Chapter 19

As the sun sets and darkness falls…

I invited some outstanding officers I had my eye on to a famous restaurant in District 11 of the capital.

Every seat is a private room, and the atmosphere is luxurious, making it the perfect place for secret conversations.

“Alright, everyone, take a seat. Today, I’m paying for everything, so eat without holding back.”

“Th-thank you, Sir. We’ll eat well.”

“There are various drinks too. What would you like? Coffee? Or alcohol? Black tea?”

The officers, fidgeting as they sat down, glanced around the table. They seemed unable to focus, overwhelmed by the feast laid out before them.

Well, it’s understandable. They were born into poor families and joined the military just to make a living.

Unlike me, who has a star on my shoulder, a personal chef, and a dignity maintenance allowance, how often would these guys, barely at the rank of field officer, get to eat such fine food?

Honestly, I’ve been stuck in the north for so long that it’s been years since I’ve enjoyed such luxury… but anyway.

“May I request some wine?”

“I-I’ll have whiskey…”

“Alright. For about twenty people… bring us seven bottles of Eindolf wine and three bottles of Talaran whiskey!”

Eindolf and Talaran are famous for their vineyards and distillation techniques, renowned even before the war.

Thanks to that, the wine and whiskey produced there are considered the best in the kingdom.

It was a bit extravagant for treating junior officers, but I decided not to hold back today.

If I’m going to treat them, I might as well go all out, right?

Soon, the waiter brought the drinks, and I uncorked the bottles with a corkscrew. I poured a glass for each of them.

“Everyone, take a glass. I’ll lead the toast. For the kingdom!”

“For the kingdom!!!”

The glasses clinked in the air, and the high-proof red and golden liquids flowed past their lips and down their throats.

The sweetness of the grapes, the aroma of malt and oak barrels, stimulated their taste and smell.

With the help of alcohol, we lightened the mood and began the meal in earnest.

We sliced the meat, speared it with forks, and enjoyed the tender grilled salmon with sauce.

Amidst the leisure and abundance we rarely experienced on the battlefield or in the barracks, we relieved our usual hardships with indulgence.

“It’s my first time here, but it’s quite nice. How does it suit your tastes? Do you like it?”

“Yes!”

“To receive such a luxurious treat from a mere lieutenant colonel, I am truly grateful!!”

“Haha, don’t be so hard on yourself. A soldier defending the kingdom shouldn’t demean himself like that.”

The tension of serving a four-star general like me gradually faded, and a more relaxed atmosphere settled in.

Some had their faces slightly flushed from the alcohol, while others had loosened up.

‘It’s about time to start.’

Deciding it was finally the right moment to bring up the main topic, I poured another round of drinks and spoke up.

“How’s military life these days? Is the work manageable?”

“Well…”

“Feel free to speak honestly. The person in front of you is the leader of an active coup faction. Cursing the old higher-ups is no big deal, right?”

They must have had grievances to accept my proposal in the first place.

Though momentarily taken aback by the sudden request to curse their former superiors, they quickly remembered that I was the one who had ousted those superiors and took their place. One by one, they began to speak.

“To be honest, it’s not very satisfying.”

“Even if we work hard enough to receive commendations for outstanding performance, we’re always overlooked for promotions. After years of that, I don’t even feel like trying anymore.”

“I was preparing to move after receiving a promotion order to brigade staff. But some noble came along and took my order because he wanted the position. It completely messed up my career.”

Words they would never have uttered under normal circumstances.

But with the help of alcohol and facing me, they spoke without hesitation, pouring out their long-suppressed frustrations in the form of conversation.

These men were my subordinates in rank, but in terms of military experience, some were on par with or even senior to me.

Though my promotions had been unusually fast, even considering that, their ranks were still too low. All because of that damn class discrimination.

Listening quietly to their grievances, some spanning a few years, others nearly two decades, I gently comforted them.

“You’ve been through a lot. I understand that feeling well. I went through a lot of that when I was young too.”

“Sir, you too? But the Roytel family…”

“Just a rural noble family with nothing special. Except for the ‘von’ in the name, we’re no different from wealthy commoners.”

We weren’t so different in terms of our origins.

I subtly reminded them of that to strengthen our sense of camaraderie.

“It pains me to see promising talents suffer like this. If it’s alright, I’d like to personally help you.”

“Help… you mean?”

“Yes. The reason you haven’t risen is because you haven’t had the chance to prove yourselves and be recognized, right? I’ll create the conditions for you to shine and stand out. Whether it’s in the newly formed units or elsewhere.”

