Chapter 53 The Advancing Governance II
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
It goes back to before putting the empire under control.
Charles had been discussing specific strategies for governance after conquering the empire with Felshiol. This was almost simultaneous with considering the demands to be made to the empire.
It’s only natural. No matter what irregularities may occur, it’s certain that Babellion will put the empire under control. Therefore, it’s too late to think about it after taking control.
When it comes to governing the enemy’s territory, the most important thing is the people’s emotions. The people don’t simply belong to the territory and live their daily lives without a care, not noticing who’s in control.
The swelling emotions of the people can sometimes take the form of a riot, tormenting the ruler. Charles has heard that the more difficult daily life is, the more people become interested in politics――it’s similar to that. The more difficult daily life is, and when those swelling emotions reach a boiling point, they unite to change the status quo.
And that’s why, if they’re going to take action, it’s best to do it as soon as possible.
”The people are the nation’s resources. I want to avoid wasting those resources by letting strong anxiety or fear turn into rebellious feelings like a riot.”
When Babellion suppresses a riot, the ones who get killed are mainly the productive population.
These productive people are not only those who work in society, such as farming, but also those who raise the next generation. If he kill them, it will result in a huge loss in the long run. The people can’t be replaced like cattle or pigs in just a few years.
If a village rebels and he suppress it, what’s left is a field without farmers and reduced tax revenue. And the nobles who live off the people’s taxes will also suffer.
The people may be existences controlled by the nobles, but they also have the power to bind the nobles.
”What do you think, Felshiol?”
Charles asked while facing his desk, looking at Felshiol standing in front of him.
”I think the same way.”
Felshiol nodded, shifting his gaze to the empire map on the wall of the office.
”We decided to take control of the empire because of the food crisis in Babellion. If the number of farmers decreases, the harvest will also decrease, and it’s possible that our desired results will be greatly affected.”
”There’s also the option of colonizing if the numbers decrease… but that’s the worst-case scenario.”
”As you said, if we kill the locals and replace them with our own people, it’ll look bad to the outside world. The outside world’s opinion here refers to the influence it’ll have when we expand our territory in the future.”
”Ah, I understand.”
As Felshiol said, Babellion doesn’t need to worry about its reputation in the world. They can burn down villages, steal their wealth, kill the men, and r*pe the women… and no one will condemn or punish them.
However, the fact that they killed the locals and colonized their land will spread as a rumor throughout the land. If that happens, when Babellion acquires new territory in the future, the people of that land might be afraid of being killed, and that could lead to uprisings or escapes. And then Babellion will have to take the time to resolve the issue, colonize again, and then… a negative cycle might continue.
”We can’t just go around telling each village that we’re the good guys… that’s just ridiculous.”
It’s already common knowledge, even among rural children, that Babellion is a country of monsters. If those people come to them saying “You’re bad monsters!” it’s hard to trust them, and it’s impossible for them to be kind to the locals.
All the towns and villages in the western region are under surveillance, and Shiki, along with the information department, is keeping an eye out for any signs of uprisings or escapes. While there’s no sign of any action being taken yet, the reports they’re receiving suggest that anxiety is growing.
Uprisings have been a thorn in the side of rulers all over the world. When the people are in a crisis, they unite to fight against the existence that’s causing them suffering, trying to break free from their predicament.
In Japan, the main Ikko Ikki uprising were the ones from the Sengoku period, and perhaps the most well-known ones are those that appeared frequently in historical dramas about warlords like Nobunaga and Ieyasu… Charles was digging up the memorable history that could be learned from past rulers.
”I’ve thought of a good plan regarding governance…”
Charles opened his mouth, deeply thinking about the strategy that came to his mind.
Yes, when considering the emotions of the people, there is a great power that has united humans from ancient times to the present.
”How about using religion?”
The power of religion is enormous.
”So, you mean using faith?”
”Exactly.”
Charles nodded, glancing at Felshiol’s face. Judging from his expression, it seemed like an idea that had never crossed his mind. But Felshiol also put his hand on his chin, deep in thought, as if considering the idea.
It’s difficult to instill loyalty in the people. That’s because, to them, kings and nobles are distant, almost like beings from another world.
However, faith is rooted deeper in the people, who pray every day to be saved, to live a better life.
”Fear-based rule will eventually have cracks. Suppressing rebellions is easy, but if we keep killing people, their numbers will decrease. Humans aren’t like cows or pigs, whose numbers can increase quickly.”
Charles continued to put his thoughts into words.
