Chapter 172: In War, It Is Important To Deceive The Enemy (1)

Chapter 172: In War, It Is Important To Deceive The Enemy (1)

And the next day, I was immediately summoned to the Imperial Palace.

I wanted to make an excuse about being ill, having just returned from the war, and decline the summons.

Because I wanted to rest with my rabbit-like child and fox-like beautiful wife.

Moreover, I currently held no official position and was on a two-month leave, including reward leave, consolation leave, and sick leave.

So, I should have the right to stay locked up in my mansion, playing with my adorable son during the day and being tormented by Laura at night

But the empire was a strictly hierarchical society, and if the Emperor called, one must set everything aside and go, or else face unimaginable consequences later.

All unnecessary. Surely, he wouldnt be asking me to return from my leave and start working immediately. That cant be it. Surely not. Eh, surely.

Thus, although I was a legendary figure who had slain hundreds of enemies, I entered His Majestys office as a mere soldier, earnestly praying not to be cut from my leave.

General Peter Yeager greets the empires sole sun.

Lift your head. Im truly sorry for calling you during your leave.

If His Majesty calls, must I not set aside all urgent matters and come?New n0vel chapters are published on

Hearing that, the Emperor had the servants place a chair for me across from him.

Take a seat for now. This conversation may be a bit lengthy.

Yes, understood.

The butlers and maids inside the office immediately exited, and the Emperor sighed before speaking.

General, are you aware of the current political situation in the empire? Its a total mess.

In a way, this was an obvious statement that could make ones mouth hurt just by talking about it.

After all, looking solely at the outcome of this expedition, one could say that the Crown Prince narrowly achieved victory against the Swiss army.

Nonetheless, the fact that a legion of 50,000 nearly faced annihilation due to His Highnesss error remained unchanged.

Just this fact alone would justify the beheading of related high-ranking generals, and it wouldnt be surprising if several families were destroyed for committing not just errors but blunders.

Moreover, the fact that the Crown Prince nearly got captured by the enemy due to a mistake was a blunder incomparable even if we assume that all 50,000 imperial soldiers had died.

Even if it was better than the Emperor being captured, to retrieve the Crown Prince, several dukedoms and over a million citizens would have to be sacrificed.

Firstly, His Highness could show himself to the people and use his wealth to help them, or select officers and lower-ranking administrators in similar situations to mine to gradually expand his power.

Meeting officers of the 7th Guard Division personally and leaving a good impression on them to solidify their families as allies, and so on.

Firstly, what His Highness needs now is thorough reflection. He must clearly show what efforts he will make to ensure such mistakes are not repeated and to prevent the remaining factions nobility from defecting.

He is reflecting greatly in his own way. He plans to collect all taxes from the County of Brandenburg and distribute them to the casualties and their families. Thanks to this, he is living solely on the allowance provided by the court.

That is somewhat insufficient. At the very least, he should personally visit the homes of officers and soldiers who died in heroic battles or were posthumously awarded medals, especially those living in or around the capital, Reichsburg, to offer condolences and financial support.

The Emperor seemed shocked by my words, initially widening his eyes, but then he nodded, apparently finding reason in them.

If we do as you suggested, it will somewhat bruise his pride. Of course, once the word spreads, it will return to him as many times more honor. Moreover, our empires nobility will be impressed by the Crown Princes magnanimity and grace in comforting even common soldiers and lower-ranking officers.

Bending ones knee for common soldiers and lower-ranking officers was difficult, but most nobles, having served in the military, would understand well.

That the imperial army did not operate solely by the actions of generals and high-ranking officers.

Therefore, showing respect and care for lower-ranking officers and soldiers was essential to maintaining the army in its best condition.

Of course, such stories about His Highness will naturally spread across the country. Nobles intending to leave His Highnesss faction will hear of his kindness in mourning even the death of a low-ranking officer or soldier and will see potential in him.

You make a good point. Then, do you plan to go with him?

Honestly, I very much wanted to comfort the families of the 7th Division soldiers who participated in this battle and other unit members.

Frankly, Id return my entire leave if it meant I could comfort them.

I have already gained too much reputation from this battle. Therefore, I cannot accompany His Highness now.

Though unsaid, it was clear what the reaction would be if I went with the Crown Prince.

Families and wounded soldiers from other divisions would naturally welcome the Crown Prince, but the 7th Division would welcome me more.

Because, even if it was for strategic needs, the Crown Prince left the 7th Division behind as a shield and fled.

I was the general who stayed until the end on the battlefield, sword in hand, to send back even one more of them.

That would cause a rivalry between His Highness and me, even if unintended.

So, I will truly stay home and rest for two months. In the meantime, if His Highness comforts them, it will surely help maintain his position.

Hearing that, the Emperor smiled very satisfied and asked,

It seems you have a much bigger plan than what youve just mentioned. Feel free to speak up. Its just between you and me, isnt it?