Chapter 99
(Kyle
Calendar Year 507: Age 14)
The Empire's
Internal Strife
Translator : PolterGlast
The beginning of the
Gryphonia Empire dates back approximately 150 years. In a land once fragmented
by numerous small nations vying for dominance, there was a small country named Gryphin.
The young king of Gryphin, Phonia, successively conquered and annexed
neighboring small countries, resulting in the nation's growth into a large and
powerful empire.
From generation to
generation, those who aspired to the imperial throne demonstrated their
qualifications as heirs by contributing to territorial expansion. As a result,
an empire with vast territories came into being.
This nation continued
to be ruled by a military government through conquest, and successive emperors
designated the prince who achieved the most distinguished military exploits as
the crown prince and successor. This historical tradition continued, binding
those who coveted the succession with invisible chains.
In Gryphin, the
imperial capital, every New Year, a meeting was held where prospective
successors, both self-nominated and nominated by others, gathered to boast of
their achievements and demonstrate their worthiness to be the next emperor.
※
~In a certain room
within the palace of the Gryphonia Empire~
In a simple yet
elegantly furnished room within the Gryphonia Empire's palace, a man in plain
but clearly high-quality travel attire sat with his attendant in military
uniform.
"So, that fool,
intending to clear his subordinates' disgrace, only heaped more shame upon
himself and lost many soldiers in the process?" The man in travel attire
questioned his attendant.
"Yes, not only
soldiers, but also leading figures of their faction, such as Marquis Bradley
and Margrave Goth, have been lost. The only major figure remaining on that side
is the Duke from his mother's side..."
"You mean Harley?
That cunning old man is the biggest problem, isn't he? By the way, I hear his
Imperial Guard also suffered considerable damage?"
"Yes, the Iron
Cavalry, cavalry, infantry, and archer units all suffered heavy blows, with
losses of about 60%. It will take a considerable amount of time to rebuild.
Here is the information our agents obtained regarding the expeditionary force's
strength at departure and upon return."
The man in travel
attire continued to review the information presented to him.
"So, I can assume
he'll be quiet for a while, right?"
"Yes, and during
that time, we can focus on the Principality of Sura..."
"Fool! That's why
you fall for their schemes!"
Indeed, he had just
suffered a bitter lesson. He had long requested troop reinforcements for the
imperial capital, but what was sent to the front lines were useless old
veterans and inexperienced new recruits. As a result, his plan to establish a
bridgehead in enemy territory had recently backfired, forcing him to shrink his
front lines and retreat.
"Think carefully!
Given that cunning old man (Harley), he will surely make a move even if he
can't move himself!"
The man in travel
attire always found himself exasperated by the honest (and rather dense) nature
of his subordinates. They were trustworthy and unparalleled warriors on the
battlefield, but... without even mentioning comprehensive military and
political strategies, no one among his subordinates possessed both wisdom and
courage to command an army on the battlefield, or who could skillfully engage
in political maneuvering in the background. He intended to immediately promote
and give opportunities to anyone who could excel in either capacity, but as he
himself served as staff and fought on the front lines, he had no energy left
for political matters such as court maneuvers.
"For now, I have
no choice but to manage alone..." He sighed, then meticulously re-examined
the information his subordinate had presented.
"Isn't something
wrong with Count Astray's army? Only this army has over 80% of its soldiers
returned. Don't you find that suspicious given such a devastating defeat?"
Indeed, even in his
memory, Count Astray was neither particularly skilled in martial arts nor a
strategic general. His only virtue was his honesty; he was a mediocre man who
had merely inherited his position. Yet, in fact, even though he hadn't suffered
monster attacks, he had served as the rearguard, attracting the entire enemy
army and contributing to the safe retreat of the main force. Astray shouldn't
have been capable of such a feat.
"Investigate
immediately who commanded Count Astray's forces during the retreat! And if
possible, bring him into our faction!" He ordered his subordinate to
conduct further investigation with great anticipation.
※
~In another room
within the palace of the Gryphonia Empire~
A stark contrast to
the previous room, two elegantly dressed individuals in expensive attire were
engaged in a secret discussion.
"How does Your
Highness intend to overcome the responsibility for this utter defeat?"
"I have no
intention of making pathetic excuses, but if it weren't for those monster
attacks..."
"That will not
pass with him. You will be condemned as 『a fool who couldn't even predict such a thing.』"
"Isn't it their
fault for making unnecessary proposals in the first place?! The crushing defeat
of Bradley's army and their bringing monsters—the responsibility lies with
them..."
"Stop it. You
lost as a result of falling for the enemy spy's scheme. If you say such a
thing, you will be accused of being 『a fool who carelessly fell for the enemy's scheme and made the damage
worse.』 I have no intention
of making you a fool."
There was no one else
who could speak so bluntly to him, a candidate for the imperial succession,
other than this man. That was precisely why he relied on this man.
"Ugh... then what
should I do? It's clear that he will accuse me of my ignorance and the loss of
soldiers among the assembled lords tomorrow..."
"Let us pit enemy
against enemy. Our forces will retreat for now... but let us force the families
of the deceased Goth and Bradley to commit ritual suicide. Their territories
have no means to recover."
Is that truly alright?
He couldn't swallow the ruthless proposal and remained silent.
"Also, we need to
hold those who survived accountable..."
"If we go that
far... won't I be resented by my subordinates as heartless?"
