Chapter 20
"The recruitment operation you requested has gone smoothly, Your Excellency. They all seemed to have a lot of concerns, but in the end, they agreed to join us."
"Excellent. Were there any who insisted on remaining loyal to the end?"
"There were a few. I can't understand why they'd stay loyal to those ungrateful bastards who wouldn't appreciate their lifelong devotion..."
"Well, it's a personal choice. There are always fools in the world who cling to lost causes even when they know it's detrimental."
Not only me, but also Lieutenant General Baden, Colonel Kaise, and so on.
Thanks to the efforts of my trusted subordinates, who spent several days in recruitment activities through drinking parties/banquets.
We were able to achieve satisfying results.
We succeeded in securing over 90% of the eighty talented individuals we targeted.
From Captain at the lowest to Colonel and Brigadier General at the highest. We pulled them in evenly from the core ranks that make up the backbone of the army.
Every single one of them held grievances against the existing system, and as long as we maintain our power, they are treasures who will never betray us.
"How should we deploy these friends?"
"For now, those who want rear-echelon duty can join our Revolutionary Army. Oh, wait, it's not the Revolutionary Army anymore, is it?"
"You should call it the Central Army. You can't forget the name when you're the one who coined it."
"I just slipped my mind for a second, damn it."
The secured personnel were assigned appropriate positions according to their hopes and aptitudes.
First, those specialized in logistics or administration were assigned to the new Central Army.
To our Revolutionary Army, which filled the void left by the shattered Royal Guard and Capital Defense Force.
We absorbed their roles to suppress the Royalty and Nobility and justify our stationing in the Capital, and thanks to that, administrative demands have skyrocketed.
There are so many changes, from receiving supplies to working methods, that we needed to increase the manpower dedicated to paperwork.
"If they want to go to the Front Line....let's mix them with our guys who are being transferred this time. That way, it will be easier to manage them."
"It will also be good for them to build rapport and a sense of camaraderie with us."
"Exactly. If they're going to be on the same team, they should learn how to get along. The best way to build mutual trust is to go through hardships and work together."
Those who preferred field duty were to be mixed with my original subordinates who were going to be transferred out of the Central Army.
I planned to send a few to join the newly formed units to maintain control.
The idea was to have them rub shoulders with seasoned veterans, gain experience, and build internal rapport with us.
There's no point in bringing them over to our side if we just send them off on their own.
On the other hand, what if they want to command a unit, but don't want to go to the Front Line?
Then we filled the positions vacated by those who were transferred out of the Central Army. In any era, the units guarding the Capital are a fast track to promotion.
"As for those who refused to join us to the end..."
"....it's a bit harsh to kill them. Demote them appropriately. To insignificant units far removed from promotion."
"I will instruct the Personnel Department of the General Command."
In addition, we decided to slightly hinder the careers of those who ultimately chose not to join.
It would be a little troublesome to leave those who accepted our offer as they were.
Well, there was also a slight expectation that they might come back to us someday after continuing a dead-end military career.
"When does the troop movement begin?"
"Ten days later. We'll send them out in order, starting with the units that have secured their rations. Probably the Eastern Army first, followed by the Western and Northern Armies."
"Check the departure times of our guys and the ones we just recruited and let me know. I need to meet them and say goodbye before they go."
"You yourself, Your Excellency? There's no need for a busy person like you to go to such lengths."
"Just do it, damn it. Why are you making the decision for me when I want to do it?"
And finally, the day of departure arrived.
I donned a crisply ironed uniform, adorned with all the medals I had received, and went to the barracks to meet the departing subordinates.
"It's been a while, everyone. You're finally going to the Front Line, right?"
"Y-Your Excellency!"
"What brings you here...."
"Is there a reason why I can't meet my own people? If you must ask, I'm here to cheer you on in advance, since it's obvious you'll be going through a lot."
I patted each one on the shoulder, gave them a hug, and offered words of encouragement. Giving them some pocket money to use if they run short of funds was a given.
Just like I did in the Northern Army days, I encouraged everyone with a warm tone. I sincerely wished them a safe return.
Then everyone was overcome with emotion, shedding tears and repeatedly thanking me. Was it that touching?
