Chapter 116
While the Ildmar Kingdom reluctantly sided with us after walking a tightrope between the Brotan Kingdom and us, the Caen Kingdom had been friendly with us from the start.
As a result, when ending the war, we returned the land that the Caen Kingdom had lost, also serving to weaken the Brotan Kingdom.
"..."
Perhaps because of this, the attitude of the Caen Kingdom nobles written in the letter was very positive.
They said they would immediately transfer their allegiance to the empire if promised to keep their fiefs, regardless of their titles.
It was a radical proposal uncharacteristic of nobles who cling to honor and power.
Benjamin kept watching Viktor as he read the letter.
"...Is this agreed upon with the king?"
"Our will is the king's will."
Most of the names of high-ranking nobles, including their chancellor, were written, so Benjamin's words that the Caen Kingdom's king would find it difficult to take issue with this weren't wrong, but.
"Hmm..."
There were many things to consider before biting into something that looked delicious.
"It's understandable that you're hesitating. Ah, perhaps you don't like the expression?"
"...?"
"Then, I'll revise it a bit. I, Benjamin Briel, and 17 other nobles wish to surrender to Corps Commander Viktor."
"Huh..."
"The form isn't important, so you can tell us the expression you prefer, Corps Commander."
Compared to the conditions that were almost servile, he was subtly confident, and compared to that confidence, he couldn't hide his impatience.
Viktor needed to confirm what Benjamin's intentions were.
"I understand what you're trying to say. But..."
"..."
"Why are you coming to me specifically to say this?"
Hearing Viktor's question, Benjamin smiled slightly.
"Did you sense it? I haven't yet presented this proposal to other nobles of the empire."
"...That means."
"I've been waiting for the Corps Commander to come to the capital."
As if he had been waiting for such a question, he rather adjusted his posture.
"Do you know? In the Caen Kingdom, Corps Commander, you have a much higher recognition than other nobles. In fact, your name is better known than that of the empire's empress."
"..."
"...There's no need to look so scary. It's natural, isn't it, since the empire's empress didn't hide at all how much work you've done."
Sensing what he was trying to say, Viktor rubbed his forehead with his hand.
"You brought down our archenemy, the Brotan Kingdom, and even returned our lost territory. Now, when people in the Caen Kingdom think of an imperial general, it's normal to think of you first."
"Hmm..."
"Moreover, it's said that you're also acquainted with Margrave Günter at the border, which makes it even better."
"Margrave Friedrich Günter..."
If it had spread around that I was the one who demonstrated goodwill by sending gifts and led the treaty to return territory, their favorable attitude isn't too strange.
Since Friedrich is in charge as governor of the occupied territories, it's natural for them to ask me, who has connections with him.
"Is that really all?"
...It might seem like paranoia, but that naturalness and the conditions too favorable to me were very suspicious.
In both games and reality, such proposals usually have a high possibility of hiding poison inside.
As long as I don't know how the internal situation in the Caen Kingdom is unfolding, I can't just accept this, so.
When I asked him again,
"...Haha. If you really want to know the ulterior motive... I'll tell you. It's an investment, an investment."
"..."
He let out a dry laugh and spoke in a low voice.
"In an era where Her Majesty's voice is the loudest, aren't you receiving all of Her Majesty's attention? Even today, weren't you summoned by Her Majesty as soon as you arrived in the capital?"
"...Tsk."
Viktor clicked his tongue briefly, recalling the official who had shouted in the middle of the street that the empress had summoned him.
"Perhaps..."
"No. Please continue."
"...Yes. Anyway, we heard that Corps Commander is the real power in the empire, and now that confirmation is complete. How could we propose this to anyone else, overlooking you?"
He hid his true intentions this time as well, but Viktor could roughly understand what he was aiming for.
"Should I understand that you want to join my faction?"
"Oh, I like such direct expressions too. Yes. We want to join the Corps Commander."
"..."
This isn't incomprehensible either.
If I had to say, I'm closer to Gerhart's faction, but in terms of influence alone, it wouldn't be strange if I were already leading a faction.
In his eyes, accustomed to noble society, I might have looked like an opportunity.