”We can create a god with the power of creation and destruction, or I can become either one. And I have the power to receive the people’s faith… which you already know.”
Humans worship powerful beings. For example, many ancient people saw natural phenomena as gods or symbols of divine power, and they feared and revered them at the same time.
Beliefs like the worship of heavenly gods or the worship of samurai are good examples. They weren’t gods created by humans, like Zeus or Odin, but actual humans who existed and were feared as vengeful spirits after their deaths.
But that’s proof of their power. You can’t be saved by clinging to someone with no power. It’s because they have power that people fear, respect, and worship them.
”So, it’s not about loyalty, but about making them kneel through faith, right?”
”Ah, that’s right.”
Felshiol’s expression was dead serious. He was calculating various possibilities in his head, like a computer processing data, regarding the plan Charles had presented.
”That’s right… Let’s call it the Saint Tower Faith, a religion that worships me as a god.”
The Saint Tower Faith was just a temporary name, but it was easy to understand, and that was good enough.
”And we’ll give them tangible, feel-good benefits. For example, healing the sick, curing fatal injuries, and so on. Yeah, things like safe childbirth prayers might be easy to understand too. If we give them buffs that boost their physical strength and immunity, it’s definitely possible.”
The power of religion had an incredible spreading ability. Once you planted the seed, it would spread like water soaking into cloth.
And in the case of the Saint Tower Faith, it would truly bear delicious fruit in reality. Whether it was safe childbirth, healing, fertility, or treating the injured… anyone, whether commoner or noble, would seek those fruits.
And those who obtained those fruits would pass them on to others. That’s how rumors would spread, riding the wind, and eventually cross national borders. It would spread on its own, without needing Babellion’s help.
”First, let’s start with the form. Remember when the feudal prince came to visit the other day? He was amazed by the grandeur of this audience chamber. That’s the seed of faith.”
When Charles was invited to the APOCALYPSE SAGA tournament in Europe, he saw the world heritage sites, such as the sacred halls and religious paintings, and they took his breath away. Even Haruto, who had a typical Japanese view of religion, felt the power that could make him gaze in awe for hours.
”What do you think, Felshiol?”
Charles asked Felshiol again. Felshiol’s gaze turned to Charles.
”As expected of Your Majesty. It’s a truly magnificent plan.”
Felshiol kneeled on one knee, his voice trembling with reverence, as if he was serving his creator and ruler with joy.
Felshiol looked up.
”Additionally, it would be extremely effective in governing the rural areas of the Western region.”
”Please explain in detail.”
”Yes. For example, we’ll set up statues of Your Majesty in every village. And if the villagers pray to Your Majesty through these statues, they’ll be promised fertility and health, and even after death, they’ll be able to live happily.”
Felshiol outlined a specific plan while glancing at the map of the Western Region on the wall.
”And by actually providing benefits… by doing so, the villages that believe in Your Majesty will become unaware of hunger and disease, and those who receive these benefits will devote themselves to Babellion with faith.”
The idea was to spread this concept not only to the people of the royal capital but also to the townspeople and villagers all over the place, which had already crossed Charles’ mind. However, he had only thought of sending missionaries to plant the idea.
”If it doesn’t work, we can intentionally cause a famine or something to create a sense of crisis, and then make it rain in Your Majesty’s name. The people will naturally develop faith in Your Majesty.”
”But the Western Region is a fertile land. Won’t they think it’s our fault if a disaster occurs?”
”The soil may be fertile, but there’s no land that can guarantee no drought. In fact, a large-scale drought occurred 50 years ago, and many people died, as recorded in the investigation report.”
Felshiol flipped through the documents in his hand as he spoke.
He didn’t just nod in agreement but supplemented Charles’ proposal, making up for its shortcomings. That was Felshiol, Charles’ right-hand man and military strategist, whose divine calculations surpassed even Charles’.
”Then, is it a viable option?”
”Yes. However, the food shortage is a serious issue for us as well, so the drought in the Western Region becomes a crisis. Therefore, it becomes a last resort.”
”That’s true. We don’t want others to be aware of our persistent food shortage problem. That’s why we’re trying to take over the Western Region.”
The disappearance of the food consumption buff due to the otherworldly transfer. To solve this problem, Babellion is trying to take over the Western Region, a fertile granary, to eliminate the excessive food consumption within Babellion.
The empire’s northern region is a mountainous area with deep snow, but basically, most of its territory is flat and fertile, making it a major food-producing country. As a result, obtaining food is relatively easy, whether by buying or acquiring it.
