Chapter 33
Chapter 33
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Translator: Wjin
Chapter: 033
Chapter Title: Protagonists of the Era (2)
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Of course, establishing the nation's first military academy wasn't something that could be implemented just because the emperor had decided on it.
There were formal and practical processes that had to be followed.
Even though Charles VI wielded strong imperial authority within Austria, it was impossible to skip internal adjustments entirely.
Nevertheless, he processed the consultations from the Imperial War Council and the Finance Committee in a single day.
It was a clear sign of how resolute the emperor's determination was.
But the truly important part came next.
Reform measures naturally came with concerns and opposition, so the emperor immediately convened a meeting to soothe the anxieties of the great nobles close to him.
- Prince Joseph Johann Adam of Liechtenstein.
- Duke Adam Franz Karl of Schwarzenberg.
- Duke Philipp Hyacinth of Lobkowicz.
These three prominent vassals of Austria all entered the palace, joined by a throng of other esteemed nobles filling the seats.
Eugène and I, naturally, received invitations to attend the meeting as well.
To think I was already discussing matters alongside the great nobles steering Austria's course.
The faces seemed a bit unfamiliar, perhaps because this was at least a decade ahead of my previous life.
I was already acquainted with Duke Lobkowicz from the Bohemian glass affair, but the other two had barely crossed paths with me in my past life.
By the time I had confirmed my marriage to Theresia in that life, they had already passed their titles to their heirs and departed the world.
So we were all eyeing each other with curiosity, though the strangeness I felt was nothing compared to what they must have been experiencing.
"Your Majesty, you're establishing a school to train officers?"
"Indeed. That's why I've gathered you all here first—to inform you before anyone else."
"If you're raising officers separately, that means reforming the army's overall structure. The implications will be enormous."
Among those present, excluding Eugène, it was Duke Schwarzenberg—who was most deeply involved in military affairs—who voiced his concerns first.
Like other nations, positions in Austria's current army were mostly maintained through heredity and connections.
Introducing a system like a military academy would naturally alarm the entrenched interests.
Since no country in the world yet had a modern-style military academy, it wasn't fair to dismiss their reaction as mere stubbornness.
"I know exactly what you're worried about. But introducing a military academy won't mean replacing the top brass. Its purpose is solely to strengthen the army's mid-level backbone."
"...So you're focusing on elevating the experience and skills of field officers."
"Exactly. I promise you on my name that none of your fears will come to pass."
With Charles VI speaking so firmly, Duke Schwarzenberg seemed somewhat convinced and fell silent.
Of course, once I seized real power, proper reforms would begin—and by then, everyone in this meeting would have been replaced anyway, so no issue there.
Still, unable to shake his doubts entirely, Prince Liechtenstein cautiously raised a point.
"But Your Majesty, I hear you only sought formal consultation from the Finance Committee before proceeding with the institution. Will the finances hold up? Given it's under the imperial name, any mid-operation budget shortfall could cause major problems."
In other words: You don't have that kind of money—can you really handle it?
"Ah, no need to worry about that."
"Your Majesty, this isn't something to brush off lightly. A military academy won't be small-scale; it'll require enormous funds. Without going through the Finance Committee, where would the money even—"
"I've agreed to sponsor it."
Yes, problem solved with my money.
"...Pardon?"
A sudden hush fell over the room.
The emperor savored the nobles' reactions with satisfaction before patting my shoulder with a chuckle.
"As you've heard, Franz Stefan here—who will soon be my son-in-law—has pledged a substantial portion of the operating funds. So no concerns about operations."
"...B-but that's no small sum. How could you have that kind of money...?"
"Isn't it remarkable loyalty? Even a blood son wouldn't exert himself this much for the imperial house. I've truly gained an excellent son-in-law. Wouldn't you agree?"
"...Y-yes, indeed."
There had been attempts to reform the Austrian army before now.
Eugène himself had proposed reforms, only to be repeatedly blocked by the universal shield of "lack of funds."
But who could object when the emperor said he'd fund it personally?
As the nobles reeled from the unexpected turn, Duke Lobkowicz raised his hand.
"I'm fine with it. Prince Eugène here is a renowned general with few equals across Europe. With him as top commander reforming the army, funded privately by the imperial house—no burden on the treasury—what reason is there to oppose?"
"Well... that's true, but..."
"More than that, I'm impressed by Prince Franz's loyalty. Even with vast revenues, dedicating most to the imperial house... it's a passion that demands respect."
"Thank you."
Well, it's only a portion of my revealed assets—the bulk is hidden, so no real hit.
Still, letting the misunderstanding stand would help my image, so I left it be.
"This must be for the Archduchess, too."
"The rumors were true..."
You two muttering over there—let's chat details later. I've got you memorized.
"As Duke Lobkowicz says, I value Franz's passion highly enough to reference his opinions in running the academy. Of course, anyone matching his sponsorship level will get equal standing. Speak up if interested."
The emperor paused, as if awaiting volunteers, but naturally, no one raised a hand.
Exert massive influence over the academy in exchange for pouring in huge sums annually?
Anyone volunteering for that would need a serious mental check.
"Then, Eugène will serve as the first principal, and Franz as chairman of the oversight committee."
"But Your Majesty, if Prince Franz devotes too much time to the academy, won't it neglect his glass business? That would be troubling."
"No need to worry. Frankly, what do I know about the military? I'll just lend my name and focus on what I'm good at—my businesses."
"Hahaha, then I'm relieved."
Truth be told, most nobles wouldn't care if I built a military academy or a national diplomatic institute, as long as their pockets stayed full.
