Chapter 157: The Only Sadness
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 157: The Only Sadness
"Chairman," Akad called out.
"Count Ulvera Consilus, would you please take the witness stand and share your account?"
He singled out Consilus, not Ferda.
The reason he targeted Consilus instead of Ferda was to address the past rather than the present. Since this had been discussed and agreed upon during their prior meeting, Consilus rose from his seat with practiced composure.
"I am Ulvera Consilus, Lord of the Consilus Territory and the 25th head of the Consilus family. I ask for your understanding regarding my lack of preparation, as I was called upon quite suddenly."
His polite bow carried the solemnity of a true knight.
Oldin acknowledged the greeting. "As a lord of the Far East, I sincerely thank you for your devotion to the Empire."
"I am grateful that you hold my contributions in such high regard."
"Unfortunately, despite that gratitude, I must bring up a rather uncomfortable topic."
Oldin pulled out a stack of prepared documents.
"Upon reviewing the financial statements of the Far East, I found instances of administrative negligence and embezzlement in every territory in the past. May I ask for an explanation regarding this?"
"I will answer whenever necessary, but I do not believe now is the time to dig up the past," Consilus replied, questioning why the Councilor was attempting to shift the focus to such an unpleasant subject.
"If we simply intended to bury the past, this post-war conference wouldn't even be happening," Oldin asserted. "We have determined that the current crisis was caused by damages resulting from the Far East's negligence in its watch—in other words, it was a man-made disaster."
Oldin insisted that the two issues were inextricably linked.
"If you intend to connect them, a glaring contradiction arises," Consilus countered.
"What contradiction?"
"You mentioned discrepancies in the Far East's past financial statements. However, until that point, no demons or monsters had ever crossed over from the Far East. One could say we fulfilled our duties perfectly until then."
"So you're saying you were in the right?"
"Please listen until the end. In the recent financial statements, since the Archduchess's territory became active, no issues have been raised in any of the territories. Is that not so?"
It had to be that way. Ferda had used their past corruption as leverage, and to survive, they had been forced to become competent. Proving that competence left them no time for things like embezzlement.
"And yet, it was during this period of 'competence' that the monsters crossed over. Twelve of them surrounded the Far East in the blink of an eye. This was an unprecedented situation that had nothing to do with a failure of vigilance. If you truly wish to link the Far East's past corruption to the appearance of monsters, Councilor, you would reach the bizarre conclusion that for the Empire to be safe, its officials must be corrupt and idle."
"Are you admitting that you were negligent in the past?"
"If you wish for punishment according to Imperial law, I do not mind."
Despite his calm acceptance, Consilus only said this because he knew Oldin couldn't touch him. Such administrative discipline was customarily delegated to superiors, and Ferda had already suspended the sentences of everyone involved. Therefore, double jeopardy prevented them from being punished again for the same offenses. Even if they were to be punished, it would only be possible if Ferda consented.
Consilus, a veteran of many political battles, displayed a spirit that rivaled Oldin's. Though Oldin had brought him forward to rebuke him, he had only succeeded in showing just how much resentment had built up against the Empire.
Oldin struggled to find words, and the next line of questioning was taken up by Joseph Faust, the head of the Alte Order.
"There are records of collaboration with the President of Escoleia. I understand that technology for 'Monster Appearance Prediction Device' was shared with the Archduchess's territory, produced, and distributed to each fief."
"That is correct."
"Despite having this prediction equipment, is there a reason you failed to detect them earlier than the Empire?"
"The range for detecting Rifts is limited to the activity radius of the villages. We cannot detect anything as far out as the Far East or the borders of the Archduchess of Valdrova's territory."
"And why is that?"
"It is a limitation of the technology. That is a matter for Escoleia to explain, so I have nothing to say on it."
"I see. Understood."
He had only reinforced the reasons why early detection was impossible. Unlike Oldin, the head of the Alte Order seemed genuinely curious rather than accusatory.
"I would like to speak about the Magitech Infantry."
This time, Waldemar spoke up.
"It is noted that the reason for the stark difference in casualties between the temporary Allied Forces and the Far East Union is the presence of that infantry."
"Yes. The establishment of their operation was handled by Imperial Princess Olivia Arken and the Security Force Captain, William."
"I am aware that Sir William was involved."
"To be precise, Princess Olivia refined the nuances of their tactics."
"There seems to be no need to mention that," Waldemar said, quickly moving past the subject as if it were irrelevant.
It was clear that this old man was the ringleader behind the efforts to make her appear incompetent.
"Why was this equipment not delivered to the Allied Forces?"
"It wasn't that they didn't receive it; it was that we didn't provide it."
"And why not?"
"The infantry's operational methods do not align with the current tactics established by the Allied Forces. There was a risk of disrupting the chain of command, and this was agreed upon by both the Allied Forces and the Regent."
"If the rifles had been prepared sooner, could you not have held the line?"
