Side Story 1 - To Secure Peace, Make War!
Through a lull in the conversation, the princess sipped from her teacup, then swirled it around, gazing into the pool of liquid almost hypnotically before suddenly speaking up again.
"Forgive me if I overstep my bounds, but I can't help but feel you understand me better than any of my advisors could. The way you spoke of ruling and your people…it sounded like you were higher than just a duke or a count. Were you, perhaps…actually a king?"
"You are perceptive, princess. I was not quite a king, as the people did not know me as such and our system of government was different, but it is true that I was the highest sovereign authority in my lands. Forgive my manners, Ann. As one monarch to another, I ought not hide my face from you," I lied unashamedly, placing a hand to my heart and bowing my head in apology.
Well, in some sense it wasn't a complete lie. I did have exclusive access to several previously uninhabited parallel Earths back in Worm, where I could claim sovereignty by virtue of being the first to plant a flag there, as was the custom in human history. I just didn't have any living subjects to rule over and call me a king.
"Ah, please don't worry, I took no offense, and in any case, I'm not a Queen yet, I'm only a princess still," she said, standing up with a fluster and gesturing for me to stop.
"Nevertheless, allow me to introduce myself properly." My visor turned transparent, revealing my centrally heterochromatic eyes of red spiked pupils and silver irises. The gauntlet section of my Armoriont over my hands similarly retracted to show bare skin.
For thematic reasons, I had tried to modify my eyes with my Bionanite Swarm into a kaleidoscopic design to mess with people, but it didn't have the right effect so I settled with this instead.
"Kaleidus Axion, Imperator Maximus of the Kalos Eidos." I put my hand forward, and taking the cue, she offered her own hand out, which I then bent down to kiss.
"A pleasure to truly meet you…ah, forgive me if I am mispronouncing anything, but…Imperator Maximus? That almost sounds like Ancient Romalian. Someone who commands? I'm afraid I don't recognize the other words though," she said, staring curiously at my face.
"Hm, yes. An interesting coincidence in linguist development. But no need to start using titles again, Ann. Haven't we already agreed to use each other's names?"
"Yes, of course, Kaleidus. You look…much younger than I had imagined," she said, looking stunned. Then, as if thinking better of her words, her eyes glanced down as she added hurriedly, "I mean no offense. It's a little embarrassing to admit it, but I had pictured you as an old veteran. To learn that you we are not so far apart in age…it's humbling when comparing how little I've achieved."
I shrugged. "Great people rise from necessity. The measure of a person can only be taken when they meet that necessity, not before. Likewise, the people shall not remember how you spent your youth—only how you led them in times of crisis. That such a crisis has yet to appear should be taken as a blessing."
Then she put a finger to her chin, growing thoughtful. "Then, could I draw on your experience for a bit of advice?"
"Please, go ahead. It speaks well of you that you are eager to seek advice from others."
"Have you ever…um…been in love?" She asked with a bashful expression.
My eyebrows raised in surprise. "Love? Hm…I suppose I have. But I'm not sure I would be the best person to offer advice on such matters. My case is rather unusual." I had never loved anyone else, after all. But if Amelia was right, then perhaps my love for myself qualified.
"It's just, as rulers, how can we…? I mean, I love my people, and I understand that our ties represent that of the kingdom's," she spoke slowly. "But is it our destiny to sacrifice our personal happiness for the sake of the kingdom? Is it wrong to wish I could marry for love?"
I easily read her deep set worries. Around this time, Tristain should be in discussions with Germania for a marriage alliance. Her mother and the Regent were likely to be pushing for the alliance with the much bigger Germania to protect Tristain from Albion aggression, on the very valid assumption that Reconquista was going to win and continue their crusade beyond the island.
On its own, Tristain stood no chance. Albion's navy and wind stone supplies dwarfed everyone else's, and in this world, naval power wasn't just control of the seas, it was control of the skies and the ability to bombard everyone else below with impunity. Germania's larger land military could at least put up a resistance on the ground and Gallia had a decent navy of their own, but Tristain was overwhelmingly outmatched in army size, quantity of mages, and naval strength.
More heartbreaking for the princess was that her secret lover the Prince Wales of Tristain was obviously going to be eliminated as part of the civil war. She would have to betray him for another man and watch helplessly as he died.
"To marry for love…what a wonderful ideal. To even find love…is already a great blessing. If you've had that blessing, you should treasure those memories."
Ann blushed appropriately. "I have. Was it so obvious?"
I chuckled but didn't respond directly, and she only blushed harder. "Alas…a famous and very successful king in my home world once said, 'L'état, c'est moi!' To him, the state and the monarch were one and the same. What do you think it meant for his rule, if he was right?"
