Chapter 24 Saint And Emperor, Part Two
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”How about it? Do you think the Emperor will become a vassal state?”
In response to Charles’ question while fondling Esmeralda’s breasts, Felshiol answered while turning his back.
”The Emperor seems to consider it inevitable. However, many still cannot see the reality even after being terrified by the ‘Dragon Army.’ They won’t be able to immediately storm the castle tomorrow or the day after.”
Upon hearing Felshiol’s reply, Esmeralda looked exasperated and said,
”Are you saying they will continue to resist us even after Rigalvan destroyed their castle? Sigh… quite the spirited bunch they are. Or are they just foolish?”
And with a sigh, the words were spoken.
The use of intimidation was also used to encourage surrender. It would have been enough to just show the “Dragon Army” in the sky, but there might be some who don’t feel the sense of urgency unless it’s done this way. It was a plan suggested by Felshiol.
In other words, the destruction of the castle gate is a straightforward move to give the enemy a sense of crisis. No matter how magnificent a castle may be, it can be easily wiped out, just like blowing out the candles on a cake. It was a demonstration of military power…
”As the Minister of the Right says, it’s true. Despite showing such military might, they still can’t see reality. What’s more, do they have any grounds to confidently oppose us?”
”No, there aren’t any clear reasons. The Ravendora Empire is a country with a history of 500 years. It won’t be easy to become a vassal state, nor can it be… That’s all there is to it.”
”I see…” Charles murmured quietly. In his somewhat biased imagination, the nobility were like cunning foxes, always seeking their own advantage. He had thought they were wise individuals who valued loyalty and honor, yet were able to choose the path that would ensure their survival. Or at least, he had hoped so.
However, it seemed that the importance of reputation and pride among the nobility was even greater than Charles had imagined.
”Well, that’s fine. By tomorrow, the express horse from the old capital should also arrive.”
The fact that they were already one step behind, even before the information could be transmitted through the express horse, was quietly but surely impacting them, like a slow-building body blow.
”At what moment did the express horse leave the old capital?”
”There were two express horses that left the old capital. One was sent by the princess immediately after the transport, and it is scheduled to arrive in the imperial capital around noon tomorrow. The second one is a soldier who was stationed on the city walls after the First Army invasion.”
”So they haven’t seen First Army?”
”The latter soldier I mentioned earlier is observing the situation in the First Army from a distance. Therefore, the news of the attack on Old Capital will be communicated to Imperial Capital at the earliest, tomorrow evening, or at the latest at a different date.”
”They were overjoyed when express horse arrived, but when the other side asked them about it, they didn’t know anything about it. This one want to see their faces at that time.”
Said Esmeralda, her cheeks slackening in amusement.
* * *
At the same time, a room in Imperial Capital Ballistok.
The heated debate had calmed down for the time being. However, this only meant that it had become less emotional, and the debate was still raging, with Duke Marshall advocating immediate surrender and Marquis Riodore advocating resistance. The conference room is on fire.
”I still can’t accept going down to the military without fighting the enemy.”
For the umpteenth time, Marquis Riodore has voiced his opinion clearly. And for the umpteenth time, Duke Marshall tries to refute it.
”You keep chanting surrender, but will His Majesty himself allow you to bow down in the enemy’s castle?”
As Marquis Riodore chased after Duke Marshall, he swallowed the words that had gone all the way to his throat. Then, he stammered, as if he had been hit where it hurt.
Emperor Fredrin II is willing to go to Babellion on his own. However, from his vassal’s perspective, he can never say, “It’s okay because His Majesty bows down.”
”…Marquis Riodore certainly has a point.”
”Duke Sandril.”
The one to speak was Duke Sandril, who, despite leaning towards Marquis Riodore’s assertion of resistance, also showed a hesitant stance, considering the arrival of Azuriela and not disregarding Duke Marshall’s opinion.
”The messenger known as Azuriela did indeed claim that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Her Royal Highness the Princess are alive. However, the evidence of a single strand of hair being cut does not prove that they were not killed.”
”Indeed, Marquis Riodore’s words may be true.”
Duke Raclette, who holds the position of minister, intervenes.
”To add to that, His Majesty’s command is not guaranteed. It is possible that they might threaten to lure His Majesty to Babellion, using him as a hostage and plotting his assassination.”
Their argument also includes the uncertainty of whether Azuriela’s words are true and the impossibility of sending Fredrin II into the heart of the Monster (Mamono) country.
But Duke Marshall, who had been silent, snorted at that opinion.
”That’s no way.”
”What do you mean it’s no way, Duke Marshall?”
Duke Raclette glared at Duke Marshall as if dismissing a child’s nonsense. But Duke Marshall sighed, “Why don’t you understand such things?”
”If they had intended to harm His Majesty, at that moment, in that place, that dragon would have breathed fire at us. Then neither His Majesty nor I would be here now. It is better to perceive that there is some reason for calling His Majesty to their place.”