"The rifles are still unstable. They require constant research regarding reload times, preheating, and manufacturing. What would happen if we gave them out recklessly and a poor soldier turned into a human bomb, causing casualties among our own troops?"
Consilus's concerns were entirely rational and sufficient to convince the room.
"So you are saying the deaths of the soldiers were inevitable?"
"Their deaths weigh heavily on my heart, but I do not regret the decision."
Consilus spoke with conviction.
"The reason they died is that they trusted their commander. They believed we would create a better future, and that even if they were gone, their families would be provided for. Because they sacrificed their lives to support us, I do not wish to leave their deaths as mere regrets."
Waldemar's attempt to pin the blame on the Far East was thus thwarted.
"I understand."
"Thank you for your understanding. Do any other Councilors have questions?"
"It seems there are none. You may step down."
Though it seemed he had defended his position well, a look of concern settled on Consilus's face as he returned to his seat.
"It's strange."
"What is?" Ferda asked.
"If Grand Duke Waldemar had intended to, he could have torn me to shreds... It's unexpected that he backed down so easily."
Is that so?
Since Ferda didn't know the full history between Consilus and Waldemar, he couldn't even begin to guess the old man's motives.
The high-ranking Councilors began to converse among themselves. After a brief five-minute exchange of opinions, they moved toward a conclusion.
"Crown Prince Alexander Arken. Would you please step forward?"
"Yes."
The man who was meant to be the culprit in this incident. Even if Ferda was the ultimate target, Alexander could not escape disciplinary action.
"You are performing your duties as the Emperor's proxy, and despite the weight of authority exceeding that of a Crown Prince, we believe you are handling state affairs admirably."
"Th-thank you."
"However, you failed to properly draft a response scenario for the monsters, and your tactics were poorly executed. We cannot overlook the fact that you tried to shift the blame for your own mistakes onto the incompetence of your subordinates, nor that you killed a precious talent in a fit of rage."
Alexander's thick neck gulped visibly. He didn't seem to know what kind of punishment awaited him.
"Therefore, we order a one-year period of reflection and a suspension of duties. All current powers held by you will be delegated to the 2nd Imperial Prince, Ureas Arken. Do you accept?"
Only one year. In a situation where he wouldn't have been able to complain even if his head were taken, he would likely view this as a mere slap on the wrist.
However, Alexander's expression was a sight to behold. He looked as if he couldn't understand why such a "severe" punishment had been handed down.
"I... I shall obey the Council's command."
But anyone who truly held power knew: one year was by no means a short time. Not only was his authority suspended, but it had been delegated to his rival brother. It was more than enough time for the nobility's loyalties to shift.
"Next, Regent Ferda Valdrova."
Ferda rose from his seat as if he had been waiting for this moment.
"The situation that occurred in the Far East was one where we could have been swallowed by a siege of super-sized monsters. I express my regret that the Empire failed to respond quickly to this crisis."
Ferda could feel it. This apology was merely a pretense, a way to build momentum for their next move.
"However, this incident suggests that the Far East's barrier function could be lost at any time. Therefore, the Crisis Response Headquarters has reached the following conclusion."
A decision that revealed their ugly greed.
"The Magitech technology currently being developed in the Far East shall be officially provided to the Empire, and the lead researcher, Marquis Burnell, shall be dispatched here for three years. Do you accept?"
Ferda wondered if they were asking just for the sake of it. The answer was already decided in their minds, but Ferda paused for a moment before answering.
"As the representative of the Far East, that is an order I find difficult to accept."
Ferda defied them, and the gallery erupted into a chaotic roar. In a crisis like this, the Crisis Response Headquarters held the most power after the Emperor. To ignore their word was unthinkable.
While the audience murmured, the high-ranking Councilors remained silent. As if he had expected this, Akad adjusted his glasses with a look of feigned fluster and spoke the words he had prepared.
"Regent. What is the reason for your defiance?"
"Magitech does not belong solely to Marquis Burnell; it is a collective asset created through collaboration with Escoleia, the Pascal Trading Company, and the Tower Master of the Blue Eye. It is my duty to manage that asset, and it is how I show respect to my current allies."
"So you are saying you cannot provide it?"
"That is not what I said."
Ferda didn't stop there; he offered an alternative.
"Therefore, rather than a dispatch, if you wish to purchase the blueprints to manufacture the items, it is a matter for Escoleia and the Merchant House to coordinate and collaborate on."
"We are not fools. Is not the most important part of Magitech the Magic Stones? Are you saying you will provide the information on those Magic Stones as well?"
"I cannot do that."
"And why not?"
While he simply didn't want to give it to them, he had a suitable excuse.
"Because the only person who fully understands this information is still Marquis Burnell."
"That aligns with our findings. Is that not why we are asking you to dispatch him to the Empire?"
Yes, you want to send him away for three long years for that very purpose.
