News of the Emperors passing
His sharp eyes looked their way.
Regis shuddered. Had he been alone, he would have run away already.
Altina put her hands on her waist and puffed her chest out.
You looked lively, Gilbert!
......
I will make it simple. How about becoming my subordinate?
His eyes closed.
His lips that were cut by knives opened.
Kill .
Hmm? Thats unexpectedly straightforward.
Imprisoned rcenary will be hanged I know at least that much.
He didnt seem eager to negotiate.
Regis suggested:
... Her Highness admires your martial prowess. How about joining the Imperial Army? We will pay you handsoly, and will guarantee the safety of your subordinates.
At this mont, Gilberts stone like expression softened.
I heard the strategist Regis dAuric is a dangerous man. Known as the Wizard For you, I am probably a monster huh.
Eh!?
Altina furrowed her brows.
Thats right, Regis. You are turning it into a hostage negotiation, what are you thinking?
Your Highness!? It is a proper right to propose a ransom for prisoners. Or do so in an equivalent manner, conscription is also
If that is so, then they wont be true allies, right?
No no
It is impossible for people who fought to the death with us just four days ago to acknowledge us as comrades, Regis thought.
However, Altina seed to be serious.
Gilbert, you said that your country is the rcenary band right?
... What about it?
You said you will protect them right? If thats not a lie, I can help you. I will beco Empress! I will then acknowledge your country.
What
The chains that bounded Gilbert clinked.
Regis considered the feasibility of this proposal hurriedly.
At least discuss this with beforehand.
If it was Altina, this proposal was possible.
Not bestowing territory, but recognizing the rcenary band as a nation? Is it possible? It is impossible from a legal standpoint. However, it would be possible if she was the Empress. A similar arrangent was made in the past too.
... Like Bargainheim?
Regis muttered, and Altina nodded.
Yes, I thought of the thod Regis used before. If I beco Empress, I can recognize Dietharts Bargainheim as a nation of similar standings with the Empire. In that case, Gilberts country can be recognized too.
That was the greatest reward. No matter how much money the rcenaries saved, they couldnt simply beco a nation.
But Gilbert shook his head.
... Stop your lies. There is no way a royal of Belgaria will honor a promise with a rcenary. And I dont know that Diethart person anyway.
He is a barbarian.
Hah!? Enough with your deceit! Its impossible for you Belgarians to keep your promises with barbarians! You are people who will hang your prisoners, be they barbarians or rcenary! You think I am an idiot that will be tempted so easily!?
You are the one being rude! not keeping my promise? Why are you so sure about that!?
... I know about the corruption in Belgaria very well I can tell. The one who will be Emperor is the Second Prince. Since that is a fact, I will be a laughing stock if I still take the bait you laid out for .
Gilbert said with a hearty laugh.
Altina closed in on him.
Stop kidding ! I am the one who will be Empress! I will overco any obstacles there is to change the Empire!
Talk is cheap.
Hmmp You are unexpectedly timid. I was hoping you will say if you dont keep your promise, I will cut your head off.
What!?
Gilbert opened his eyes wide in shock.
I wont give great wealth or territory. What I can give you is the promise you distrust so much. I will acknowledge your country when I beco Empress. Since you are betting your life for your course, then have the resolve to die for it. If you think I didnt fulfil the promise, then co take my head.
Princess, are you serious?
What do you think? But, I detest lies.
Altina placed her hands on her hips.
Gilbert fell silent. The light of intelligence shone in his beast like eyes. He seed to be considering this proposal seriously.
... Can you release my subordinates?
Regis answered this question.
If you accept and work for us, then announce it to your subordinates. If there are anyone willing to follow you, we will hire them. We will let those who are unwilling, to leave. And of course, we will tend to their wounds before that.
If I disagree, you will hang us all?
... If we were the one who lost, will you release us without compensation?
We will definitely demand ransom.
Sigh, thats how it is. Naturally, no one will pay the ransom for barbarians and rcenary, so they will all be hung. However, the service of Renard Pendu would be equivalent to a tidy sum you can pay in place of a ransom.
... It seems that I can only bet on you guys keeping your promise.
Gilbert glared.
His gaze was really pressurizing. If it was Regis in the past, he might have bent his back and not look anymore. But he was staring right back this ti.
