SWNOVELXO Chapter 138
Three kingdoms nestled beyond the Eastern Empire: Burgai, Kaden, and Polrand.
Just a few years ago, they were baring their fangs against the Empire.
They even fought, suffering significant losses in the process.
But now, you’d think they were flipping their bellies up, acting all innocent.
I might as well exaggerate a bit and say they’d pledge loyalty, as if they had noble blood.
The reason for this monumental shift in the three eastern kingdoms?
Of course, their devastating defeat in the war played a part.
They probably sensed the Empire’s final mercy and felt a tinge of crisis.
On top of that, the recent visit by the Crown Princess to the East made quite the change.
To Burgai, she promised a path to reclaim their lost pride.
To Kaden, who feared becoming a third wheel, she assured them that they had nothing to worry about.
And Polrand, anxious about potentially losing their precious land, was completely reassured.
For some, there was justification and pride. For others, a guarantee of the status quo.
Yet for someone else, there was the necessity for tangible benefits, all while showcasing the Empire’s magnificence.
In fact, all three kingdoms managed to walk away with results they could be somewhat satisfied with.
Coincidentally, the reinforcements sent to the opposite side of the continent are making quite an impression.
They received treatment on par with the Imperial Legion, sharing in the glory.
Once this news reached them, any lingering anti-Empire sentiments in the East vanished into thin air.
“I can finally head back.”
The Crown Princess, having wrapped up her second trip to the East, returned to the Academy.
It just so happened that the Crown Prince, Gnaius, who had recently returned from the South, was there too.
“Sister! You must be exhausted.”
“You too have been through a lot. So, how did things go in the South?”
“Thanks to the person I will be marrying, it was incredibly smooth.”
“Hohoho, just as I thought.”
The Crown Princess and Gnaius both possessed exceptional rhetoric and cunning.
But that alone wasn’t enough. Diplomacy undoubtedly requires strength to be flawless.
Demonstrating the Empire’s overwhelming might was a significant boon.
And the one who made that possible was none other than—
“Your Highness the Crown Princess. Your Highness the Crown Prince. His Majesty requests your presence.”
“Us?”
“Yes, Your Highness the Crown Prince.”
The Emperor must have already heard that they had just returned to the Academy.
Still, calling them in so soon likely meant something had happened.
“We greet Your Majesty.”
Entering the Emperor’s private office instead of the Grand Hall, the Crown Princess and Gnaius soon found themselves greeted by the Emperor’s unmistakable smile.
Such a sight was not a regular occurrence; in fact, it was quite rare.
It was one of the Emperor’s instincts not to express his emotions openly.
It was even more challenging to see him smile in front of his children.
Thus, witnessing such a broad smile lingering on his face was certainly noteworthy.
“You two have worked hard. You’ve both handled the situations in the East and South excellently, bringing them soundly within our borders.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Thanks to you, the Empire’s prestige has grown immensely. I am grateful that you both are my daughter and son.”
As the Emperor spoke, the Crown Princess and Gnaius bowed their heads, exchanging glances.
Sister, you seem to be in particularly high spirits today. Am I mistaken?
Not at all. You’re looking exceptionally energetic yourself.
“Your Majesty, you look particularly joyful today.”
“Your sister is right. Is there news from the Western front?”
Once the Emperor’s affairs wrapped up, the Crown Princess subtly initiated the conversation.
When Gnaius chimed in, the Emperor nodded.
“Take a look at this.”
Before them was a report submitted through the Ministry of War and the General Staff.
Although it was succinctly written, the content was anything but simple.
[ Surrender Request from Commander Paelus Gusthagen of the Dedorant Rear Guard ]
[ Most of the troops under his command have expressed intentions to surrender, with only a handful resisting or attempting to flee ]
Over the past year, there had been countless battles with Dedorant.
Naturally, the capture of prisoners was to be expected. Nothing surprising there.
However, among those prisoners, there had never been a commanding officer leading tens of thousands.
Everyone had either fought to the bitter end and lost their lives or chosen to escape.
But this time, a commanding officer had actually defected along with his forces numbering in the thousands.
“Your Majesty! This is marvelous news! This will surely break Dedorant’s momentum even further!”
Defeats in battle could be brushed aside, as they say, “battle is part of life.”
However, surrender, especially one made by a commander along with thousands of troops, was an entirely different matter.
For those barely hanging on, a path that had long been ignored suddenly appeared.
For those being coerced, a new terror surfaced.
Until now, Dedorant had endured numerous defeats and stood firm.
They had relied on the pride of the Deo Ethnicity and such.
Yet now, they had obtained the justification needed to shake that foundation to its roots.
“Even so, I’ve seen sporadic surrenders and hundreds of prisoners, but to witness thousands, especially under the orders of a commanding officer, is a first.”
