Chapter 22

Lady Arshah tilted her head at my words, unable to hide her curiosity, and asked,

“Constitutional…monarchy? What’s that?”

I kindly replied,

“Exactly as it sounds. It’s a system where laws are established to limit the authority of the monarch.”

“Is that…even possible? How can you control a king or emperor with laws? Wasn’t the whole point of being a monarch to have no restrictions?”

“Why wouldn’t it be possible? They’re just people like us, after all.”

It was something I only recently realized myself.

In this world, while there are distinctions between national systems, there’s no concept of distinguishing political systems.

Each country’s governance is simply divided into two types: monarchies ruled by a monarch and republics not ruled by a monarch.

Unlike Earth, there’s no classification like democratic republics, oligarchies, or tyrannies.

Such forms of state structure never existed here, so the concepts were never formed.

Why? Honestly, I’m not sure. I’m no political expert.

But if I had to guess…it’s probably because gods actually exist here.

Historical texts are filled with passages like “the goddess sent an oracle or an angel to appoint a king.”

“Humans will sell even nonexistent gods. If gods exist in reality, it would be the ultimate justification.”

Almost every country on the continent worships the goddess as their state religion.

A monarch directly chosen by a living, absolute being would naturally hold immense authority.

So, attempts to limit that authority? They probably didn’t even dare. It would be like challenging divine authority itself.

Even the Northern Empire we’re fighting started with an emperor elected from among various lords, but once he was chosen by the goddess, it immediately became a hereditary system.

Yet, oddly enough, our king’s power was far from absolute monarchy…but anyway.

“The important thing is that this woman is interested in my proposal.”

Lady Arshah, who likely believed that only a bloody revolution by killing the royal family could achieve republicanism, seemed quite intrigued by the idea that there might be another way.

“If the law exists above the monarch, who makes that law?”

“Wouldn’t it be the parliament?”

“The Three Estates Assembly? That useless institution full of commoners who only think about squeezing taxes?”

No way. If we left such an important task to a bunch of old fools spouting nonsense, the country would fall apart.

They don’t even have the capability to handle such responsibilities.

“I’m thinking of creating a new body to replace the Three Estates Assembly. A council that brings together representatives from all walks of life to discuss national affairs and draft laws.”

As long as this country remains a class-based society, it’s hard to discuss state affairs without involving the royal family, nobles, and clergy, who still hold significant power.

Right now, I’m pushing through with military force, but that will soon reach its limits.

It’s only a matter of time before they move beyond mere complaints and take real action.

Of course, I could suppress them with force, but that would lead to administrative paralysis since most high-ranking officials are from noble families.

So, I need to at least appear to respect their opinions. Establishing a parliament is the most suitable means for this.

“I’d like you to join this council, Lady Arshah. Along with your followers and influence.”

“As part of the Supreme Council for National Reconstruction, you mean.”

“Exactly.”

Lady Arshah’s expression showed she understood.

Despite her youth, she’s quite sharp. She seemed to grasp the ripple effects of the opportunity I presented.

“No matter how strong the Supreme Council’s current influence is, we’ll inevitably struggle in political battles. Most of us are military men, after all.”

Me, my subordinates, General Albrecht, and those who joined from the Headquarters—most of us are soldiers.

There aren’t many among us who can argue eloquently or logically.

At best, it’s just me, Colonel Kais, and maybe Lieutenant General Mauer up north.

It’s hard to suddenly become good at politics after living as soldiers all our lives.

So, we needed a vanguard.

A fierce vanguard that shares our goals and will tear into our enemies. A pack of wild dogs that will recklessly take down the high and mighty.

“We needed someone to voice our opinions, and I thought you’d be perfect for the role, Lady Arshah.”

“And what do my comrades and I get in return?”

“My unwavering support. And the chance to directly suppress those who act out relying on their status.”