Duke Raclette nodded in understanding at Duke Marshall’s response. Marquis Riodore was about to argue with Duke Marshall, but Duke Raclette was present as a surrender party. He was skeptical of Fredrin II bowing his own head and going to an enemy country, but he easily backed down in the face of Duke Marshall’s words, recognizing their merit.
If the other side want to kill Fredrin II and the senior official who happened to be present, it would have ended with just the dragon breathing fire a few hours ago. Assassination is a means of taking someone’s life precisely because you can’t do it directly, and it’s not a method chosen when there’s an easy opportunity to do it.
”Indeed, if we lose His Majesty, there will be no crown prince, and the nobles will lose their leader. Those who willingly follow His Majesty may change their tune if they have to accept another noble as the new ruler or grant regent-like power… the situation would change.”
”In addition, Azuriela was claiming to make the empire a vassal state. This is also important.”
Duke Marshall continues speaking.
”Their king was talking about showing mercy, but we are not fools to believe that blindly.”
Duke Marshall believed that showing mercy was nothing but a tactic. If the ruler of Babellion is indeed merciful, they would have used words from the beginning. It’s unreasonable to believe in mercy after having castles and gates bombed.
”So, is there a reason why the empire cannot be destroyed by force or is unable to be destroyed?”
At that moment, Fredrin II spoke up. In response to that question, Duke Marshall straightened his posture and nodded.
”I have been considering that. That’s why I believe it is safer to choose the method of taking the Crown Prince as a hostage and demand our submission using that as leverage.”
Therefore, Duke Marshall believes that there may be an opportunity to exploit and that there may be a way for the empire to survive.
Whether it is territory, wealth, or something else entirely, we cannot even imagine what Babellion is seeking. However, if the empire can provide it, then the empire can become a good neighbor to Babellion.
That is why Duke Marshall is advocating for not engaging in war────.
* * *
”If it becomes too troublesome, it might be acceptable to destroy them.”
In the middle of the large bathhouse, Charles muttered while gazing at the ceiling.
”I thought it would be smoother to maintain the existing governing structure and exploit it from there… But if we engage in war, it would be no different from attacking and destroying.”
The reason Charles sought subjugation instead of destruction was to facilitate subsequent governance. Instead of starting from scratch after annihilating everything, it would be easier to take over the existing governing structure and leap forward in governance.
Once the governing structure is destroyed, there is no going back, as the saying goes. On the other hand, if they continue to operate with the existing governing structure and it seems to be going well, we can keep it intact. If it seems impossible, they can destroy it at that time. These are the two paths that emerge.
”Indeed, what we want are slaves to cultivate the land and fields. In reality, there is no need to cling to the emperor.”
”That’s right. Besides, we have the crown prince in our hands. We could brainwash the crown prince and make him sit on the throne as a puppet.”
The current emperor is killed, and the crown prince is placed on the throne as the new emperor. And the nobles are presented with a choice.
They can accept the crown prince as the new emperor and serve him, in other words, join the Babellion army. Or they can oppose the crown prince and choose death.
As Esmeralda said, those are the choices they have.
”Or perhaps Felshiol, will you become the new emperor?”
Charles asked over his shoulder.
It was a half-joking remark, but it was also a possibility. In that case, it would be treated more like a ruling government than a vassal state, but placing Felshiol as the head of the empire, and it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have him govern as the head of the empire.
However, Felshiol’s answer was already determined.
”I jest not. As long as His Majesty permits, I wish to serve by His Majesty’s side forever.”
His tone was filled with power, and there was no doubt that these were Felshiol’s true intentions.
”Satsuki and Goldgang… both of my children are obedient and lovely.”
”We find the utmost joy in serving His Majesty.”
Behind him, Felshiol felt like he was bowing deeply. Charles thought it would be ridiculous to bow his head while facing each other from a third person’s point of view.
”However, it would be safer to leave the emperor as is. If we were to replace him with the crown prince, there would be more people who would disobey him.”
”Yes. In addition, the Empire is vast. If we were to rule it all ourselves, we would have to scatter the personnel, including soldiers. Rather than that, it would be better to take over some of the governing structure as it is.”
”Wouldn’t it be better to rule only within our reach and abandon the rest?”
Esmeralda tilts her head, but Felshiol immediately denies it.
”Creating a blank area will attract other countries to target the land. It is easy to brush aside the impolitely extended hand, but from the perspective of seeking stability for the time being, it may be a desirable move.”
Babellion aims to establish a safe zone. In the face of the crisis of a negative food self-sufficiency rate, they want to dominate the empire as a supplier of food. Therefore, they want to avoid fields becoming barren or farmers dying by engaging in battles, and thus, it aims to rule without fighting.
However, it’s not just Babellion targeting the fertile territory of the empire. If anyone creates unruled land, other countries are likely to send their armies. While it’s fine to stop there, it’s best to avoid creating unnecessary conflicts and making additional enemies externally.
