He Became The Most Insane Emperor Of All Time [EN]: Chapter 225

Ten years had passed, and the Empire had undergone significant changes.

While carriages still existed, trains had become the primary mode for long-distance logistics and travel.

For the military, warp gates offered a means of emergency transport, though their high cost and energy consumption relegated them to last-resort status.

Banks, once a rarity, had proliferated, and paper money was now commonplace. In many respects, life had become more prosperous.

Considering the Empire still faced numerous enemies, this progress was a remarkable achievement.

However, the most significant transformations were undoubtedly in the military sphere.

Knights no longer relied solely on swords.

Though some initially resisted abandoning their blades, the undeniable efficiency of firearms eventually prevailed.

The evolution of weaponry extended beyond mere tools, influencing tactics and strategies as well.

For example…

“Let’s hear the staff’s assessment of the current situation,” I said, opening the military council.

“Yes, Your Majesty. The Empire currently faces three primary threats: the Greenskin remnants, the Celestial Race’s floating islands in the Southern Territory, and the Undead forces in the Eastern Territory.”

The establishment of the General Staff Headquarters was a direct consequence of these evolving needs.

I had considered it previously, but such an organization couldn’t be created overnight; it required careful planning and execution.

Why is this such a significant change? The military council, formerly guided solely by my opinions or those of the Captain of the Guard, now incorporates the insights of the staff. Even in the event of a general’s unfortunate demise, the staff can maintain the war effort.

This marks a crucial departure from the past, where the army risked disintegration upon the loss of a single leader.

Furthermore, orders are executed with greater systematic precision than before, which naturally has a substantial impact on the military’s combat effectiveness.

“Among these threats, the Undead in the Eastern Territory pose the greatest concern.”

“Indeed, the situation there has been increasingly troubling.”

In the ‘Game of Gods’ [a metaphorical conflict between powerful beings], the great warriors created by the Creator God are divided into four categories.

The Greenskin’s Rasgar, the Celestial Race, the Beast King’s Beastmen, and the Undead.

Rasgar was still squabbling with Golak, and the Celestial Race was slowly regaining strength, but hadn’t yet displayed any aggressive intentions.

The Beast King, who fled to the Southern Continent ten years ago, remained unheard of.

That left the Undead lords.

We had been engaged in a steady conflict with them for the past decade.

Perhaps due to the weakening of other fronts, they hadn’t fully committed their forces, but even at their most restrained, tens of thousands of Undead would swarm our positions.

Fortunately, we had managed to repel all their attacks, but their offensives were growing increasingly fierce.

In short, the Undead had somehow acquired firearms and begun employing them. This alone represented a significant escalation.

“The Purification Order [a religious order dedicated to combating the undead] and the Eastern Governorate [an administrative region] have repeatedly requested support. Can we provide it?”

“The Imperial Army stands fully prepared to strike down the Empire’s enemies at any time.”

“Your Majesty, while striking down the Empire’s enemies is imperative, engaging in another full-scale war will negatively impact the economy, which is only just beginning to recover.”

The staff and military personnel advocated for immediate deployment, while the ministers urged caution.

“Are you suggesting we disregard the Eastern Territory’s plea for assistance?”

“That’s not the intention. We should assess the precise military requirements and provide only the necessary support.”

“Foolish! Once you draw your sword, you must not cease until you have annihilated the enemy!”

“We’ve only just regained stability after centuries of turmoil! A misstep here could undo all our progress!”

The military and the Ministry of Internal Affairs clashed. I raised my hand to quell their dispute.

“Enough. Ignoring or downplaying the Eastern Territory’s request for support is out of the question.”

I sided with the military, and the officials lowered their heads. But now it was time to temper the military’s enthusiasm.

“However, we cannot deploy the military recklessly as we did in the past. Public welfare was once an afterthought, but that is no longer the case. Those in the military must remember that military strength is intertwined with the nation’s economic health.”

“We apologize, Your Majesty.”

The generals, who had been making forceful demands, lowered their heads.

“But it’s also true that the Empire doesn’t have much time to spare. Public welfare is important, but the moment will inevitably arrive when we must draw our swords.”

We cannot tolerate voices advocating for passive measures at that critical juncture. Public opinion must be united.

“I will issue a partial mobilization order. This is to prepare for the increasingly intense warfare ahead and to acclimate ourselves to a wartime footing. Do you understand, Minister of Internal Affairs?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I will obey your command.”

“The military should also assemble a force ready for immediate deployment to the Eastern Territory as an initial wave.”

“I will obey your command, Your Majesty.”

The meeting, which also served as a military council, concluded there.

Yet, even after the meeting, my personal concerns lingered.

“Is it time for me to intervene personally?”

I had refrained from leaving the Imperial Palace for a decade, but it seemed the time had come to return to the battlefield.

“Sarah and Leon can safeguard the Imperial Palace. This would be a valuable opportunity for Leon to gain experience.”

It would benefit Crown Prince Leon to assume my responsibilities and learn the intricacies of leadership.

Of course, some ministers would harbor concerns about the power dynamics and exercise caution.

Their apprehension stemmed from the potential for the heir to make imprudent decisions while the reigning monarch still lived.

Such concerns were unfounded in my case. Even ten years ago, I rarely remained within the Imperial Palace for extended periods.

