing the name of duchy included at least 600,000 people and a major city as a commercial hub, boasting tremendous economic might.
And nobles holding the rank of duke gained influence sufficient to sway the empire's politics at their whim.
Thus, even for the crown prince, receiving a duchy during his time as such was exceedingly rare outside of extraordinary circumstances.
"Wouldn't it be better to compromise at a marquisate?"
"But according to the Foreign Ministry's view, without this battle, the empire might have faced an unprecedented crisis. Granting a duchy would be entirely appropriate."
"True, but... it's still a duchy. Even the smallest one is equivalent to four or five counties."
The emperor, curious about Marshal Banner's intentions, tried to read his face, but it remained utterly impassive.
As if he had no interest whatsoever, merely reading the General Staff's report verbatim with enthusiastic conviction.
'Under the premise that since I support the crown prince, advocating zealously for generous rewards to him poses no issue. He's signaling that neither he nor his son-in-law, Major General Jaeger, harbor any political ambitions.'
"I accept the General Staff's opinion. However, the duchy granted to the crown prince shall be the smallest among the four newly acquired ones: the Einzenstadt Duchy. The remaining three duchies will be divided into counties, viscountcies, and baronies, to be bestowed upon those who earned merits in this war, along with the soldiers and administrators who served alongside them, according to their achievements thus far. Now, speak next of the deputy commander's merits."
At those words, Marshal Banner fell silent, and instead, the imperial chancellor sighed as if in resignation.
"He planned this expedition of His Highness the Crown Prince in practical terms and made the greatest contribution to extricating the empire from danger by considering diplomatic interests as well. Additionally, analyses show that the new training, tactics, and supply systems he proposed have nearly doubled the Imperial Army's combat effectiveness compared to before. In this battle, the 7th Guard Division under his command performed the feats of three divisions single-handedly. Thus, several General Staff generals have petitioned for his promotion by one rank."
The emperor was surprised at how things had veered in an unexpected direction, while the ministers smacked their foreheads at the mere fact that a promotion to general was being requested for a man not yet thirty.
Even more absurd was the reality that they could hardly argue those generals' requests were excessive, stirring an urge to grab the rod for their own officer sons and grandsons.
"However, the Imperial Diet's view is that even Major General Jaeger's achievements thus far make promotion to general difficult. What is Your Majesty's judgment?"
It might seem odd for the noble assembly—gathering of titled aristocrats—to opine on military promotions.
But by the rank of general in the Imperial Army, one wielded influence equivalent to a minister across executive departments during their tenure.
Thus, promotions to general could not be dismissed as mere 'internal military affairs.' While generals below lieutenant general advanced via General Staff petitions reviewed by the Minister of Military Affairs and approved by the emperor,
for generals and marshals, the process was the same but included prior Imperial Diet review and thorough personnel vetting before the emperor's final approval.
Even the emperor, the final authority, did not welcome such proposals warmly.
'If it's Major General Jaeger, honestly, I could appoint him marshal in place of that Banner marquis sitting there, and he'd perform the duties flawlessly. But his age and experience are indeed somewhat lacking. Promoting him to general is not my task but one for Michael after he ascends as emperor. Still, the military's proposal isn't rash.'
"I acknowledge that Major General Jaeger's military merits—having received both the Diamond Knight's Sword Medal and the Twin Dragon Medal simultaneously—are such that promotion to general would be no anomaly. Thus, the requests from certain General Staff generals are not amiss. However, given his youth and inexperience, I reject promotion to general. Likewise, granting him a marquisate atop his existing earldom would be inappropriate."
A collective sigh of relief swept the conference hall, and the ministers praised the emperor's judgment.
For no matter how exceptional Peter Jaeger was, they highborn nobles had staked their lives on promotions to staff officer ranks (equivalent to major to lieutenant colonel) at that age.
They had no desire to see a man not yet thirty equate their own precedence and status, no matter the merits.
"Major General Jaeger is only 28 now. Opportunities abound ahead; there's no need to rush."
"He will surely understand Your Majesty's decision."
"Instead, granting him territories or the like would enhance his house's prestige and honor, no?"
Hearing this, the emperor smiled warmly and replied.
"As the ministers say, denying both promotion and title elevation calls for generous compensation. Thus, I grant him the Horn Earldom, Melk Earldom, and 60,000 gold."
At these words, the ministers resolved to write letters urging their own hale sons—still passed over for promotion—to work harder, or summon them for scoldings.
"Reward the 7th Guard Division under Major General Peter Jaeger's command more generously than in peacetime. Furthermore, recognizing their merit in repelling Ostrica's knights with spear infantry alone, I permit the emperor's crest to be emblazoned on the division's colors."
Units of division level or above bearing the emperor's crest numbered only about five in the empire currently, and officers who had served in them were generally treated as elites.
Over 60% of general promotions came from those who had commanded such divisions or served as deputy commanders.
Thus, with this, the emperor had essentially confirmed Peter Jaeger's eventual promotion to general, merely leaving the timing open.
Then, surveying the ministers, the emperor declared.
"Major General Peter Jaeger's achievements are unparalleled even in the empire's history. To honor them, I permit his marriage to the empire's Fourth Imperial Princess, Louise von Reich, thereby manifestly declaring the imperial family's trust in him. Furthermore, all military rewards shall be announced en masse after the crown prince's triumphal procession. However, as our discussions have grown lengthy, let us dine and reconvene to address the remaining agenda."
With that, the emperor departed the hall, leaving the ministers staring at his back as if struck hard on the nape.
"...... An imperial princess to Major General Jaeger? Maybe we should've pushed for the general promotion first."
"What the hell is my son doing at his age? Over forty and still stuck going from lieutenant colonel to colonel."
"Ha, I should've been more careful choosing a son-in-law. Marshal Banner's got it good—no aches from a fine one..."
Yet Marshal Banner, the object of their envy, had quite the complicated thoughts swirling in his head.
The anticipation that his son-in-law, basking in the emperor's absolute trust, would swell his house's position and wealth enormously.
Gratitude that, thanks to his son-in-law's feats, he himself had risen to marshal when he might have topped out at lieutenant general.
And overriding those sentiments, concern for his beloved daughter.
'Laura's letters often complained about Colonel Kerzhit, her exclusive maid Charlotte, and countless other young ladies fawning over him. And now marriage to an imperial princess... I half-expected it, but so soon...'
"Having such an outstanding son-in-law can be this taxing at times. They'd never guess my woes. Time to visit Senior Patton, clear my head with some drinks..."