A good number here held Bohemian territories and owned at least a few glass workshops, so they already viewed me favorably.
Lobkowicz's playful remark lightened the mood, and the agenda passed smoothly thereafter.
Thus, my first official title in Austria was set.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Military reform.
To embark on it decades earlier than in my previous life filled me with boundless emotion.
All those trials and errors back then weren't in vain—they were groundwork for now.
But someone even more lost in sentiment than me was present.
Eugène clutched the official implementation decree stamped with the emperor's seal, rooted to his seat for a long while.
"A military academy... truly moving from concept to reality..."
"You'll be busy from here on. To build facilities quickly and start operations, there's much to do."
"Right—best to handle work swiftly. Ah, is it improper for me to speak so casually to someone about to enter the imperial family?"
"Not at all. We're not married yet. I prefer it this way—comfortable, like now."
"Heh... see, I have a good eye for people. You know who loudly insisted to His Majesty that your betrothal to Lady Theresia be hastened? Me."
I'd figured as much.
Charles VI had mentioned Eugène's particular fondness for Theresia and me.
He gazed at me steadily, his eyes distant with reminiscence, and continued.
"Truth is, I've tried reforming the military system several times myself. I worked tirelessly to reorganize the officer corps and improve logistics. I repeatedly stressed the inefficiencies in supplies, pay, and procurement—demanded a complete overhaul—but it was all rejected."
"I see."
"That's not all. France and Prussia up north keep evolving tactics and organization, yet we've clung to the same training manuals for years. We'll fall behind. If war breaks out in a decade, we'll be the ones lagging—yet the stiff-necked bureaucrats lack the flexibility to see it!"
Clearly harboring deep grudges, Eugène exhaled almost passionately.
Surprisingly, the issues he raised would precisely hobble Austria in the war against France and the Turks about ten years from now—near-prophetic words.
"But now the committee can't object, and with His Majesty's approval, we just charge ahead."
"Indeed... they ignored my warnings even after my great war feats, citing funds—yet this resolves so easily. Well... who could imagine the radical solution of earning the money yourself if short?"
"Impossible without you. Your strong desire for the principal role convinced the other nobles."
In truth, without Eugène, debating the principal alone would have dragged on forever.
The head of an imperial officer-training institution wielded immense military influence by position alone.
Eugène regarded me intently with complex eyes before turning to the window.
Early summer's warm breath overflowed the alleys, life pulsing like a heartbeat amid green ivy and stately buildings.
"What this old man can offer you and Lady Theresia is clearing the path ahead as smoothly as possible. At least, no military headaches."
"...Your Highness, you're still vigorous—why talk like that?"
"No, no—not dying tomorrow. Don't misunderstand. I'm overflowing with zeal now. How to put it... like finding a meaningful goal after drifting since that last war?"
The veteran who had dominated an era shone brilliantly, like one discovering purpose in life's twilight.
"That Philipp Joseph you introduced is quite the talent. Teaching him is rewarding—use him greatly later."
"That's why I entrusted him to you."
"Hahaha, right. Three years ago, the future weighed heavy; now, it's anticipation. Please ensure this isn't fleeting delusion."
"Start prioritizing health now. That way, you can witness it all."
How beautiful the back of one who, having peaked, pours all into propelling the next generation's stars.
In this life, if I age, I want to do so like that.
"Then, to live long, should I stay away from Vienna? Can't have my lifespan shorten. Heh heh heh!"
"Ha... hahaha!"
...Scratch that. Even aged, not that way.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ News of the first army military academy's establishment naturally reached Friedrich Wilhelm I, the king of Prussia who always criticized Austria's weakness.
He couldn't hide his shock at being outpaced in such a pivotal matter.
"...So, Franz Stefan is pouring all his money into funding the academy."
He'd pegged him as a frail noble fiddling with trinkets and glass—yet dumping all that wealth into officer training? The novel idea of spending like that stunned him.
He decided to summon his son Friedrich for insight.
"I need more details on this Franz Stefan. You've met him twice, so you know him somewhat?"
"Yes. Not that close... but we could be, if we tried."
"Good. Then go to Vienna and talk properly. You need to respond to his proposal anyway."
The king had begun suspecting Franz wasn't to be underestimated after the imperial diet, when his son returned with that offer.
Linking the Ostend Company with Prussia's Baltic trade. Prussia's key goods could export south more easily, plus tailored financial products for their merchants.
Prussia could also broker spices and cottons from Ostend to Baltic states for fees.
Mutual gains: Ostend and Prussia extra revenue; Franz gains Brandenburg Electorate support for his large mirror-glass venture.
"Friedrich, I may have underestimated that Franz. He could become a mountain for you to climb. Go, stay sharp, gauge his caliber properly."
"Yes!"
"Cooperation benefits us now, but no eternal allies in international affairs—be ready to oppose them anytime... Wait, why are you grinning like that?"
Wilhelm couldn't fathom his son's thrilled expression, like heading out to hunt.
"N-no, Father! Didn't you say? Charge at strong foes with unbreakable spirit to grow! I, Friedrich, future King of Prussia, won't cower before any rival!"
"Yes! That's the spirit. Discuss the proposal in detail, and conditionally request a tour of their military academy. If worthwhile, we must reference it."
"Understood."
Seeing his son burn with competitive fire, Wilhelm nodded approvingly.
Yet Friedrich harbored entirely different thoughts from his father.
Why bother with rivalry? Staying friends means we both thrive ahead.
Of course, with a perfect excuse to visit Vienna, he'd spout agreeable words here—but zero intent to obey.
He just pitied his father for not grasping cooperation's appeal.