Volume 12 Chapter 3-4 (2/2)

Regis had been using honorifics because a stranger was present too

Eric stood behind Altina He had accepted Regis’ proposal and became an escort rifleman He didn’t hold a rifle as it was indoors, and wore a sword on his waist instead

He nodded to greet Regis with a smile

To Regis’ right was the mistress of this mansion, Fanrine

【Will chais?】

【Yes, thank you】

She gestured, and the server poured a golden translucent liquid into the glass It was bubbly

To Altina’s left was Eddie, asn’t wearing a sword because there were guards in the mansion

Beside hiht commander Abidal Evra He was dressed for battle, ready for action at a moment’s notice To him, the capital was the enemy’s territory

Directly opposite Altina, on the other long end of the table, a man in his early thirties was seated there

He was a gentleantly in the style of a noble His reddish brown hair was co

After reeted politely:

【Lord Regis, congratulations on your promotion to First Grade Admin Officer】

【Thank you】

【Nice to er under Military Affairs Minister Beylard】

He is my supervisor—— Fanrine added She was a General Affairs Officer within the same Ministry

A Bureau Manager was a position that could issue orders to many people under the ministry

He was already attained the peerage of Count in his early thirties, a great accorand nobles, and gave the feeling of being an elite

—— Did Ms Fanrine invite him? For what purpose?

As Regis thought about that, the maids served up the dishes

Altina raised her glass

【Cheers!】

The host Fanrine responded:

【Congratulations to Princess Argentina’s appointis’ promotion】

The sound of glasses clinking overlapped

Regis raised his glass, and then brung it to his lips

It eet and fragrant, and the bubbles burst on his tongue As if the chaetic music

【Ahh… This is good wine】

【This is the pride of the ne are bottled each year】

【This is really valuable then】

House Tiraso Laverde also operate a winery, and the wine they produced was very reputable

Regis turned his eyes to Gauchen

He had finished his glass too

【Wonderful grape wine The taste is exquisite, but anizations would be just like it】

【… It’s not transparent right now?】

He nodded in response to Regis’ question:

【I strong arood discussion with the Princess Généralissi up the Généralissime Office】

Altina waved her hand

【I leave all this difficult stuff to Regis】

【Wait… Your Highness】

【I learned all sorts of things, but theI will listen carefully, but I will leave the negotiations to him】

【… Hah】

The dishes were served, and Eddie was the first one to stick his fork out

【I will leave the talking to you, and take care of the meat!】

【I want to eat too!】

They couldn’t finish the food anyway, so there was no need to fight

Regis sighed softly But the other party didn’t seem to mind at all

【……Count Gauchen, ill happen to the Ministry of Military Affairs now? Do you knohat Prince Latreille intends to do?】

【The ruanization had leaked long ago Before the passing of the late Emperor】

【That early!?】

【It is gradually lagging behind other nations in both intelligence reports and logistics support, His Majesty Latreille—— Who was the Field Marshal back then had already thought it through carefully】

【…And his worries turned true in the ith High Britannia】

【He finally e losses incurred by the Empire】

【But he is actually dissolving it? I thought he would at least leave the name】

【Probably because Minister Beylard had been transferred to the Ministry of Ceremony】

【Herac retire?】

【He is getting in on age after all】

Retiring after presiding over the Ereat honour for past Ministers of Ceremony

Being the grandfather of Bastian as in the Argentina faction ht have influenced this decision too

Hence, Gauchen didn’t state it explicitly

【And the others?】

【Most will lose their jobs】

【Ehh? Can they accept that?】

Gauchen laughed disdainfully:

【Even Minister Beclard himself couldn’t accept it Compared to the Ministry of Military Affairs, the authority of the Ministry of Ceremony is too limited And His Majesty Latreille also expressed his clear intention to cut down on the scale of pompous parades】

【So this is actually a demotion】

【Yes Other high ranking officials… feels the same of course】

【They couldn’t accept losing their jobs?】

【They feel that they had been doing the same work as their predecessors, so why are they the only ones who ended up like this? They are furious】

