Chapter 75
Chapter 75
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 75
Chapter Title: Western Border Mobilization
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The Red Dragon Legion's preparations proceeded smoothly.
Not only the soldiers but also the horses that would charge across the battlefield underwent repeated adaptation training, ensuring they wouldn't panic and bolt at the sound of gunfire or cannon blasts.
"...We'll be the only ones heading into battle wearing these."
"Earplugs might be better for blocking them out."
"The commands come through clearer, and it cuts down on the tension too."
My orders could be heard even with ears plugged anyway, so I distributed earplugs to the troops to prevent hearing damage.
"Can we manage rifling operations?"
"On a very small scale, yes."
"Good."
On top of that, I provided rifled-barrel muskets to select elite soldiers to boost combat effectiveness.
"The additional shipment has arrived!"
Just as the legion's preparations wrapped up, the extra weapons promised from the Anchester Kingdom arrived as well, allowing the entire Red Dragon Legion to arm themselves with muskets.
"...Lately, the southeastern elven nations have been stirring things up. They're importing iron and other minerals, along with food, in a frenzy, but we don't have details on their internal situation."
"Thank you for the heads-up. We'll look into it ourselves."
The dwarves who came to the empire for transport didn't stop at handing over the weapons—they shared the latest on the elves bordering their lands.
This could be a harbinger of some elven crisis like the 'Forest's Wrath,' but for now, it was just that: a harbinger.
We'd need more investigation to know the real situation.
"Deliver this letter to His Majesty."
"Understood."
"And... this one goes to Grand Marshal Gerhard."
"Yes, sir."
For now, I prioritized what needed doing.
The audience chamber in the Dragonia Empire's imperial palace.
"How's it going these days?"
"Don't even ask. The soil's so barren it's embarrassing to call it that—nothing's sprouting properly."
"It's not just my lands. We're spending more than we're making now."
"They say the northern winters are brutal, so it'll get worse then."
"Ha... Should've scouted it when the population was still low..."
With the jade throne still empty, the nobles waiting for the meeting to begin gathered in familiar groups, chatting away.
"Isn't it time to make a move?"
"The army's devouring too much money. We need to rein it in."
"...Not yet, not yet."
Theodore conversed with nobles wary of the growing voices among the army officer aristocrats,
"...Is it really that good? We don't have enough real combat examples."
"It's expensive, and maintenance is a hassle, but it's worth every bit."
"Huh..."
while Victor mingled with the orthodox Emperor Faction nobles, including Gerhard.
"My territory's overrun with wild animals. Do those guns handle beasts well?"
"Of course."
At first, the Emperor Faction nobles had been uneasy about this outsider rolling in, joining the reformists, and earning the emperor's favor.
But as Victor focused solely on building the Red Dragon Legion for months, those worries faded fast.
Especially since he cooperated with the existing Emperor Faction nobles and showed no greed for power or lands.
Instead of staying wary of Victor—who openly enjoyed the emperor's attention—they quickly extended olive branches.
"It depends on the shooter's skill, but you can drop big game like bears or boars with one shot."
"Really?"
"Right now, we're limited to purchases from Anchester Kingdom, but our artisans are collaborating hard with theirs to start domestic production. If your territory's in dire straits, I could probably send over some prototype rifles after test-firing."
"Oh, truly?!"
Victor didn't refuse those hands, and before long, he was holding his own in conversations as one of the Emperor Faction's heavyweights.
No formal title had been bestowed yet, but as commander of the emperor's direct legion, few could treat him lightly.
Victor chatted while closely observing the nobles interested in firearms—and Theodore's crew.
The meeting was due to start, but
"...She's late."
the jade throne meant for the emperor remained empty.
"Something come up?"
"Beats me. Nothing comes to mind."
The nobles buzzed at this unprecedented delay,
"The great ruler of the Dragonia Empire, rightful leader bearing the bloodline of the founding dragon Vulkanus, Her Majesty Luise Zeinburg enters!"
and the emperor finally arrived about five minutes past the scheduled time.
The chamber fell silent at the herald's cry. Moments later, massive doors swung open, revealing Luise.
Clad in a red dress with purple undertones, ornate imperial crown, and a mantle so long attendants held its train, she strode confidently to the throne and sat with elegant poise, surveying the nobles.
"Seems everyone's here."
"..."
She took a moment to drink them in, said nothing of her tardiness, and the nobles—unable to ask—bowed their heads or averted their eyes.
"...Let us begin today's meeting."
Luise smiled, pleased by their reaction, and declared the session open.