Moreover, conversely, if the empire can be completely brought under control, Babellion can survive even if other countries are destroyed without thinking.
”It might be a good idea to kill the opposition as an example. In that way, bind them with fear, and then give them candy. Then, instill a sense that it is better to obey rather than rebel. That way, it will be easier to govern.”
* * *
In a room in the imperial capital once again.
Although it was the same room, it was now enveloped in silence, contrasting with the intense discussion that had taken place just a few minutes ago. However, the debate was far from over. They had only been granted a thirty-minute break in the never-ending battle.
”Are you worried about His Highness”
Duke Raclete, who had remained in the conference room, asked Fredrin II, who had his arms crossed and his eyes closed.
”Of course. I don’t even know if he’s truly alive.”
Fredrin II replied without opening his eyes. Although he behaved calmly, knowing that the fate of the country was at stake, Fredrin II’s inner thoughts were far from peaceful. If he didn’t have the responsibility of being Emperor, he might have taken a sword and headed alone to Babellion as a father. But such a thing was impossible for Emperor Fredrin II.
”As a father, I am concerned about the well-being of Lucia and Alfred. But as an emperor, above all else, I must reclaim Alfred. And Alfred is showing the qualities befitting a future emperor. It is only natural for me to be concerned for his safety.”
”I understand… It is not easy to say, but as a father myself, I can empathize with Your Majesty’s feelings.”
”You may not understand. In the worst case scenario, I may have to make the decision to take my son and abandon my daughter. That is how desperate I feel.”
For Fredrin II, his eldest son Alfred was a long-awaited child.
His beloved wife Almaria, who came from a northern country as a political marriage, captured Fredrin II’s heart with her beauty at first sight, and they soon had their first child. Fredrin II and Almaria became the ideal couple.
However, problems arose within their marriage. The issue was that only girls were being born.
To ensure the continuation of the royal lineage of the Harenamerehta family of the Ravendora Empire, it was imperative to have a boy. Almaria suggested that Fredrin II take a second wife. However, Fredrin II rejected the idea, saying, “I have no desire for any woman other than you.”
Three daughters followed, and it took ten years. Finally, a fourth child, a long-awaited son, was born, and that was his eldest son, Alfred.
”First, let’s convince Marquis Riodore and others. Then let’s explore what Babellion wants.”
”Yeah.”
Fredrin II looked up at the ceiling and closed his eyes again, praying for the safety of his captive child.
* * *
”What’s going on with the princess and the crown prince?”
Come to think of it, Charles asked Felshiol. Since they were taken hostage, other problems such as the food situation had piled up and they had forgotten about it, but it can be said that the value of their existence is higher than before they occupied the old capital.
Charles asked, and Felshiol seemed to shake his head.
”Doesn’t the Minister of the Right-dono know more than me?”
As Charles looked at Esmeralda in response to those words, she shook her head as well,
”This one, too, have been busy with meetings with the city mayor and others. This one haven’t shown one face at ‘Prison (Dite)’ yet… Azuriela won’t do anything out of the ordinary either.”
Suspicious words overflowed from Esmeralda’s mouth. When Charles hurriedly turned around, his eyes met Felshiol, who was also looking back at him. In the minds of the two, an image of a girl laughing loudly appeared,
”But just before she head to the imperial capital, we had a little chat. She said Princess-chan is cute, or something like that… And the Crown Prince is adorable when he desperately tries to please. It seems he’s been trained to only care about himself with his butt.”
”This one also plan to visit for a taste test in the near future,” Esmeralda laughed. Upon hearing that, the expressions of the two clouded over.
”That foolish sister… why did you create her like that? Your Majesty.”
”Well… I created ‘Prison (Dite)’ to look like a ruler, but… I may have gone a bit too far.”
”Torture Officer” Azuriela is Felshiol’s sister.
Because she is a hedonist who loves chaos and hedonism, she is not compatible with Felshiol, who values order and restraint. In addition to water and oil, dog and monkey, she could also add the words Felshiol and Azuriela.
Charles once submitted Azuriela to a Monster contest, but her underbreasts became a hot topic, and the internet was flooded with Azuriela’s illustrations and doujinshi for adults. Aside from the fact that there has never been an illustration posted on the site.
”Tell her to do it in moderation.”
”…Understood.”
Azuriela isn’t stupid, so she probably won’t kill them. And it might be better to become a hostage butter crown prince than a hostage crown prince… While thinking such irresponsible things, Charles dipped his head in the hot water up to his forehead.
Satsuki: “…When will my lord come? Or perhaps I have been forgotten…”
Lucia has a determination to protect the crown prince despite being made sq**t, but what kind of face did she make when she found out that her brother had already been turned into a butter dog (man who practises c**nill**gus) and had his butt dug in?
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.