The kingdoms of Burkhai, Caden, and Porland. Three realms situated in the east.
Under the banner of an alliance, they had gathered with the intention to oppose the Empire, but before they could even face their common foe, they ended up clashing with each other.
As if cursed, an unprecedented great flood then swept over them.
At this point, without the Empire’s so-called “warm mercy,” their nations would have surely fallen apart by now.
Everyone believed that the word “alliance” would never grace their tongues again.
Mutual suspicions arose, and the rifts between their feelings ran deep. Could they ever hope to reunite?
But life, as they say, is unpredictable.
“Hmph.”
Eastern Allied Commander, Bethel, sighed at the absurdity of the current situation.
Yes, this was the same Bethel who had once been in command at the Pavilion region, a man often caught between Burkhai and Caden due to his Porland origins. A man who’d been swayed by the Empire’s threats, bribes, and persuasion, eventually influencing Porland to side with the Empire.
And now, against all odds, this same Bethel found himself as Commander once again—not just that, but now in charge of the Allied Forces.
No way to ignore the pressure now, even if he wanted to. Let’s be real, the guy’s no sociopath.
Bethel was far from happy with this turn of events.
“Burkhai will follow Bethel’s command.”
That was when Burkhai, the kingdom expected to resist the most, calmly declared their cooperation.
“Let me be clear. We acknowledge the past tensions between our nations. Commander, but aren’t we all Eastern kingdoms at the end of the day? Aren’t we all under the Empire’s domain? We respectfully plead that our sons be sent to battle in the safest manner possible.”
Did the “medicine” of the Empire’s mercy suddenly heal their wounds?
Or were they biting their tongues, hiding the fire burning inside them?
Whatever the case, Burkhai’s conciliatory tone encouraged Caden to respect Bethel’s authority as well.
A brotherhood fraught with tension even during the alliance era was finally finding some semblance of unity under the Empire.
‘Is this something to be celebrated?’
Their involvement in this foreign war came with its fair share of political and practical reasons.
For the Empire, this participation was proof of their sincerity. Also, a place where newly trained soldiers could gain some much-needed experience rather than scattering like grains of sand. Moreover, it provided a temporary outlet for the mouths of their three kingdoms’ 30,000 combined forces.
But the big question loomed—how would the Empire handle their Eastern Allied Forces?
Compared to the Imperial Legion, they were only second-rate soldiers, no matter how generously one judged them.
It was obvious from the last eastern campaign. Not exactly a surprise.
And the Empire wasn’t accepting these reinforcements because they expected much in terms of combat strength.
The act of kingdoms volunteering troops displayed the Empire’s authority in full glory.
They accepted the reinforcements merely to reinforce that image.
‘What worries the Allied Forces most now is—how exactly will the Empire use us?’
Some remained optimistic. If the Empire respects its own authority, they wouldn’t undermine it by making unwise moves with their allied forces. Maybe not a grand welcome, but basic courtesy should be expected, right?
But others weren’t so sure. Maybe the Empire only cared about appearances and would handle the forces however it pleased. Could they trust the Empire with command after all?
“d*mn.”
Another headache on Bethel’s desk. Why did these problems always land on his watch?
Bethel muttered his complaints about life until the Eastern Allied Forces finally arrived at the designated gathering spot set by the Empire.
Mealtime came, and everyone prepared what they considered one of the day’s great joys—a hearty meal.
Incidentally, half of the supplies came from their home nations and the other half were provided by the Empire after entering its territory.
‘The Empire’s resources must be incredibly abundant. Despite fighting Dedolant, they still manage to support us this well.’
Bethel felt anew the sheer power of the Empire. To think they had once sought to compete with such a behemoth.
It pained Bethel that their homeland in the east was branded as traitorous, but looking at the facts, it seemed justified.
“Commander Bethel. The 2nd Princess and Chief of the Imperial Staff will be visiting us shortly.”
They had finally arrived. This could only be about command, right?
Bethel trembled as he thought about the two individuals heading toward his camp.
The 2nd Princess was naturally a member of the current Emperor’s direct lineage, so naturally, she would assert command.
But it was the Chief of Staff accompanying her that truly unnerved Bethel.
‘Kael Klauwitz.’
The eldest son of the Duke of Bertier, personally hailed by the Imperial family as a “genius strategist.” The man who pulled off impossible feats during the eastern and southern wars.
Bethel had learned more about him after submitting to the Empire. When delving into Kael’s strategies from the eastern campaigns, Bethel couldn’t help but shiver.
Every time Kael’s tactics came into play, alliances crumbled and everything fell apart.
The division among Allied Forces in the Pavilion region? His doing.
Cutting off Burkhai’s lifeline? His work.