The feral aura dissipated. Gilbert seed to have acknowledged Altina and Regis character.
They probably convinced him.
It was suddenly noisy outside the tent.
Soone called.
Reporting! A ssage from the Empire! Its urgent!
A voice that was patched from screaming. His look of urgency made Regis gulp.
Altinas expression turned serious.
Enter!
A lightly armoured soldier barged into the tent and knelt on one knee.
Pardon my intrusion! Its a grave matter, please forgive
Regis t this soldier before. He was one of the scouts sent to report the news to the capital. From his ragged breathing, it was easy to imagine sothing drastic happened.
Altina nodded.
Say it.
On the morning of the 6th, His Majesty, the Emperor passed away!
What!?
Altina almost stopped breathing.
The entire army was shaken too.
He reported an even more impactful news.
The Second Prince Latreille is preparing to succeed the throne!
He actually!!
Her ruby eyes turned in the direction of the Empire.
The news shook up Regis too, it was like taking a club to the head.
Haha! Gilbert laughed.
Hahaha! What will you do now, Princess!? You were just talking about becoming the Empress! As expected, the Second Prince took the throne!
......
Your competitor took the throne, so you lost the right to be Empress right? Acknowledging my nation is just a dream now Hahaha Fate is cruel, I can only laugh.
Damn it, Altina clenched her fist.
Gilbert smirked.
Is this luck or strategy The Second Prince is one step faster than you You might have won the war, but lost the political battle No matter how noble your ideal is, you cant accomplish anything now.
His mocking words had a hint of disappointnt. He could see that his dream of founding his own country was just a mirage in the desert.
Altina glared with her crimson eyes that were like burning fla.
I wont give up!
What?
In the beginning, I was alone My only companion was my maid. After that, I got the aid of Regis wisdom, the loyalty of the soldiers in the Border Regint, took down Fort Volks and finally mustered a large army. Even if Latreille becos Emperor, I will strive on to change this country! I wont stop before I draw my last breath! I wont permit foolish words like kill !
... Strive on? Not giving up? What audacious words. But the fact remains, what can you do? Start a civil war? Ahh, that would be to my liking. But are your troops willing to follow you into a hopeless battle dood to failure?
Gilbert was right.
The Belgaria Empire just finished a war with High Britannia and all the citizens were tired of fighting. If she started a civil war now, a lot of soldiers would probably revolt.
And half of the Fourth Army was from the Second Army. The commander Benjamin was from the Second Prince faction.
If she raised the flag of revolution, the Army will crumble imdiately.
Hence, Regis judged that there was no point in negotiating.
He sighed.
... First, we should confirm this. There will be a huge change in the situation from now on, do you wish to be hanged no matter what?
Hmmp
If you are willing to do manual labours, we can take your shackles off, and not execute you imdiately. But as a condition, you have to keep your n in line.
You will kill my n if I reject right? It would be forced labour, and those who cant move would be killed off right?
... You still have so sway over your n. I only proposed this because of your leadership skills. If you perform manual labour, the rcenaries in Renard Pendu would be less dangerous too.
Without Gilbert to rein them in, it would be difficult to force those rcenaries to work.
He rubbed the shackles restraining them.
Hmm You think I still hold sway over them after my loss? Well, fine. I am not so rotten person who wishes for his n to be hanged.
Very well. You will perform manual labour in the anti then.
It would be difficult to continue the recruitnt talks under such circumstances. Before they could harness his strength, they had to consider their own situation and direction they should take.
Unlike Gilberts tough reply, Altina stood stiffly like a person who lost her light in the night.
Regis turned to the entrance.
... Your Highness, lets go back.
Ehh, okay.
She was putting on a strong front, but her heart was probably like roses that had fallen because of a storm.
Altina returned to the tent she was working in.
The docunts he used in the conference earlier were scattered all over the table.
They left to find Gilbert imdiately after the eting, so Regis didnt tidy his docunts yet.
Altina didnt sit down, placing both her palms on the table to support her body weight.
Summon Jero and the others, we need to discuss our plans for the future.
Regis didnt sit either. He wanted to let her calm down as much as possible, so he said slowly.
... You have decided the way forward?