If anyone harbored ambitions to usurp my position, they would have acted long ago.

The reason for the lack of such attempts was simple: should anyone try to seize my throne, I could simply return and crush their aspirations.

Unfortunately, the same principle applied to Leon. He wasn’t the type to seek power, but if he ever entertained such thoughts, I wouldn’t hesitate to intervene.

However, Leon was the kind of child who would even decline the position of Crown Prince, so such a scenario was highly improbable.

Having resolved to wage a personal war once more, I sought Sarah’s permission.

“You’re returning to the battlefield in person?”

“Uh, well, that’s…”

“Go ahead. Why do you need my permission?”

“……”

What? I expected her to scold me a little?

“If I don’t allow it, you won’t go?”

“No, that’s not it…”

“Then do as you please. I’ll always support you.”

Sarah smiled gently. At least she’s supporting me… Huh? Wait, this feeling is…

“By the way… if you go to the Eastern Territory, you’ll be with Stella for a while, right?”

“Huh? Yeah, right?”

“Oh my, shall we sleep together tonight? We won’t see each other for a while, will we?”

This feeling is… the feeling of obligatory defense [a situation where one feels compelled to act defensively]…!

“No, no, we’re family now, we shouldn’t do that…!”

“Oh my, I don’t know what you’re talking about!”

“Ugh!”

That day, I felt the weight of being a head of household anew.

* * *

“Farewell, Father. I will protect the Imperial Palace well.”

“I understand, my son. Do as you see fit. It’s okay to fail. Everyone learns from their mistakes.”

“Yes, Father.”

The next day, I entrusted Leon with the Imperial Palace. Leon responded with even greater confidence than the day before.

I offered a few more words of encouragement to Leon and proceeded to the warp gate with the Imperial Legions.

The main support force would be dispatched as soon as it was assembled. For the time being, I and the Imperial Guard were planning to deploy first.

“To think we can now travel such distances in an instant, time has changed so dramatically.”

“Why, does that frighten you, Captain of the Guard?”

Wolfman, the Captain of the Guard, was not only in good health but appeared even younger than he had ten years prior.

This was because he had become a Legionnaire [a superhuman soldier], surpassing even superhuman capabilities.

This was a common trait among all Legionnaires, not just him.

“No, Your Majesty. There is no reason to fear the Empire’s growing strength. However, I am somewhat concerned that warriors like us will become obsolete in the future.”

“Is that so? There’s no need to worry excessively. At least, that won’t happen for a long time.”

Firearms had advanced significantly, but they hadn’t completely surpassed the musket stage yet.

Moreover, the Legionnaires, and even the knights, possessed superhuman abilities.

It seemed unlikely that they would simply lose their relevance due to the modest advancements in firearms.

‘Rather, their superior physical capabilities might make them even more essential. Someday, both sides of the war might be fought by superhuman soldiers.’

I couldn’t fathom what humans in this world would look like in the distant future.

As I pondered these random thoughts, I passed through the warp gate.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Upon emerging from the warp gate, those awaiting my arrival greeted me with celebratory gunfire.

Thanks to the telegraph, news of my arrival had spread rapidly.

The Knights were also lined up, with the familiar Purification Order Knights on the right.

However, on the opposite side stood those who still felt unfamiliar.

“Bostok. I didn’t expect you to come.”

“How could I miss the opportunity to greet Your Majesty? My knights have also come to welcome you.”

The Blood Knights [a group of vampire knights].

Knights composed of vampires clad in blood-red armor.

Although they appeared to be two groups that were difficult to reconcile, they seemed to be maintaining a precarious coexistence.

“Your Majesty.”

“Daphnen, you’ve come too.”

“Yes, Mother is away, so I came in her place.”

“Thank you for your hard work, my son.”

“……”

On the other hand, Daphnen, Stella’s son, had arrived as the representative of the Purification Order Knights.

When I addressed him as my son, his expression stiffened, but he seemed pleased.

I felt sympathy for him, as he seemed to crave affection. He wasn’t that old yet, but he was bearing a heavy burden in many ways.

“I heard that the Undead’s movements have been suspicious recently. I also received a request for support, but is the situation serious?”

“Strictly speaking, something beyond military force is required.”

“Hmm? Something else? What’s the problem?”

Daphnen glanced around, troubled, and then spoke.

“We are keeping it a secret because it has only broken out in a few villages and cities… but they are spreading a strange and deadly disease.”

“A disease… Can’t the power of the Purification Order cure it?”

“…It does require divine power, but it requires several times more than we possess, and we can’t possibly meet the demand. If it spreads, it will be unstoppable.”

I see… That’s why they treated it as a secret, given the gravity of the situation. Had they inadvertently informed the ministers of the Imperial Palace, secrecy might have been compromised.

“What’s the cause? Are the Undead creating and spreading the disease? Are there any countermeasures?”

“Fortunately, we have identified the cause, but it is difficult for us to address it with our own resources. Even the strength of a substantial army would be insufficient. So…”

I patted Daphnen on the shoulder, as if to reassure him, as his voice trailed off.

“It’s alright. That’s why I came.”

“Your Majesty…”

“Then let’s go see your mother.”

Stella was likely preoccupied with this matter.

I departed with her son to meet her.