"It will be tough on the Front Line. Supplies are scarce, and the threat of death is a daily occurrence. Please take care of yourselves and come back alive."
"Yes! We will definitely return here alive!"
"Don't worry about anything else when you get there, just focus on fighting. I and the Supreme Council for National Reconstruction will hold down the fort back here."
From this day onwards, tomorrow, and the day after. I saw everyone off without fail until they all left for the Front Line.
Partly out of concern for my cherished subordinates, and partly with the ulterior motive of gaining their sincere loyalty through rapport.
Both are true, but if I dare to compare the proportions, the former would be 80% and the latter 20%.
There's a reason why my subordinates always trust and follow me.
So, after putting on a show and managing my image until the very end, a distinguished guest came to visit me.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, General. I am Camilla von Arshakh of the House of Archduke Arshakh."
A very peculiar guest, at that.
* * * * *
Just like in any world. In an era just beginning to show signs of modernity, women's participation in politics is a very rare occurrence.
It's a time when men are expected to go out and work, and women are expected to handle household chores and social activities.
Whether it's possible or not is secondary, people don't look favorably upon it.
Nevertheless.
There was a person, not a man, who was trying to enter the political arena, right in front of me.
"Thank you for your warm welcome. This is....imported black tea from Albione, isn't it?"
"I'm ashamed to say I don't know. It's something I received from the General Command for guests."
Camilla von Arshakh.
A young lady who, despite her young age, runs several famous coffee houses in The Kingdom. She seems to enjoy having in-depth conversations with her visiting guests.
Considering that coffee houses are centers of cultural activities, intellectual discussions, and ideological debates....it's practically the same as leading public political opinion.
As such, I had to treat her with caution.
Even though I'm of higher social standing, it would be a headache if our relationship went sour.
"So....what brings you all the way to my office, milady? If you wanted to meet me, there are plenty of better places."
"I wanted to talk privately. It's not exactly a topic that would be appropriate for others to hear."
Such a sensitive topic.
What kind of topic would require a noble lady to risk damaging her reputation by having a secret meeting with a man?
While I was pondering this, Lady Camilla leaned closer and whispered,
"Let me get straight to the point. General, would you be interested in joining me in removing the King's head?"
"....What?"
What the hell is this crazy talk?
"Hee hee, you seem surprised. But I'm serious. For the future of this country, we need to kill Charles VII and dismantle the Royal Family. And I need your cooperation for that."
"....Because I'm the one who controls the Capital?"
"Yes! Who else would I ask, if not the person who personally staged a Coup d'état and seized power from the Royalty and Nobility?"
She covered her mouth with a fan and laughed, "Oh ho ho."
"Actually, it's because you're someone like you that I'm revealing my true intentions. If I said this to anyone else, I'd be arrested for treason."
This crazy woman is casually talking about killing the King.
No, wait a minute. She said to kill the King and overthrow the Royal Family, right? Then what next?
It means completely overturning the existing system, but how does she plan to establish the new system afterwards?
"If the Royal Family disappears, who will rule this country?"
"Ordinary people like us should rule. Talented individuals who aren't corrupt like the privileged class. We'll create a new Assembly to replace the existing Three Estates."
"Then, how will these talented individuals be selected?"
"We plan to gather prominent and capable individuals from all over the country through recommendations. We haven't decided on the details yet, but that seems to be the most efficient method."
"....."
I couldn't say anything. This is a complete republic.
Is this lady planning to turn The Kingdom into a Republic?
Unaware of my inner thoughts, she continued chattering excitedly.
"The days of noble birth inheriting and enjoying power must come to an end. It's because of them that you rebelled, and The Kingdom is in this state, isn't it?"
"An era where excellent elites manage national affairs and run the country through rational discussion. That is the right future that The Kingdom should pursue."
She extended her hand, flaunting the ample cleavage of her Dress, and offered me a sweet proposition.
"General, won't you please join me? If you do....I'm willing to have a deeper relationship with you."
To this, I let out a short sigh and replied,
"Milady, wouldn't you mind keeping your delusional fantasies to yourself at home?"
This bitch is trying to manipulate me with her pathetic honey trap.