Whenever the Allies’ advantage was seized and the Empire’s supremacy was secured, Kael had been there, a strategist par excellence who refused to surrender any high ground.
And now, this legendary figure was coming to him with the Princess.
‘What should I do? Will I be able to hold onto command?’
Burdened with one doubt after another, Bethel pushed them aside and welcomed the duo.
“I greet Her Highness, the 2nd Princess of the Empire.”
“It’s good to see you, Commander Bethel.”
After the brief pleasantries, Bethel quickly shifted the conversation forward.
“I’ve heard about it. The Empire is achieving victory after victory.”
“Yes, that seems to be the case.”
“They must be some street toughs in the west meeting their match at long last.”
He wasn’t trying to flatter but simply stating the facts. It had been a month and a half since the war between the Empire and Dedolant began.
And the progress? Nothing but a string of decisive victories for the Empire and catastrophic defeats for Dedolant.
Most initially expected a fierce back-and-forth battle. Dedolant was known to be a military powerhouse that had annexed Artria and toppled Dugal.
Many thought the Empire would dominate, but at least put up a decent fight.
But no, upon clashing, Dedolant fell into shambles. The Empire’s efforts to mobilize more legions seemed trivial after all.
‘Word has it that the War Ministry and the newly established General Staff have a goal to end the war before the New Year Celebration.’
A plan to finish this gargantuan war in less than half a year—ambitious bordering on absurd.
But the Empire was actually putting it into practice.
Bethel had come with vague thoughts of helping with a tough fight, maybe offsetting some of the debt owed to the Empire.
But at this rate, it seemed their only role might be as mere porters.
“Well, please sit down, Commander Bethel. There’s much to discuss.”
As Bethel braced himself, he knew the talk of command transfer would come next. It was inevitable. Even with minor hesitations or protests, what could the eastern kingdoms do against the Empire’s gentle coughs?
Bethel steeled himself. ‘Command transfer is unavoidable. At least secure something in return…’
Just as he closed his eyes to steel himself, Kael, who had been silent till now, spoke.
“Commander Bethel, should you hand over military command to the Empire, we’ll treat your Eastern Allied Forces with the exact same status and provisions as the Imperial Legion.”
“…Excuse me?”
“I’ve already coordinated with the Ministers of War, Treasury, and Foreign Affairs, and secured the Emperor’s approval. All that remains is your decision, Commander.”
Is this for real? Bethel turned to the princess, disbelief plain on his face. Surely, this couldn’t possibly be true?
To his surprise, Princess Isabel merely smiled and nodded.
“…Is this… genuine? Are you really going to—”
“Yes. Your troops will receive the same supplies as our legions. They’ll be recognized as part of our forces in the Western Front, with equal opportunities to earn merit.”
Bethel blinked, bewildered.
‘What’s the game here? Why this generosity?’
The Empire was winning decisively. They didn’t need reinforcements.
Simply their presence as allies abroad was proof enough. Surely no justification existed for this level of treatment to hand over mere command.
To top it off, it was Kael proposing this. The man known throughout the east not as a genius strategist, but as someone cunning and deceitful.
It was natural to be suspicious of such extravagant offers made by him.
Of course, Bethel couldn’t show his doubts plainly—after all, how much had the Empire already given them?
Anyone in their right mind wouldn’t dare question such generosity.
“Why do you offer such extravagant terms? Could there be a hidden agenda?”
“Commander Bethel likely suspects something.”
Bethel involuntarily flinched at Kael’s words. Does this man read minds?
Genius strategist of the Empire. Definitely plausible.
“For conclusion’s sake, there’s no hidden agenda. It’s solely a fair exchange. It’s enough for our comrades-in-arms to shed bl**d together.”
“….”
“And regarding your worry about us hiding something…”
The strategist who had devastated the east with his brilliance now smiled warmly.
“Does the Empire really have a need for such scheming?”
The already-dying eastern kingdoms. Only alive due to the Empire’s mercy.
Why would the Empire scheme against its own allies? Why be concerned with trifles when there’s no need?
Bethel couldn’t argue, and oddly enough, the weight on his shoulders was slightly lifted.
“Very well, Chief of Staff.”
A somewhat dignified response, though it stung Bethel’s pride.
Yet there was no reason to suspect the Empire when generosity was being offered.
“Will you agree to transfer command under such conditions?”
“Equal treatment as the Imperial Legion? We would be foolish to turn that down. Chief of Staff, count on this humble man for support whenever needed.”
“Looking forward to working with you, Commander Bethel.”
With that, the negotiation concluded successfully. Kael and Isabel turned toward each other and exchanged knowing smiles.
The deal was sealed.
