Chapter 238 – Magic is Powerful
Trunko
Dissatisfied writer
- Location
- Milan, Italy
Chapter 238 – Magic is Powerful
Kurt Von Rudersdorf, Deputy Chief of Operations of Strategic Headquarters, took a deep breath as he kept waiting, slamming the heels of their boots against each other, in front of the door that separated it from the throne room where the emperor was currently standing. With him were Hans Von Zettour, Deputy Director of the Service Corps in the General Staff, himself a veteran officer with great experience and undoubted valor, whose brilliant mind had contributed to many of the Empire's military operations in recent years, and Erich Von Rerugen, a young but equally brilliant analyst who had quickly gained a conspicuous reputation among his staff and superiors. All three waited, trying to conceal their emotions, for the door to be opened and for them to be allowed in so that they could explain to the Emperor the details of recently concluded operations.
Namely, the fall of the former capital of the Federation, the death of what remained of the enemy leadership, and the virtual end of hostilities.
The collapse of the Federation, though an even more positive outcome than Strategic Headquarters' predictions, had taken by surprise many of the Empire's strategists and analytical minds, who had expected the war to last several more years, and who instead after the victorious defense of Volgaria had seen the Federation fall apart, like a rotten wooden house after kicking in the door. A fact that had led to a new endless list of problems, since wherever the soldiers of the Empire and their allies were not there to maintain order, it was chaos.
A sound of shuffling footsteps heralded the arrival of a servant, who leaned out of the door instinctively lowering his eyes, hardly daring to look the three officers in the face.
"The Emperor is ready to receive you," he said in a neutral tone, albeit one full of politeness. "Introduce yourselves."
Rudersdorf nodded, following him inside the immense throne room, decorated with great pomp and luxury. His Imperial Highness Frederick III "The Wise" sat on his throne, a proud and amused expression on his face. His gracious consort Empress Victoria seated to his right, a semicircle composed of their closest children and relatives (Princes and Princesses Christian, Elizabeth, William and Maria Theresina in the front row) around the two thrones while a small crowd of courtiers, minor nobles and important representatives of the government would have acted as spectators. The Emperor was in a good mood, thanks to the new resounding military victories, and a happy emperor was more likely to arbitrarily award rewards and titles to those who managed to get into his sympathy.
"Your Majesty!" Rudersdorf said when he stood before the throne, bowing on one of his knees and lowering his head, imitated by his comrades.
"Ah, general!" The emperor replied, a big smile fully blossomed on his lips. "What news do you bring from the war front?"
"The situation had turned... better than we hoped, your majesty." The old General spoke, careful as he choose which words to utter next. "Our courageous allies of the Russy Liberation Army, with support of Imperial artillery and armored units, have managed to break trough the Federation defense all around Moskva, the former capitol, and were successful intro neutralizing the last remaining enemy units. Imperial Magica Aviation units deployed during the battle also successfully managed to prevent the last leaders of the Federation from running away, killing them in the process."
The Emperor laughed once again, his laugh resounding loudly in the room, his wife rolling her eyes even as she couldn't hide her own pleasure into hearing the official report, the princes and princesses focusing on their father. The sight of the Emperor laughing, once a rare sight to behold, had become more and more common as it kept happening every time the Imperial Army brought more victories for their sovereign to gaze upon.
The ruin of Dakia, the Entente's Downfall, the defeat and later exile of the Republic, and now the collapse of the Federation. And over every new victory, the towering image of the Emperor laughing at the despair and humiliation of their enemies.
"So it finally ends, that aborted abomination of serfs who allowed themselves to be ensnared into rebelling against their ruler!" The Emperor finally said, not even bothering to hide his past disdain for the Federation and all that its 'worker government' represented. "Once and for all, they are dead and buried, ready to be forgotten by history."
"Huh, actually, my Emperor," Von Rerugen spoke, without even waiting for the emperor to give him permission to. "while it is good new to celebrate the downfall of the Federation as a politic organization, their sudden collapse may also mean much more trouble than we expect. From the reports we keep receiving from the Eastern front, many Federation-aligned resistance groups keep popping up in the former Federation territories, as well as other armed organizations and group intent on establishing their own political views on the territories, and that's without considering those groups who harass the local population and, beside their own rhetoric and proclamations, are nothing more than bandits and criminals disguised as freedom fighters. Moreover, while our allies of the Russy Liberation Army do have the support of the masses and already had made good steps into establishing a provisional government in the territories under their control, they will still need considerable time and effort to rebuild all the necessary infrastructure to get an efficient control over the European Russy, let alone the rest of the land. In fact, just by seeing Syldberia alone-"
The nobles said nothing, most of them simply looking at Von Rerugen as if he had grown a second head, or if he had suddenly gained suicidal thoughts. To interrupt the Emperor while he was speaking, it was a rude offense enough to warrant several months in prison, and possible sanctions against the family of the perpetrator, but to ruin his thunder and interrupt such joyful moment with bad news about political chaos and civilian disarray?
Yet, as the Emperor said nothing and simply listened to Von Rerugen's warning, someone else, who was related to him by blood but was also smart enough to realize the truth in Erich's analysis, spoke in his support.
