The news of the Empire’s 7th Legion’s defeat had reached the Imperial high command.
The Minister of War had to immediately enter the palace to inform the Emperor of this alarming news. It was only natural that sweat formed as he delivered the report.
“Currently, the 7th Legion has taken a step back, Your Majesty.”
“That is so. You’ve worked hard, Minister.”
“I humbly apologize, Your Majesty. The responsibility for this matter rests entirely with me…”
But the Emperor waved his hand lightly.
“The war is only just beginning. And in every war, victory and defeat are part and parcel. Tell me, Minister, did the 7th Legion retreat without putting up any resistance?”
“That is not the case.”
“Then, was there something so grievous during the process that immediate accountability is warranted?”
“That also is not the case.”
The one asking the questions was the Emperor, but the answers were already sufficient.
There would be no immediate punishment. Evaluation would depend on future accomplishments. A loss doesn’t automatically demand punishment, so there’s no need to overreact.
“Hmph. In my view, what matters more is what comes next.”
“Your Majesty speaks wisely. The military forces of Burkhai, the most powerful among the three-kingdom alliance, have suffered considerable losses. This might destabilize the power balance within the alliance.”
Before the war commenced, the Emperor and the Imperial high command held meetings that lasted for days.
How much force should they project in the east? How would events unfold? And should they win, how would they reshape the situation beyond the eastern border?
The consensus was clear: it would be hard for the Empire to completely occupy the east. The histories of the three kingdoms are deeply rooted, sources of immense pride.
Even if they won and occupied the region, it wouldn’t last. Rather than purely subduing them by force, it would be more effective to kneel them once with strength and then weaken them from within.
To achieve this, they had to create internal conflicts within the kingdoms. Incidentally, the survival of the “Pro-Empire” faction was decided at this point.
“Since Burkhai has been hit, Caden will likely step in. Perhaps Porland might also get involved.”
“Given the situation, I believe Porland will face even more pressure.”
“What news do we have about the alliance?”
The Minister responsible for external intelligence spoke.
“Even before the three kingdoms formed this alliance, Burkhai was pressuring Porland. It’s hard to imagine that dynamic has completely flipped 180 degrees now.”
“Go on.”
“According to recent intelligence, the atmosphere among the three kingdoms is… peculiar. If it weren’t for the significant losses sustained in the battle with the 7th Legion, Burkhai might very well have forcefully pressured Porland.”
Porland can currently field about 20,000 troops, a number roughly equivalent to one Imperial Legion. Burkhai, on the other hand, has twice or thrice that number.
After all, they created these divisions within the alliance; they weren’t about to let Burkhai off the hook.
Whether by intimidation or by force, Burkhai would assert its dominance. Caden, which had previously checked Burkhai, is now out of the picture. Even if Porland were to betray, it would tarnish their reputation. Besides, there are many who covet Porland’s fertile farmlands.
The Special Affairs Minister concluded by saying that the likelihood of Burkhai and Caden uniting to carve up Porland was high.
Some might wonder why, when the Empire’s legions are practically at their doorstep, they’d act this way. But in situations like these, what’s irrational often happens.
Humans tend to fixate on the “what if” scenarios, however improbable they might be.
Thinking rationally and acting rationally is only for rational moments. Wars aren’t rational. Therefore, you have to consider all possible scenarios.
That’s why great generals and brilliant strategists emerge.
“Minister of Foreign Affairs.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. What is your command?”
“The Empire will accept and protect any defectors, without exception. Declare this anew.”
“As you command, Your Majesty.”
This promise to accept and protect defectors applies to anyone. Be it pro-Empire figures within the alliance or even Porland, tired of being constantly squeezed.
After the ministerial meeting concluded.
“Your Majesty, the Crown Princess is here.”
“Let her enter.”
The Emperor warmly welcomed his eldest daughter.
“Welcome, Crown Princess. Tell me, is everything with the Minister of the Palace settled?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I’ve arranged for your message to be conveyed through the appropriate channels.”
“Excellent. You’ve managed to attend to such matters promptly, despite the current commotion.”
With the war underway and battles unfolding in the Pavilion region, even the 7th Legion’s retreat managed to inflict significant damage on the alliance. It had been a hectic time for both the Emperor and the Crown Princess.
Important tasks sometimes get sidelined when priorities are shifting. But the Crown Princess had astutely picked up on a request from a young noble.
“How could I overlook it, Your Majesty? This was not just about the Pavilion region; it will influence our Empire’s future moves greatly.”
“Indeed.”
The Emperor nodded approvingly, then exclaimed, “Amazing. Truly astonishing. How can one young man, who has seen only a few years of battle, predict our grand strategy and devise a scheme that splits the alliance like this? Was he given any hints?”
“No, Your Majesty. I was also astonished when I first met him. Despite recognizing he wasn’t an ordinary man, I never expected his insight to run this deep.”
The Emperor, the Crown Princess, and the high command all desired to subdue the alliance with minimal losses. Too much bloodshed, no matter the victory, isn’t truly a victory. Overextending to the east might destabilize other borders as well.
The best method involves a combination: achieving military victories followed by sowing division within the alliance to gain defectors. This strategy would bring complete submission from both inside and outside.
In that regard, the most pliable target would be Porland, the weakest among the three, or perhaps Caden, forever overshadowed by Burkhai.
And a young prodigy strategist, seemingly out of nowhere, managed to accomplish this feat.
“Truly admirable. Through the Pavilion region, a message was delivered to Porland. Even if they don’t turn on the alliance, they now harbor doubts.”
“Indeed, Burkhai, desperate, attacked without waiting for reinforcements. Although the 7th Legion lost, they significantly weakened the enemy.”
Both the Emperor and the Crown Princess were certain that Kael had foreseen everything that had happened so far.
Had Kael been present, he would’ve likely shouted, “The Empire never asked for that! It was all luck!”
Now, this young man was making another request: for a royal princess to accompany him.
“Yes, Your Majesty. For assisting in the cleanup of the 7th Legion, he formally requested her presence.”
The Emperor stroked his chin thoughtfully before bursting into laughter.
“Son of the Duke of the Bertier Empire, isn’t it? Astonishing. The Claubits family, stalwart warriors since the founding of this nation.”
I have high expectations for this young man. It is fortunate that he chose our Empire and not a foreign land.
While rejoicing in the rise of an exceptional subordinate, the Emperor remained alert as a ruler should.
“Crown Princess, what do you make of him? Is he controllable?”
“His ambition? That’s a fib. I suspect Kael Claubits harbors ambitions, but of a different nature.”
“Different…?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I am unsure what they are. But he is no threat to our Empire. He is humble and knows the art of modesty.”
The Emperor knew the Crown Princess had excellent judgment. Hence, he was impressed by this evaluation of someone possessing extraordinary talent without losing their humility.
“A person who retains humility despite extraordinary abilities is indeed rare.”
“I am curious to see how he will manage the cleanup of the 7th Legion.”
“I look forward to what comes after that even more.”
“Indeed. Though I’m not sure if he received specific orders, I believe his acceptance of the cleanup task might hint at something greater.”
“Exactly. He likely has something else in mind.”
The Emperor nodded, delighted that his heir had such foresight.
“You’re special, Kael. What do you plan to accomplish through my sister, Princess Isabel?”
Some time later.
“Ahem, Kael?”
“Yes, Your Highness Princess.”
“Is this… really going to work?”
“Of course, trust me.”
And once again, Isabel found herself convinced by his firm words. She was currently assisting the 7th Legion with cooking support.
