Chapter 103: Playing With Fire Called Excommunication

Chapter 103: Playing With Fire Called Excommunication

Three months later, at the Marseille Palace of the Francois Republic.

“Heheheh, Councilor Andorra, don’t worry. The Francois Republic will stand firm.”

“Who doesn’t know that? It’s just that the Reich Empire’s trickery has become a nuisance.”

“We are the ones who rose again after driving out the Cafe Royal Family that plunged our Republic into disaster 30 years ago. There’s no way our Republic would be shaken by just one excommunication decree.”

They were so composed that it was hard to believe they were the same people who received the excommunication decree from the Pope of the Latina Papacy and had diplomatic severance delivered to the ambassadors of all neighboring countries a week ago.

Therefore, the butlers, lower officials, and officers of the Marseille Palace, having witnessed this, harbored expectations that the senior figures of the Republic, which had defeated the evil Royal Family and regained prosperity, were different.

However, when the doors of the ‘Mirror Room,’ the meeting room of the Republic’s Parliament, closed completely, the atmosphere among them completely reversed.

A moment ago, they seemed somewhat composed despite facing a crisis, but now they are gripped with fear like prisoners sentenced to execution the next day.

The councilors at the top of the Republic were now pointing fingers and hurling insults at each other.

“President Robes Pierre, are you out of your mind? I told you it was a good opportunity for us when the Imperial bastards attacked the North. We should have sent a proper declaration of war and hit them back. What is this mess now? If you have a mouth, speak up!”

“Are you done talking? You agreed back then too! Yet you’re blaming it all on me now.”

“No, think about it. If it weren’t for the sword wielded by Peter Yaeger, the Crown Prince of the Reich Empire, the Empire would have spent at least four years subjugating Ludwig.”

“Trying hard and doing well means nothing! It’s the results that count! The results!!”

Fortunately, due to the thick walls and doors of the Mirror Room, the guards outside the door and all the officers and officials within the castle could not hear these councilors hastily swallowing their fear and shifting blame.

For the councilors, who could be considered the ruling nobility of the Republic, what mattered most was whom to blame in the worst-case scenario.

Even if they won the war, they needed someone to bear the brunt of the anger from the nobility and citizens over being excommunicated by the Papacy.

While everyone was shifting blame, Councilor Anjou, the Minister of Finance, slammed a large book onto the table and said,

“Is everyone here out of their minds? Our Republic might collapse at this rate. It’s excommunication! We are now unable to trade with foreign countries! Because of this, we’ve given our goods to foreign countries but can’t claim the money due to the lost basis for demanding payment, leading to bankruptcy, or we’ve paid in advance, but the contracts for receiving goods are now void, so merchants who can’t receive anything are committing suicide in droves!”

Since the councilors themselves were politicians funded by the heads of various factions, the downfall of merchants meant that, despite holding positions, they would essentially become beggars.

Thus, with the sense of crisis that all the Republic’s councilors might end up hanging themselves, they all fell silent.

“Interior Minister Henri speaking. And that’s not all. Honestly, being excommunicated by the Deus Church doesn’t necessarily mean falling into hell. Among the serfs and ignorant citizens, many tremble with fear of falling into hell as soon as they hear the news of excommunication! There are more than a few who have already taken up arms against the Republic, which caused the excommunication.”

“Such a wise plan, but how do we convince the humble serfs and uneducated citizens?”

At this, one councilor stroked his beard and said,

“It’s quite simple. The devils of the Reich Empire have blinded His Holiness, the Pope, leading to our excommunication. We will claim that the victory in the war proves that divine justice is with the Francois Republic. After all, we just need to win, right?”

At that, other councilors of the Republic also nodded and responded,

“Yes, if we win, it’s over. IF we win.”

“The justice of Deus is with our Francois Republic.”

Half a year later, I, Peter Yaeger, received orders to establish a new brigade for the upcoming eastern expedition of Francois next year.

I officially escaped from the staff office, where I had been working overtime at least four days a week and more often than not on Saturdays, and moved to the eastern front.

Furthermore, many soldiers and officers who had fought alongside Ludwig in the Northern Army were assigned to our brigade.

Naturally, Laura also came to work under my command.

Unexpectedly, someone who could be of help to me also joined under my command.

“Loyalty! I am Lieutenant Anastasia Kerzhit. As of this moment, I have been assigned to the 12th Brigade.”

Anastasia, who wanted to serve under me, came along with another tribe leader from the north, bringing 200 archers from their tribe.

“According to the orders of the Staff Headquarters, I am Charlotte, assigned to attend to Major General Yaeger. From now on, wherever you go, I will serve as your hands and feet. Please command me as you see fit.”

... A pretty young girl, seemingly strongly influenced by the Crown Prince’s influence, was assigned as my personal maid.

I had already made it clear to Laura last time. There was no need for her to be jealous, as I would never lay a hand on this girl first.

After all, Laura, more than anyone, knew that it was unavoidable to have a personal maid, just like her father, Commander Benner, did.

Surely she wouldn’t be needlessly jealous of a maid.

In reality, unlike in comics, it was unlikely for a maid to fall for her master.

Above all, there was only Laura for me.

As proof, I always declined invitations to go to fancy places for drinks by high-ranking individuals.