I Became the Master of the Empress chapter 136

136 – 140

I have been busy since dawn today.

Before I knew it, it was already lunchtime, but I have to manage internal affairs and prepare for war. It’s chaotic.

Even though there’s a war going on, I can’t neglect internal affairs…

First, I compare the revenues from last year with this year’s revenues and monitor the status of the technology investment fund I established.

“There are fewer projects funded than I thought.”

An unprecedentedly large investment fund in imperial history.

The scale is immense, but the problem is that there are too few projects worthy of investment from that fund.

What can I do?

This society is fundamentally illiterate.

Official statistics don’t exist, but based on my estimation, I assume that 20-30% can write and read, while the rest are presumed illiterate.

Because of that, if you can write complex documents with technical knowledge, you are quite valued here.

It can be seen as a lack of individuals who have learned magic or engineering to that extent.

Moreover, there are cases where unfeasible technologies are brought in and rejected for investment, too.

The size of the investment fund is unbelievably large, but the number of people actually benefiting from it is much lower than expected, causing me concern.

“Hmm… I should add a land development fund category to the investment fund.”

By offering carrots to the nobles managing small estates and the major nobles through the land development fund, I could establish harmonious relationships with them.

Furthermore, the development will spread throughout the empire.

While organizing the necessary information for the new category,

-Knock knock!

[Your Majesty, members of the council have arrived.]

I respond to those words.

“Please, let them in.”

-Creak!

As the door opens, three somewhat familiar figures enter.

The chairman of the council, Charles.

Formfeius, with strong influence in the neutral faction.

And the councilors from the Kingdom of Bohemia, Enrique, and Louis from the Kingdom of Erne, who are joint leaders of the Imperial faction.

“Despite your busy schedule, we apologize for summoning you here.”

I say so, pointing to the sofa with my hand.

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“The reason I called you here is to brief you on the treaty proposal to be presented at the council the day after tomorrow.”

As I gesture them to the sofa, among the seated councilors, Formfeius speaks first.

“A treaty, you say. What nefarious scheme are you concocting this time?”

I smile at Formfeius’ suspicious tone and reply.

“There is no nefarious scheme. I simply plan to seek cooperation from the United Kingdoms to end the civil war a day earlier.”

“Rather than seeking cooperation from external forces, I hope you will release William Gye from prison as soon as possible. It is unreasonable to imprison the Empire’s hero.”

When the councilor from the Kingdom of Bohemia, Ellice, speaks, I nod.

“They will be released soon. The Golden Knights are a valuable order to me as well.”

Saying so, I present the treaty agreed upon by me and the ambassador of the United Kingdom, Edward, to them.

“What’s this?”

All councilors, including Chairman Charles, start reading the treaty I present to them.

Flap.

Previously, whenever I suggested something, everyone looked at me suspiciously.

Do they understand the weight of the current situation?

“Hmm… it seems the Union Kingdom’s involvement in the civil war is concerning.”

“I agree. Councilor Pompeius. I also have doubts about whether we should give up naval training for 20 years just because we are in a hurry.”

After Pompeius and Charles carefully examined, Enrique and Louis hesitated before speaking.

“But if the Union Kingdom helps, we can end the war sooner.”

“That’s correct. Rather than outright opposition, their support has the power to easily crush Nicaea’s navy.”

Nodding at that, I think to myself.

The Imperial faction must consider ending the war quickly as crucial.

“However… this seems like an honorable empire begging for help from the Union Kingdom.”

To that, Louis responds.

“That may be so, but after the Duchy of Dupol surrendered, a force of 130,000 now threatens our homeland and Erne. If it falls into the hands of our homeland, Bohemia, and Nicaea, then our ability to restrain Nicaea will vanish.”

“That is also true.”

Saying so, I take out a map of the war from my desk drawer and speak.

“Look here.”

Pointing to the Bohemian Kingdom and Erne Kingdom stretching east and west along the Yoren Mountains.

“If Nicaea occupies these two kingdoms…”

Continuing to point at the entrance of the Yoren Mountains.

“They will deploy troops here. Historically, this area has been a site of frequent significant battles due to the rugged mountains. If we station troops here and at Dupol’s crossroads, attacking Nicaea will not be easy for us.”

As time passes, Nicaea, holding sway over multiple kingdom territories, will grow stronger.

And if Erzib’s food supply runs out, the Empire will be in a critical position where it will have to import food from the Union Kingdom or the Kingdom of Suasong, negatively impacting the Empire’s security.

Already, the Empire’s wheat supply from last week’s harvest has been cut off.

