Chapter 30: Family gathering (part 2)

Chapter 30: Family gathering (part 2)

With dinner out of the way, we can finally settle down and discuss the meaty stuff.

"For our nation to stand up against the entire world, we would have to make some serious changes," I said before adding. "Don't get me wrong, it's not like we aren't strong currently for we are the most technologically advanced country in Europe. Nonetheless, it's still a far cry from what I have in mind."

Mom nods. "So, what have you figured out?"

"Well, first of all, we would have to work on advancing our technological might even further. It's so dumb that even though we host a lot of brilliant minds from both the Previous Era and this current one, we still haven't gotten to the Information Age, yet. I want to change that by using the resource we got from Arash, injecting more life into our national industries. Thus, modernizing our nation on all fronts during the 5-year hiatus thanks to the Months of Demons."

I look at mama. "This is breaking protocols but it would be much easier for me to direct the movement if you help me gather our scientists and industrialists, mama. In fact, I think it would be much better if you just bring everyone with a position of power under my command if possible. That way I can personally oversee everything, thus ensuring that all will proceed smoothly."

Mama touches her chin, thinking up something. "Hum... I think I have an idea. Currently, we still haven't installed a person in the rank of Reich Marshal, yet. With your contributions to the country, it shouldn't be an issue if I nominate you for the position in the court. Though I can grant you the rank right now, I think it will be better for you to convince the court members with your talents personally. Are you up for that?"

I quirk an eyebrow. "Reich Marshal? As in the military rank that is only second to your authority?"

"Yup, that one precisely. It's the only job that I can think of that allow you to have the power you requested."

I nod. "In that case, I don't mind giving a hands-on demonstration in the court a few days later. I would like to take the reign before the Months of Demons fully arrive."

Mama acquiesces. "That can be arranged, we will hold court in three days. That much time should be more than enough for you to get up to snuff. Four days later after that, will be the planned Victory Parade also, it will do great to the nation's morale if we reveal you there as our hero and Reich Marshal." She smirks before adding. "Do you think you're ready to bask in the feverish gazes of millions?"

I chuckle, jesting back. "If I can survive a court to attain my rank, I don't see why I can't do the same with our citizens. They're much more easily tame, in a way."

Mom chooses this moment to interject. "Then what about our allies? For if we are preparing for war against the world, they could come across as our greatest helpers or worst enemies."

I wince, not knowing how to break the news easily to them. "You know, aside from the new friend I made, which is the Ustio Reformist factions, I don't think we have any other ally than them." I said dryly.

They all raise their eyes, their silence prompts me to further elaborate. "The reason why I am saying this is because we can't trust the Rusviet or the Japanese. Both of them have their own agendas and from what I've gathered, they would be standing in our way sooner or later. Especially the Rusviet Union which has been getting bolder ever since they took half of Poland. My Einherjar said that they are rearing up to invade Finland and will be pressuring us to share more of our technology with them soon."

Mama frowned at my words, having had to deal with them regularly in matters of trading before. "Tsk, annoying bastards. If it weren't for our need for industrial resources, we wouldn't have signed any trade agreements with them."

I placate her. "Don't worry mama, we don't have to put up with their greed much longer. Once Ustio is brought under the control of the Reformists, we can form a proper alliance with them to gain access to their colonies. Their Princess owns me that much. If the Rusviets bother us too much, I also have plans to deal with them, leading them to chase ghosts for a while."

My confidence brings a cheeky smile to mama. "I have a feeling someone will be lacking sleep later down the line."

Mama leans back, resting her chin on her left hand. "Is she to be trusted?"

I nod, clarifying. "She is, and competent too. Has a knack to persuade her people, and managed to gather a sizeable armed force of her own. Though back then, the situation forced me to relegate them away from important positions. If it's worth anything, the girl is also a lesbian." I chuckle, suddenly remembering a conversation I had with Princess Rosa. "She said the first thing she will do is legalize same-sex marriage."

That earns a snicker from mama. "The girl has her priority straight, that's for sure."

"That she is. Back to the topic, during the Months of Demon, while we're focusing on national development, they will be in charge of defending their allocated territory. Of course, that won't include Arash or White Rock, more like the lands around them. That way, they can still recruit manpower from the populace while we are free to defend our interests in the area. Regardless, if we're to make them an effective fighting force, we can supply them with surplus equipment once we start modernizing our military."

Moms and Bryn agree. "That can easily be arranged, though how will that Princess pays the wage of her troops?"

Of course, even if we all fight for a righteous course, a man and his family gotta eat too. "We have more than enough cash laying about so we can hire the civilians and help her pay the soldiers. That way, we can get fresh blood in the workforce while also tipping the scale at the negotiation table in our favor, later down the line. Ustians have always been renowned for being good in their crafts, I don't see why we should not make use of the unemployed ones."

Mom nods in agreement with my explanation. "We may need to vet them just in case, regardless, it's a good idea to as you said. The long-term benefits outweigh the possible cons."

Bryn, though, presents a problem. "We still need to revamp our intelligence agency, though, letting them run like before won't be cutting it. I think dear Yuki has an answer for that also."

I nod, saying. "That is on the very top of my to-do list. The old bureau will be torn down completely, being replaced by the new Office of National Intelligence, ONI for short. They will be headed by none other than me with the core executives being the Einherjar. If there's one thing they excel at in this day and age, it's clandestine operation. You've seen firsthand how their intel had helped us. Though I'm open to discussion if you want to input anything in the new agency."

Mama shakes her head with a smile. "That won't be needed, your answer is satisfactory. With you being the upcoming Reich Marshal, letting you have direct command of our spies is a must."

I smile back, thanking her. "Thank you for believing in me, mama, mom, Bryn. I promise to repay that trust by making our country the greatest there is, rivaling nations from the Previous Era." I bow at them, further emphasizing my promise.

From the corner of my eyes, I can see Bryn shaking her head while patting my back, while mom put a hand on my hair, caressing it. Mama, on the other hand, laughs good-naturedly with pride mixing in. My family showers me with love and warmth until I flush red from overdosing on them.

"With that out of the way, mama, when can I see my new sister? I'm dying to hug my new pill- *kehem* sister."

*Pfft* "You're just about to say pillow, aren't you. Don't worry, I get the feeling. As for the lass, she was having a medical checkup and is now resting. Aponia should be watching over her by now. You can pay her a visit in a day or two after you're cleared to walk."

I smile. "That's great then! Can't you all believe that? I now have a sister I can dote on!"

I and mama then start fussing about my new sister, with her showing me a picture of the girl. Mom and Bryn watch on with exasperation at our antics. The entire medical ward is soon filled with our laughter and joy, curving up the lips of the guards and doctors outside. After all, who doesn't want their hard-working lieges to have some family fun?

All in all, it's a fun day for the entire family. A day I will surely cherish.