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Chapter 42

“Then let’s stop talking about my daughter for now. Let’s move on to another topic. How long do you plan to stop the war?”

“Well, do you have any specific period in mind?”

Our original purpose for visiting the empire has been roughly resolved.

We have now shifted the topic of conversation for external reasons.

Namely, the armistice agreement.

Although we brought several attendants to discuss specific details and draft documents, they are ultimately bound by orders.

In any case, the final decision lies with me and the Emperor before me.

If we don’t discuss and roughly decide on the matters, the subordinates won’t be able to do their jobs.

“Did Leclerc suggest three years? I’d like to slightly extend that and propose five years. Starting from the day the agreement is signed.”

“Five years… That seems too long for a break. Isn’t that enough time to completely overhaul the national defense system?”

“We’ve been fighting non-stop for ten years, haven’t we? We need that much time to reorganize the country.”

Louis XVI wanted a period of five years.

Since the frontlines have already been pushed outside the kingdom’s territory, it seems he wants to use this opportunity to extensively reorganize the military and take care of domestic affairs.

The burden on the country must have been heavy due to the total war fought under a pre-modern system.

It would take more than a year or two to heal and recover from the wounds.

“From my perspective, it’s difficult to concede more than two years. We’re just taking a breather, not preparing for a full-scale war, right?”

On the other hand, my proposal was only two years. Unless we intend to end the war under the guise of an armistice, like the Korean War, there’s no need to take such a long break.

I can’t accept such an ambiguous approach, and neither can my subordinates and soldiers who have suffered so far.

And, to be honest.

The content of the agreement reached in this negotiation is of little value. It doesn’t matter if it’s done haphazardly.

Why? Because I intend to end the war for real.

“Don’t be like that and cooperate with my opinion. I will end the war before the armistice period is over.”

“…Oh? How so?”

“I will strip the king of everything. Authority, power, honor, all of it. He will be reduced to a mere commoner.”

When I first proposed a constitutional monarchy to Lady Arshah.

At that time, I didn’t plan to suppress them so thoroughly.

No matter how much I dislike him and want to beat him up, a monarch is still a monarch.

I was afraid of the backlash if I oppressed him recklessly.

My goal was only to seize power and secure our position while making him a mere puppet.

Like the royal families of Europe, such as the UK or Denmark, I intended to constrain them to reign but not rule.

But now it’s different.

‘These damn bastards don’t deserve any mercy.’

Reign? What a joke.

These dogs don’t deserve any respect or reason to be respected.

To think I had to dedicate ten years of my life for these parasites. No matter how I think about it, it’s unfair and infuriating.

There will be no reign or rule. The only thing left for them is the minimum human rights given to humans.

I will reduce them to a state no different from commoners, only in name as royalty.

‘A good pretext has also come up.’

The king who caused the war and hid the truth for ten years. It’s an extremely useful card politically.

Not only did they abandon the Northern Front, but they are also to blame for the cause of the war?

Even the commoners, who have been taught only loyalty to the royal family and have rigid brains, will be persuaded by anger.

Frankly speaking, it’s enough to aim for a dynastic change.

It will go down in history as a rare revolution supported by the masses.

…Well, I don’t plan to create a new royal family yet. Anyway.

At best, it would be like the Japanese imperial family in the 21st century. Or even lower. That’s what I thought the fate of the Liudolf Royal Family would be.

Living on government allowances, always wary of others.

Even the Emperor is treated as a living god, but they won’t even enjoy such respect and reverence.

It’s just the right punishment for those soaked in all kinds of privileges.

“If we blame all the faults and responsibilities on the king, ending the war won’t be difficult. Because the price won’t be mine to pay.”

“So you’re going to use him as a scapegoat.”

“Let’s just say the one who caused the trouble should clean it up.”

And if we turn the royal family into a vegetative state?

I can drive out the royalists, solidify my foundation, and sign a peace treaty with the empire without any burden.

Without any criticism or political cost, I can do as I please.

No matter how much the war hawks, war merchants, or those who want to fight to the end protest.

No matter how much complaints pile up due to the losses or disadvantages our country suffers from the peace.

All the blame can be shifted to the royal family.

It’s a phenomenon that often occurs in democratic societies when a regime changes. The successor escapes responsibility by blaming the predecessor.

“How about it?”

“Alright. I’ll do as you wish.”

“That’s a wise choice.”

And so, we quickly reached an agreement on the future of the kingdom.

* * * * *

The subsequent flow was simple.