Her expression turned crestfallen. "So then…I must do what's best for the kingdom. The kingdom's prosperity…is my happiness."
I shook my head. "No. You are a very kind person to come to that conclusion. It was, in fact, the opposite. The man known as the Sun King of France was the greatest icon of absolute rule—absolute power vested in a single person. Every law, every judgement, every institution derived its authority from the king. His will was the kingdom's will. His happiness was the people's happiness. Wealth was poured into vainglorious monuments and lavish extravagances, while an inordinate amount of time was spent on complex rituals of etiquette."
Her eyes widened. "But that's…that sounds like a tyrant!"
"It sure does. Yet, the people loved him all the more for it. Where once there had been a country split by bickering nobles, religious divides, external influences…under his rule it transformed into a united force to carry out his will. The state's new efficiency generated more wealth and power than ever before. The vainglorious monuments left foreign dignitaries in awe to spread stories back to their homeland while their compatriots sent elsewhere were green in envy at the luxurious treatment the ambassadors received. The people admired his extravagances and sought to emulate his styles and manners, following the latest trends instead of going to church. The complicated new etiquette made the feuding nobles compete in showing off like peacocks instead of fighting with steel and intrigue. All across the continent, rulers saw the transformed state as an example to follow, a centre of enlightened ideas and superior culture. Their language became the universal language of international diplomacy and trade, as everyone wanted to appear cultured and part of the new elite. His influence lasted hundreds of years past his rule and he is still sometimes lauded as the greatest king France ever had."
Her mouth dropped, then closed. A long silence fell as she tried to process my words.
"Hard to imagine, isn't it?" I asked.
She nodded.
"The sad truth is that good intentions don't always produce the best results. Moreover, the people are fickle, and they don't always judge based on rational reasons or evidence. Louis the XVI, a later king, was perhaps among the kindest kings ever, very devout, forgiving to enemies, loving to family and subjects, and possessed great personal virtues, except perhaps competence. But instead of applauding his kindness and respectful way, people called him impotent for not forcing himself on his young wife or taking mistresses, they called him weak for feeling sorrow at his son's death, and they blamed him for all the problems other people caused in his name." I sighed again. "In the end, he was overthrown in a revolution and executed by the very people he tried so hard to help, some of whom were those ungrateful about being forgiven instead of shot for previous crimes." She gasped at this.
"Then, you think I should follow the Sun King's example? And…become a tyrant?" She said with a hard swallow.
"I'll tell you what I would do. Sometimes it is necessary to sacrifice in pursuit of greater things. But in this case, that sacrifice is not worthwhile. I can't tell you whether it's right to pursue a selfish love, but I can tell you that I would not commit myself to an alliance, much less a marriage, with a partner such as Germania, seeking protection from one threat only to send myself and the kingdom into the mouth of another ravenous beast. That is what you're troubled by, is it not? A political marriage to secure an alliance hedging against Reconquista."
"How did you know?!" A stunned look crossed her face.
"It is obvious, when considering the balance of power in Halkegenia. Tristain is too weak to fight off Albion on its own, and if Reconquista is serious about reclaiming the Holy Land and reuniting all the Brimiric nations to do so, Tristain must be the next target. I have done my research on the local politics since arriving here."
"I—I see. Once again, I am humbled by your abilities. But then, what else can be done? My advisors say there is no other option."
"They are too narrow-minded, and motivated by the desire to protect themselves. They don't really care if Germania gains control of Tristain—after all, it's all the same to them if there's a different king on the throne, as long as their holdings and titles aren't affected. Albion is a threat because Reconquista will likely replace all the local nobility with new ones if they win a war with Tristain, rewarding those who fought."
With creased eyebrows, she nodded in understanding. "Yes, that makes sense. They've already done that in Albion, redistributing lands as they seized territory."
"To find a solution, first we need to identify the problem at the source. Tell me, why is Tristain in such a weak position? Why does Tristain need the help of Germania?"
After a short moment, she answered. "We are a small country, and both our army and navy are much smaller than Albion's. Germania is big and powerful."
"That is true, but consider this: geographically speaking, Albion is not much larger than Tristain. Their population is also similar. Why is it that Albion is so much more powerful, even after a devastating civil war tearing the country apart? Why, it almost seems like they've become stronger thanks to the civil war, instead of weaker."
A curious expression came over her. "That is…indeed puzzling. I had never thought deeply upon it. I know what Reconquista is saying though…they say that it's because they have the Founder's favor, and their leader is blessed with the lost power of Void."
"Do you believe it?"
"I don't know…my advisors think it's a lie, but if Louise is a void mage too, why couldn't Cromwell be one? Is he really a Void mage?"
