SWNOVELXO Chapter 118
The Imperial Council. A place where a total of fifteen nobles with legislative qualifications, including three Dukes, gather.
Seated together, they discuss significant issues of the Empire and relay them to the Emperor.
In simpler terms, it means they’ll cut off the nonsense before it even reaches His Majesty the Emperor.
“Imperial Chief of Staff. Sending that amount of supplies to Ross Tanika is a reckless move.”
“I agree. Benito is barely holding the land border, and DeGale’s coastal areas are firmly in Ross Tanika’s grasp, while there’s barely a Dedorant Navy to speak of. Still, it’s too much.”
“How much is it even going to cost to send these supplies? It’s already more expensive than the value of the supplies themselves! It’s like the belly is bigger than the ship!”
I expected it wouldn’t be easy, but the opposition is quite fierce.
Even just receiving the value of the supplies without the shipping fees is annoying enough.
What I’m proposing is to send them without shipping costs, at a price lower than the original, and payment to be made later! From the perspective of the Council or the Ministry of Finance, they would only be able to exclaim, “What kind of absurdity is this?!”
“Now, now, everyone calm down. Surely, our Imperial Chief of Staff knows that and wouldn’t propose such a bill without understanding the implications.”
“We have to think about Ross Tanika. His Majesty the Emperor personally welcomed their envoy and earnestly requested help, yet we’ve done nothing for them aside from fend off Dedorant attacks. Our Empire’s pride is at stake!”
“It’s not just pride. Ross Tanika is holding back at least 20,000 to as many as 40,000 Dedorant troops. If they surrender or negotiate, isn’t it obvious where they’ll turn?”
Fortunately, the supporters slightly outnumbered the opposition.
So, five opposing votes and seven in favor. The remaining three are on hold for now.
For now, all three Dukes voted in favor.
I suddenly feel grateful for how my father has maintained good relations with the other Ducal families.
If their relationships had been tense, this outcome would surely be different.
‘Then it’s only left to convince the members who are on hold or those who are against it.’
How should I persuade them? Should I push forward with the Empire’s pride like the supporters?
Or should I appeal to the sympathy of Ross Tanika’s pitiful state, crying alone?
No. No. In this situation, neither would have a significant impact.
What’s needed now is not just to pull the neutrals in but to turn the opposition into supporters.
The only thing I should use for this… Yes, indeed, there’s no other way.
“Honorable members of the Imperial Council. Actually, I have something to convey to you all.”
“What is it, Imperial Chief of Staff?”
“A few months back, when our Empire was on the offensive, we received some intelligence from the Western Legion. It was supposed to be delivered immediately, but with two legions trapped in a siege, the delivery was delayed.”
First of all, I mention the Empire’s defeat to ignite some hostility towards Dedorant.
“And according to the new information received, it seems Dedorant has been trying to persuade, or at least negotiate a deal, with Ross Tanika since the beginning of the war.”
“They were trying to persuade Ross Tanika?”
“Yes. It must be uncomfortable for them to face enemies on both sides. Although they are currently in a war because things didn’t go as planned, Dedorant may attempt that proposal again if the opportunity arises.”
“…”
“Perhaps Ross Tanika has been holding out for that very reason.”
What I’ve said is all true. At least, it is for the part about Dedorant trying to persuade Ross Tanika.
Are they still trying to bring Ross Tanika into their fold? I’m not quite sure about that.
Or could it be that Ross Tanika might abandon the Empire and ally with Dedorant? Once again, I don’t know.
That part lacks concrete information, so it must be debated purely based on our prediction.
So right now, I haven’t lied at all. I’ve merely stated the facts and made predictions.
“Dedorant is attempting to persuade Ross Tanika?”
“Does that mean Ross Tanika could waver from the Empire?”
But to the members of the Imperial Council, that was likely a very unpleasant narrative.
They were already reeling from a harsh blow dealt by Dedorant.
It’s frustrating how they keep poking at the Empire’s pride.
With their heads bowed to the Empire and without a doubt that the Empire will help someday, they’re trying to win over those fighting valiantly.
