Chapter 31 Secret Talk
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
In the noble city of Ravendora Empire’s imperial capital, located in a prime location near the castle, three men gathered in a dark basement where even light could not reach.
”Marquis Riodore, could you kindly inform us of the reason for summoning us without delay?”
”Yes, and in a place like this too.”
Upon entering the basement, Marquis Granham spoke immediately, and Barellun, another Marquis, nodded in agreement. While not quite a prison cell, the basement had an unsettling atmosphere that seemed intended for the confinement of someone. It was far from the glamorous setting where nobles would normally gather. Sensing the suspicion from the two men, Marquis Riodore, the owner of the mansion, gestured for the two Marquis to sit on chairs that resembled interrogation seats, saying, “Well, please have a seat.”
However, neither of them expected to be killed by Marquis Riodore, and Riodore had no intention of doing so. Without any particular suspicion, the two sat deeply in their chairs facing Riodore.
The two were members of the faction centered around Marquis Riodore, and at the same time, they had a deep relationship with Marquis Riodore himself. Riodore’s niece is married to the Marquis Granham, and Marquis Riodore’s daughter is married to the grandson of the Marquis Barellun.
As the leader of such a major faction and known as a central figure of the opposition in recent days, Marquis Riodore, while remaining seated in front of the Marquis of Granham and the Marquis of Barellun, slowly began to speak without any pretense.
”I am thinking of asking His Majesty to step down from the throne.”
”Marquis Riodore!? What are you saying?”
”Never in my wildest dreams did I think you would become an emperor!”
The two individuals who stood up from their chairs in disbelief quickly understood the reason they were summoned to this underground basement. But Marquis Riodore stopped them with one hand.
”Don’t be foolish.”
His voice of denial was filled with anger.
”Our Riodore family has been loyal servants to the empire since the time of the founding. That loyalty has never wavered, and my sentiments are the same.”
The Riodore family, founded by the third son of the legitimate wife of the first emperor, is a noble lineage with a particularly high status among the aristocracy, despite not being of royal blood. Their power is especially formidable within the ranks of marquises, to the extent that not even the emperor can disregard them.
Therefore, while the Granham and Barellun families both hold the title of marquis, the three individuals are by no means equals. It is primarily Marquis Riodore, as the head of the faction, who holds the central position. This applies even to the older Marquis Barellun.
”That’s why I have to ask His Majesty, who is trying to destroy the country, to step down for the sake of the empire. This is done out of concern for the country, and never for his own desires.”
That was Marquis Riodor’s true feelings. He did not really make such a proposal out of his own desires or ambitions.
As one of the country’s high-ranking officials, Marquis Riodor has a deep connection and relationship with the Emperor. However, he had a stronger will to protect the country itself, the Ravendra Empire. The Ravendra Empire, which had been protected by successive emperors and the successive heads of the Riodore family who served them, surrendered without a fight and became a vassal state to the tower where an incomprehensible monster lived. He couldn’t let that happen.
”But what are you going to do?”
Marquis Barellun, who read his thoughts, asked as he sat back down. Seeing this, Marquis Granham also let out a breath to calm his mind.
”That’s right. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, the only male child, is in the hands of the enemy.”
”Ah, I see. That’s why you will enthrone Clovis as the new emperor.”
That was the strategy devised by Marquis Riodore.
Clovis is the grandson of Marquis Riodore. He is the son of Emperor Fredrin II’s full brother, Ryatt, and Marquis Riodore’s daughter. In other words, he is a nephew to Fredrin II and second in line to the imperial succession after Crown Prince Alfred.
Imperial Prince Ryatt was the man most willing to die for the nations. He was the foremost warrior of the Ravendora Empire, a renowned general who achieved countless championships on the battlefield, particularly against the longstanding enemy, the Drabatz Kingdom.
However, five years ago, he succumbed to a prolonged illness. The unparalleled hero of the battlefield met an unimaginable end through death by illness, and Clovis is his legacy.
In other words, Clovis may still be young in age, but he possesses the bloodline and backbone that are unquestionably suitable for becoming an emperor.
”However, it would be counterproductive to divide the country. Especially now, when we have an enemy like Babellion within our borders.”
No matter the means, the act of harming the emperor and establishing a new one will almost certainly lead to conflict with the current opposition forces, including Duke Marshall… that was the essence of Marquis Granham’s words.
”That’s the crux of the matter in this discussion.”
Riodore seemed to nod in agreement with the observation, slowly formulating a strategy.
”Duke Marshall and others are cowering in fear of this Babellion character. If we can instill emotions that surpass that fear, then we will have succeeded.”
Observing the two with a skeptical furrowed brow, Marquis Riodore let out a deep breath.
”This is a plan with a righteous cause!!”
And he stood up and raised his voice. There was no fear for the future in that moment.