Based on the rough content decided by the two, we fleshed out the treaty terms.

We appropriately edited and transformed the sentences with diplomatic rhetoric and language.

Ah, and we also had some minor power struggles over the expressions and word order used to address each other.

After the experts’ appropriate work and additional discussions, a seemingly decent multi-page document was completed within a few days.

“Then, by signing here, we will ratify the armistice treaty between the Holy Union Empire and the Kingdom of Ullanor.”

In the presence of representatives from both countries, Louis XVI and I took turns signing and stamping the end of the treaty document.

With this, both countries are now unable to engage in any military activities near the border for the next two years.

Except for stationing a small number of guards, all military training and forward deployment of troops are prohibited.

We are temporarily returning to the pre-war state.

“I’ll be looking forward to it, Vice-Chairman Roytel.”

“Don’t worry, Your Majesty. I will soon bring you satisfactory news.”

The public treaty signing ceremony ended like this.

All official schedules in the empire are over.

So, what’s next?

Of course, it’s the after-party.

“We have prepared food and a band in the banquet hall. Today, regardless of nationality, everyone can relax and enjoy.”

“Oh, a dance? I’m not confident in dancing.”

“Then just sit and have a drink. It’s been a while since we had a feast, so let’s enjoy it.”

We happily entered the banquet arranged by the Emperor’s consideration.

Although there are mountains of tasks ahead, we thought we should celebrate since we’ve accomplished a big task.

……At that time, I didn’t know.

What threats would come to me.

* * * * *

“Now, let’s all raise our glasses! To the peace between the kingdom and the empire!”

“””Cheers!”””

The gentle atmosphere with drinks and dishes being passed around.

A sip of wine and a piece of meat go down the throat, and soft bread and dumplings fill the hungry stomach.

To the tune of uplifting music, attendees held the hands of their female partners and swayed their bodies or whispered sweet words.

Or they gathered in small groups, joking and laughing.

It’s hard to believe that just a few hours ago, these countries were at war.

The sense of relief that peace has returned, even if temporarily, must have put everyone at ease.

“Sir, won’t you dance at least one song? There are ladies lining up to dance with you.”

“No, thanks. At my age, I can’t mingle with kids.”

“But you’re not even in your 30s yet…”

“Those girls aren’t even in their 20s.”

Well, unfortunately, I couldn’t enjoy it that much.

Having spent most of my adult life in the military and on the battlefield, what do I know about social culture?

I just stood in a corner, drinking and walking around with my adjutant. And chatting with His Majesty the Emperor.

“By the way, are you married? When I was your age, I already had three children.”

“Not yet. I haven’t had the time.”

“Ah, poor you.”

…..It’s not just a polite remark, but genuine sympathy, so I didn’t know how to respond.

Thinking about it, my situation is quite tragic. I just wanted to settle down and live comfortably.

But I had to struggle to survive, getting involved in politics I never wanted.

Anyway, it’s all because of those damn royal bastards.

“….Let’s not talk about depressing things on a good day. It will only make us sad.”

“That’s true. Let’s just toast.”

The Emperor took a glass from a passing servant and handed it to me. A white wine with a hint of amber.

We lightly clinked glasses and tilted them to our lips. But the moment I was about to take a sip, I sensed something was wrong.

“Wait! Don’t drink!!”

“Huh?”

–Crash!

I quickly knocked the glass from the Emperor’s hand and threw mine to the ground. Just in case, I rinsed my mouth with the water from my canteen to wash away any residue.

Damn, which lunatic brought this?

“Why the sudden action?”

“It’s poison. Pufferfish poison. The moment we drank it, Your Majesty and I would have been paralyzed and died.”

I know because I experienced it before when a spy infiltrated the military camp and spiked the drinks.

You feel a slight numbness when it touches your skin. My superior at the time died because of it.

“…..Who would do such a thing?”

“I don’t know. First, stop the banquet. We need to inspect all the alcohol and drinks served today. Maybe a mage–”

“Die, Roytel!!”

As I hurried to take action, a sudden voice from behind. A chilling sensation approaches the back of my neck. An assassin?

I calmly ducked. Then I turned around and swung my arm.

“Get lost!”

–Crack!

A heavy sensation in my hand.

And the sound of something breaking.

Dare to aim for the back of my head? You’re ten years too early, kid.


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This Kingdom Needs a Coup

This Kingdom Needs a Coup

Status: Ongoing

I didn’t want to do it either.

But if I didn’t, the country was on the brink of collapse.

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