Chapter 235
Chapter 235
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 235
Chapter Title: The Emperor Election and Changes (2)
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Crown Prince's Residence, Reception Room.
"I'm sorry for dragging you here so suddenly when you were just recently enduring the harsh northern winds. But things are moving too quickly, and I had no choice."
"If Your Highness calls for me, I would rush here from the ends of the earth, not just Stockholm. It's only natural. Please don't worry about it."
"I'm grateful you say that. In truth, I have a mountain of schedules piled up beyond just our conversation. Let's save the talk about recent events for later when I can make time."
Even in modern Korea, when high-ranking officials meet for something like a summit, it's extremely rare to dive straight into the main topic.
They first ask about each other's well-being and pretend to care, which allows them to at least outwardly gain the goodwill of the person they intend to have a serious discussion with.
And as these little gestures accumulate, even if the conditions one demands are slightly unfavorable to the other side, they're often accepted under the pretext of 'personal favor.'
Especially in the Reich Empire, where class distinctions and excessive ceremony are still alive and well, it's etiquette—even between people who clearly despise each other—to inquire about recent events with feigned curiosity and friendliness before any discussion.
For His Highness the Crown Prince to suggest skipping all that outright... just how urgent and serious could this issue be?
"Well, you might already know this, but after this campaign ends, my father—no, His Majesty—has been thinking of stepping down from the throne due to his age. And take a look at this."
His Highness handed me a letter with its seal already broken, and inside it read:
No matter that it's a letter from father to son, the complete absence of flowery language or inquiries after health signifies it's a secret missive sent in confidence.
And its content makes clear that preparations for the Emperor election are now officially underway...
"A secret letter informing that His Majesty will initiate the Emperor election... But might I ask why exactly Your Highness needs me?"
In Korea, public servants like civil officials and soldiers are legally prohibited from joining or engaging in party politics.
This is to prevent civil servants from political activities or forming factions around specific parties, which could cause massive disruptions to national administration.
In the Empire, noble bureaucrats equivalent to civil servants can campaign by meeting people and saying things like 'support Prince so-and-so' during elections without much fear of punishment.
But officers and generals with the authority to move troops, even though they hold titles granting them voting rights, face such strict regulations that campaigning or similar activities lead to a simple trial followed by a death sentence.
It might seem overly favorable to bureaucrats, but considering soldiers could at any moment march their troops to spark a rebellion for their favored imperial candidate, it's entirely justified.
"I'd like some advice. As a prince, I have the military knowledge from the academy curriculum, and I've even drafted a few war plans and commanded in the field myself."
"Objectively speaking, Your Highness's insight is at least on par with—nay, superior to—that of staff officers from the Staff College, even if we set aside strategy and tactical knowledge."
"Hearing you say that makes me believe it. Still, I don't know much about the military. And among those I need to persuade in this election are people like you—titled officers who are 'soldiers.' They can't participate in campaigning, but they do have votes."
His Highness the Crown Prince said this while gazing at me with eyes brimming with desire for the throne's power.
In those eyes, I read a greed, obsession, and fierce determination to claim the seat at any cost—a hunger utterly different from anything felt on the battlefield. It sent a chill down my spine.
Is this the kind of darkness someone destined to be the emperor of a nation must harbor?
His Highness's lips curled up slyly on one side, like a villain's smirk.
"Soldiers have little interest in politics due to the Empire's laws. And as Your Highness knows, unlike bureaucrats, a noble with no political leanings whatsoever can rise to four stars and even become Field Marshal or Minister of War purely on merit. Even a lowly commoner orphan like me already has four stars."
With those words, I tilted my body slightly to make the rank insignia on my shoulder clearly visible. Seeing it, His Highness smiled broadly.
It seemed like a gesture saying, 'I have a stake in that rank insignia too,' but I pretended not to notice and continued.
"So, to politically sway the Empire's soldiers, there's just one thing to guarantee: how Your Highness will care for them and lead them to victory. We can't participate in politics at all. In the end, advancement comes only through military merit, and merit requires assured victories backed by support. Thus, an Emperor who guarantees that support is the finest sovereign in our eyes."
To serfs, the best ruler is one who cuts taxes or increases their wealth. To nobles, it's the emperor who expands their fiefs and fortunes.
It's never someone liked purely for their character or who genuinely loves and cherishes the people.
Loving and cherishing the populace or nobles is, of course, an ideal and praiseworthy trait for an emperor.
But live under such a ruler, only to lose your fields and property to barbarian hordes, and the end result is the same as being stripped bare by a tyrant—destitute, regardless of the path.
The same logic naturally applies to soldiers like me.
"Support, support. Indeed, no matter how well you command, without logistics, it's all for naught. So, what kind of support is needed? Raising officers' pay seems like a good start."
"Even a single lieutenant's insignia lets you live quite comfortably outside the capital. If you're raising pay, it should start with non-commissioned officers and enlisted men."
"......Separate from the election, I'll consider it if I become emperor. So, what exactly is needed?"
"Show them the illusion that proving ability means promotion regardless of politics. Moreover, didn't previous emperors evaluate officers' promotions solely on direct battlefield merits?"
Our current emperor at least tries to generously assess not just feats like killing enemies or winning battles on the front lines.
But also rear-echelon efforts like managing supplies to keep frontline troops fed or recommending talented personnel.
In my cold assessment, war demands equal importance from both rear tasks like logistics, personnel, and administration, and frontline combat.
Because if you bungle or fail to fight bravely, even ample support leads to defeat by the enemy. And no matter how superhumanly a soldier, NCO, or officer performs, severed supplies mean death all the same.
"Unlike the past, victories now hinge on who gets the better rear support. The generals of the Reich Empire and all other nations are roughly equal in capability."
"You reported that encircling Oslo Fortress was possible only thanks to Grand Marshal Kaitel's rear support, right?"
"I don't know how many officers can grow like him, but more generals and officers of that caliber would enable bolder, more precise battles ahead. And such an edge would greatly aid the Reich Empire in seizing hegemony over the Europan continent."
At the word 'hegemony,' His Highness's eyes sparkled.
"Hegemony... Yes. When I become emperor, I won't tolerate that damned Ostrica or those islanders eating eel jelly and dipping steak and bread in mint-sugar sauce... I won't let them prattle on about how we're 'neither holy, nor an empire, nor true heirs to the great Reich'..."
......Our Empire has indeed amassed tremendous military might and wealth, enough to rightfully claim 'empire' status.
But seeing someone like Grand Marshal Patton, I have my doubts about the 'holy' part. Still, I nodded as if in deep agreement.
"Very well. Then, as you suggest, I'll announce that those excelling in rear support and administration will advance by merit."
"Thank you. And one more thing I'd like to add."
"Speak freely."
"It would be wise to recommend Grand Marshal Gernhardt von Kaitel for Minister of War. It would be the ultimate proof that Your Highness values rear support and administration."
His Highness gave a puzzled look and asked,
"I was planning to elevate your father-in-law to Minister of War. Is that alright?"
"My father-in-law is undoubtedly an outstanding soldier, but considering future wars where logistics will outstrip combat in importance... And since Grand Marshal Kaitel is only two years older, in three years' time, Father-in-law could take the post. I'm sure he'll understand."
"We'll go with that approach."