"First order of business: handling the unrest at our western border."
She startled the nobles right out of the gate with her hardline phrasing.
"Tensions with the Esperia Kingdom have reignited into full war. Intelligence reports suspicious movements from the Paris Kingdom and San Bastian Kingdom as well."
"...!"
"We've tolerated them so far because enemies like Ruth and Brotan distracted us, but those are fully subdued now. I intend to dispatch Victor's Red Dragon Legion to demonstrate our might to the brazen and reckless Esperia Kingdom. Legion Commander Victor will detail the matter."
At her words' end, Victor stepped forward with Anna holding the western map, facing the nobles.
"Esperia hasn't signed a ceasefire with us, but no border clashes have occurred in ages, so it was considered effectively over. Recently, however, multiple skirmishes have broken out along our shared border. The hitherto quiet Paris and San Bastian Kingdoms are also reinforcing troops at their frontiers."
"..."
"The staff assesses this as an alliance checking our Dragonia Empire, now incorporating Ruth. Timing suggests it ramped up right after news of General Josef Steiner's offensive toward Ruth."
He tapped the map with a slender rod, outlining the plan.
"If all three kingdoms turn hostile simultaneously, we'll need to defend these points, here, here, and here. That spells a major war, so Her Majesty aims to crush Esperia before their scheme surfaces."
Gerhard nodded approvingly at Victor, while Theodore gnashed his teeth watching.
"Paris and San Bastian have bolstered forces, but substantial troops remain tied to their mutual borders. We must blunt Esperia's momentum—the clear aggressor—before they declare war and invade. If Esperia, with the strongest army, holds back offensively, the others will think twice."
"What say you all?"
The nobles pondered Luise's question.
"...Can't move right now."
"Need taxes rolling in first at least..."
Nobles granted Ruth lands were too busy managing their new domains to care about the west,
"Those pirates hounded our merchant ships relentlessly—turns out Esperia's pulling strings."
"If Her Majesty sends direct support, who'd refuse?"
while western landholders, suffering the war's brunt, welcomed an imperial legion as reinforcements.
The emperor deploying his personal power outward eased fears it might turn on them, leaving Noble Faction voices muted.
The Emperor Faction stayed sidelined too.
"Her Majesty's will—who are we to argue?"
"Indeed."
Orthodox Emperor Faction nobles had no desire to obstruct the emperor strengthening the empire.
"...Red Dragon Legion's a tough nut."
"Speaking up now would be..."
The legion, closest to pure imperial power untouched by noble influence, made opposing its dispatch a direct challenge to authority.
Even those around Theodore just exchanged glances.
"...Your Majesty, Luise Zeinburg."
In the end, only Theodore stepped up.
He shot a venomous glance at his most hated Victor, then bowed to Luise.
"Yes, Duke Offenstadt."
"The 5th Legion and Your Majesty's Red Dragon Legion are formidable, true—but Esperia is a military powerhouse that employs mercenaries extensively. Affluent and well-fortified, safely toppling them demands more troops, in my view."
"Hmm, hmm."
"I propose dispatching additional forces, starting with the 1st Legion stationed in the capital."
He tried pulling in the 1st Legion—under his sway—to draw Luise's eye, but
"I oppose that view."
"Duke Weissilt. Care to explain?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. Our forces are stretched thin stabilizing occupied Ruth and Brotan territories. More are needed along Paris and San Bastian borders. Plus, with suspicious activity from Este and other southeastern elven kingdoms, reinforcements there too."
"Ho..."
"The Red Dragon Legion, armed with new weapons, punches above its 10,000-man weight. Led by Legion Commander Victor, proven in the Brotan War, it and the 5th should suffice against Esperia."
"Mm. To showcase imperial might, now's the time. I deem the Red Dragon Legion most fit for the role."
Gerhard intervened, shutting down Theodore.
Theodore's hands trembled,
"...Understood."
and he retreated, grinding his teeth to hide his flushed shame.
With him gone, the first agenda passed swiftly.
"I shall dispatch the Red Dragon Legion to punish Esperia and send the 1st Legion and supports to border-watch against neighbors. Legion Commander Victor."
As the emperor stamped the orders, Victor's western deployment was sealed.
Noble Faction nobles fell silent; some Emperor Faction clapped enthusiastically.
A few eyed Theodore nervously, but he saw nothing—
"Yes, Your Majesty. I'll etch Your Majesty's prestige into Esperia's hide."
"Mm. I expect great things."
—just glared murderously at Victor's back as he accepted the orders, eyes devoid of reason, brimming with jealousy and hate.