It was already the third birthday celebration since falling here.
The first one passed helplessly as an excuse for the 8th Heavy Magic Infantry Battalion training, and the second birthday was concluded by personally conveying gratitude through Colonel Sony Chepelin instead of attending such a party.
However, this birthday would be different.
This year marks his thirtieth birthday, so the celebration for the crown prince would be held grandly at a national level.
In fact, it was like a ceremony that rose with the northern sun… but considering it’s a monarchy, there’s no other way.
If I had thought about a democratic state, I should have gone further west than Okhraine, huh.
Of course, some military and cabinet officials seem to want to go even further east, not west.
“Indeed, there has been tremendous work done behind the scenes. With radical remnants of the Azoff National Liberation Front and pseudo cult groups of war mages…”
“Are there Strigoi involved too?”
“They wouldn’t miss out on such a celebration, would they?”
Colonel Lannister said while sipping coffee.
The main event was scheduled to start five days from now, but I was already in the capital due to the many preparations needed.
Meeting Colonel Lannister Kale of the National Guard Central Inspection Bureau was also part of those preparations.
But suddenly mentioning Strigoi…
“Major Bella Meyer is under your command.”
“Yes.”
“You should tell her to be extra cautious. Advise her not to leave her accommodations as much as possible.”
I nodded at his words.
Although I had brought Major Bella Meyer, who had relatively more free time compared to the busy Lumina Blue, she could end up entangled with a group completely opposite to her.
‘I need to warn Bella thoroughly.’
Moreover, bringing Major Bella Meyer along had another reason.
Bella Meyer was a proper noble lady.
She had not only secured her officer rank due to her contributions during the Quernen War but also received a commendation directly from the crown prince.
Bella Meyer could proudly return to her position as the eldest daughter of the Meyer family.
Furthermore, the Meyer family had regained favor with Orlando Rus III this year and returned to the central power.
In effect, she had essentially rebuilt the family.
Especially given that her father, Johann Meyer, was currently an official in the Ministry of Finance.
She might play a crucial role in this operation.
If that were the case, it would be much easier to bring Major Bella Meyer, who shares a close relationship with me.
However, I couldn’t even imagine reaching out to terrorist organizations ostracized by all nations.
Is the rebellion force so widespread?
I can hardly fathom it.
No matter how the crown prince has concentrated on suppressing reform opponents over the past year, forming a war mage cult is a step too far.
“But who is the leader, after all?”
I asked while carefully writing down what Colonel Lannister had told me.
Whether it’s the Azoff National Liberation Front or Strigoi, if they can gather such forces, they cannot be minor figures.
At least, they must be at the ministerial level.
Even the Black Orchestra, a prominent coup d’état group in Nazi Germany, consisted of significant figures from the military.
Back then, when Nazi Germany was rampant, it was possible to attempt a coup with moderate forces. But with the current reforms in Okhraine progressing smoothly, gathering moderate forces alone wouldn’t suffice for a coup.
If they truly intend to disrupt the country at this festival,
they must have a ‘face’ that can justify their actions to the people of Okhraine.
“The National Guard believes Minister Alberto of the State Affairs is a suspect.”
“Indeed, he doesn’t seem trustworthy. Besides, being the deputy head, isn’t he practically number two?”
“It’s perfect for overturning things. Oh, may I take a moment?”
“Of course.”
Seeing my gesture, Colonel Lannister took out a cigar and put it in his mouth.
“I didn’t smoke when I was a captain, but somehow it became natural after getting promoted.”
“I’ve quit smoking recently. My exercise routine has significantly decreased.”
“For a coup, building up physical strength is a given.”
As the colonel exhaled, a thick cloud of smoke rose.
“Captain Enock.”
“Yes, Captain Lannister. Please feel free to speak.”
“Why do you say such things now? Even when I was a lieutenant, I always used honorifics, so naturally, I should respect you more now that we’re peers.”
“If you insist, I have nothing to say… but do you really think they will go through with such plans?”
Colonel Lannister’s eyes flashed.
From the perspective of the National Guard, it’s hard to believe. After all, Okhraine has been developing peacefully.
In the north, in the Biyaltock territory managed by Count Pedro, the largest munitions factory had been established.
Not only for weapon production and trade, but also in civil sectors, they maintained close ties with the Rhinehardt Empire.
Simultaneously, by permitting the construction of a military port by the Pry Free Democratic State on the Azoff Islands, they were securing benefits in diplomacy with the west.
Of course, it wasn’t viewed favorably by Adalya and the Soviev Empire.
Diplomacy can never satisfy everyone.
But…
That’s only if they are all patriots.
I looked straight at Colonel Lannister and spoke.
“A war is coming soon.”
“Excuse me?”
“In about two to three years. It might be sooner.”
I continued with a shocking statement.
Initially stunned, Colonel Lannister soon realized I was serious and his face turned grave.
“How can you be so sure?”
“Just by looking at the international situation. The Soviev Empire is currently facing an unprecedented economic crisis. With its vast territory, the opposition forces are even stronger. If there’s any misstep, the public could rise up and turn the Soviev Empire into the second Rus Tsar Empire in no time.”
The economic turmoil and the uprising leading to the emperor’s downfall is a tradition in the Soviev Empire.
Just like the modern-day empire inspired by the “Red Nation,” its citizens are equally fierce.
Under such circumstances, the most common choice for imperialists would be…
“To create a common enemy externally.”
“Correct. There are two routes. Either the Polania Republic or the Okhraine Duchy.”
I traced the table with my finger, wishing I had a map.
“Honestly, the Polania Republic seems too difficult.”
“So what are the options?”
“Our duchy, then.”
Colonel Lannister silently smoked his cigar after throwing in those words.
“And isn’t it just the Soviev Empire? Look at the Pry Free Democratic State. They secured the installation of a military port on the Azoff Islands in exchange for substantial economic aid. They claim it’s to protect merchant ships from ‘pirates,’ but…”
“Most people know it’s to counterbalance the formidable navy of the Adalya Kingdom.”
No single nation is aggressively pushing for war.
The entire world is moving dynamically toward a world of madness.
Okhraine is also riding this wave of change.
Therefore, it’s natural for those who bet against Okhraine to view this situation unfavorably.
“We’ve only been fully committed to reform for barely two years. If the regime changes at this point, it would cause immense chaos.”
“…Then it would give the Soviev Empire a pretext.”
“But they are clearly preparing for war. That doesn’t mean they necessarily plan to start one. There are simpler, faster, and easier methods. Why would they choose such drastic measures?”
1. Overthrow the country.
2. Establish a puppet regime loyal to them.
3. Indirectly exploit the territory and resources.
4. Massively promote propaganda to boost loyalty to the empire and destabilize the internal politics of the victim country.
5. Once enough is extracted, declare war and forcibly merge.
6. PROFIT!
This flawless six-step plan would not be lost on the Soviev Empire.
Such strategies have occurred countless times in history, and in the game, it’s a primary diplomatic strategy to devour weaker factions like eating cake.
“Do you mean you foresaw this from the beginning? When did you start suspecting?”
“With certainty, since the Quernen War. No matter how much it’s about securing my position, I must keep a check.”
I took a bill from my wallet and handed it to Colonel Lannister.
“Want to bet on whether the country will be overturned or not?”
—
