SWNOVELXO Chapter 159
Benito, who had been divided into two for a moment, was once again whole.
To be precise, it was we who had made him whole, but let’s just skip over that!
Anyhow, from now on, the king of Benito is Savoy I, not Andrea II.
A legitimate descendant of the Benito royal family that our Empire has very ‘strenuously’ discovered.
“Chief of Staff of the Empire, Kael Clausewitz, is here to see the King of Benito.”
Since the king was established by our Empire, he is practically a vassal of our Empire.
However, considering the external perception, he must formally exist as an ordinary kingdom.
I heard that the Imperial Ministry of Foreign Affairs is doing its best to avoid any blatant feelings of being a vassal.
In such a situation, I meet the ruler of Benito, so naturally, I am expected to offer greetings.
Of course, from Savoy I’s perspective, they must think that someone holding their leash is approaching.
“Welcome. Savior of Benito. Thanks to you, all the kingdom people of Benito can finally escape the ravages of war.”
And let’s not forget, they’ve put me in this position while I was quietly living my life.
I felt that the follow-up comment was audible through their expression, but I brushed it aside lightly.
So what? If you were so dissatisfied, wouldn’t it have been better to be born in the Empire like me?
Besides, isn’t being a king better than being just some noble? Haha!
“No, Your Majesty. The saviors of Benito are not me, but the various nobles and kingdom people of Benito who willingly gathered under the flag of justice to defeat evil.”
“Hohoho.”
“If you wish to bestow praise, please do so upon them instead.”
I absolutely cannot allow them to suggest that the Empire is responsible for making Benito what it is today.
It was Benito who threw the first punch, and it was also Benito that colluded with Dedorant.
Moreover, it is certainly the nobles of Benito who dragged down your former king.
Then those mentioned nobles will respond like this.
They’ll say their king was Savoy I, thus they did not defy the king.
They always act claiming their actions were done out of loyalty, not treachery.
Truly, this political arena is a swamp for the grand.
People act against what they were doing for the sake of a mere justification.
What’s even more astonishing is that I’m slowly adapting to it too.
“I have a request for the King of Benito.”
“Speak, Chief of Staff.”
“Thanks to many loyal subjects, Benito is stabilizing quickly, but there is still chaos everywhere. Therefore, regrettably, the Imperial Army intends to station troops to suppress all those who incite unrest. Please grant permission for this.”
The entire Southern Benito is now under the Empire’s control, but parts of the North still remain.
Additionally, there are still those in the small cities of Benito who follow Andrea II as their king.
Unless all of these are subdued, it’s clear that the infection within Benito will not heal.
I demand authority over the handling of those people. The Empire will act, yet the responsibility falls on all of us.
Savoy I likely doesn’t have a plan to counter this. They’re already under our Empire’s hand.
They must realize that if they do not eliminate them, the one to suffer will ultimately be themselves.
“The Empire will involve itself in Benito’s affairs.”
“Not involve, but merely offer assistance as a friendly nation.”
“Assistance, right. Assistance. Very well. Proceed as per the Chief of Staff’s wishes.”
I managed to secure a consent form from the guardians of the person on the operating table.
Now, I can begin to rid this body of the dregs of old Benito.
So who will administer this operation? Is our Empire the one to perform it? No, that won’t do.
“You need not worry. It won’t be done to the Empire’s taste. Personnel will be coming to ensure a thoroughly fair process.”
“Personnel will come? From where?”
“From the Kingdom of Gori, right next to Benito, and from the surrounding Southern Kingdoms. Even the Holy Kingdom will be involved. They will take charge.”
Neighboring kingdoms of Benito. And the Holy Kingdom. All have either subtly or overtly suffered from Benito.
This means they will not favor Benito in any manner.
Moreover, the Holy Kingdom is essentially a neutral entity, not aligned with anyone on the surface.
From Benito’s standpoint, it might look like, “Ah, they really harbor a lot of animosity toward us!”
But if the Holy Kingdom gives a nonchalant prayer and says, “Oh, we’ve forgotten all that! We are followers of God and cannot be swept up in petty emotions,” the situation is over.
If they say they will treat fairly, there’s nothing they can do.
If there is truly discontent, our Empire could take charge, but that would only make things even harsher.
In the end, Benito will have to clean up under the supervision and watch of the neighboring nations and the Holy Kingdom, whether they like it or not.
“When the cleanup is complete, what will become of our Benito?”
“Of course, you will enjoy peace and prosperity as a kingdom in the south, just like before.”
“Under the order of the Empire. Am I correct in saying that?”
“That will be the case. Only then can true peace and prosperity truly arrive.”
Ah, but of course, this is only something I say as Chief of Staff.