“Your sister is correct. Your Majesty, exactly what transpired?”
Having just wrapped up matters in the East and South, they hadn’t been kept in the loop.
Thus, when they inquired, the Minister of the Palace, who had been nearby, spoke up softly.
“I will explain the situation, Your Highnesses. It all began with a suggestion made by the Chief of Staff some time ago—”
The Minister of the Palace went on to explain.
A strategy focused solely on besiegement and annihilation was formulated.
Dedorant, having to retreat hurriedly, had no choice but to leave the rear guard behind.
Instead of attacking their rear units, they struck from the flanks to break their resolve.
Thus ensued a psychological warfare against those trapped inside.
“In particular, by singing popular songs that were all the rage in Dedorant and then proposing a truce, the morale of the enemies was completely shattered. The Empire didn’t urge them to surrender; instead, they prompted the enemies to request surrender on their own. As a result, our Empire achieved not only a tactical victory but also a strategic, and moreover, a morally justified victory.”
The Minister of the Palace bore a smile that mirrored the Emperor’s.
Watching this unfold, Gnaius couldn’t help but be impressed repeatedly.
The Crown Princess, while in awe, held a primal question in her mind.
“Is he truly only in his twenties?”
No matter how sharp one’s wits or intelligence may be, achieving more than what’s experienced or known is a tall order.
That’s why elders are respected; it’s not merely due to age.
It’s because they possess a wealth of experiences and wisdom worthy of respect.
Yet, looking at Kael, that notion felt like it was being shattered.
I’ve heard the opposing commander is quite a renowned figure too.
How could he toy with enemies as if they were but toys on his palm?
“If I told Kael about this, he’d probably just laugh it off, saying it’s luck.”
Truly, both the Emperor and he, along with the entire Empire, were fortunate.
It was a blessing from the gods that someone like him was in their midst.
If he had been born in Dedorant and turned against them… even imagining it is horrifying.
Of course, among them, the very luckiest one has to be Isabelle, his own sister.
It astonished him how she had managed to get so close to such a person.
Perhaps another remarkable figure born of royal blood might emerge.
“Crown Princess.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“It seems we need to start discussing matters moving forward.”
After the war, the reorganization of the Empire’s order.
It appeared the Emperor was already looking toward that future.
“It may be premature; in fact, I believed that too. However, given the current situation, I feel it’s wise to prepare in advance.”
“Your Majesty, your foresight always surpasses everyone else’s. The outstanding individuals on the battlefield are already doing their utmost in their respective roles, so I will handle the discussions of what comes next gradually.”
“Indeed. I have complete faith in you.”
Nodding, the Emperor gestured for the Minister of the Palace to present something.
Thick tomes and various documents were laid out before them—all of which looked anything but ordinary at first glance.
“What is this?”
“This contains the entire history of the Empire thus far. Crown Princess, you are well aware that our Empire has officially never recognized the title of ‘Duke’.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“However, while the term ‘official’ may have been absent, instances of dukes existing have occurred intermittently throughout history. When did that begin?”
The Crown Princess took a moment to gather her thoughts before speaking up.
“It was when the Great Emperor, who founded the Empire, married off his daughter to Lord Ramsus, one of the founding meritorious subjects. Afterward, Lord Ramsus was referred to as a duke. Since then, there have been four more instances.”
“And…”
“However, the very first duke, Lord Ramsus, being a true knight, relinquished his title of duke before he passed. Consequently, afterward, the title was considered to end after one generation rather than being hereditary.”
The criteria for being granted the title of duke are straightforward: It is bestowed when it’s linked to the imperial family’s direct line.
At the same time, the individual must have achieved an undeniable significant contribution.
At this point, it becomes evident.
What the Emperor desires. What he intends to bestow.
“Once the war concludes, we must decide the future of the Chief of Staff and the Second Princess. The Chief of Staff will likely wish to vacate his position after his military obligations, so something else will be essential.”
Though the war is over, his extraordinary talents will still be needed.
And Kael takes great pride in his loyalty to the Empire as well.
Only by offering a fitting reward and position can one hope to retain him as a loyal subject.
“Even otherwise, if a direct connection to the imperial family occurs through marriage, shouldn’t that suffice?”
Who else is going to watch over the son-in-law? Of course, it’s the father-in-law’s job.
There’s no issue in receiving the title of duke while concurrently holding the position of Imperial Duke.
The imperial direct territories suitable for the duke title can be granted taxes to collect.
Afterward, those territories can be returned to the imperial family. Simple as that.
This should serve as a splendid gift for the son-in-law who rightfully deserves a promotion.
The Emperor believed this as he calmly awaited the next victorious news.