"Despite what it seems, I don't know everything, Ann. I've never met the man…but I wouldn't rule out the possibility that he has a special power to rely on. It could be Void, an ancient artifact, or maybe even secret foreign support."
She drew a sharp breath. "You mean, another kingdom might be helping him? But who would do it?"
"Who could?"
"…Germania, Gallia…either of them would have the resources. Even Romalia, if they gave him powerful artifacts," she murmured.
I nodded approvingly. "Very good. But in truth there is a simpler answer, without speculating of such things we have no evidence for yet. Let us approach this from another perspective. It was not so long ago that Tristain fought a war against Germania. That war did not end in Tristain's conquest, or even in any ceded territory. What is different now, that Tristain feels victory is impossible against the much smaller Albion?"
"Our treasury was exhausted in that war, and many good mages died. We just don't have the same experienced veterans and armies anymore. Even Duchess la Vallière, the hero of that war, is no longer in her prime," the princess said sadly.
"Is that what Duchess la Vallière herself says, or what your advisors told you?"
"…my advisors. Duchess la Vallière has assured the Queen and Regent that she is as strong as she always was…but even they don't fully believe it."
"I thought so. And has anyone asked the Duchess whether she thought Tristain could win a war against Albion?"
"She has made her opinion clear a few times at court. But none of the other nobles are so optimistic. Mother thinks it is just false bravado."
"None of the other nobles, hm? And who told you Tristain hasn't recovered from the last war? Who must raise armies for Tristain's military when it is time to fight?"
"The nobles. Almost all of them say they haven't recovered their losses."
"But is that really true? Would Tristain be able to fight back better against Albion, if it were right after the war with Germania? Wouldn't it be worse to fight a second war without any time to recover at all? Wouldn't you at least recover a little by having two decades of peace?"
"…that's true…"
"But somehow, Albion is stronger immediately after a war, and Tristain is weaker despite having had a long time to recover. According to the nobles, this is because they just haven't recovered enough. Do you see anything wrong with that?"
Slowly, she nodded. "…yes. So the nobles are…lying?"
"You could say that. In reality, I don't think Tristain can't fight back. I think the nobles just don't want to fight. Except Duchess la Vallière, who is loyal to a fault and ready to fight for the Crown anytime."
"But, why? Protecting the kingdom is their duty!"
I shook my head and placed a hand on her shoulder with a sympathetic look. "The Crown is not strong enough to rally the nobles to its cause. They don't see you, or the Regent, as a strong enough ruler. And obviously, it doesn't help that the treasury hasn't been managed well. I would venture to guess that the Crown was unable to raise the necessary taxes because, again, your nobles protested. Even now, the nobles know that if a war is fought, the Crown will need to raise taxes to pay for it. From them. The nobles are unwilling to fight, when they see an easier solution to keep their possessions. By selling you, and the kingdom, out to Germania."
"They…they…even Cardinal Mazarin…?" She looked lost and hurt as she bit her lips.
"The Cardinal was a man of the church first, before he became a statesman. Without meeting him, I could be wrong, but I doubt he really understands the subtleties of court politics. I imagine he naively believes that Germania might actually follow through on the alliance instead of taking advantage of it to take over."
"Ah…yes, I think he does believe that. I've always thought he was a good man at heart, even though he can be quite overbearing sometimes," she said with a hint of relief. Then she grew worried again. "But what can I do about the nobles? If you can deduce so much so quickly, you must have a solution in mind, right?"
I took my hand off her shoulders and sighed, then walked to the window and looked outside at the beautiful plains.
She walked to join me and looked almost pleading as she gently reached for my arm. "Kaleidus? After all you've taught me, you must have a solution…"
"I do have a solution, but you won't like it. You won't like it at all, I'm afraid. You are far too kind to be the kind of person willing to do what is necessary."
Now both hands were clutched onto my arm. "Kaleidus, please! If there's a way, I have to try! I won't shy away from what needs to be done!"
"Are you sure?" I asked intensely.
She nodded. "Yes. Even if I must become like that man…the Sun King. I'll do it."
I set one comforting hand down over her hands that were holding onto me. She looked embarrassed all of a sudden and tried to let go, but nevertheless, I kept hold of one of her hands as I spoke.
"The answer is simple, even if not easy. To secure peace, you must make war."
Her eyes grew wide. "To secure peace, I must make war?" She repeated slowly, as if unsure she heard correctly.
I nodded very seriously. "That's correct. The peace bought through appeasement or kneeling to a different master is a lie. I'm sure you already realize that. Any such peace would only be temporary, and easily broken at the whims of the one who holds your shackles."