【They don’t think they did anything wrong?】

【Yes】

【Hulf for the past decades】

【Norone on for a century will continue for another century】

【But that isn’t applicable now】

【Because of new technology flowing in from the east, new materials could be made and newindustry will be revolutionized I think we are at a turning point in history】

【I feel the same】

【Lord Auric, what do you think the co era will be like?】

【… His Majesty Latreille iden the frontlines At the very least, he will counterattack High Britannia and Langobalt that invaded us within this year It will be the same for the south】

【We will be attacking huh】

【After the I the new rifles and cannons, the ars are waged will change drastically If rifles can fire continuously, then a small number of infantry will be able to defeat cavalry】

When the Knight Cois said, he showed a troubled face

This will happen in the future, so there is still tiis added

Gauchen tilted his head

【Will the Belgarian Empire walk down the path of a conqueror?】

【It will be inevitable for a time】

【… And after that?】

Regis looked him in the eye

Where should he begin?

Was he someone trustworthy? Since Fanrine invited him, he was probably not from Latreille’s faction…

Altina said as she chewed on her meat

【If I thought he could succeed, I wouldn’t have competed with him for the throne!】

She spoke her mind

Regis said with a sigh

【Well… That’s how it is The future I want to see is slightly different from the ideals of the Emperor】

He still couldn’t utter the words “The Imperial Army will lose“

Gauchen nodded

【As expected, Lord Auric is different from the other soldiers】

【I know that much After all, I can’t use a sword or ride a horse】

【That’s not what Ivery much】

【Is that so?】

He didn’t answer, and changed the topic instead

【… I ht be from a Count house, but I am just a poor noble from the boondocks, and have no status within the Ministry After being forced to handle with many troublesome tasks, I learned a lot】

Fanrine nodded

It was very rude for an aristocratic lady to interject when thepolitics

But it was clear froe Gauchen’s capabilities

The dissolution of the Ministry of Military Affairs

Minister Beylard’s transfer to the Ministry of Ceremony

Most of the eot retrenched

And his view on how things would develop in the future…

Regis finally realized Fanrine’s true intention out of countless possibilities

【Hmm… The Généralissime Office would need to take over the work of the Ministry of Military Affairs Right now, the Fourth Ar in manpower to deal with the administrative work

】

【I know about that】

【Regarding these issues, do you have a way to solve them, Count Gauchen?】

【Yes, I will do what I can】

In order to help the shorthanded Fourth Army, Fanrine introduced us to the dissolved Military Affairs Ministry

That anization that had been dissolved by Latreille because of its serious flaws So not all its employees were beneficial to it

There was a need to scrutinize them

And Regis needed to see clearly if Gauchen had the capability Was he someone who could be entrusted ork and be of help to Altina

Regis then asked——

【To His Majesty Latreille, Princess Argentina and the Fourth Ared sword They are a necessary force for hiies meant he couldn’t coainst him】

And of course, we have no intention of doing so now—— Regis concluded

Altina added:

【I just want to end all wars in this world, not defeat Latreille or start a civil war】

【…Thatdogs A civil war alo after all】

【It’s his fault for sending that rubbish report!】

【That’s a bit far-fetched】

In the end, in the last letter Latreille sent in his capacity as a Field Marshal, he apologized for the mistake Since he became the Emperor, all that was now moot

Regis continued:

【His Majesty Latreille should be trying his best to weaken the Fourth Arist】

【… So it’s true】

Gauchen wasn’t surprised at all

【You already knew?】

【There are rue battle, the assistant chief strategist in headquarters was killed in action… Anyone with a little knowledge about the military will suspect foul play】

【Well, that’s how it is】

【Lord Auric is a hero who saved our country I’lad that you survived】

【… Thank you Well, our introductions is getting too long, I would like to ask Lord Gauchen about so】

【How may I be of service?】

He straightened his back

Altina and Eddie also looked his way

【…Right now, His Majesty Latreille didn’t weakened the prowess of the Fourth Arh level of authority to the Princess What do you think e his mind?】