However, this also means that food supply issues are a significant weakness. If they recklessly buy up food, they’ll naturally be suspected, and in times of war, their weaknesses will be targeted first. The “food siege” tactic is a common and effective strategy.
Although increasing food production can mitigate this weakness, if they’re attacked with a food siege, they’ll have a way to escape. However, this would require reducing their defense capabilities, which they’d like to avoid as much as possible.
That’s why Babellion controls the western region and, while hiding its true intentions, obtains food through taxation, disguising it as tributes.
”It’s undoubtedly a good plan. As expected of Felshiol.”
”No, it’s all thanks to Your Majesty’s proposal. To us, Your Majesty is the creator, ruler, and god… in other words, a divine being worthy of reverence. Therefore, the idea of instilling faith was lacking.”
Felshiol bowed deeply.
”Then, let’s review this plan with the civil servants, including the teachings.”
”I understand.”
Charles nodded in satisfaction several times, then turned his gaze back to the documents in front of him.
”And also, thoroughly review the civil servants to be assigned to the new Western Command Office and the Royal Capital Audit Office.”
”Yes, regarding that────.”
* * *
And then, time returned to the present.
”So…”
Charles flipped through the related documents in front of him, looking at Felshiol.
”Has the name of the religion been decided as the Saint Tower Faith?”
”Yes. It’s a faith that worships the god residing in the Saint Tower, so it’s fitting.”
Felshiol nodded as if it were only natural.
Well, it’s better than being called the Charles religion, which sounds awkward.
In reality, Babellion’s existence makes it clear where the object of faith lies, and it can become a symbol of faith, like a sacred relic.
If there’s a concern, it’s that the saint tower itself might be worshipped as a religion, but what’s important is that it’s not about making people worship Charles himself, so there’s no problem. Besides, that can be resolved with doctrine and preaching.
”Alright, then. Report on the religious situation.”
”Yes. Babellion used its technology to the fullest and built a grand cathedral in one night. It’ll be a great performance for the people of the royal capital.”
”That’s like building a castle in one night… it’s definitely going to have an impact.”
The basics of spreading a religion is through preaching, but first, it’s good to spread the fact that Babellion has a religion. Then, they can make it known that this religion is wonderful and beneficial.
”However, religion isn’t that simple. Don’t rush it, but increase the number of believers gradually, Felshiol.”
”I understand.”
For the people of the royal capital, Babellion is still a symbol of fear that destroyed their castle and gates. The fact that they built a building in one night is more terrifying than anything.
The problem is how to overcome the recognition that Babellion is an evil lair. As he was thinking about that, Charles suddenly thought of one possibility.
”By the way, what’s the current state of the existing religion in the feudal kingdom?”
”Most of the people in the feudal kingdom believe in the Earth Mother Goddess. It’s also called the Holmil religion, named after the Earth Mother Goddess Holmil.”
Felshiol answered Charles’ question without looking at any documents. He probably had the same concern.
”Religious wars will only lead to chaos. We don’t want to be labeled as heretics and create unnecessary conflicts.”
”The Earth Mother Goddess religion has been around on this continent for a long time. The people of the feudal kingdom also believe in it, but it doesn’t have enough influence to be considered a national religion. Of course, it’s not officially recognized as a national religion either.”
”That’s good, then…”
In the end, using religion to stabilize the country might just create an external enemy, which would be a total reversal of their goals.
”For the sake of caution, let’s pay attention accordingly.”
”I understand.”
Felshiol nodded strongly.
However, if it’s a faith that has been passed down throughout the continent for a long time, it’s impossible for Felshiol to monitor everything completely, even with their abilities. So, they should prepare countermeasures from what we can do, and minimize the damage when the worst happens.
”I want to spread the Saint Tower’s teachings among the nobles as well. It’s almost like a national religion.”
One of the terrifying aspects of religious wars is that they can easily become mired in the mud of absolute justice based on faith. Moreover, there are cases where there are enemies among allies.
A broader example of religious wars is different, but for instance, looking at Japan’s Ikko-ikki, there was a case where a vassal was a follower of the Ikko sect, causing a split among allies.
Believing is an action that takes place in one’s heart. For example, wearing a cross or a hijab is not the only visible religious behavior. Even if one doesn’t openly participate in war, they can still engage in spy activities like secretly leaking information.
Of course, if such a person exists, Shiki and the intelligence department will quickly discover them. But if it becomes clear that there’s even one spy, the nobles of the feudal kingdom will become suspicious of each other and it won’t end well.
