The Betrayed Master Betrays In Turn

Chapter 75

The preparations of the Crimson Dragon Legion proceeded smoothly.

Not only the soldiers but also the horses destined for the battlefield underwent repeated training to adapt. They were conditioned not to panic or bolt at the sound of gunfire or cannon blasts.

“...We're probably the only ones who can bring something like this to the battlefield.” “I think it’s better to block their ears.” “It seems to improve their ability to hear commands clearly and reduces their tension.”

Since my orders could be heard even with their ears blocked, earplugs were distributed to the soldiers to prevent hearing loss.

“Can rifling work be done?” “It’s possible, but only on a very small scale.” “That’s good.”

Additionally, rifles with rifled barrels were provided to select elite soldiers, significantly boosting their combat effectiveness.

“Additional supplies have arrived!”

Just as the legion’s preparations were nearing completion, the additional weapons promised by the Anchester Kingdom arrived. Now, the entire Crimson Dragon Legion could be equipped with muskets.

“...Recently, there’s been some unrest in the southeastern Elven states. They seem to be importing large quantities of minerals, including iron, and foodstuffs indiscriminately, but we don’t know the precise details of their internal situation.” “Thank you for informing us. We’ll look into it on our end as well.”

The dwarves who had come to the Empire for weapon delivery did not stop there. They also shared information about the state of the Elves living along their shared borders.

This could be a sign of a potential crisis involving the Elves, perhaps something akin to the "Wrath of the Forest." But for now, it was only a hint of trouble—just the beginning. The exact circumstances would need further investigation.

“Deliver this letter to Her Majesty.” “Understood.” “And... this letter is for Grand Marshal Gerhardt.”

“Yes.”

For now, I prioritized the tasks that needed to be addressed immediately.

---

Audience Hall of the Dragonia Empire.

"How are things lately?"

"Ah, don’t even ask. The soil is so barren it’s almost an insult to call it soil. There’s hardly any place where seeds sprout properly."

"So it wasn’t just my lands. It feels like I’m putting in more than I’m earning."

"They say winters in the north are harsh, so it’ll be even worse during winter."

"Hah... I should’ve realized when I saw how few people lived there."

While the throne remained empty, the nobles gathered in small groups, talking amongst themselves as they awaited the start of the meeting.

"Shouldn’t we act now?"

"The military is consuming far too much money. It needs to be restrained."

"...Not yet, not yet."

Theodore conversed with nobles wary of the increasing influence of those from military backgrounds.

"Is it really that effective? There are still too few practical examples."

"It’s undoubtedly expensive, and maintenance requires significant effort, but it’s worth the cost."

"Hm..."

Meanwhile, Victor engaged with Gerhardt and other nobles aligned with the Emperor's faction.

"There are too many wild animals in my territory. Do those guns work well for hunting?"

"Of course."

Initially, the Emperor-aligned nobles were uneasy about Victor, an outsider who had earned the Emperor’s favor to the point of participating in victory parades.

However, as months passed and Victor focused solely on developing the Crimson Dragon Legion without vying for power or land, their concerns quickly dissipated. Moreover, Victor cooperated with existing imperialist nobles rather than challenging them.

Luise’s question prompted the nobles to consider her words.

"...We can’t act right now."

"At least wait until taxes start coming in..."

The nobles who had received lands in the former Kingdom of Rus were preoccupied with managing their territories and showed little interest in the west.

"The pirates have been persistently targeting our merchant ships—was that the Esperia Kingdom’s doing?"

"If Her Majesty sends reinforcements, there’s no reason to refuse."

In contrast, nobles with territories in the west welcomed the deployment of the Emperor’s personal legion, relieved that its focus would be directed outward rather than inward.

With dissenters dwindling, the opposition grew weaker. Even those aligned with the Emperor’s faction had no reason to object.

"If it’s Her Majesty’s will, there’s no need to argue."

"Indeed."

The Emperor’s loyalists, intent on bolstering imperial power, refrained from interfering.

"The Crimson Dragon Legion is nearly untouchable."

"Opposing this move would be..."

As the Crimson Dragon Legion was seen as an extension of the Emperor’s authority, challenging its deployment risked being perceived as defying the Emperor’s power. This silenced even Theodore’s faction.

"...Your Majesty."

Ultimately, only Theodore stepped forward, his gaze briefly filled with disdain as he looked at Victor before bowing to Luise.

"Yes, Duke of Offentstadt?"

"The Fifth Legion and Your Majesty’s Crimson Dragon Legion are indeed formidable, but the Kingdom of Esperia is a military powerhouse that employs numerous mercenaries. Their fortifications are also strong. I believe additional troops are necessary to ensure a secure victory."

"Hm, continue."

"I propose deploying more troops, including the First Legion stationed in the capital, as reinforcements."

His suggestion was clearly aimed at leveraging the influence he had over the First Legion.

"I oppose that proposal."

"Duke of Weisshilt, may I hear your reasoning?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. Many of our forces are currently deployed to stabilize the occupied territories of the Kingdoms of Rus and Brotan, as well as to fortify our borders with the Kingdoms of Paris and San Bastian. Furthermore, the southeastern Elven kingdoms have been showing suspicious behavior, necessitating additional troop deployments."

"I see..."

"The Crimson Dragon Legion is equipped with advanced weaponry and, despite its size of only ten thousand men, is exceptionally powerful. With Commander Victor, who demonstrated his competence in the campaign against the Kingdom of Brotan, leading the effort, the Fifth Legion and the Crimson Dragon Legion should be sufficient to handle the Kingdom of Esperia."

"Hm. If the Empire is to assert its strength, now is the time. I also believe the Crimson Dragon Legion is best suited for this task."

Gerhardt intervened, effectively blocking Theodore’s argument.

Theodore’s hands trembled with anger.

"...Understood."

He stepped back, his face flushed with humiliation, barely suppressing his rage.

With Theodore silenced, the first agenda item progressed swiftly.

"I will dispatch the Crimson Dragon Legion to punish the Kingdom of Esperia and send reinforcements, including the First Legion, to our borders with neighboring nations. Commander Victor."

As Luise sealed the order with her imperial insignia, Victor’s deployment to the west was finalized.

The opposition remained silent, while some nobles applauded enthusiastically.

Despite receiving glances from his allies, Theodore ignored them, consumed by fury.

"Yes, Your Majesty. I will engrave your might upon the Kingdom of Esperia."

"Good. I look forward to it."

As Victor accepted the order, Theodore glared at him with unrelenting envy and hatred. His mind was now devoid of reason, consumed entirely by his emotions.