Chapter 116
Chapter 116
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 116
Chapter Title: Kaen Nobles' Overture
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If the Ildmar Kingdom had reluctantly sided with us after playing both sides between Brotan Kingdom and ourselves, the Kaen Kingdom had been friendly toward us from the start.
In ending the war, we had returned the lands the Kaen Kingdom had lost, taking advantage of Brotan's weakened state.
"..."
Whether because of that or not, the attitudes of the Kaen nobles written in the letter were extremely positive.
They said that titles didn't matter—as long as their fiefdoms were preserved, they would immediately switch allegiance to the Empire.
It was a bold proposal unlike any from nobles who typically craved honor and power.
Benjamin kept watching me as I read the letter.
"...Is this agreed upon with the king?"
"Our will is His Majesty's will."
Since it bore the names of most high-ranking nobles, including their prime minister, Benjamin wasn't wrong that the Kaen king could hardly object.
"Hm..."
There were too many red flags to bite just because it looked appetizing.
"I can see why you'd hesitate. Ah, does the wording not suit you?"
"...?"
"Then allow me to rephrase. We, Benjamin Brielle and 17 other nobles, surrender to Legion Commander Victor."
"Heh..."
"Formality isn't important, so feel free to suggest phrasing that suits you, Commander."
Compared to the servile terms, he was subtly confident—and that confidence barely masked his impatience.
I needed to uncover Benjamin's true intentions.
"I get what you're driving at. But..."
"..."
"Why come to me specifically to say this?"
Hearing my question, Benjamin smiled faintly.
"Your intuition is sharp? I haven't made this proposal to any other Empire nobles yet."
"...That means."
"I've been waiting for you to arrive in the capital, Commander."
As if he'd anticipated the question, he straightened up in his seat.
"Do you know this? In the Kaen Kingdom, you're far more famous than other nobles. Your name is even more recognized than His Imperial Majesty's."
"..."
"...No need to glare so fiercely. His Majesty hasn't hidden all you've accomplished, so it's only natural."
I could guess where he was going, so I rubbed my forehead.
"You crushed our mortal enemy, Brotan Kingdom, and even returned lost territories. In Kaen, thinking of the Empire's general first means you—it's commonplace."
"Hmm..."
"Plus, you're on good terms with Marquis Gunter at the border, which is icing on the cake."
"Marquis Friedrich Gunter..."
If word had spread that I'd sent gifts to show goodwill and led the treaty returning their lands, their friendliness wasn't so surprising.
With Friedrich governing the occupied territories, it was natural they'd appeal to me through our connection.
"Is that really all?"
...It sounded paranoid, but the naturalness and overly favorable terms were suspicious.
In games or reality, such offers usually hid poison.
Without knowing Kaen's internal politics, I couldn't just accept.
When I pressed him again,
"...Haha. If you insist on knowing my ulterior motives... I'll tell you. It's an investment. An investment."
"..."
He let out a hollow laugh and spoke softly.
"In an era where His Majesty's voice rings loudest, you're the one receiving all his attention. Weren't you summoned to him right after arriving in the capital today?"
"...Tch."
I clicked my tongue, recalling the official who'd blabbed about the emperor summoning me in the middle of the street.
"Perhaps..."
"No. Continue."
"...Yes. Anyway, I've heard you're the real power in the Empire, and now confirmed. How could I propose this to anyone else with you around?"
He dodged the full truth again, but I could guess his aim.
"So, I can take this as wanting to join my faction?"
"Oh, I like that directness. Yes. We want to join you, Commander."
"..."
It wasn't incomprehensible.
Technically, I was close to Gerhard's faction, but my influence alone could lead one without issue.
To eyes versed in noble society, I must look like an opportunity.
However,
"...You called me the real power, but that's not true."
"...?"
I had no intention of forming my own faction.
"The Empire's true power is solely Her Majesty Luise Zeinburg. I merely follow her will."
I had no interest in personal glory, and as 'Famed General Victor,' my will would align with Luise's anyway.
Boosting the legitimate ruler Luise was easier and better for me than growing a mere subordinate's power.
Besides, I had no time to deal with places like Kaen right now.
"Ha, haha! How could I dare speak such blasphemy! I merely mean we should pool our strength in politics."
Benjamin laughed at first, as if dismissing it as rhetoric or humility, but
"The nobles' relocation isn't my decision. Request it officially from Her Majesty. I'll arrange an audience."
"Mm..."
As he realized I was seriously refusing, his smile faded, and he began gauging my mood.
"...Couldn't you reconsider?"
"I'm not rejecting the relocation. Is there some reason you can't go to Her Majesty?"
"Well..."
His inability to explain suggested internal issues or personal greed.
"I'll send a letter to Her Majesty. Which inn are you staying at?"
"..."
Once we sorted the south and dealt with Theodore, no one in the Empire would threaten me or Luise.
Kaen had fertile lands but was a backwater by Empire standards.
Risking an unvetted proposal for peripheral nobles' support was too dangerous.
"I..."
He didn't press further and told me his inn's name before leaving the room.
"Sigh... Haah..."
-Clack.
Back at his inn, Benjamin stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray, pulled out a pen, and began drafting a letter.
"..."
Victor's reaction confirmed the southern Imperial forces weren't targeting Ildmar or Kaen, easing one major worry.
But the nobles' greedy plan to act independently—despite the king's approval—to raise their value had failed against firm refusal.
"...I had a feeling it'd be like this."
-Scribble.
"What are they so afraid of anyway."
While investigating Victor in the Empire, Benjamin had anticipated refusal and doubted the Empire would reconquer the east just for them. Grumbling, he filled in the details.
He sealed the letter carefully in an envelope.
As long as the Empire didn't invade Kaen, he didn't care much what happened.
"...I told you to be careful."
"I always carry a weapon to protect myself."
"Still, be careful."
"Next time, I'll share your room no matter what you say."
"...Fine."
The next day, conversing with Anna, I headed to the palace.
"The meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. in the audience chamber."
"Understood."
Guided by the attendant, I waited in my room until it was time, then proceeded to the audience chamber.
"..."
With the busy situation including southern affairs, fewer nobles had gathered in the chamber.
"Count Grover, good to see you."
"Oh, good to see you. Western campaign wrapped up nicely?"
"Yes. They fled trembling at the sight of our banners alone—what else but Her Majesty's grace?"
"Haha! Couldn't have done it without you, Legion Commander Victor. No need for such humility."
Exchanging greetings with familiar nobles, I spotted Theodore ahead.
Just then, he turned toward me, our eyes meeting.
His eye twitched at once.
"Duke Offenstadt. Good day."
"Haha... Good day."
He hadn't realized I'd uncovered his schemes, so I savored his reaction, gave a light greeting, and stood beside him.
Perhaps feeling guilty, he didn't object to me standing next to him, even without Gerhard present.
I stood quietly, observing the nobles,
"...Her Majesty Luise Zeinburg enters!"
Luise entered right on time, and the meeting began as scheduled.
"Let us commence today's meeting."
Curiously, an attendant holding her ceremonial sword stood by Luise's side.
"..."
Wondering the meaning, I looked at her; she nodded slightly, as if to say trust only her.