Gauchen put his hand on his chin

【Ughh… Reasons huh…】

Regis turned his gaze to Abidal Evra and Eddie

【I would like to pose this questions to everyone here too】

Abidal Evra raised his hand first

【I think it’s because he concluded that Sir strategist is a dangerous opponent, and decided to prevent any revolt by i your treatment】

【Appease remuneration to raise the loyalty of one’s subjects is an adequate strategy But raising the white flag for just one of his subject and diverting froreat person with an unyielding spirit】

【Oh… I see It’s hard to iood side】

Next was Eddie

【I think he was forced by the circumstances? He left the north, south and east fronts to the Fourth Army, while he only defends the capital And you said he plans to attack High Britannia or Langobalt right? If the Military Affairs Ministry can’t be counted on, he will have to concede that the Généralissime Office is needed】

【… Because his plan to weaken us failed, so he changed his strategy and decided to use us as pawns instead Since he will be using us, a ht?】

【That’s right】

【Not a bad idea But he can’t dismiss the possibility that the Fourth Army will turn around and attack the capital in rebellion instead How should he deal with that then?】

【Hmm…… Well, then he can just cut down those who rebel】

【Then he need to be ready for a civil war That’s a bit of a stretch, but I think it’s really close】

Altina stood up

【I won’t start a civil war! I absolutely won’t start one!】

【… Of course I’ to analyze what His Majesty Latreille is thinking】

【He is always toying with ives me, he still think I can’t win!】

【No no】

He did acknowledge our capabilities, Regis thought

Or rather, he wouldn’t have allocated precious forces and budget to them if not for that

The Généralissime could command almost half of all ier of being destroyed

Fanrine didn’t answer

Finally, Gauchen raised his hand

【On top of the southern front, the Princess also needs to support the northern and eastern fronts, so it’s an undeniable fact that she needed the appointment of Généralissihth army won’t yield to her orders】

【I think so too】

In the past, when she was in Fort Sierck——

The newly appointed Major General Altina took over the role of coadier General Jerome

Even though she outranked hie and military rank…

The soldiers wouldn’t obey her command

The sa would happen if the Fourth Army heads to the south There wasn’t time for a duel this time

Altina clenched her fists when she heard what Regis said

She was still se

【Hmmp… so the people in the Ministry already knew that Jerome wouldn’t listen to my orders… Can I punch him?】

Gauchen leaned back

【T-The personnel assign to do with me】

Regis consoled him:

【There are all sorts of work in the Ministry too… But it’s different for the Généralissime Office If they refused orders, we can dishth Army】

【We can do that!?】

Altina stared with her eyes wide

Regis affirmed that:

【Since the Ministry of Military Affairs can do it, we can do so too】

【But if we dismiss the commander, than the noble arone too】

Altina nodded after hearing Gauchen additional comments

【That’s true Ah, the Beilschiment is Jerome’s noble army】

【If we dismiss them, then on’t have anyone left】

Regis shrugged

The sixth and eighth arht not be the noble’s army, and there are other troops they could count on, but it will be better to not dismiss the commander recklessly to keep the forces as intact as possible

【H them will be far easier】

【That’s right】

Gauchen got back to the topic:

【I think the idea that His Majesty Latreille was forced by circumstances to hand the Staff of the Généralissime to the Princess is correct】

Alright! Eddie struck a victory pose

However—— Regis continued the conversation:

【Hoould he quell any rebellion then?】

Gauchen said calmly:

【His Majesty is starting to mass produce the new rifles After the southern front is stable, he should be ready to start issuing out large quantities of rifles】

The First Arhtiest in the Empire would be armed with the new rifles

Abidal Evra groaned:

【I don’t want to fight them】

Regis felt the same

【That’s true I think that His Majesty Latreille only gave out the Staff of Généralissi point of the war】

Altina tilted her head

【My units will need to equip rifles too?】

【Of course, His Majesty wants to equip the entire army with the new rifles and cannons If we don’t do so, on’t be able to have an overwhel countries】

【Ehh?】

It was natural that she didn’t understand

【I knohy you’re confused, Your Highness If we revolt after getting the rifles, our disadvantage in weapons would be negated right?】