Thinking that, Felshiol confidently replied to Charles’s request.
”Then, there’s a suitable person.”
”Who is it?”
”Marquis Riodore is suitable. Since the incident the other day, he has been speaking of Your Majesty’s greatness to other nobles. Moreover, he has connections with influential people in the empire and surrounding countries.”
Ah, yes, Charles thought, remembering Riodore as he held the teacup on his desk and swirled its contents.
The lifting of the petrification curse on Marquis Riodore and 2 others, as requested by feudal prince Fredrin II, was carried out in front of Charles a few days after the treaty was signed, during an audience.
At that time, Marquis Riodore was both intimidated and devoted to Charles… or so it seemed. In reality, he was in a state of heightened excitement, having been influenced by charms and euphoria, and was half-brainwashed.
Since he wasn’t even puppets, he would go on to voluntarily praise Charles and Babellion’s greatness, working with enthusiasm as his sympathizers.
In that sense, they had become the first, second, and third believers of the Saint Tower Church.
”There was an incident where people were petrified, but Riodore still holds significant influence as a noble. He’s particularly useful in spreading information.”
”I’ll leave the selection to you. Do as you see fit.”
”I understand.”
Felshiol bowed deeply.
This meant that Charles wouldn’t intervene, or rather, Charles thought that there were good and bad times to speak up.
Felshiol was far more knowledgeable about utilizing the feudal kingdom’s nobles, including Riodore. If they left it entirely to him, things would go smoothly, and Charles had that much trust in Felshiol.
That’s why…
”I don’t plan to get deeply involved in the feudal kingdom’s finances or domestic affairs, but I think it’s better to thoroughly investigate the Saint Tower Church’s dealings, including the Audit Office.”
”Of course. If we took care of everything, there’d be no point in leaving the king… but if we let them do as they pleased, the story would change.”
”That’s true, Your Majesty. So, I’m thinking of heading to the capital to investigate the Saint Tower Church and the Audit Office.”
Felshiol’s words caused Charles to stiffen for a few seconds.
”You’re going to the capital… alone?”
”May I have your permission?”
”…No, don’t mind. Do as you like.”
Charles shook his head to deny the strange reaction he had shown.
It wasn’t opposition, but surprise. Charles had never thought that Felshiol, who had been given the role of castle governor in his absence, would leave Babellion unattended.
But the usefulness of Felshiol setting foot in the location once is unimaginable. He’d even want to go himself, but the meaning and influence of Charles setting foot there are immeasurable, so unfortunately, he can’t leave this Babellion.
Though, he’d like to have the opportunity to see the outside world somewhere.
From there on, Charles didn’t say a word, and the report continued. Charles would ask questions, and Felshiol would answer. It was a very meaningful and engaging exchange of opinions, not boring at all.
Such a meeting was about to reach its climax.
”What about the Western Command Office?”
It was a question about the text that caught his eye while flipping through the related documents.
”This side has already gotten on track. I’ve heard they’re working hard to grasp the geography. After completing the handover of cities and fortresses, they’ll proceed with surveys and census creation.”
The Western region is a directly governed territory of Babellion, and it’s also the most crucial region for solving Babellion’s food problem. If the governance here doesn’t stabilize, it can’t be said that they’ve overcome the crisis of the otherworldly transport.
”Speaking of the Western region…the local situation should be settled soon, right?”
Charles said with a hint of implication, gazing at the feudal kingdom’s map on the wall.
Yes, today is the day when the last stronghold in the Western region, Es-Cara Fortress, will be handed over to the current feudal kingdom’s army. This Es-Cara Fortress is the key to defending the Western region, the most important defense facility. With this handover, the Western region will completely come under Babellion’s control.
And Charles has sent the Second Army led by Goldgang to take over the fortress. The Second Army will also enter the related strongholds, taking on the role of protecting the Western region.
And rumors will spread quickly. If something happens, it will affect the future ruling policy, so it’s essential to make it smooth here.
Goldgang is a fierce guy, but he’s not an idiot. In fact, Charles himself thought Goldgang was the right man for the job.
”The last piece will be filled in by Goldgang. It’ll get busy, but the Western region will become the first land Babellion has conquered in this world. I want to use this to demonstrate our ability to take over enemy territory, including the missionary work of the Saint Tower Church.”
”Yes, that’s right.”
Felshiol also turned his gaze to the map. There was only a regular map drawn on it, not some kind of Magic Item. But for some reason, it felt like he saw Goldgang aiming for the Es-Cara Fortress.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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