Chapter 20

“The subjugation work that Sir requested has been completed smoothly. Everyone seemed to have a lot of concerns, but in the end, they decided to join us.”

“That’s good. Was there anyone who insisted on staying loyal till the end?”

“There were a few. Why would they stay loyal to those who wouldn’t even acknowledge their lifelong devotion? It’s really…”

“Well, it’s their personal choice, isn’t it? There are fools in this world who can’t let go of their attachments even when they know it’s a loss.”

Not just me, but Lieutenant General Baden, Colonel Kais, and others. Thanks to the efforts of my reliable subordinates over several days of drinking and banquets, we achieved a satisfying result.

We successfully secured over 90% of the targeted eighty talents. From captains to colonels and even brigadier generals, we evenly recruited from the core ranks of the military.

Each of them harbored dissatisfaction with the existing system and, as long as we maintained our influence, they would never betray us. They are treasures.

“How should we assign these friends?”

“First, put those who wish for rear duties into our Revolutionary Army. Oh right, it’s not the Revolutionary Army anymore.”

“You should call it the Central Army. How can you forget the name you came up with?”

“I just slipped for a moment.”

We assigned the secured personnel to appropriate positions based on their hopes and aptitudes.

First, those specialized in supply or administration were absorbed into the new Central Army. They filled the void left by the shattered Royal Guard and Capital Defense Force, now replaced by our Revolutionary Army.

By suppressing the royals and nobles and justifying our capital garrison, we absorbed their roles, which caused a surge in administrative demands.

With so many changes in material reception and work methods, we needed to expand our paperwork personnel.

“If they want to go to the frontlines, mix them with our troops who are transferring out. It’ll be easier to manage.”

“It’ll also help them form a bond and camaraderie with us.”

“Exactly. Once they’re on the same team, they need to learn to get along. Building mutual trust is best done through shared hardships and work.”

For those inclined towards field work, we decided to mix them with my original subordinates who were transferring out from the Central Army. We planned to send a few to join the newly formed units for control.

This was a personnel decision aimed at filling their experience by rubbing shoulders with seasoned veterans and fostering internal intimacy with us. After all, it’d be meaningless to make them our allies and then send them off separately.

On the other hand, for those who wanted to command but didn’t want to go to the frontlines?

We filled the vacancies left by those transferring out from the Central Army. In any era, guarding the capital is a shortcut to success.

“And the disposal of those who refused till the end…”

“It’s a bit harsh to kill them. Just demote them appropriately. Send them to units with no future and far from success.”

“I’ll instruct the Headquarters Personnel Department.”

Additionally, for those who ultimately chose not to join, we decided to slightly hinder their future. It’d be troublesome to leave those who heard our proposal as they were.

Well, there’s also a slight expectation that they might come back to us someday if they continue their hopeless military life.

“When will the military movement begin?”

“In ten days. We’ll send the units with secured provisions first. Probably the Eastern Army, then the Western, and finally the Northern Army.”

“Check the departure times of our guys and the newly recruited ones and let me know. I should meet them and say goodbye before they leave.”

“Sir, are you going personally? You’re too busy for that.”

“Don’t argue. If I want to do it, why are you judging?”

And finally, the day of departure arrived.

I stiffly wore my uniform, adorned all the medals I had received, and went to the barracks to meet the departing subordinates.

“Long time no see, everyone. Finally heading to the frontlines, huh?”

“Y-Yes, Sir!”

“Why are you here…”

“Do I need a reason to meet my people? If I must, it’s to cheer you on in advance for the hardships ahead.”

I patted each one on the shoulder, hugged them, and gave them words of encouragement. Handing out some pocket money in case they ran short was a given.

Just like in the Northern Army days, I encouraged everyone warmly, sincerely wishing they could return in glory.

Then, overwhelmed with emotion, they all shed tears and repeatedly thanked me. Was it that touching?

“Going to the frontlines will be tough. Supplies won’t be ample, and life-threatening situations will be daily. Please take care of yourselves and come back alive.”

“Yes! We will definitely return alive!”

“Don’t worry about anything else, just fight hard. The rear will be firmly guarded by me and the Supreme Council for National Reconstruction.”

From this day on, tomorrow and the day after, I saw everyone off without missing a single day until they all left for the frontlines.

With a bit of a superior’s concern for cherished subordinates and a bit of a desire to gain sincere loyalty through interaction.

Both are genuine, but if I dare to weigh the ratio, the former is 80% and the latter 20%.

There’s a reason why my subordinates always trust and follow me.

As I sent them off with such showmanship and image management, a precious guest came to see me.

“Nice to meet you, General Sir. I am Kamilla von Arshah of the Count Arshah family.”

And a very peculiar guest at that.

* * * * *

In any world, it’s the same. In an era just beginning to show modern sensibilities, women’s political participation is very rare.

Men work outside, and women are expected to handle household and social activities. Whether it’s possible or not, people don’t view it favorably.

Nevertheless, here was someone of a different gender stepping into the political arena.

“Thank you for the warm hospitality. Is this… black tea imported from Albione?”

“Embarrassingly, I’m not sure. It’s something the Headquarters received for guests.”

Kamilla von Arshah.

Despite her young age, she is a noblewoman who runs several famous coffee houses in the kingdom. She seems to enjoy deep conversations with her visitors.

Considering that coffee houses are centers of cultural activities, intellectual debates, and ideological discussions… she essentially leads public political opinion.

Given that, I had to be careful with her. Even if my social status is higher, if things go wrong, it’ll be a headache.

“So… what brings you to my office, Miss? If you wanted to meet me, there are plenty of better places.”

“I wanted to talk privately. It’s not a topic that’s good to be overheard.”

Such a sensitive topic. What could it be that a noblewoman would risk her reputation to discuss in private with an outsider?

As I wondered, Miss Kamilla leaned in and whispered.

“Let me be direct, Sir. How about we chop off the king’s head together?”

“…Huh?”

What kind of crazy talk is this?

“Hehe, you seem surprised. But I’m serious. For the future of this country, we must kill Karl VII and overthrow the monarchy. For that, we need your cooperation.”

“…Because I control the capital and hold real power?”

“Yes! Who else would I ask but the one who directly staged a coup and seized power from the royals and nobles?”

She covered her mouth with a fan and laughed.

“Actually, it’s because it’s you, Sir, that I’m revealing my true intentions. If I said this to anyone else, I’d be arrested for treason immediately.”

This girl is fearlessly talking about killing the king. Wait, hold on. She said to kill the king and overthrow the monarchy? Then what next?

She’s talking about completely overturning the existing system, but how does she plan to establish a new one?

“If the monarchy disappears, who will rule this country?”

“Ordinary people like us should rule. Talented individuals who aren’t corrupt and have the ability. We’ll create a new parliament to replace the existing Three Estates Assembly.”

“And how will those talents be selected?”

“We plan to gather capable and reputable people from various regions to the center. We haven’t finalized the details yet, but that seems the most efficient.”

“…..”

I was speechless. This is a complete republic.

Is this noblewoman planning to turn the kingdom into a republic?

Unaware of my inner thoughts, she excitedly continued.

“The era of noble lineage inheriting power must end. It’s because of them that you rebelled, and the kingdom is in this state now.”

“An era where excellent elites rationally discuss and manage state affairs. That’s the rightful future the kingdom should pursue.”

She extended her hand, showcasing her ample cleavage, and sweetly proposed.

“Sir, won’t you join me? If you do… I’m willing to deepen our relationship.”

I sighed briefly and replied.

“Miss, wouldn’t it be better to indulge in such delusions at home?”

Where does this girl get off trying to seduce me with such nonsense?