【Yes! I won’t do that though, but will he really trust me?】

【Hahaha… That’s impossible】

Regis laughed out loud

Altina pouted

【Muuu——】

【……!?】

Gauchen was shocked when Regis laughed and brushed aside what the Princess cum Généralissime just said

Ahh… Regis covered his mouth

【Well… There is one big difference between rifles and the weapons used so far】

After thinking about it for a while, Altina leaned forward:

【Ah, it’s supplies!】

【Correct! A, you have improved a lot!】

【Fufufu, praise is】

Eddie crossed his arms and tilted his head:

【Hmm? Supplies?】

【Rifles need aht And His Majesty Latreille wants to have sole control over the production of ammunition】

【Ohh… I see I get it, so that’s how it is——】

Eddie nodded

He felt a bit uneasy, but decided to proceed with the topic

【His Majesty Latreille is preventing any uprising by using the fact that ‘it is iuns and aone one step further】

After this would be —— the dissolution of noble ar the armed forces

Regis shrugged

【As for the Staff of the Généralissienerously handed it to you for now】

That’s how he actually thinks!? Altina puffed out her cheeks

Gauchen sighed and said:

【… No one in the Ministry or the aristocrats understand the situation to such an extent As expected of you】

【Lord Gauchen already realized this too Have you told the other nobles about this?】

【Fufu… nobles are arrogant creatures They have no doubts that the world exist for their sakes They believe like an innocent child that the new Ees Even if I warn the too one on for a century, it will continue for another century】

【That make sense】

【How laughable】

【… The dissolution of the Ministry of Military Affairs is probably his preparation for so else】

The top rand noble Latreille’s true intention is to keep the rifles and arand nobles

Regis pondered—— Gauchen’s understanding of the current situation wasn’t too different from him His abilities were unquestionable

【…Well then, last question】

【What is it?】

【Regarding the rumours about His Majesty Latreille, can you tell me what you think about it, Lord Gauchen?】

He held his breath

Regis was referring to the suspicion of regicide

The Princess before hiht be Latreille’s former political enemy, but she was still the Eht be branded a traitor or transgress lese majeste

Regis stared at Gauchen expressionlessly

Gauchen crook his mouth

【… I didn’t attend the palace’s banquet and showed up at this party instead That’s my anshat do you think?】

Regis looked at Altina

【Your Highness, I strongly reco Lord Gauchen as an Admin Officer of the Généralissime Office Not just him, but also the people he recommends too】

【Really? Since Regis says so, I will be in your care then, Lord Gauchen!】

Altina looked at him with a smile

He stood up and bowed formally

【Thank you for accepting hness’ burdens!】

Ara, Altina added

【There are actually people who are willing to join our unit that don’t even have any rest days, this is great—】

【… By the way, I forgot to mention the work conditions Lord Gauchen, I have never taken a day off ever since I was assigned to this unit Will you be fine with that?】

【Eh!?】

Chapter 4Heading to the South

One week later——

Iust 20th

The Fourth Araria set off from the Imperial Capital Versailles

They were about 8,000 strong

On top of the 500 cavalry and 4,000 infantry from Fort Volks, they were joined by 2,000from the south

The long lines of soldiersthe road

Regis was seated inside a white carriage

【… It has been a while】

【Indeed】

Clarisse was seated opposite him

There were just the two of them at this time

Altina was at the head of the for on her Karakara Eddie and Eric was beside her as guards

Abidal Evra led the cavalry that was to the front of the formation

At the very back was the roup 《Renard Pendu》 A contract had not been formalized with them yet

They were is when he said the Mercenary King Gilbert will come to the south

A asn’t enough to post a letter to Fort Volks and receive a reply Even Regis wasn’t sure how Gilbert would reply, whether if he would accept

The acting band leader Jessica and her 10 years old sister Martina travelled together

Franziska still haven’t recovered because of dystrophia, and had to stay in the capital Bastian was taking care of her

Behind them——

Elise rode on another carriage

On the battlefield, the guest had to stay in the rear while the strategist reave

Regis who realized Elise’s true identity orried about others finding out who she was, and didn’t want her to know unnecessary information, so he quarantined her off

Clarisse looked in the direction of the capital

【She is very reluctant to see you go】

【Hmm? Ahh, you mean Ms Fanrine A lot has happened after all】

Because she was traveling with Regis, she er Marked by assassins, soldiers bared their blades at them, and they travelled for several days in the treacherous hills

Why didn’t Fanrine hate Regis?