In exchange for cooperation, what I offer is minor support, psychological satisfaction, and a sense of achievement. Anything beyond that, they’ll have to earn themselves.

It’s an unfair deal by any measure. Essentially, I’m just using them.

But for those who’ve dreamed of this day since learning about republicanism, this is more than enough.

“*Sigh*, you’re quite the sly one, Sir.”

Lady Arshah let out a sigh. But her face showed a mix of anticipation, slight excitement, and enthusiasm.

“You make it impossible to refuse. Even though it feels like I’m getting the short end of the stick, I still want to accept this deal.”

“Isn’t it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity? It wouldn’t hurt to be fooled just once. At least you’ll achieve the dream you’ve always had.”

“That’s the problem…”

You can’t chop off the king’s head, but you can engage in the politics you’ve always dreamed of.

A just governance where talented individuals like yourselves, not just the upper class, can rule.

If it weren’t for me, Karolus von Roytel, this future would’ve been impossible for generations.

What a sweet temptation it is. Even if they’re being used, they’d want to give it a try.

Lady Arshah is no different. She sensed something was off, but instead of refusing, she’s brimming with enthusiasm.

“Alright, fine.”

In the end, her conclusion was acceptance.

“I, Kamilla von Arshah, accept the proposal of Sir Karolus von Roytel. Let’s work together to build a just kingdom.”

“A wise choice, Lady Arshah. You won’t regret it.”

And so, the republicans within the kingdom joined my side.

* * * * *

“You want to create new seats on the Supreme Council?”

“Yes. I’m planning to bring in about four or five people. Make room for them in the conference hall.”

“Understood, Sir. We’ve prepared for expanding the membership from the start. I’ll get it ready immediately.”

The process of integrating their forces went smoothly.

The Supreme Council for National Reconstruction was designed with cooperation and mergers in mind from the beginning.

By simply revising the list of members and issuing appointments, we quickly secured Lady Arshah and her comrades.

“Pleased to meet you, Sir. I’ve heard much about you from Lady Arshah.”

“Likewise. Your name’s Hermann, right? I look forward to working with you.”

Six people were appointed as council members, and about twenty more would join once the parliament was established. These were the brightest and most capable individuals from Lady Arshah’s network.

With former academic members and lawyers among them, they’re high-spec talents who will surely fulfill their roles well.

But,

‘Something’s missing.’

I couldn’t be satisfied.

While the republicans are excellent fighters, they’re still outsiders in central politics.

They hold no real authority within the government.

They can propose and plan, but they lack the ability to execute.

In my past life in Korea, when the parliament made laws, the executive branch would implement them. But here, it’s different.

This is an era where the separation of powers isn’t even a concept.

The judiciary, legislature, and executive are all tangled up. Even within the same country’s finance and justice ministries, factions are divided and fighting.

It’s not just about which line you’re on—it’s almost like distinguishing enemies from allies.

‘The military is my domain, so I could manage that…’

Forming support troops by drafting noble forces? That was easy since I control the central army and have the Headquarters’ cooperation.

But when it comes to actual state affairs? That’s harder for me to handle.

Even if I pressure the nobles to implement policies, their factions in the administration will sabotage them.

“I need my own administrative power.”

In conclusion, I needed a group of civil servants under my command. A group that could operate independently, free from noble interference.

Of course, such a group wouldn’t just fall from the sky. I’d have to create it myself.

Recruit promising individuals, lure in opportunists, and even promote some.

That’s the only way to build the size needed for the reforms we want.

Since none of us are from the executive branch, we need a trustworthy talent to act as a middle manager.

“Then someone I can use…oh, right.”

While pondering the selection, I recalled someone perfect for this situation and immediately called for my adjutant.

“You called, Sir?”

“Yes. Go to the administration and find someone for me. They’re probably in the tax department of the finance ministry.”

“I’ll go right away. What’s their name?”

I answered immediately.

“Julius von Roytel.”

As the surname suggests, he’s my older brother.