The Rhinehardt Empire.
One of the five major powers in Hearts of Generals, it is a key member of the Empire Alliance alongside the Soviev Empire.
True to its inspiration from real-world Germany, it has a long-standing rivalry with the Pry Free Democratic State.
After the end of the Okhraine front, the imminent Rhinehardt-Pry front in Hearts of Generals allows players to truly experience what ‘war’ means through intense battles.
Airships dominate the skies, thousands of soldiers throw themselves into trenches, machine g*n crossfires light up the night, and non-stop artillery barrages deafen the ears.
By this point, players typically reach the rank of major, acting as battalion commanders or senior staff.
Watching the numbers of troops dwindle day by day, one could imagine how fierce the battles were, even if they were just numerical values.
Such is the Rhinehardt Empire.
As a powerful nation that calls itself an empire, it exudes a distinctly different atmosphere from the Okhraine Duchy.
—
In the North Hemisphere’s temperate climate, Okhraine usually turns into a muddy mess at this time of year, but the roads in Rhinehardt were managed very well.
While lacking asphalt and concrete, the neatly cut stone roads covered with soil were on par with modern ones.
‘This is why supply lines within the empire were so efficient. It’s great for launching offensives.’
I could now understand why the Rhinehardt Empire was specialized in rapid warfare.
“Wow, so comfortable…”
“The road quality might be good, but military wagons are clearly on another level compared to civilian ones.”
“Hmm… What did you say?”
“Nothing, please continue sleeping.”
The ride in the royal carriage was incredibly smooth. After bouncing around in poorly made wagons, riding such a high-quality vehicle was quite a change.
Of course, Sony Chepelin had dozed off after chatting briefly.
“You look just like a cat.”
“I agree.”
Lumina chuckled. Sony Chepelin was indeed a human who perfectly embodied a cat—not just in appearance but also in behavior.
Even now, sleeping with her body curled up, she exemplified this. She would do things she was told not to and ignore instructions, contrary to expectations based on her title as a Great Mage.
Her attitude, combined with her sharp insight and formidable magical prowess, surprisingly worked well together.
‘She doesn’t look old enough to be like those in Haowu Sect…’
Though Haowu Sect’s portraits adopt a slightly Western cartoon style, and character faces aren’t particularly well-drawn, except for the player.
Among the characters, she had the biggest discrepancy from her portrait. Even the Petrinant Count was immediately recognizable upon seeing his face.
Despite achieving 10,000 hours in combat, I couldn’t understand what happened between her and Okhraine.
‘The most likely scenario is a coup.’
Civil war, coups, rebellion—these were frequent occurrences in Haowu Sect. Sometimes, if certain conditions weren’t met, internal rebellions would flare up.
If initial suppression failed, these conflicts could spread across the entire country, turning an already chaotic war-torn nation into even more chaos.
This was a significant factor making Haowu Sect gameplay more challenging.
How could a centralized state control public sentiment when even military command was out of order? No matter how much power a Great Mage wielded, it wouldn’t be enough. If stress aged them prematurely, it wasn’t entirely unreasonable.
‘I need to ensure better internal management to prevent such incidents.’
I thought while watching the smooth-moving carriage.
My promotion was unusually quick—almost suspiciously so.
Promoted to captain in just seven months?
This was faster than even those who rapidly advanced during World War II.
However, without localized wars, promotions to higher ranks were limited to majors, given Sony Chepelin’s authority.
This implied that the officer corps in Okhraine was dysfunctional.
Rolling stones rarely dislodged stuck ones, especially in closed systems like the military. Even talented newcomers often faced insurmountable obstacles.
This wasn’t unique to Korea; it applied globally, including the fictional Okhraine Duchy.
Sony Chepelin wasn’t someone who favored connections or promoted favorites. She valued capability above all else.
Had I not achieved some success or if someone like Chief of Staff Joseph had taken my position first, I wouldn’t have been promoted to captain.
So, Sony Chepelin’s rapid promotion and immediate advancement of subordinates made sense. There were no entrenched interests in Okhraine’s military.
Remaining officers and personnel were like worn pebbles and sand, unable to support new foundations.
The only solution was to clear away the sand and pebbles and lay down fresh, solid rocks.
That was me, along with our platoon members led by Lumina Blue.
And the 8th Rapid Assault Magic Infantry Battalion and Special Response Brigade.
‘We have no choice but to keep moving forward.’
Trust and loyalty deserve appropriate rewards. As a soldier, it’s both my value and duty.
My new goal was to achieve the rank of lieutenant colonel before the war ended.
This would bring us closer to victory for Okhraine.
“Colonel, we’ll soon arrive at Theorento in Count Petrinant’s territory.”
“Brigade Commander, it’s time to wake up.”
“Huh? Oh… I see.”
As I gently shook her awake, the colonel wiped the drool from her mouth.
“…Please use this handkerchief instead.”
“Aaah~ Thank you, Captain.”
Sony Chepelin yawned and stretched after receiving the handkerchief.
Is it really okay for the commander of Okhraine’s elite forces to be so vulnerable?
I wondered, but there was no point questioning it now.
“Delighted to meet you again.”
“Pleasure, Count.”
I responded respectfully to Count Petrinant’s handshake, bowing slightly.
“Last time I saw you, you were a major. Seems you’ve added another star in just a few months?”
“All thanks to your favor, Colonel.”
“Heh heh, you speak so politely. If we had more capable young people like you, we’d promote them quickly.”
He had a decent network.
He was expected to become the father of the Rhinehardt Empire’s air force soon.
Despite his wealth and pioneering spirit, investing heavily in hobbies like airship development, his connections would become even more valuable in the future.
From Count Petrinant to Lieutenant General Petranat,
establishing these connections now would be useful later.
Carl von Clausewitz, author of the world-renowned military treatise On War, said that war is an extension of politics.
Okhraine’s early demise in World War I was due to its weak political foundation.
My task now was to expand my network with influential figures and gradually increase my influence. While strong military power is a deterrent, diplomatic influence is even more potent.
“Then, let’s show you something first.”
Count Petrinant greeted Lumina Blue, a first lieutenant, briefly before leading us to the back of his estate.
With a mischievous smile, he revealed a magnificent toy—a large airship.
“Thanks to you retrieving the crystal, I can fulfill my lifelong dream. This is Graf Petrinant, an airship named after me.”
Diameter: 70m
Height: 40m
Two small airships in the rear suddenly seemed tiny next to this massive vessel.
“Wow…!!”
Lumina couldn’t contain her awe, and Count Petrinant grinned proudly.
“It’s magnificent, isn’t it? Of course, other airships aside, this one won’t be used for military purposes. Such a beautiful ship shouldn’t be sent to bloody battlefields.”
“Haha…”
I could only offer a dry laugh, knowing its past.
No, you didn’t use Graf Petrinant as the main bomber in the early stages of the war?
Thinking about how it devastated frontline trenches and military headquarters, it was chilling.
But regardless, its grandeur was undeniable.
Though I knew about it, seeing it in person was still awe-inspiring.
“And tonight’s exhibition closing party will be held on this airship. Isn’t that wonderful?”
Ah, a party on an airship.
An inappropriate comic film scene came to mind. Coincidentally, there’s a brigade commander known as the Sky Mage here too.
“…”
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“No reason.”
…Should we be okay?