My heart is still unchanged!
The usual lively Altina looked very stressed and anxious.
She was deeply affected by this.
That was only natural.
She was suppressed since she was young, and had finally found the path she wanted to take one day, believing in it so much that she was ready to bet her life on it. But the door to her ideal goal was now closed.
It would probably take so ti for her to cool down.
Should I have an idle chat with her first?
Regis said:
Altina, you also said that you wont give up earlier right? That is not an approach, but sothing like your resolve. Even if you call everyone over, you cant issue a specific order right?
Specific?
Who, when, how, what Deciding all this and issuing commands are your responsibilities. If you want to hear their opinions in order to make a judgent, I can gather them. But if you are just anxious and confused, it wont do.
Ah Yeah Thats right.
Altina finally realized she allowed her anger to get to her head. She cald herself down a little and relaxed her shoulders.
To break the stiff mood, Regis said in a bright tone.
Sir Jero is very petty too.
Yes Thats true.
He could decide what he wants quickly and reach an imdiate conclusion. Thats why he think others are slow.
Indeed, I seldom see Jero being troubled.
If you are clear of your goals, there is less chance of being troubled by outside influence. What kind of preparation was needed to accomplish ones objective? What should be thrown away? What should be done, and what to avoid?
Jeros goal?
... He isnt dissatisfied by the system of the country, he is just unhappy about the nobles who exiled him. If the nobles are gone, he would want to return to the capital.
Ahh, I see.
He not only considered his goals, he also thought about his ans... Even his loss to you in a duel was one of them.
Altina looked surprised.
Now that he thought about it, Regis had not told her yet.
What is his idea?
Sir Jeros plan was to keep increasing his forces power to the First Armys level, then the grand nobles wont be able to expel him easily, or stop him from returning to the capital.
Regis didnt need to ask Jero, and could tell from the budgets.
Jeros goal was to return to the capital, his ans was to increase his forces power.
Although he was still passionate about equipnt and training, Jero probably lost that ambition.
If Altina becos Empress, his goal would be achieved. He just needed to follow her for now. But it was hard to tell what he would do from now on.
I see, so that was the reason he wanted Regis?
Oh right, such a thing happened Regis recalled.
When Regis first arrived at Fort Sierck, he captured the bandits and Jero asked Regis to serve under him.
Regis wasnt sure about his own worth
Well, he did say that he will even use dust if they are useful, and he increased his forces using that greed. Since we understood his goal and ans, he will be able to gauge his own values and make quick decisions.
I am also thinking about them a little too.
... You are looking too far ahead, but that isnt a bad thing. Normal people can only see the path they are walking on. But you are thinking about the future, which is a good quality for a leader.
However, that isnt enough right?
... Yes. If you want to look far ahead, you have to recognize your current situation and what you need to do. If you can only describe the blueprints of the future, it would be nothing more than a wish. If you want to make it a reality, you have to use your ans to pave the way, and see your goals clearly.
I see
The Emperor had passed away, while her political enemy Latreille was making the preparations to succeed the throne.
In such circumstances, what goals should she set, and what should she do?
Altina frowned.
And said after much consideration.
... I want to end all wars in the Empire. After seeing the battles with High Britannia, I thought about it again. No matter how strong ones army was, there would be a day your forces would fail. We must maintain good relations with neighbouring countries and work together with them.
Yes.
She finally cald down.
Normally, it wouldnt be a surprise if she gave up. That was how despairing the situation was.
But Altina had a brave and upbeat character, and would never back down.
Thats the part Regis likes about her.
It seed that she had managed to turn her wish into her goal.
But the ans of inheriting the throne was probably impossible.
Regis sorted out his mind and said:
... The Belgaria Empire is already exhausted. The damage from the war with High Britannia made it even worse, and the harsh conditions are going to beco worse. Putting the small skirmish of the Emperor from two generations ago aside, the previous Emperor Vicente prioritized the arts over military prowess, resulting in military strategic failures Emperor Liam liked grandiose victories and enacted militaristic policies and the citizens were laden with heavy taxes while the young were conscripted. The war maps might paint a pretty picture, but the lives of the citizens are filled with suffering.
The militia Ducasse from the Seventh Army ntioned his goal was just to protect his village and family.