“That’s… um.”
“If Ross Tanika capitulates, the Empire will lose face entirely. This is the same as a diplomatic defeat to Dedorant, not just a loss in battle!”
No political logic can outmatch the logic of capitalism.
But even capitalist logic cannot withstand the logic of pride.
Is the support for Ross Tanika considered too big of a loss?
If we don’t help them, our Empire’s pride will hit rock bottom!
For reference, the Marquis of Consloker’s faction has been criticized harshly by the citizens of the Empire.
They were the core of the military and advocated for a quick decisive victory leading to Dedorant’s surrender.
But the result? Two legions vanishing. A defeat that the Empire thought was impossible.
Just imagine the rage of the Empire’s people faced with such a devastating situation.
Originally, it would be absurd to blame the nobles.
But given the situation, everyone is whispering and tacitly acknowledging it.
“There’s even talk that their constant bashing has led the Imperial Family and other noble families to avoid the topic.”
Such is the situation. And now the Council may come under fire as well.
If they suffer a diplomatic defeat due to their decisions, it becomes highly likely.
If it were to be said that they completely shut down those who were pleading with the Empire, then so be it.
On top of that, there’s one more thing to add: it’s the name of that guy.
If the Empire’s genius minister is pushing for a bill, would they dare oppose it over tax concerns?
I guarantee you, the citizens of the Empire will be furious and demand to pay an extra coin for a peso!
I emphasize again. No logic is worth anything in the face of pride.
It’s no coincidence that the phrase “national pride is the greatest pride” exists.
Once the pride and self-esteem of a nation vanish, it’s as good as doomed.
“Members of the Council.”
Of course, it would be too difficult to push solely on pride.
Combining that with the logic of capitalism would be like icing on the cake.
“I would expect some amongst you to express concern over the bill for supplies, specifically regarding the clause that states we will not demand payment from Ross Tanika immediately.”
“Regrettably, Ross Tanika’s situation is dire right now, and there’s no other choice. Who would be pleased if a thief broke into their house and asked for money to fight?”
“However, when everything is said and done and someone who was supposed to nab such a thief takes their possessions at will, they won’t be able to open their mouths.”
What the Empire has temporarily forgotten, and what has been momentarily overlooked since conquering has been so long ago.
This war isn’t simply about establishing a position or regaining authority.
It’s a war to exercise the Empire’s influence over the continent’s western side more perfectly.
Or, to expand territory, to create a new order of Empires on the continent.
And when the war is over, the Empire will reap rewards beyond imagination.
That is entirely rightful for our Empire. It must be that way.
No one can claim rights to its benefits.
They might show signs of contribution. They might say they are the same victors.
Daring to raise objections about the distribution of spoils is absolutely unacceptable.
“Those who give first will have louder voices later. It will be a good cause and an excellent weapon. Some may worry about what if they change their minds, but I would respond as follows.”
“After all, when this war is over, can any Kingdom on the continent question the order of the Empire within a century?”
*
That winter, the Empire did not conduct the New Year ceremony.
Instead, they vowed before their great ancestors to take revenge on that vile Dedorant.
The citizens of the Empire fervently responded to such a pledge of the Emperor, praying for the Empire’s victory.
The first thing that began after the new year was the supply support to Ross Tanika.
A perilous path had to be traversed, passing over the southern coast of DeGale occupied by Benito and Dedorant.
But Benito was in a tough spot, and Ross Tanika clearly had the advantage in naval power.
Although it wasn’t plenty, the supplies from the Empire breathed some life into Ross Tanika.
It was unfortunate that high-quality iron production was concentrated exactly in DeGale and Dedorant.
Thus, it was impossible for Ross Tanika to procure materials on their own.
The supply support from the Empire was a significant help to the side of Ross Tanika.
Imperial Chief of Staff, Kael, stayed for about two weeks before returning to his post.
And exactly a week later, Dedorant launched a massive winter offensive.
Their target was none other than Setongrad. The name engraved on the fortress that brought them humiliation.