The gazes focused on me grew more intense. Feeling satisfied, I lit a cigarette.

In my past life in Korea, this would have been unthinkable, but here, smoking during a meal is perfectly normal.

Inhaling and exhaling smoke, I raised a finger to them.

“But there’s one condition.”

“Please tell us! As long as it’s not worshiping demons, we’ll follow anything!”

“If you help us, we’ll be your loyal servants for life!!”

They’re already eager to join my side. That’s why I set up this meeting.

Well, good. If they’re already inclined, persuading them will be much easier.

“It’s not difficult. Just become my people.”

“If that’s all–”

“It’s not just about joining my faction. I mean, pledge your utmost loyalty to me, prioritize me above the king.”

I don’t need those who just want to tag along for scraps.

Such riffraff can be found in any department of the military. They’d come running with a little bribery.

What I, and the Supreme Council for National Reconstruction, need are those who will truly unite with us, unwavering in their loyalty.

That’s why I only invited those who showed potential after thorough background checks.

“While serving in the Royal Army, prioritize you over His Majesty…?”

“Th-that’s betraying the royal family, Sir.”

“I’m not saying to openly oppose them. Just follow my lead in special circumstances while obeying your superiors normally.”

“Are you asking us to break the oath of loyalty we swore when we enlisted? To betray His Majesty–”

“The king betrayed us first!!”

I slammed the table. Standing on the chair with my military boots, I looked down at everyone.

“You all know my career, don’t you?! Right?! I rotted in the freezing north for ten damn years, fighting those imperial bastards! The Great Plains, the Northern Army and I held onto it, bleeding and gritting our teeth!!”

The room fell silent. I could feel their eyes on my face, red not just from alcohol but from anger.

“But that damn king abandoned us! He abandoned the frontlines we held for ten years, saying he didn’t have the money for luxuries! If that’s not betrayal, what is?! Huh?! Ten years is enough to change the landscape, and he threw away those who had been loyal all that time! Is that what a proper country does?!”

I pointed at the man sitting closest to me and shouted.

“And you! You studied hard at the academy, commissioned, and worked your ass off! But you’re still getting passed over for promotions, stuck without a star even as you age. Isn’t that the real betrayal?! Aren’t you frustrated?! Look me in the eye and tell me honestly! You came to me because you’re frustrated and want to set the military right, didn’t you?!”

I lowered my hand and head. Leaning on the table, I lowered my voice, barely containing my anger.

“That’s why I’m tearing it all down. Because the country isn’t a country, and the military isn’t a military! At the very least, I wanted those who worked hard and devoted themselves to be rewarded and thanked!”

Some might criticize me for being extreme. But without extremism, society doesn’t change.

To fix this rigid, corrupt country, I had no choice but to become ruthless.

Even if I didn’t say it out loud, they must have realized it deep down, which is why they were quietly listening.

“Have you heard this saying? ‘The moment of revolution is brief, but its glory lasts long.’ Overthrowing is quick, but its fruits remain. I won’t hoard those fruits for myself.”

I tore off the armband symbolizing the Revolutionary Army from my uniform and threw it on the table.

Calming my excited, rough tone, I made a polite offer.

“Take it. And follow me. Join our Revolutionary Army and reclaim the honor and positions you rightfully deserve. I guarantee you won’t regret it.”

A silence that felt like an hour passed in a second. Then, someone asked me in a trembling voice.

“Will you really treat us as equals in the Revolutionary Army?”

“Yes. The Supreme Council for National Reconstruction will accommodate you. As long as your loyalty is firm, I’ll make sure you’re well taken care of.”

“Without discrimination in promotions?”

“Yes! Everyone will retire with at least two stars. If you want, we can even secure you a seat on the Supreme Council. You all have the qualifications and skills for it!”

It wasn’t just about favoring allies; these men truly had the potential.

If they had been born into decent families, they could have aimed for major general, lieutenant general, or even general.

In a way, my proposal was about placing them on the same competitive ground to let their true abilities shine.

“…Understood. We’ll trust you, Sir.”

“Please don’t betray our trust.”

“Don’t worry. I’m not that fool Karl.”

And so, the future of the Royal Army fell into my hands.

* * * * *

A few days later…

“Nice to meet you, Sir. Shall we go chop off the king’s head together?”

“What kind of crazy talk is this?”

I’ve met a madwoman.