There are not many people here who are aware of this issue yet due to the slow flow of information, but if we do not address the food situation soon, significant chaos will ensue.

Perhaps Nicaea has also considered this aspect to some extent.

In any case, I subtly inform the lawmakers who are still unaware of this fact.

“The Empire’s wheat supply from Erzib has been cut off.”

The atmosphere in the chamber becomes heavy at my words.

“Th… This isn’t urgent?!”

“If Erzib runs out of food, Rome cannot be sustained. To discuss such an important matter now… Are you in your right mind?! Your Majesty surely must be mad?”

At their words, I shake my head sideways.

“No, I am perfectly sane. To be honest, I am considering forming an alliance with the Union Kingdom to cut off Nicaea’s lifeline.”

At my words, everyone wears puzzled expressions.

“Form an alliance with the Union Kingdom… to cut off Nicaea’s lifeline?”

I nod at the bewildered lawmakers.

“Nicaea possesses the strongest naval force in the Empire.”

Even before the Empire was established, they sailed ships, founded cities far and wide, and engaged in maritime trade.

“That’s why… they believe in their mighty navy and freely dominate the Empire’s seas.”

Pointing to the Adriatic Sea, I continue.

“However, by receiving the Union Kingdom fleet’s escort and landing here to block the supply of over 100,000 troops, they will be trapped in Dupol. Thus, we plan to weaken them, force their surrender, and eliminate Nicaea.”

Everyone’s expression becomes thoughtful at my words.

Charles carefully examines the map and speaks.

“Oh? Indeed, no matter how strong Nicaea’s navy is, it cannot match the Allied Kingdom. With this method, we can isolate Nicaea’s main army, confine them to Duopol, and starve them to death.”

Of course, there are other strategies to destroy Nicaea, but that’s a discussion for later.

“But, Your Grace, if the treaty is officially passed in the council, Nicaea will surely notice. They will also try to defend the Adriatic Fortress… Are you confident in its capture?”

When Pompey raises a crucial point, I reveal the card I had been hiding.

“That’s where the Golden Knights come in.”

“What?! Your Grace, are you truly human? Are you really planning to involve William and the Golden Knights in risky operations after treating them harshly and disrespectfully?”

I shrug at his words.

“Although I may have been disrespectful, I have never tortured anyone.”

Today, I received reports that they have been training in the prison since morning.

But… where did the rumor about me torturing someone come from?

“Don’t lie. I heard that the Information Department manages the Roman prison. They are known to have experience in torture.”

Ah…

The Information Department in Rome currently has quite a reputation.

They arrest and interrogate those suspected of being associated with the Johannes clan.

It is said that they use torture or drugs to extract confessions.

But would they really torture the Golden Knights…?

If they can’t go to war, wouldn’t I be at a disadvantage because of them?

It’s a secret that, thanks to their luxurious lifestyle, I even allocated an emergency budget to support the Information Department in secret.

“Ah… No. William and the Golden Knights are currently on vacation from the Roman prison. If you don’t believe me, you can visit them yourself.”

If you wish, I can even provide you with a visit permit.

“I see… Intriguing.”

At his words, I nod.

“Exactly. This way, Johannes will forget about the Golden Knights.”

This is the point I aimed for.

“The Golden Knights have formidable combat capabilities. And this time, the Shardeñan Kingdom has agreed to deploy a wizard unit, so I plan to send 40,000 troops with them.”

I plan to incorporate the 40,000 troops currently conscripted under the draft into their ranks.

In that case, capturing the Adriatic Fortress should not be a difficult task.

“Hmm… Indeed… This should end the war smoothly.”

At this, I nod.

“Yes. Therefore, this alliance must be approved by the council.”

Upon my words, Louis and Enrique speak with moved expressions.

“Your Grace, you truly shine like the light of the Empire.”

“Your Grace’s strategy will even astonish the heavens. Enrique here… will spare no effort to ensure this treaty passes in the council.”

As I listen to their words, I look at Chairman Charles and Pompey.

After much contemplation, Pompey speaks.

“Giving up naval power for 20 years in exchange for ending the war quickly… I’m not thrilled about inviting foreign powers into a civil war. But it’s better than damaging the Empire’s capacity through a prolonged civil war…”

And as I look at Chairman Charles…

“I agree as well. Although the Allied Kingdom’s actions are despicable, an extended civil war is not beneficial for the Empire either. It’s better to submit the treaty to the council tomorrow, and I will conduct a vote in the council tomorrow.”

After hearing Chairman Charles’ words, I nod my head and respond, “If that is your wish, it would be an honor.”