"Yes, I do realize that. But to secure peace through war…? I don't understand…"
"To achieve a lasting, true, peace, you must be more willing and ready to fight than anyone else. War against Albion, war against the traitorous nobility, war against any who would threaten your vision of peace for Tristain! You must rouse the hearts of those who love Tristain as much as you do, and rally them under your banner. Instead of sacrificing yourself for the people, you must share with them your dreams and lead them into battle, so that they shall follow your majestic trail and sacrifice their lives for you gladly in a blaze of glory! Let every person in the realm hear your call to arms, let all of Halkegenia see your conviction, let the founder witness your pledge to fight until your last breath! Let the kingdom become as a porcupine that cannot be swallowed without catastrophically wounding whosoever dares to eat it. When your enemies realize that to fight Tristain is to fight until the last man, woman, or child standing, that every inch they gain shall be paid with a river of blood, that victory over Tristain is but defeat by a different name, then no matter how aggressive their leaders and generals may be, their very soldiers shall lose their spirit to fight knowing that they are committed to a meaningless death against foes that fight like men possessed in every street, alley, and corner of Tristain! Because the winner of a war is not the one who has the bigger army, but the one who is willing to endure the greater suffering and continue fighting!"
She looked horrified by the vision as she held her one free hand to her open mouth, and I felt her other hand tremble.
"Is that…really…a better way? To ask so many people to die for the kingdom?"
"If you desire true peace, then yes. It is a well studied and profound principle from my homeworld. The country that first developed it rose to become the world's foremost power for a time, until they grew arrogant and horribly overextended as they tried to conquer the whole world. We called this principle achieving a national 'Élan!'"
After a long moment of silence, she repeated quietly with a questioning tone, "A national spirit…?"
"Exactly. The people will not only die for you gladly, they will even praise you for it. The same thing happened eventually to every country in my world."
"Would they really be so eager to die? I can scarcely imagine it. How do I convince the people to fight for me, let alone fight with such spirit? And who could I even ask to help me fight all the nobles?" A shadow of doubt remained on her face, but by asking how, she was already showing signs of considering it seriously.
"There's no need to fight all the nobles, nor can you get rid of them of all, you still need some of them alive to administrate the government. Fortunately, many of them will agree to follow you."
"But, I thought you said they didn't want to fight Albion."
"Because there was an easier and safer option. But if there weren't? If the only alternative was a civil war that's no safer or easier? If they see that you are ready to go to war against them to force them to obey, most will quickly change their tune when they realize you are not so easily manipulated."
"I'm not so sure about that…What if they decide to overthrow me instead? Like Reconquista did in Albion."
"You also have a secret weapon you can use against them."
"Huh?"
"Their children. These young idealistic students here will be much more receptive to your call to arms. They already idolize you. If you tell them your dreams and fears, tell them frankly that war is coming and many selfish nobles have cowardly betrayed the kingdom and made secret deals with Reconquista to secure their own safety—but don't name anyone in particular—then ask them to help you defend the country, most will sign up in a heartbeat."
"Eh? But to ask students to fight a war…"
I smirked. "Don't worry, you won't really need them to fight. I tell you this, if you get to them first: none of them will believe that their own families are among the traitors. But when they proudly write home about joining your army and their parents try to rein them in instead of praising them, they will be disillusioned and shocked, and suspect all on their own that their family is among the traitors you didn't name. Peer pressure and shame will do the rest. They will grow even more fervently loyal to you. At which point, their families will face an impossible choice. Fighting you would mean fighting their own children who are convinced that they are secretly traitors. And so many will simply fold to your will. When your support base grows large enough, the last holdouts will probably give up and fall into line. In the end, you won't have to fight the nobles at all."
Her eyes grew wide and I could see that she was coming around. "This plan…it's…"
"Genius?"
She looked away abashedly. "I admit, it is rather clever…and devious."
"It is just a suggestion, Ann. You asked for a solution, and this is the best one I can think of."
"I suppose I should thank you then. I will certainly think hard on it."
The Cardinal Mazarin of France was a great statesman that left a powerful framework of a strong centralized state for the Sun King to inherit and expand.
The Mazarin of Tristain was a far cry from his Earth counterpart, struggling to keep the Crown afloat.
Would Henrietta be able to take a more interesting path with my advice? Only time would tell.
Either way, it didn't hurt to gain influence over the heir to the throne. After all, it was a much faster way to political power, if I wanted it, than trying to climb the ranks of nobility normally.
O O O
A/N: This canon side story took place back at the Academy when the MC met the princess for the first time and talked over tea after playing music for her. A rare occasion in which the MC did something without a specific long-term plan involved, but just for fun, more or less.
