Chapter 136: Your World (4) A military villa stood far from the Zerpa Royal Palace.
There, the core generals of the Royalist Faction had gathered for an emergency meeting.
Ssssss...
Outside the window, early winter sleet drifted through the air. Inside, the atmosphere was heavy and acrid, thick with cigarette smoke and anxiety.
"...Maximilian. I heard that knight bastard has caught on."
Lieutenant General Pavel, seated to the right of the head of the table, spat the words out as if chewing on them. Through wiretapping and surveillance, they had grasped the Crown Prince's intentions and the suspicious movements within the palace.
"It seems he's even secured concrete evidence that the military embezzled the Empire's supplies."
Diverting supplies to sell on the black market, creating 'ghost soldiers' to issue fraudulent ration cards, and forging the ledgers of the royal granaries—every bit of their corruption was laid bare.
The Imperial Knight knew everything.
"But is there anyone here who didn't do it?"
Pavel scanned the room. The generals avoided his gaze, clearing their throats or looking away.
"...We were coerced," a brigadier general in the corner spoke up cautiously. "Dragging in people who didn't want to be involved—"
"Coerced? What coercion!"
Bang! Pavel slammed his hand on the desk, his voice rising in a desperate frenzy.
"We did it so we could all eat well and live well! Did I do it just to fill my own belly?! Major General Bielsa, didn't you say yourself that embezzling from those Imperial bastards was a service to the nation?"
The corruption inherent in Zerpa had birthed the civil war.
The nation of Zerpa had been hollowed out for far too long. They were all accomplices, shackled to one another.
".........There's no other way now. The situation is different from the old days when we just dragged our feet out of fear."
Pavel's eyes flashed as he continued.
"The Imperial army will soon march toward the Zeronica Mine. When they do, we strike the palace first."
Silence fell over the conference room.
A coup. Treason.
Everyone held their breath and looked toward the head of the table. There sat Garcia, the Commander-in-Chief of the Army and head of the Royalist military, lost in deep agony.
"....Is there no other way?" General Garcia asked, his voice weary.
"What other way could there be at this point?"
Beside Pavel, Major General Iker beat his chest in frustration.
"Are we just going to sit here and wait for that knight to take our heads? He has no mercy! Didn't you all see how the officials at the Genen Governor-General's office died?"
As Pavel nodded repeatedly, Iker's voice grew more heated.
"The Crown Prince is the same. He's already surrounding himself with 'elites'—bastards from who knows where. He's just looking for an excuse to purge us!"
The atmosphere turned frigid. Glances filled with a mixture of betrayal and terror were exchanged.
"Iker is right. I'd rather side with the Republicans. That's the only way to survive. Who cares if the country falls or the King dies? What does it matter if we're dead?"
Pavel spread a map and pointed to the area between the Zeronica Mine and the palace.
"When those bastards march to the mine, the capital will be empty. If we strike from within and open the gates, the Republicans will come pouring in. Then the Imperial army will be isolated and perish on its own."
It was a plan that seemed like a perfect scenario.
"This damn civil war will finally end. Dammit, how much longer are we going to stay in this state of war? If only for the sake of the people of Zerpa......"
The generals swallowed hard.
But their thoughts were already in sync. There was no other choice. Since their own Crown Prince intended to kill them, they had to kill the Crown Prince to live.
"..."
General Garcia slowly opened his closed eyes. The light in his pupils wasn't loyalty, but the instinct for survival. He murmured heavily.
"....Prepare in absolute secrecy."
In the end, they had made an irreversible decision.
.......
Incompetent. And sloppy.
Or perhaps the power of 'capital' is even more immense than I thought—to the point where it creates the illusion that I can make anything I desire possible.
But do not be careless, Maximilian.
Not every enemy will be like them.
This damn civil war will finally end. Dammit, how much longer are we going to stay in this state of war? If only for the sake of the people of Zerpa...
I folded the minutes of their meeting and tucked them into my coat. Standing near the barracks, I looked out at the army lined up across the plains. The Empire's Durkon Legion. They were a powerful force organized by Schweitzer.
"Leave the Zeronica Mine to the Durkon," I said to Lieutenant Colonel Kai Han, who stood beside me. "We will deal with the Zerpa military."
It was a pincer operation. Numerous eyes and ears were already planted within the capital of Zerpa. Not just the corrupt military of the Royalists, but Republican spies would be swarming as well.
In other words, I had to move under the assumption that everything I did was being exposed to the enemy in real-time.
"Is the insider this 'Major General Iker'?"
"Yes, that is correct."
The minutes. This wasn't incomplete information obtained through wiretapping or interception, but a document recorded and offered directly by an insider who attended the meeting, capturing every single word.
To fully win over Alonso's heart and to thoroughly wipe out the rotten military, I had planned a small play.
This, too, was a lesson learned from Izenheim.
If there is something you want, write a script.
"How much did he receive?"