However,
"...You said I'm the real power, but that's not true."
"...?"
I have no intention of creating a separate faction.
"The real power in the empire is solely Her Majesty Louise Zainburg, and I merely follow her will."
I'm not interested in personal wealth and glory, and as long as I continue to live as 'General Viktor', my will will become Louise's will.
It's easier and more advantageous for me to build up the power of Louise, a legitimate monarch, than to increase the power of my faction, who is merely a subject.
Also, I don't have time to deal with places like the Caen Kingdom right now.
"Ha, hahaha! How could I utter such disrespect! It's just about joining forces in politics."
Benjamin, who at first laughed as if thinking it was political rhetoric or modesty,
"The migration of nobles is not a matter for me to decide. Officially, request it to Her Majesty. I'll arrange a meeting."
"Hmm..."
As Viktor seemed to be sincerely rejecting the proposal, he gradually erased his smile and started to look cautious.
"...Couldn't you reconsider?"
"I'm not saying I won't accept the migration. Well, is there any reason why you can't speak to Her Majesty?"
"That..."
Seeing that he can't state the reason, there might be some internal circumstances or it might be due to personal greed, but,
"I'll send a letter to Her Majesty. Which inn are you staying at?"
"..."
Anyway, after settling the south and dealing with Theodor well, there will be no one left in the empire to threaten my or Louise's position.
The Caen Kingdom has a lot of fertile land, but by imperial standards, it's a frontier.
It's too dangerous to accept a proposal whose inner workings aren't understood just to gain some support from frontier nobles.
"I..."
He didn't persist further and left the room after telling the name of the inn where he was staying.
---
"Tsk... Hah..."
-Thud.
Returning to his lodgings, Benjamin put his cigarette in the ashtray and took out a pen to write a letter.
"..."
He had relieved one major source of anxiety by confirming from Viktor's reaction that the southern imperial army's movements weren't targeting Ildmar or Caen, but.
The kingdom nobles' greedy plan to raise their value by moving independently despite the king's agreement was blocked by a firm rejection.
"...I thought it might be like this."
-Scribble.
"Why are they all so anxious, really?"
Having guessed that Viktor would refuse while investigating him in the empire, and thinking that the empire wouldn't bother to reconquer the east again, Benjamin grumbled while filling in the contents.
He carefully sealed the letter containing such content in an envelope.
As long as the imperial army didn't invade the Caen Kingdom, he didn't care much what happened.
---
"...Be careful, I said."
"I always carry weapons to protect myself too."
"Still, be careful."
"Then next time, no matter what you say, I'll use the same room."
"...Alright."
The next day, Viktor moved to the imperial palace while conversing with Anna.
"The meeting is scheduled for 10 AM. The location is the audience chamber."
"Understood."
Following the attendant's guidance, he waited in the guest room and then headed to the audience chamber at the appointed time.
"..."
Perhaps because it was a busy time including the southern situation, there were clearly fewer nobles gathered in the audience chamber.
"Count Gruber, how are you?"
"Oh, good to see you. I hear the western expedition was concluded well?"
"Yes. They fled trembling just at the sight of our flag, isn't this all thanks to Her Majesty's grace?"
"Haha! It's an achievement that would have been difficult without Corps Commander Viktor. No need to be too modest."
While exchanging greetings with nobles he had talked to before, Viktor checked on Theodor in front.
Just then, he also turned his head towards Viktor, and their eyes met.
He trembled at the corners of his eyes as soon as their gazes met.
"Duke Oppenstadt. How are you?"
"Haha... How are you?"
As he didn't seem to have noticed that Viktor had figured out his machinations, Viktor enjoyed his reaction while exchanging light greetings and stood next to him.
He certainly seemed to have something to be wary of, as he didn't stop Viktor from standing next to him even though Gerhart wasn't there.
Viktor stood quietly and observed the nobles' situation, and,
"...Her Majesty Louise Zainburg is entering!"
As Louise entered without delay, the meeting started on schedule.
"We will begin today's meeting."
Unusually, an attendant holding her sword of office was standing beside Louise.
"..."
Wondering what it meant, Viktor looked at Louise, and she nodded slightly as if to say to trust only her.