Chapter 23
Let's go back in time a bit, to before the Revolutionary Army rose up. The life of Julius von Roytel, eldest son and head of the House of Roytel, was exceedingly ordinary and simple.
'Go to the Capital and become a civil servant? Very well. It would be good to gain some experience while you're young.'
'Your mother and I will manage the estate, so don't worry. If possible, make good connections with influential people while you're there.'
"Thank you, Father. I'll write regularly!"
Born into a minor yet historically established noble family, he inherited his title upon reaching adulthood, as per tradition.
In front of his vassals, he received the family seal and underwent the official succession ceremony. Before even reaching twenty, he became the lord of a territory inhabited by thousands of commoners.
However, the family's financial situation wasn't conducive to extravagant living. They couldn't afford lavish banquets, let alone new formal wear to keep up with the latest fashions.
So, Julius made the same choice as other nobles in similar circumstances. He decided to seek employment in the government.
'Being a soldier is too dangerous, and taking a commoner's job would disgrace my name. Civil service is the best option.'
His younger brother had entered the military academy early on and was pursuing a career as an officer, but that was a path Julius, the head of the family, couldn't risk taking. If he died on the battlefield before producing an heir, the family line would end.
Nor could he join a trading company or merchant guild because of his noble status. A nobleman, expected to be above commoners, engaging in trade would ruin his family's reputation.
With so many paths closed off, the only one left was civil service.
It was essentially a predetermined outcome, but surprisingly, it wasn't bad. Civil service suited him.
"Julius! Is that report I asked for yesterday still not done?!"
"I'm bringing it to you right now! I'll deliver what Supervisor Halden requested and be right back!"
"That newcomer is doing well. He's quick on his feet."
"Indeed. He's a rare talent these days."
Having been trained from a young age to become the head of his family, he was accustomed to paperwork. Moreover, he had interacted with high-ranking nobles at banquets and balls, so his social skills were excellent.
Quickly recognized for his abilities, Julius rose through the ranks soon after joining. He steadily received promotions and appointments to key positions, following an elite bureaucratic career path.
His advancement was remarkably fast, even compared to his peers and those a few years senior. This was possible due to both his own abilities and the influence of his brother.
It was embarrassing for an older brother, but his younger brother, who had become an officer to make a living, had become someone far more remarkable.
"Oh? Director Roytel, your last name is the same as Major General Carolus's. Are you two related by any chance?"
"He...he's my younger brother. I haven't seen him properly since he entered the military academy years ago."
"Really?! The Hero of The North has a brother! What a fascinating connection!"
In the harsh Northern Region, where even veteran soldiers perished, Julius's younger brother had amassed an incredible number of military achievements.
He accomplished in months what others took years or decades to achieve, his name spreading throughout The Kingdom before he even turned thirty.
His achievements were astounding, even to someone unfamiliar with military matters. The trickle-down benefits, though small, were a great help to Julius.
When undergoing promotion evaluations, having the "Hero's older brother" label attached to him suddenly changed the evaluators' perspectives favorably.
'Thank you, Brother! Your useless older brother is succeeding thanks to you!'
Carolus, the rising star of the Army.
Julius, the promising talent of the Treasury.
At this rate, it didn't seem impossible for the brothers to one day control the military and the administration, side by side. That is, if things continued to go smoothly.
...The problem was, they didn't.
"E-Emergency! Major General Carolus has committed treason!!"
"He's leading the Northern Army south, crushing any forces he encounters!!"
The King and Queen's reckless spending had triggered the retreat order. Enraged, the Northern Army, centered around Carolus, had formed a rebel force and begun their march south.
The great hero had become a traitor, and the glory he once enjoyed vanished. Instead, he was subjected to ideological scrutiny.
"Tell us the truth. Did you really not conspire with Carolus von Roytel?"
"No!! It's true! I haven't even seen his face properly in over ten years! How could I have conspired with him? I'm truly innocent!! Long live the Liudolf Dynasty! Long live Your Majesty!!! The rebels will surely be defeated!!!"
He felt sorry for his brother, but cutting ties was unavoidable. He had to survive. If he was implicated, his entire family could be wiped out.
By zealously praising the King, he managed to avoid immediate execution, but he couldn't escape being placed under close surveillance. His elite career path? Gone forever.
With his path to promotion blocked, he was preparing to retire and return to his hometown once the situation settled down...but then...