Wasn’t that the biggest mystery?

How unfathomable

Clarisse narrowed her eyes

【Yes, a lot of things】

【Yes】

【Including crossdressing?】

【Ughh… I will be happy if you can forget about that】

【If you want to erase er ones, Sir Regis】

【What do you want me to do, Ms Clarisse?】

【How about dressing up like a maid?】

【I’】

【I’】

【I won’t wear skirts either】

She probably guessed that Regis would answer this way, so Clarisse turned her gaze back to the

【… It’s a pity, I already made the preparation】

【You’ve already made preparation!?】

He finally noticed that on the roof of the white carriage where Altina’s personal belongings were stored, there was so else stashed there

【A-Anyway… It’s great that Ms Fanrine joined the Généralissime Office She is capable and has a wide social network】

The Généralissime Office staff stayed in the capital for the mean time After all, be it personnel, supplies or intel, all these would be centered around the capital

The building within the palace where the Ministry of Military Affairs was using had been occupied by admin officers from Latreille’s First Army

The Généralissiht after this issue popped up, Gauchen found a mansion owned by a noble whose House was on the decline

The Fourth Aris could finally operate normally

They have hired about 150 ex-officers from the old Military Affairs Ministry Most of them were commoners or nobles eren’t the first born, and all of the

As the Ministry of Military Affairs had more than 2,000 staff, this number seemed really low But since Gauchen said that this would be enough, he would leave it to him for now

Regis also needed to learn how to utilize his subordinates

He was a First Grade Admin Officer in the Imperial Empire, but he didn’t have any direct subordinates Only retired officers and Regis was like this

Clarisse returned her gaze back to Regis

【By the way… have you sent a letter to your family?】

【It should be fine right? Speaking of which, have my brother-in-law Enzo went home yet?】

【No, he’s still in Fort Volks… At least he e set off】

【Is that really fine? He had already left ho time】

【What about you, Sir Regis?】

Why is she asking again, is there any ht

After he splitted up with Altina, the notification that was sent to his sister was…

【Ah, was my killed in action notification sent to my sister!?】

Clarisse nodded

Regis hugged his head Did they sent her the body and personal effects too!? But they belonged to someone else!

【Oh no… I never thought about putting the affairs of my death in order No, did anyone send her the notice that this is a mistake?】

【I wonder…?】

【Well, the ones who send out bereavement notification… is the Ministry of Military Affairs, which has been dissolved!?】

What about the pending jobs? The logistical supplies, pronment had been taken over by the First Army and the Généralissime Office

What about the cancelation of the bereavement notification!?

Regis broke out in cold sweat

【I-I will be lectured! I can’t do anything about the h I was fine! P-Paper… Pen】

【Over here, Sir Regis Please calm down】

【Y-Y-Yes】

【There’s a saying in this world, ‘too little too late’】

【That’s not a consolation at all!】

Regis iined hoould be lectured the next ti carriage

Clarisse looked at hientle smile

【……】

【W-What is it?】

【I’is returned safe and sound】

【The person you love to tease is back, so you won’t feel bored anyht?】

【Ara… Even I will have times when I feel plainly happy After all, the person I like a lot has returned safely】

【You are saying such things again…】

Regis sighed

This is adopted a defensive pose, but she was all s at each other

【Fufufu… What’s thesweet, I have soary snacks here】

【Ah, no… Where’s the follow up?】

【It’s nothing I’is who I liked so much has returned safely】

【Eh…】

【Does Sir Regis think it is a waste to be a little happy about ain?】

【No no, that makes me happy too】

【Well, I’lad to hear that】

Even after waiting for a while, she didn’t folloith any teasing words

Clarisse’s cheek was dyed with a shade of red

Regis’ face was heating up

He felt bashful and returned his gaze to the letter His hands were tre

【Wait… Ms Clarisse… This is e】

【No I was really wor