They likely intended to extract every bit of technology or find a weakness to keep him bound during that time. If they lost Burnell, the Far East would lose its engine of progress.
"Currently, many researchers are conducting their work centered around Valdrova Castle in the Far East. At a time when they need all the momentum they can get, forcing them to prepare for a move and adapt to a new environment could lead to poor results."
"Then are you saying you can dispatch him once that project is finished?"
"Yes."
"When will that be?"
"I do not know. At least ten years."
"Are you saying you won't send him for ten years?"
It was no different from playing word games to say he wouldn't send him at all. However, even in the distant future Ferda had seen, the development of Magic Stones was a continuous process.
When the Council's ruling was ignored, Waldemar, the true power who could watch no longer, finally spoke.
"Regent Ferda. This is not a conversation meant only for you."
The expression on his face as he faced Ferda was heavy. He had the presence of a general who seemed to command millions of soldiers behind his back. He threatened him openly.
"The Regent has come as the proxy of the Archduchess, and as that proxy, you have the duty to represent the entirety of the Archduchess's territory. If you defy this ruling, not only the Regent of Valdrova but the entire Archduchess's territory could face severe disadvantages. In the worst-case scenario, the Council may judge that you are seeking secession and independence."
Secession and independence.
The mere mention of it sent a chill down the spine. It was the most fatal charge for any noble of the Empire. Treason against the Empire resulted in the extermination of three generations, regardless of the reason. Vassals, subordinate nobles—everyone. Even the innocent commoners of the fief were no exception.
Such ruthless Imperial laws brought about unity, but simultaneously bred incompetence. Waldemar was threatening to crush Ferda with that very incompetence.
But Ferda had anticipated even this. He replied to the threat.
"Since the Dragon-Demon War, monsters have been constantly spawning at the edge of the Far East. Super-sized monsters, like the ones that caused such chaos with just twelve of their kind, are coming incessantly from beyond that land. Each one is a powerful beast capable of tearing through the Empire's walls like paper. They have constantly sought to conquer the lands of men. Who has stopped them until now? Was it this Empire? No."
Ferda continued.
"The one who provided all that safety is my fiancée, the Great Aspect of Fire and Power, Valdrova. It is possible only because she stands upon the Lonely Mountain of the Far East, not because of the walls surrounding this Golden Council or the entire capital."
Ferda turned his head toward the audience, not just the high-ranking Councilors, and shouted.
"In the Land of Demons beyond the Far East, massive monsters capable of tearing down the walls of this Empire are pouring out endlessly. She has fought silently, without breathing a word of it to anyone. Some have belittled her, saying it is only fitting for a mad dragon who simply enjoys slaughter."
Ferda recalled her battles, which he had watched since he first arrived as her fiancé. Her agile movements and overwhelming strength. The flames that seemed to purify everything. Undefeated. Majestic. A true sovereign.
"I want to ask you all. If she truly enjoyed slaughter that much, if she did it simply for the joy of killing one more insect, why would she have any reason to fight while bearing so many wounds?"
Even if one is invincible and undefeated, it doesn't mean they don't get hurt. There were many days when Valdrova returned injured. There were times she flew back with broken claws or scales hanging half-off.
She would say it hurt, but she was used to it. That it would heal after a single night.
Ferda hated even that.
"She could have abandoned that duty. She could have demanded just compensation. But I have watched her silently embrace only wounds. That image of her, looking as if she would accept it without resentment even if she were to die one day...!"
Because those wounds didn't only hurt her.
"It is the only sadness I feel."
The hall fell silent. However, it was far from the chilling tension that had hung in the air before. They were drawn in, focused on Ferda's voice.
Until he declared his defiance, Ferda's voice had been rational and cold. But as he spoke of Valdrova, it became increasingly filled with emotion. Ironically, as his reason crumbled, his voice gained more persuasive power. If that voice were magic, it would be called something between brainwashing and enchantment.
"The reason I bet on the possibility of Magitech was to soothe that sadness, to lighten the burden of her wounds. I have developed all of this not simply for the safety of the Empire, but for the peace of Serdes."
Ferda looked back at the high-ranking Councilors and spoke.
"So, I will say it again in this place. Magitech is not an asset of the Empire, but a collective asset. And if it cannot even be that, then it is an asset for the Great Aspect of Fire, my partner-to-be and the guardian of the Far East. If I become a damned traitor for not handing over Magitech..."
Ferda placed his hand over his heart.
"I will gladly accept that punishment."
The moment Ferda finished speaking, everyone felt it. The scales had tipped.
The Chairman wore a troubled expression, looking as if he were stuck between a rock and a hard place. His eyes flickered repeatedly toward Waldemar. Waldemar gave a signal, having made a decision, and Akad opened his mouth.
"Given the gravity of the situation, we will defer this decision and resume tomorrow. This concludes today's post-war conference."
With the Chairman's statement, the day came to an end.