”His Majesty is mad over the loss of his heir. It is our duty, passed down from our ancestors, to stand in for His Majesty and protect the Ravendora Empire.”
Marquis Riodore declared with the fervor of a hero proclaiming salvation in a theatrical play.At that moment, Marquis Granham and Marquis Barellun were no longer opposed.
Instead, a fiery determination was ignited in their hearts by Marquis Riodore’s impassioned words.
”But how?”
”It’s simple.”
Marquis Riodore shrugged.
”Didn’t they say there’s a dragon among the enemies? If there’s a mighty dragon capable of blowing away the castle gates and turning humans into ashes with its fiery breath, then it should be easy. Under the noble causes of avenging the Emperor’s killer, Babellion. The new Emperor, Clovis, burning with vengeance for the late Emperor, will unite the empire as one.”
”Are you telling me to kill His Majesty?”
Then Marquis Granham cried out. He believed that the Emperor should be forced to abdicate as much as possible.
”It can’t be helped.”
However, Marquis Riodore yelled in a strong tone, and continued.
”Then, are your planning to simply overlook this Ravendora Empire becoming a vassal state?”
”it is…”
”…No… Marquis Riodore is right.”
Marquis Barellun growled lowly.
”It’s true that we can’t protect our country just by being pretty and having ideals. Even if we become the dirt here, it’s important that the name of the Ravendora Empire remains in future generations.”
”I’ve said it many times before, but it’s not a good idea to divide the country. And a certain amount of preparation is required.”
”Well, I’ll have to think carefully about that.”
”Yeah, if it leaks near His Majesty, there will be no recovery. We each have many allies, but each of us should understand that that doesn’t mean we can trust everyone.”
”Understood.”
”I understand.”
* * *
”…That is the sequence of events.”
Charles listened to Shiki’s report in his office and let out a deep sigh, looking up at the ceiling.
It is sad that it is not driven by personal desires… but their judgment is wrong.
If it were just a war against an enemy, in other words, another country, Marquis Riodore’s argument might have been correct. However, if the opponent is Babellion, it is a different story. The reason why Marquis Riodore and the opposition failed to notice, even after their castle was destroyed by the “Dragon Army,” is simply because they mistakenly believe that they have the power to retaliate.
”We cannot let Riodore’s plan be executed, can we?”
”Yeah, if we consider the governance after, the current emperor is necessary.”
Charles nodded in agreement with Felshiol’s words, as they both listened to Shiki’s report.
For Charles, who wants to maintain the existing governing structure, it’s important to have a compliant current emperor. Charles doesn’t aim to assimilate the empire into Babellion; he simply wants to rule as a suzerain and collect necessary resources like crops.
However, demanding only crops would expose their weakness, so he won’t act foolishly. While he may demand concessions, such as the fertile western region, under the pretext of gaining control over Babellion’s territory, most of the western region is under the emperor’s direct rule, so there would be little resistance from the nobility. This doesn’t mean the Ravendora Empire itself will vanish.
By not opposing, one might see benefits in entering the protection of Babellion.
Additionally, the current emperor is necessary in order to effectively utilize the crown prince as a pawn. If a new emperor like Clovis were to ascend, Alfred would become an enemy threatening his own imperial position. This would alter the situation, removing the possibility of negotiation or serving as a deterrent against rebellion.
”The question is, if they killed the emperor, how would they make it seem like it was our doing? Firstly, it’s not even certain if they can kill the emperor, and even if they could, what would they do next? Turning the emperor into ashes with dragon fire… but I doubt they can replicate the firepower of the [dragon] breath.
The emperor’s movement implies the movement of the entire army, including the royal knights. Even if they were able to assassinate the emperor, they cannot simply burn him in the campfire within the camp, and human bodies are not easily turned to ashes.
”Perhaps there’s a solution? Otherwise, it’s just foolishness.”
”If there’s a thinking brain, wouldn’t it bow down immediately like the emperor?”
”…You may be right.”
It’s foolish to misunderstand that there is still a point in fighting, especially after not only the city gate but also the upper half of the emperor’s residence has been blown away. The imperial capital becoming a battlefield means that it is the final battleground, the last stand after losing numerous castles and forts from being attacked over and over.
To be able to attack the imperial capital from the sky, bypassing all obstacles without encountering any, means that they must understand that they are always on the brink of death themselves.
”But I’ve decided what to do.”
”Yes.”
Charles had been considering waiting and observing until the emperor arrived at the castle, but he was starting to feel impatient. However, Marquis Riodore’s attempted rebellion necessitated some kind of action.
”What do you think the Chancellor should do?”
”I have already been devising strategies for various possible situations in the strategic department, including the possibility of a noble rebellion. I have prepared options, so I hope Your Majesty can make a choice.”
”Oh, tell me.”
”Yes.”