"As of today, the City of Lahator is under the jurisdiction of the Revolutionary Army! Those who disobey our orders or engage in suspicious activities will be severely punished--"
"For the time being, legislative and policy-making authority for The Kingdom will be transferred to the Supreme Council for National Reconstruction. We will invite representatives from various sectors of society, including members of our Revolutionary Army, to assist His Majesty in governing state affairs."
The rebel army, no, the Revolutionary Army, had won.
And the world had changed.
The treacherous rebels had become national heroes, and the King, who once reigned supreme, had lost his power.
He had diligently denounced and criticized his brother, but now that very brother had become his superior.
'Shit. I'm fucked.'
Julius felt a dizzying sensation. He had betrayed his brother, but what could he do now?
Should I go to my Brother, prostrate myself, and beg for forgiveness? Or should I just run away back home?
Time continued to flow as I agonized over the decision.
Then, one day, the summons finally arrived.
"Are you Julius von Roytel?"
"Y-Yes, I am."
"We are from the Supreme Council for National Reconstruction. The Vice Chairman wishes to see you."
The officer, accompanied by guards, presented the summons.
With the clear implication that refusal would result in being forcibly taken, Julius had no choice but to comply.
'So, Carolus is finally going to kill me. Does he want to see me one last time before sending me to the executioner? Or is he planning to shoot me himself?'
All sorts of thoughts raced through his mind as he was escorted to his brother's office.
Why would his brother, who undoubtedly held a grudge against him, request this meeting?
No matter how much he pondered, no other motive came to mind besides a desire to kill him personally.
Logically, there might be some other purpose, but Julius was far too agitated to think rationally.
Therefore…
"Your Excellency. As you requested, I've brought Director Julius von Roytel—"
"Brother!! I'll give you the Lordship, all my property, anything you want! Just please spare my life!!"
It wasn't entirely out of character for Julius to prostrate himself before Carolus, begging for mercy the moment he saw him.
* * * * *
And now.
"I was a fool! I'm a sinner who tried to save myself by using my brother's name! I swear I'll never do it again, so please, just forgive your worthless older brother!"
Seeing my brother blubbering and wailing, even as my adjutant tried to restrain him, I clicked my tongue.
"Stop acting like a pathetic idiot and get up. Why would I kill you?"
"....R-Really?"
"Have you been living under a rock? If I wanted to get rid of someone, I wouldn't do it so openly."
If I wanted to off someone, I’d snatch them in some dark alley and make them disappear, or at least kidnap them. I wouldn't call them out in broad daylight. It's too conspicuous.
I was a bit taken aback when I heard he’d been playing the role of a fervent royalist after our rebellion, when questioned. But it's not an incomprehensible move.
'As the Lord, he had to prioritize the family's wellbeing. Since I declared independence, I'm practically an outsider.'
It's perfectly natural for the heir of a noble House to prioritize the continuation and survival of their lineage.
And sometimes, that requires making ruthless decisions.
So, while it's a bit sad, I wasn't angry. I would have done the same thing.
"If you're really sorry, do me a favor."
"Y-Yes! Anything! I'll do my best!"
"Can you create a Faction for me?"
A brief silence. After a few seconds, he finally responded.
"....A Faction? You want me to create a private organization within the government?"
"Yeah. The Royal Family and those high-ranking nobles all have something similar, don't they?"
There are dozens of factions within the government, divided according to which House they’re aligned with. They are broadly categorized as the Royal Faction, the Noble Faction, and so on.
And I intended to create a new 'Roytel Faction.' To secure the necessary influence to enact national reforms and implement policies.
In this medieval fantasy world with no such thing as the separation of powers, one needs a network of officials under their command to make any political moves.
"I'll give you as much support as possible. You're a Director now, right? I can promote you to Deputy Director by next week. I'll also provide you with funds and information, so build a sizable force as quickly as possible."
"So, my role is...."
"Middle management. I'm a soldier, so I need a mediator to connect me with the government."
To put it nicely, a manager or the core of the organization.
To put it less nicely, a figurehead.
Honestly, it could be an insulting offer.
No matter the difference in social standing, being ordered around by your younger brother can't be pleasant.
But Brother Julius readily nodded.
"Alright. I'll do my best. I can't get promoted without your support anyway, so we should help each other out as brothers."
"Good thinking."
And so, my connections began to spread within The Kingdom's administration.
* * * * *
And then…
"I wonder if I should create a Red Guard…?"
I once again hatched a plan to mess with those high and mighty nobles.