SWNOVELXO Chapter 176
Everything that glistens is destined to be beautiful.
As long as we don’t suffer from that light and heat, that is.
And from afar, that beauty was being recreated once more.
―Pheeeing!
Deomania or whatever it’s called. Just like the fools who tried to call it that, it was swept away like a king’s dignity.
It wasn’t a completely established place, so it shattered into much smaller pieces than the royal capital.
Man, just watching it makes my stomach settle like I’ve taken an antacid.
―…!!
Finally, when the light and heat subsided, there was nothing left there.
It had entirely returned to nothingness. As if nothing had ever been created in this place from the very start.
Talk about a city built to glorify Dedorant’s victory turning into a mere handful of dust.
“….”
“….”
“….”
Of course, I wasn’t the only one who got to enjoy that grand spectacle. Observers from various nations were also witnessing it.
To be honest, its power was weaker compared to the one that fell on the royal capital last time.
It took a real effort to prepare for the one aimed at Dedorant’s heart, while this one was just a casual shot.
Yet, it seemed the observers didn’t particularly notice that difference.
On the contrary, seeing it with their own eyes, it felt as if they realized how completely the world had changed.
Now, the Empire was the only order on this continent, and nobody could deny that.
“Hmm.”
What was needed here is a touch of exaggeration. After all, they wouldn’t know whether it was a stretch or not.
“I’m glad. If there were several of those disgusting, cursed places, I would have had to use that money-devouring ghost of a spell several more times.”
“…Cough cough!”
“Cough cough!”
Ah, it might seem like we’re spending way too much money in the Empire! Boohoo!! But in truth, it was just showing off our magic.
They must have realized what I was implying. I have a few more of those, so don’t mess with me.
It’s already insane to take on an enemy that can’t even compete with our army, so trying to fight would just be crazy.
*
News came from the administration. After several meetings, they had decided on the garrison issue.
The discussions had repeated back and forth with pros and cons, but they finally reached a consensus.
What I needed to do was to issue orders as Chief of Staff accordingly.
[ The Western 5th Legion and the 20th Legion will manage the former Dedorant area. The Northern 2nd Legion will handle the former Atria area in conjunction with Nobogord. ]
[b>[ Destructive and hostile acts are strictly prohibited, and any physical repression or violence against the residents of each area is strictly forbidden. Those who violate this will be dealt with severely, regardless of status. ]
[b>[ DeGale will ensure that the Southern 6th Legion of the Empire stays with the help of Ross Tanika. ]
[b>[ Each Legion should prioritize civilian stability and maintaining public order. ]
[b>[ Chief of Staff of the Empire, Kael Clausewitz ]
The decision made by the Empire was to assign a total of four legions.
DeGale wasn’t an enemy territory, but one was sufficient, and Atria also had Nobogord, so again, one.
Though all the heads who could have done something on the Dedorant side have vanished, it’s still uncertain, so two legions will do.
This means the rest of the legions, along with reserves and conscripts, over 100,000 powerful troops.
They were finally going home. They would finally escape this wretched place.
Perhaps upon hearing this news, they must be shouting “We’re going home!!” in excitement.
The problem is, if all of them move at once, it would cause the worst traffic jam imaginable.
The congestion caused by an influx of people is on a whole other level than traffic jams.
And the horse-drawn carts loaded with goods will also arrive, turning it into a major accident if something goes wrong.
Therefore, the staff had to maintain a state of emergency during the return, just like during the war.
“The predictions from the staff say that if we move like this, the junction of the major roads will surely get tangled. It might be fine if we can manage it, but especially right after a victorious return…”
“Chief of Staff! It seems like we need to devise a completely new operation for this mass return.”
“I think so too. Since we’re at it, let’s make the operation name official and start formally.”
After that, I was able to present the operation plan to His Majesty the Emperor in my capacity as Chief of Staff.
[ Operation Magic Carpet. It seems I need a bit more explanation. Chief of Staff. ]
“Currently, there are over 100,000 people returning to the Empire, Your Majesty. According to the staff’s estimates, it might even be close to 200,000.”
[ That would indeed make sense when including the soldiers, reserves, and transportation units mobilized by the Empire. ]
“If all of them get excited and move at the same time in that situation, accidents could happen. We can’t let those who survived be harmed in such a way when they haven’t been hurt by the enemy’s spears and arrows, can we?”
There’s nothing more unjust and miserable than that. Surviving only to die on the way home.
At that point, it would be reasonable to curse everything as a vengeful spirit.
Thus, we need to find a way for everyone to return safely, quickly, and efficiently.
Riding horses and marching as before won’t cut it this time.
[ Tell me more about the details. ]
“With full support from the Ministry of Land, we should repair all roads in advance and avoid using only one route, instead dispersing our troops across each road for movement. We’ll need to commandeer as many carts and wagons as possible, and if feasible, we’re also considering utilizing waterways and sea routes.”
[ Ultimately, once they return, the Empire can also swiftly restore the military capabilities that had highly increased, and the youths who had been away from their jobs will be able to return to their places. ]
“Indeed, Your Majesty.”
[ As expected. My eyes do not deceive me. I knew you would have considered it already, Chief of Staff. ]
Seeing the Emperor’s reaction, it appeared he had already been considering that aspect.