Felshiol straightened his posture.
”One option is to kill the opposition as a demonstration. We can use the Dragon or send my foolish sister again. By eliminating key figures, we can weaken the momentum of the opposition as a whole and encourage the emperor to come to the castle. It is the safest and most sensible move.”
This is a strategy that Charles has been advocating for some time, and it is still a move that Charles is considering. It involves instilling fear by killing the central nobles who oppose it.
”Another option is to continue with the coup. After the Emperor is removed and the country is divided into two, Crown Prince Alfred will join the fight in opposition to the opposing faction. Although this option will take some extra time until the empire is divided and our army can be used, it is believed that it will be somewhat easier to govern after sweeping away the opposition.”
On the other hand, the second option is to completely eradicate the opposing faction. By intentionally dividing the empire into two, it creates an opportunity to expose the opposition.
However, there are significant drawbacks to consider. In order to eliminate the opposing faction, they must wait until the positions of the nobles become somewhat clear, which means that the internal conflict will continue until then. If it turns into a battle, the strength of the empire will decrease as soldiers die, and there is also the possibility that other countries will take advantage of the internal turmoil in our nation.
Additionally, the majority of the opposition consists of territorial nobles. If all of them were to be annihilated, the problem of who would enter the vacant territory would arise. Ideally, it would become the Emperor’s direct domain. However, from an outsider’s perspective, if Babellion were to send out his army and expand the Emperor’s land, it could be seen that Babellion was being used by Crown Prince Alfred for his own benefit. This is not desirable.
Furthermore, Charles does not see all the opposition as enemies. After all, if they are opposing out of ignorance, there are likely many who would choose submission instead of resistance, just as they restrained the nobles present in the Emperor’s castle and elsewhere once they got to know Babellion.
”…As expected, it is best to keep the Emperor alive.”
On the other hand, Babellion does not want to act recklessly in order to save himself.
”Then, it’s the first move, right?”
”Yes. Killing the nobles of the opposition as a warning was a plan I had in mind from the beginning.”
At first, it is good to instill a certain level of fear. Just as the foundation of brainwashing lies in reward and punishment, the empire is bound by the ebb and flow of fear and benefits. It may be terrifying to defy, but as long as one continues to comply, there are benefits. Therefore, there is no need to rebel, rather, one should happily obey… This is the psychological manipulation at play.
”Then, which noble should we kill, how many, and how should we do it?”
”Well…”
Charles ponders Felshiol’s question.
As Satsuki pointed out in the arena, if they instill too much fear, it will transform into instinctive rebellion.
However, the act of killing and making it a demonstration is crucial.
For example, it is possible to forcefully neutralize individuals by abducting and brainwashing them or by replacing them with [Doppelgangers] after killing them. However, not all opposition comes solely from Marquis Riodore’s faction. If they brainwash all opposition, it would create its own set of problems.
This is because if the opposing nobles suddenly start accepting subjugation, it would be too suspicious. There are certainly many who believe that something influenced them through Babellion, and it is undeniable that it would evoke the same level of rejection as being manipulated in thought processes or being turned into an undead.
”I think we should think about this.
The emperor is dead? If the oppositional noble at the center of the main aristocrats says it is Babellion’s doing and insists on making his grandson the emperor, then anyone who believes it blindly is a hopeless fool.
In that case, for Marquis Riodore to naturally arrange for the ascension of the new emperor, Clovis, some groundwork is necessary. Moreover, an emperor is not someone who can be easily assassinated just because he is an obstacle. One must consider how to kill and manipulate.
What they are attempting to achieve is something that, even if slightly mistaken, would result in the complete eradication of their family name along with the stigma of being traitors. Therefore, the decision cannot be made unless it is thoroughly thought through and one is absolutely convinced that there was no other way.
This means that there is time to spare.
It is a pivotal moment for Marquis Riodore, just as it is for Babellion. If they make a wrong move, they may end up having to annihilate the empire. It would not be an overstatement to say that Babellion also stands at a point that will significantly influence the future developments.
”Chancellor, you must consider the selection of those who should be killed and the most effective methods.”
”Understood.”
First, let Felshiol’s Strategic Department devise a plan. That is likely the most certain way to plan within Babellion.
”At the same time, Shiki, continue to monitor the Empire’s movements. If Riodore or other nobles make any suspicious moves, inform us. And if by any chance the Emperor is in danger, save his life. However, never make your presence known.”
”Understood.”
Taking his gaze away from the kneeling pair, Charles looked up at the sky again.
There is still time. Charles, who is a gamer at heart despite being a ruler and has only a beginner’s understanding of politics and military strategy, now has reliable subordinates like Felshiol by his side. However, he must come up with strategies using his own head without becoming a mere puppet.
When Charles let out a small sigh, he quenched his dry throat with a glass of water.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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