"Father, I think this is quite accurate." Prince Christian nodded. "The defeat of the Federation is good news, I can't deny. However, not only the end of all armed conflict in the region are far from being over, but the power vacuum resulted by the end of the Federation could be seen as an opportunity for new, more dangerous enemies of the Empire to rise. This is why it's pivotal the Empire should support the Russy Liberation Movement and the new Czarina into restore order and peace all over their nation."
"Oh yes, the New Czarina." The Emperor nodded, realizing he had momentarily forgot about her. "So young... yet so wise for her age, and with a determination uncommon for people who hadn't been raised for it their whole life."
"About that, your highness, last week I had a chat with... Herr Kovalenkov, the unofficial Russy Ambassador in Berun." Von Zettour added. "From what info he was able to tell me, there is a lot of unrest among the ranks of the Russy Liberation Army, especially toward Admiral Kolčakyv. While he is one of the main figureheads of the movement and its popularity is ever strong, both on Russy and abroad, many members of the Anti-Federation alliance, both former nobles who are currently vying to get their own rights and land possession reinstated or other officers of the army, accuse the Admiral of isolating their young sovereign as well as trying to get himself instated as 'Regent for Life'. The Admiral, in opposition, accuses them try and influence her for their own petty squabbles, and reassures that once the political situation will be stable enough, he will be willing to step down and let the Czarina rule, that is of course once she will be of age to rule."
"That's... not reassuring at all." the Empress said, a worried expression on her face. She knew very well the pain of being a ruler in name only, of having people who got close to you and presented themselves as faithful friends and good collaborators, while in truth they were the worst kind of parasites. They used their charisma and lies to rule in your name, either by keeping you blissfully unaware of what happened beyond the wall of your own palace or, in some more extreme situations, actively keeping their ruler unable to do their job. Young kids who had been recently entrusted with a throne were the most vulnerable to these kinds of imprisonments. "I suppose there is a way to shed some light on the matter?"
"The Russy Liberation Army is our ally, so technically we can't spy on them, however... from what the reports from one of our most trusted sources say, the conflict growing inside it goes beyond the mere opposition to the Admiral and the various faction supposedly fighting to gain influence on their Czarina. Members of the former aristocracy are advocating from the restoration of their lost fiefdoms and privileges, but while in some regions the inhabitants are quite accepting of this, even welcoming back the heirs of their former sovereigns," Kurt Von Rudersdorf stopped for a moment, thinking back to the achievement of that mage of the 203rd Magic Battalion, who was revealed to be the heir of the former Duke of Volgaria. "others are less happy about it, and are petitioning their new government for small concessions or judgment to get better rulers, a couple even advocating for self-government directly under the blissful watch of the Czarina. Also, we have confirmed info about a growing discontent among several members of the Russy Liberation Army military forces, due both to the different opinion among the commanders and a general sense of resentment toward the Admiral regent. So far this discontent had been kept soothed thanks to the ongoing conflict with the Federation, acting as a common enemy against which many different groups and factions could rally against, but now that the downfall of the Federation is a matter of time... "
"The good news in this regard, however, is that none of these factions feels inclined to start another active conflict, especially after seeing how much damaging their 'crusade' to liberate their nation had been for the population." Von Rerugen intervened once again, explaining in great details the result of his analysis, as the Emperor and his bloodline listened with renewed interest. "While it's quite probable a new political struggle will start out of this, with many factions trying to win enough influence or support from the Czarina and the populace, either in order to push their own goals or prevent their adversaries to achieve theirs, I think none of these factions will be strong enough to completely control their ruler, and the Empire is in optimal position to influence the outcome."
"He's right, father." Princess Elizabeth nodded. "While the Imperial Army can't remain without explicit direct invitation of the Russy Government, our diplomatic support and eventual relief to the population will allow us to strengthen the political factions more friendly toward the Empire as well as prove our trust to the Czarina. That of course means, to put our 'other project' on hold..."
The Emperor grunted both he and the Empress realizing what their daughter had been referring to. Ever since the Admiral had officially contacted the Empire with a request to help him find a 'suitable bachelor' that could help the Czarina restore her own family bloodline and provide Russy with a steady line of healthy heirs, the Imperial family had taken upon itself to start a small 'investigation' among all the main noble households of the Empire who had young scions and heir of close age as the Czarina. Most of them were second or thirdborns of houses who already had heirs set to take over their family reins, and such, had no restriction to be used, both from their families and the Emperor, as pawns. The idea was simple: if the Czarina were to marry a noble of an Imperial noble household, their marriage would become an unofficial nonaggression pact among the two nations (thus securing the eastern border for the Empire and protecting both its puppet governments in Dakia and the former Entente) and would kickstart many economic opportunities for Empire-controlled companies and business, who would be able to draw on the vast deposits of natural resources into the Russy territory (most of which were not exploited, or not efficiently due to the nation's low distribution of extraction technology) to feed the never-ending hunger of the Empire's war machine. At the same time, for the Household whose scions would become the betrothed and later husband of the Czarina (thus the new Consort Czar, according to the law of Russy) would be elevated in rank and rise in prominence, second only to the Emperor's own household among the Empire. A profitable agreement, that would make all sides of the issue happy, yet was still far from being formalized.