If he died in the battle earlier, who will take care of the farm in his village then.
What about his wife and kids? It takes a lot of strength to plow the fields. Even if the farm was intact, they couldnt collect enough food if no one tended to the crops.
Altina nodded with a serious face.
There are villages that couldnt pay the taxes.
... There will definitely be taxes if they have farm land. But there wont be any returns if they dont put in the manual work. Not just conscription, they are also affected by plagues and adverse weather Naturally, they will be punished if they cant afford the taxes. There are many who ran away out of fear of taxes.
Abandoning their farm?
... The farm is only aningful if they can live off it. If they cant plow the fields but have to pay the taxes, it was only natural for them to abandon it.
Since the root cause is identified, cant they just lower the taxes?
There is a system where the tax rate is lowered if the militia falls in battle, but it is not perfect. If the tax rates are too low, there would be more tax evaders too. The citizens are not saints either.
Ah Thats true.
And if we dont collect taxes, it would be hard to strengthen the nations military which would lead to the Empires downfall.
But we cant impose heavy taxes just for the sake of national defense.
... It is unreasonable for the nobles to impose heavy taxes on the people in their domain. But if you asked them why they did so, the answer would be sothing like because we are higher mortals.
Wrong, Regis shook his head.
They were going off topic, they had to leave things like freedom and equality aside for now.
Altina nodded slightly.
Then what should we do? My goal is to end wars, stop the oppression of the nobles, make the citizens happy and change the Empire. However, other than becoming the empress, there is no other way of achieving this.
She was right. Being Empress was the only way to achieve her goal.
But that chance was very slim.
No matter what the situation was, collecting as much intelligence as possible was necessary, but to think the Emperor passed away.
In that case, Latreille who was the next in line would naturally succeed the throne.
It would be great if Prince Latreille thinks the sa way as you
That fellow actually said that war is necessary!
... That was before the war with High Britannia. The powerful knight corps that is the backbone of the Empires military might is powerless before the new type of rifles. He should understand this.
If there is war, we must win This was the foundation of Latreilles policies.
A veteran knight losing to the bullets fired by a militia, this forces the Empire to alter the way they fought, and a change in governnt policies was necessary.
Altina tilted her head.
You think that guy will change his mind?
I am not sure what kind of conclusion he will reach, but he would be a fool if he didnt.
Latreille might be detestable, but he is not a fool.
It is the sa for his policies, punishing the extravagance of the nobles and building up the national reserves. We are on the sa page on this point.
Well, thats true He might be detestable, but he is doing his best for the Empire. But I will definitely reject being his spouse!
She puffed her cheeks.
Regis smiled wryly.
He didnt know why she objects to it so much, but their long term plans were set.
... In the past, Prince Latreille considered war to be a main product of the Empire. However, it will be the era of guns and cannons in the future, and the very nature of war will change. Compared to the things we can gain, the things we will lose would be greater, a trend that has been consistent since ancient tis.
We must avoid this!
Ahhh, I wont give in on shrinking the frontlines. If you can agree with him on this point, then there would be no reason to fight with Prince Latreille anymore.
... Thats true When will Latreille beco emperor?
She was slightly worried.
No matter what, it will be impossible to succeed the throne before the state funeral. But since he already announced that he would succeed the throne, its very likely that he will make arrangent for the state funeral.
The High Britannian Army was still in the Empires territory right now.
In order to avoid the absence of an emperor during tis of war, it was normal to announce the succession early.
And Latreille was the first in the line of succession, so there wasnt any problem with tradition. As the commander-in-chief who repelled the High Britannian invasion, his popularity among the people was high.
He lost the support of so nobles in the Founding Day celebration in April, but everyone will follow him if he becos emperor.
The emperor wasnt a leader elected by the nobles and commoners democratically, but a position only those with the right to inherit and absolute power could lay claim on.
Maybe he had already taken the throne Regis couldnt say that possibility out loud.
But it was still a possibility.
Regis shook his head.
... Our intelligence is too lacking. We should wait for more information on what Prince Latreille is doing.
Yes
Altina?
She lowered her head.
Gritted her teeth.
And rubbed her eyes.
But I wont give up but even so
......
Regis couldnt say anything.