"Approximately 2 million Imperial Dollars in bearer bonds have been delivered so far."
I let out a mocking laugh.
Quite cheap for the price of selling out one's country. He likely expects further rewards later.
"Tell him that if the operation succeeds, the maturity of the bonds will be pushed back by about five years. Tell him ten million dollars will be deposited over ten years."
This was how bonds worked, as I had learned from Dieter.
To those who sell their souls for money, a lump sum is forbidden. Bearer bonds provide them with the safe haven of 'anonymity' while simultaneously acting as a leash to control them.
Give them money, but make it so they absolutely need my permission to spend it.
Once they are soaked in that sweetness even once, they become addicted and cannot escape.
"Yes, I understand."
Just then, Kai Han's adjutant approached.
"Preparations are complete."
I nodded. Our own Imperial Guard members, disguised in civilian clothes, had already finished infiltrating the Zerpa capital.
Of course, I had checked every unit member once more before that. I couldn't allow Izenheim to slip in and cause any discord.
"Lieutenant Colonel Han. I'll leave the ground to you."
"Yes, sir."
I looked at the craft waiting on the plains.
A helicopter. I had passed the concept of this new flying vehicle, fished from my memories before the regression, to Lorenzo. The Lorenzo Academy had created this mobile weapon after a year of research.
Transport ships are excellent for moving quickly at high altitudes, but they have limits when it comes to hovering and monitoring the ground.
However, a helicopter is capable of vertical takeoff and landing and hovering, allowing it to gain the upper hand in complex urban or guerrilla warfare.
"Get ready."
I boarded the helicopter. The rotors began to spin, creating a fierce wind.
"Yes, sir. Loyalty!"
"Woof!"
Beside Lieutenant Colonel Han, Leo stood gallantly. Clad in silver armor, Leo would surely do his part reliably as Kai Han's adjutant.
"Depart."
With the signal, the helicopter rose into the air.
Thud-thud-thud-thud-thud!
The rotors, powered by a mana engine, let out a roar. The vibration of the propellers tearing through the air was enough to rattle one's bones.
No matter how innovative the technology, it seemed the limitations of an early model had yet to be resolved.
However, I knew a temporary fix for this.
"..."
I placed my hand on my collarbone—on my Virus. Drawing up the mana within my body, I breathed my power into the craft. An elegantly generated silver current gently embraced the interior of the helicopter.
Sssssss...
The engine noise that had been roaring violently subsided in an instant. Even the bursting sounds disturbing the air transformed into something like a soft breeze.
The Ebenholtz mana, passed down through the family bloodline and secret breathing techniques. The purest and most serene attribute, cultivated by consuming top-grade elixirs from nature and through non-artificial mana breathing.
The helicopter, a mere machine, was now imbued with that Ebenholtz quality.
From within, I looked down. The distant ground was thick with the clouds of war.
Thump, thump, thump—
Schweitzer's Durkon Legion was marching. They would reach the Zeronica Mine much faster than anyone expected, and the moment reports of battle arrived...
The coup would unfold within the capital of Zerpa.
Thump, thump, thump—
I remained in the sky above the helicopter. This was to control any potential worst-case variables. In the midst of this chaos, the uncontrollable Izenheim might appear on the ground.
"...It's comfortable."
The sky felt like home now.
Those who were fearsome on the ground were not so here. My power amplified several times over when I performed a Knight Descent.
In the first place, a knight has no need to keep their feet on the ground.
A strategic weapon that arrives at the most critical moment from the highest point.
That is the new model of the knight to be utilized by the Empire..........
* * *
Meanwhile, in Crown Prince Alonso's office.
"..."
Alonso stared intently at the document on his desk.
"If the Imperial army reclaims the Zeronica Mine, they may demand quite a lot."
The Finance Deputy Director continued, pointing to the contents of the document.
"So, we have set some negotiation guidelines in advance."
[It shall be made clear that the ownership of the Zeronica Mine belongs to the Zerpa Royal Family. However, in the case of newly discovered ore veins through future exploration, the Empire, or a company designated by the Empire, shall bear the full cost of initial development and equipment investment. The resulting profits shall be distributed at a ratio of 40 for the Zerpa Royal Family to 60 for the Empire (or the designated company), and all technology and equipment shall be transferred in stages over 30 years......] Alonso let out a hollow laugh.
If a new vein was discovered in Zeronica, not only would the Empire bear all costs and share profits, but they were also expected to fully transfer core technology and equipment to Zerpa after 30 years.
"I wonder...... if they will actually agree to this."
Even to Alonso himself, the Crown Prince of Zerpa, it was a nonsensical negotiation.
This was far from the exploitation the anti-imperialist Republicans screamed about. Rather, it was closer to the Royal Family using the Empire's military for free and developing a mine with the Empire's capital while taking a whopping 40% of the profit. Honestly, it looked more like Zerpa was exploiting the Empire.