However, with various matters piling up, he was only now able to express that thought.
[ If the proud sons of the Empire can return safely, nothing is beyond our means. I will leave this task to the Chief of Staff; report only the bare minimum and handle the rest as you see fit. ]
“Your Majesty, I am deeply honored!”
Now, the soldiers. No, should I call them the citizens of the Empire instead?
In any case, I officially began the process of sending them safely back home.
The management of the occupied territories can be roughly handled by me until the experts arrive shortly.
“Chief of Staff! Individuals from the Imperial Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Land, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs are waiting.”
They arrived right on time. I promptly left my office and headed to where they were waiting.
“It’s an honor to meet the Chief of Staff.”
“Welcome, everyone. I cannot express how helpful it is to have experts here.”
And I truly mean it. Managing occupied territories is genuinely a tough task.
First, we need to distribute supplies urgently and avoid haphazardly disturbing the residents.
And they say I’ve made sure that they won’t have to pay any taxes during this time, which everyone commends.
“Managing public sentiment is very important. Thankfully, you’ve laid a solid foundation, Chief of Staff.”
“We heard on our way that the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Welfare are separately allocating budgets to prepare relief supplies.”
“Is that so?”
“However, at this time, since the Empire also needs to take a breather, we may not have an abundance of resources. That’s a bit worrisome, but what can we do?”
Relief supplies. With that alone, it seems it won’t be sufficient.
I drummed my fingers on the table as I realized what I needed to do next.
If we really want to turn this place into new Imperial territory, mere relief won’t suffice.
We need stronger influence. A more compelling justification to hold tightly on to it.
“Hmm. It seems like this part will be something I need to address upon returning to the system.”
“Do you perhaps have a specific thought in mind?”
“I have a feeling the Ministry of Finance might truly be out for my head, but what can I do?”
When one’s anger towards the opponent arises only when that opponent is well off and well-fed.
Conversely, if that opponent helps with a spirit of camaraderie, one genuinely feels moved unless they’re a complete monster.
If the previous heavenly nation loosened the purse strings out of fear of a red trend.
The Empire here needs to hold onto public sentiment tightly to prevent a second Dedorant from emerging.
“Honestly, despite the spending spree across various places for Warlord and Empire’s Wrath, there hasn’t been any talk about the Empire collapsing! That means things are still bearable, right? That shouldn’t stop us from investing a bit more for the future.”
Unless I’m considering the independence of Dedorant and Atria, that is.
For now, putting it aside shall ultimately lead to planning for the Empire to thoroughly consume it later on.
If I start loosening funds now for the sake of public sentiment, it can surely pass without issue.
“Oh, and Chief of Staff, shouldn’t you be making your way back to the system soon?”
“Eh? Ah, it’s just that there are still many things left to do here.”
“That may be true, but why not leave those to us and your arriving companions and return to your homeland? The war has ended, and as the Chief of Staff, the one who contributed the most to the victory, it doesn’t look good for you to stay here much longer.”
He’s subtly implying worry that rumors might spread about the Emperor keeping an eye on me.
I was already considering returning for further discussions on several aspects.
Yet, the reason I’m still here is solely for one thing.
“There’s still one thing left. The most important one. I’ll finish that first.”
*
The Eastern Legion of the Empire had completed preparations to return home.
The Western First Legion had moved to the system and finished preparations for the Return Ceremony.
Following them, the soldiers returning home also moved busily, filled with excitement.
Those who stayed a bit longer per the Imperial decree felt a sense of regret, but they were promised even greater rewards.
Then one day, a sound amplification magic was executed across the legions.
[ Brave soldiers of the Empire! The proud main characters who led us to victory in this war! ]
Since before, they had used sound amplification magic toward Dedorant so often.
Thanks to that, most of the soldiers now knew very well who the owner of that voice was.
The Chief of Staff of the Empire, the genius strategist who achieved a record of total victory. Kael Clausewitz.
What would he say this time, the very one who turned Dedorant upside down the moment he opened his mouth?
[ Fellow troops. It has truly, truly been a long and challenging war. ]
Yes, it was long. It was tough. But, we survived.
[ You have all fought bravely and proudly for the Empire. ] [ And those who are not here today were also as brave and honorable as you. ]
The soldiers looked at each other. Those who hadn’t lost their comrades, or those who had.
I’m relieved. I’m sorry. But how fortunate that it ended like this.
[ We shared each other’s pain and together overcame the flames of death. ][ Even if a year goes by, or ten years, or even a hundred years. Your bravery will be forever engraved in the history of the Empire and sung as a legend eternally. ]
Those words sounded like they would ensure they would never be forgotten.
The strategist, who had laid everything on the line across the continent, was boldly saying that.
The soldiers involuntarily burst into laughter, “Hahaha!”
[ Soldiers of the Imperial Legion. All who stepped into this war. ] [ I take pride in having been in the same battlefield as you. ] [ I sincerely wish you all a peaceful and happy life. ]
Thus, with that, Kael’s voice fell silent once more.
No tremendous cheers followed. Instead, hundreds of thousands saluted in unison.
As promised, to the man who bestowed upon us yet another monumental, brilliant victory.