Her shoulders were trembling.
She clenched her fists.
Squeezing out her voice, she muttered:
... I Still cant do it.
What should he do.
There wasnt any book that detailed a scene like this.
Regis could only stand where he was, and watch Altina holding back her tears.
He already steeled himself for the possibility of such a day coming.
His knowledge wouldnt be of any help. In such an impossible situation, it was aningless no matter what he did. Thats what he was thinking about.
He already understood, but his heart still ached deeply.
They failed.
He failed.
He knew the road would be tough, but when the cold hard truth was shoved right in his face, the sense of reality welled up and he felt the pain of falling into a chasm.
A stab of pain struck deep inside his nose.
His plan was to shine the way for Altina, and guide her forward.
But that door had been closed rcilessly.
There was nothing they could do.
He couldnt create an advantageous situation when he negotiated with Latreille.
He didnt propose a more aggressive plan for Altina to beco Empress.
Too passive.
They shouldnt be satisfied with being second in line to the throne.
But there werent any sches to chase Latreille out of the picture.
Even though he promised Altina that he would help her take the throne.
What kind of strategist was he, he couldnt co up with anything.
He could only wait for the inevitable.
Considered the age of the reigning emperor, he shouldnt have dallied in laying out his plans!
Why couldnt he do anything!?
Because he wasnt confident.
Thats why he was reacting to the situation passively, instead of taking the initiative to lay out his sches. He was just solving the problems as they co.
However, just being second in line was a huge problem.
He was also fretful of the idea of getting rid of Latreille.
His failure this ti was because he was timid, neglectful and lacked awareness.
Regis clutched his uniform at the chest.
... I am sorry.
He uttered in a trembling voice.
Her head remained lowered.
Is there no other way?
... Those with succession rights will lose it when the new emperor takes the throne. This is the custom to avoid civil unrest.
The law doesnt apply on royals.
In this country, royals were an existence not bounded by the law.
The question of succession rights had always been decided through traditional laws.
Thats why it was difficult to overturn.
If Latreille took the throne, Altina will lose her succession rights.
Even if Latreille dies after that, Altina will not inherit the throne.
She clenched her fist tightly.
Even so!
She banged it loudly against the table.
I wont give up on my will to change this country!
Altina
This is my goal. Becoming the Empress is the ans. Correct?
... Ahh.
Amazing, Regis thought.
He rembered her conversation with Gilbert.
In the beginning, I was alone My only companion was my maid.
When he first t her, the only thing she had was the sword she was gripping tightly.
A commander in na, a girl without any authority.
But she challenged the hero Jero, drew out the intellect of the timid Regis, accomplished seemingly ridiculous sches and established the faction she had right now.
The one and only door might be shut.
But there wasnt any ti to sigh before that door.
Altina had more or less moved on.
So Regis had to strive ahead too.
And find a new path.
And this ti, he definitely couldnt fail.
Regis swore.
... I My cowardice is the main cause of failure, more so than my lack of ability. No matter how incompetent I am, if I dont take action because of my fear of failure, that would be the sa as going against my promise of helping you. No matter what, I will do all I can to co up with plans, I wont hesitate anymore. Even if I lack confidence but I will start now.
Altina shook her head.
Not will start now. We lost to Latreille. We have to think what we are lacking. No matter how harsh the condition or the defeat we face, or the pain we might suffer! Its start right now! We have to do our best and work towards our goal! I dont know and dont want to know a different way of living my life!
Her dark crimson eyes shone brightly.
Not will start now.
But always thinking about moving forward, starting right now.
Even if she was alone, even if she loses her weapon, even if she couldnt rely on the help of soone elses wisdom, she will continue to brave ahead.
Just keeping the necessary things in mind and stride forward.
Her wish will beco the beacon that guides her down the right path Regis thought.
Altina will you still trust ?
Of course! Although I cant be the empress anymore, but I still want to change this country. I dont want to be Latreilles subordinate either! Regis I will be in your care from now on too!
She reached out her right hand.
Regis held it tight.
... Thank you. I wont let you down again.
I always believe my strategist is the best.
Altinas eyes were misty. But she was still smiling.
He wont let her down again.
Sothing frozen in Regis heart started moving again.
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