"...Yes. The Imperial Royal Family would likely scoff at this. However," the Chief of Staff spoke up cautiously.
"Crown Prince Alonso. I have heard that Sir Maximilian has been granted almost full authority by the Imperial Family in recognition of his contribution to lifting the siege of Zerpa. In other words, his decision is the will of the Empire."
"Is that so? I suppose it would be."
The Chief of Staff watched Alonso's reaction before continuing.
"However, it seems that Sir Maximilian...... truly respects you, Crown Prince Alonso."
"He does. I am aware."
"Yes. Even in his attitude when walking or conversing with you, one can feel a very human goodwill."
"....And?" Alonso asked. Perhaps having anticipated where this was going, a slight thorn pricked his voice.
"I am sorry to say this, but...."
The Finance Deputy Director swallowed hard. As Alonso's brow furrowed while looking at him, the director raised his head as if he had made up his mind.
"You must utilize that part, Your Highness."
The Crown Prince's nose twitched.
"....Utilize the goodwill Sir Maximilian has for me?"
"Yes. For the benefit of the nation, personal friendship can be a magnificent diplomatic asset."
"..."
Alonso fell into a grim silence. For a long time, he looked around at his aides without saying a word. They all lowered their gazes with solemn expressions.
"...You all are truly something."
As the Crown Prince of a nation, Alonso understood their feelings. He knew it was loyalty solely for the sake of the country. He knew very well that it was a perfectly natural piece of advice.
Yet, that heart felt so realistic and calculating at times that it felt cruel like this.
"You are cold, heartless people," Alonso snapped bitterly. The aides bowed their heads in sorrow.
"However, this is for the sake of the coun—"
"I know."
He raised a hand to stop them.
"I know. I am well aware of that much."
An unintended irritation seeped out.
Without meeting his aides' eyes, Alonso dismissed them with a weary gesture.
"Leave me for a moment. I need some time to think alone."
".........Yes, Your Highness."
Step. Step.
The aides who had filled the room withdrew one by one.
In the now empty office, Alonso, left alone, buried himself deep in his chair.
"Sigh...."
A sigh escaped from deep within him.
Maximilian. Would it have been easier if he were a cold, calculating, selfish, and arrogant Imperial noble?
Instead, the face of the man who cared for him more than he could have imagined flickered before his eyes.
He respected every part of him. He even had an affection for Zerpa itself, to the point of learning and speaking the Zerpa language fluently.
However...
My aides, and I, must calculate his goodwill to secure the national interest. I must use the human being named Maximilian.
As a Crown Prince, it was the right thing to do, but as the human Alonso.........
"Sir Maximilian... I am in a very difficult position."
He felt guilty.
He felt sorry, and he felt sad.
If Maximilian were to readily accept this proposal again, if he were to refuse to even negotiate for my sake, would that not become Maximilian's mistake?
Would it not hold him back in the Empire?
Such worries bloomed chaotically, leaving Alonso submerged in agony.
"...Ugh."
He tried to steel himself, telling himself he had to be a heartless monarch, but it was a difficult task that effort alone could not solve.
* * *
Lately, as the weather was getting colder, the Imperial noble Reutern II was frequently experiencing strange things.
"I'm rooting for you."
"...Huh?"
It was because whenever he walked down the street, some noble bastards would keep saying cryptic things to him.
"Lord Reutern's decisiveness. That boldness truly resembles the spirit of a lion."
"Huh? Uh... yeah, sure."
"You have my support."
They would leave with a bright smile.
He wanted to grab them by the hair and ask what exactly they were supporting, but as Reutern, the social butterfly of the Imperial Palace, his pride was wounded by the fact that there was something going on that he didn't know about.
"What the hell is going on, seriously."
He had a strong feeling that something was happening in the palace again. It felt like something was moving busily beneath the surface.
But people wouldn't meet with him. They kept saying things like, "I'm sorry. I don't think I'm ready yet," or "I really want to see you too, but..."
What kind of 'preparation' do you need to eat and drink together?
"....Gosh, this is annoying."
Even his father wouldn't hang out with him, saying he had a lot of work to do, which only made him more bothered.
Reutern scratched the back of his neck as he walked down the palace corridor.
"Man, I'm bored."
Life had been dull lately. There was no fun. He was tired of most things. His only remaining hobbies were gourmet food and.........
"Should I ask to join the army too?"
A commander. It seemed like it would be really cool for some reason. Military uniforms looked so stylish these days.
Maybe he should ask Max to take him along later.
".....Lord Reutern."
Then, another palace noble suddenly appeared out of nowhere. This one was a mid-to-low-ranking fellow.
"Uh, yeah. What?"
"I'm rooting for you."
And then he left immediately.
Reutern stared intently at the man's retreating back before letting out a sigh.
"Sigh. I guess I'll just go eat tonkatsu by myself."
He went on his way.
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
Read 25 more chapters ahead on NovelDex!
https://noveldex.io/series/semi-coercive-imperialist
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━