It’s a top-secret matter, but in truth, we plan to slice off a bit of Benito’s territory.
Then, as a reward for the hard work, we’ll toss it to DeGale and Ross Tanika. That’s the crux of it.
Enjoying peace and prosperity under the order of the Empire. That’s a good phrase.
But everyone knows how long that will last. At most, it will be a few decades.
After that, more conflicts and yet another war, it’s bound to happen.
The Empire is looking ahead to the next stage.
Not a war between the Empire and other kingdoms, but wars only among the kingdoms.
And the Empire can sit back, playing the role of a just mediator at an opportune time.
What remains is how to deal with Atria and the territory of Dedorant.
At least, it’s certain that over half will be absorbed into the Empire’s territory.
The problem is the spoils left over. Trying to consume it all will definitely lead to a stomach ache.
I trust the Empire’s administration, composed of experts far superior to myself, will handle that.
*
“Chief of Staff.”
After finishing the meeting with the King of Benito, my aide presents me with a communication device.
“It’s Charlua from Nobogord, responsible for the Atria frontline. Kaya is also here.”
“Those are the ones who brought down Atria, right?”
Grinning, I take the device from my aide as I return to my lodging.
Then I see my younger sister, perched with a hand on her waist.
[ Oppa, how did I do? ]
“You were excellent, Kaya. But wait, today you didn’t call me ‘Chief of Staff’?”
[ Ah, I forgot again. Ahem. Chief of Staff! How did you see my performance?! ]
“It was remarkable, Lady Kaya. I’m sure the Duke and Countess will be delighted as well.”
[ Aren’t you pleased, Chief of Staff? ]
“While I’m not as pleased as you winning, Lady Kaya, it’s still quite satisfying.”
[ Hehehe! Oh, that’s really nice! ]
Perhaps it’s because she’s next to Charlua, but her speech is oddly mixed with Charlua’s mannerisms.
And now that she’s been taught various strategies, I find her a bit terrifying.
My little sister, is she now merging into someone like Zhao Yu?
[ Lady Kaya, just a moment. I’m meeting with the Chief of Staff now. ]
“Charlua, you’ve worked hard.”
[ Not at all. It was an easy fight thanks to Atria giving us a clear shot. ]
Crazy folks. This isn’t some game or gambling table; why are they going all in like that?
[ Now, only Dedorant remains, doesn’t it? ]
“Indeed, only Dedorant is left.”
[ What will we do? A direct advance? ]
“I want to, but since both Benito and Atria have come into the Empire’s grasp at once, I think I need to return for a meeting on that part and to confirm the overall strategy.”
[ You’re busy, aren’t you? ]
“A bit too much back and forth, indeed.”
But this will likely be the last time. After this, we’ll likely only be discussing the post-war conference.
[ I’m worried. Dedorant might be tougher compared to Atria. They may have prepared defenses against the Werewolves. ]
“Still, they’re crumbling, so even if it’s difficult, it shouldn’t be impossible.”
Of course, the personal and material losses will not compare to Benito or Atria.
From what I’ve seen, they seem determined to fight to the last man.
I truly hope they’re at least considering the option of surrender, but it doesn’t seem likely.
Those commanding at the battlefield against the Dedorant army have common accounts.
They say the enemy commanders are possessed by something, shining with madness.
[ I heard the King of Dedorant was quite remarkable. Why not seek surrender now? ]
“Who knows? If they surrender, certainly not just themselves but the nobles beneath them will all be swept away. I wonder if they would even be willing.”
Right now, Dedorant can be likened to a crazed viper.
Full of venom, ready to bite into anything—and that includes its own tail.
Should they truly wish to seek surrender, I would be prepared to extend at least a modicum of mercy.
However, if they wish to fight until the end, the Empire will have no choice but to proceed as it has until now.
‘On a rainy day, you’ve got to hit the dust right. Historically, that’s how it’s been medicine.’
*
“…Gruber.”
“Your Majesty.”
“What… what is the meaning of this?”
I had somewhat expected the atmosphere to be strange.
But I never imagined it would have spiraled this far into madness.
“I apologize, Your Majesty. However, it is all for the sake of Dedorant and the Deo Ethnicity.”
“What, what do you mean?”
“You are growing weak, Your Majesty. We will take care of the rest. Do not worry. Everything will be done in your name. And it will be recorded that way. Forever.”
The retreating form of Cassius II crumbles before my eyes.
I feel the vitality slowly seeping out of him as he breathes a heavy sigh.
“What a foolish thing… you all…”
“We will fight to the end. We will use everything we have. The Empire will take nothing from us.”
Long live Your Majesty.
The dagger held by Gruber dripped with the royal blood soon after.