"I will work to
make it appear as the will of the Imperial Court. Your Highness merely needs to
take pity on them, absorb their remaining children and armies so that those who
are expelled can find their footing again."
"I see..."
"If so, their
loyalty will once again turn towards Your Highness. And the Imperial Guard will
regain its strength."
"What about the
northern border?"
"It would be best
for his arrogant army and our own to crush each other. While his army is
preoccupied in the north, they will be attacked from the south, their front lines
will collapse in both directions, and we will take their place during their
weakened state. Our temporary retreat is merely one step towards our great
ambition. That is all we need to plan."
"You are a
terrifying man. To turn even this desperate defeat into an opportunity for
victory..." Their schemes coalesced into a single direction.
※
This year, the meeting
held in the imperial capital took an unexpected turn. The First Imperial Prince
and the Third Imperial Prince, who usually engaged in fierce verbal battles,
remained silent.
"How do you
intend to take responsibility for this defeat?" a member of the First
Imperial Prince's faction asked him.
"I am merely
ashamed of my own incompetence. We lost many soldiers, including Margrave Goth
and Marquis Bradley. I shall mourn their deaths, gather strength, and aim for a
comeback. And only then will their unfulfilled wishes be avenged."
Seeing the usually
arrogant and proud First Imperial Prince in such a humble state, the neutral
faction and his opposition were slightly taken aback.
"Even so, we
cannot simply let this defeat stand."
"Lord Harley is
right. This defeat, if left as is, will damage the Empire's reputation. I don't
care what happens, if only their unfulfilled wishes can be avenged..."
"Even so, in
their position of protecting His Highness, weren't the nobles who served with
him far too incompetent?" A statement was thrown from the neutral faction,
shifting the blame after seeing the First Imperial Prince's humble demeanor.
Seeing this, Duke Harley subtly smirked for a moment.
"Indeed, there
seem to be many who must be held accountable: Marquis Bradley, who carelessly
fell for the enemy's scheme and entered a death trap; Margrave Goth, who
charged headlong due to his own resentment; and Count Astray, who arrived late
at a crucial moment. Leading such an army, even the First Imperial Prince would
hardly achieve victory."
Voices of agreement
began to rise.
"Victory and
defeat are common in war, they say. Is it right to blame only the First Imperial
Prince?"
Hmph, fools dancing in
the palm of that sly old man (Harley)'s hand! The Third Imperial Prince was
disgusted by this transparent exchange. The First Imperial Prince was merely
acting as he was told. In short, he was Harley's puppet, and these fools didn't
even realize it!
Though... this time,
even the neutral faction had secretly been working behind the scenes. That's
why this cunning old man (Harley) couldn't be underestimated.
"The Margrave's
forces guarding the border are annihilated. At this rate, we can barely defend,
let alone attack, can we?" One of the neutral faction, pre-arranged by the
sly old man, made the expected proposal. Harley, judging the timing perfect,
opened his mouth.
"This problem
should be considered an issue for the entire Empire. Let us discard past
resentments. Against a powerful enemy, we need powerful allies. Is it not time
for the nation to unite and demonstrate the Empire's prestige?"
The Third Imperial
Prince felt a dangerous premonition and opened his eyes wide, glaring at the
Duke.
"The families of
Goth and Bradley, who failed to support His Highness, have lost their heads and
too many soldiers. Let us abolish both houses and rebuild them as territories
under the direct control of the Empire. Furthermore, Count Astray will be held
accountable for his late arrival and the resulting defeat, and his territory
and soldiers will be confiscated. However, his family line will be preserved to
allow for future recovery."
Other factions became
agitated by this overly harsh punishment of his own faction.
"And His Highness
Glorious will also take responsibility for the defeat and withdraw from
front-line command. Wouldn't this be a suitable compromise?"
Many nodded, seemingly
convinced by this measure that everyone would bear responsibility for the
defeat.
"Although I am in
a position to receive such a punishment, I have one wish that I would like
granted. I wish to grant the children of the abolished houses and the family of
Count Astray an opportunity to rise again. Therefore, for the time being, I
wish to take them in as members of my Imperial Guard."
"Oh!"
Voices of admiration
rose from those impressed by the First Imperial Prince's compassion for his
subordinates.
"Fool! He just
wants to strip them of their soldiers!" The Third Imperial Prince muttered
in a voice no one could hear.
"And now, for the
most crucial matter: the northern border, the area that will become a direct
imperial territory... I wish to entrust it to the Third Imperial Prince,
renowned for his valor."
"What?!"
The Third Imperial
Prince, who had been leaning on his elbow, drowsily watching the progression of
this charade, involuntarily exclaimed and stood up. He realized he had been
brilliantly caught in the cunning Duke Harley's 【cut the flesh to break the bone】 scheme, but there was no turning back now.
With this decision,
Kyle Kingdom would face a new threat and a formidable enemy on its southern
border.
-----
Thank you for my Patrons !!
[Platinum]
Geral Aponso
MaxKne
[Gold]
B random
DavidA
Nepheos
ShitaiNoKootoRyuu
[Silver]
1EYED_SLOTH
Creris
Frédéric Bertrand-Hudon
Matthew Fraser
Anton Lim
Crushingon
Ctdela
Curious Panda
Joe Smith
Read Advanced Chapters only on my Patreon
-----