The main issue within the plan was to find someone who could fit all the requested skills and abilities to be chosen by the Czarina as her future husband, for it was painfully clear, as soon as the investigation started, that many 'scions' that the various households had hurried to propose weren't actually volunteering of their own choice, and were quite lacking the qualities the Emperor had been searching for. They were lazy, greedy, self-indulgent; living embodiments of all the worst flaws often associated with nobles, in many cases controlled by their ambitious mothers or other relatives who were only planning to use them as pawns and rule in their stead. Only fifteen of a thousand young nobles had passed the initial screening, and even now the servants of the Emperor were keeping watch over them, to be sure they wouldn't have flaws that could compromise the whole plan and damage their relationship with the Russy Czardom with their own incompetence.
"That is advisable, my husband." the Empress agreed with her daughter. "If we try to push the argument right now, it will look like the Empire is trying to chain the reborn Russy to itself with a political marriage, plus wait would give us more time to further screen the noble scions we have so far and to investigate even more the question. Moreover, we still do not have any clue about what the Czarina wants, what if she feels like she is not of marriable age yet?"
"Nonsense, we were betrothed by our parents at almost the same age as she is now!" The Emperor replied, yet with an amused look in his eyes. "Yet... Do you remember how grandiose our wedding was? It was a day when all the Empire cheered, seeing your beautiful white dress as we exchanged our vows."
"I remember, it was well two years before we fell in love with each other." the Empress nodded, a couple of nobles and even Von Rerugen snickering or rolling their eyes. The marriage of the Imperial family may had been chosen by their own families and done for political reasons rather than for love, yet in the years that had passed since the marriage the two had grown considerably close and were still deeply in love with each other. Proof of this was the ever-growing number of Imperial Princes and princesses, the older ones looking away or trying to ignore their parents going lovely-dovey in front of them.
"Uh, your Majesty?" General Von Zettour spoke, lowering his head even more. "I apologize for interrupting you and the Empress as you're talking, however, there are a couple of questions who I do believe require your attention as soon as possible, before we can move on to illustrate the overall military situation after the fall of Moskhva, as well as our concerns related both to the Allied Kingdom... and the Unified States."
The Emperor groaned while silently, everyone thanked Von Zettour for having spoken in their stead. While many of them were to afraid to call out the Emperor (especially when he was sweet-talking with the Empress) they knew too well how obnoxious the love for his wife could be, especially when he was supposed to hold court and provide them with guidance.
"Yes, General, what is so important that you repute is necessary to get my attention, even more priority than our victory against the Federation, or our bond with the Allied Kingdom?"
"Your Majesty, during our counteroffensive against the Federation, as well as in many past campaigns of the Empire, our mage units, especially the 203rd and the 205th Mage Battalions, proved to be impressively effective, achieving victory in conditions that we would have otherwise assumed to be too risky or impartial to guarantee us success. It would be advisable, at least in my humble opinion, that we invest more resources in our Magical Research and Development as it could give us a staggering advantage against any other nation that may threaten the Empire's hegemony. Moreover, with the current strains between the Imperial Army, the Navy and the Air Force, I think it would be a savvy decision to... start a new branch of the Imperial Military, who can properly manage and coordinate our own mage units, and solve the issue of control over magers once and for all."
The nobles gasped, as did Von Rerugen, while Von Rudersdorf smirked. Even as an Army man he felt a little sad about willingly giving up the control over the Empire's mages (the ones they had, at least), the advantages this would bring would surely outweigh the costs. And judging by the surprised (but also impressed) expressions the Emperor and his family were making, this had caught their interest as well.
"I... I assume you have some idea of who the right officer to lead this branch would be, should this proposal be considered officially?" One of the lower nobles murmured, yet his voice was heard by everyone.
"Yes, I happen to know one... "
Kurt Von Rudersdorf, Deputy Chief of Operations of Strategic Headquarters, took a deep breath as he kept waiting, slamming the heels of their boots against each other, in front of the door that separated it from the throne room where the emperor was currently standing. With him were Hans Von Zettour, Deputy Director of the Service Corps in the General Staff, himself a veteran officer with great experience and undoubted valor, whose brilliant mind had contributed to many of the Empire's military operations in recent years, and Erich Von Rerugen, a young but equally brilliant analyst who had quickly gained a conspicuous reputation among his staff and superiors. All three waited, trying to conceal their emotions, for the door to be opened and for them to be allowed in so that they could explain to the Emperor the details of recently concluded operations.
Namely, the fall of the former capital of the Federation, the death of what remained of the enemy leadership, and the virtual end of hostilities.
The collapse of the Federation, though an even more positive outcome than Strategic Headquarters' predictions, had taken by surprise many of the Empire's strategists and analytical minds, who had expected the war to last several more years, and who instead after the victorious defense of Volgaria had seen the Federation fall apart, like a rotten wooden house after kicking in the door. A fact that had led to a new endless list of problems, since wherever the soldiers of the Empire and their allies were not there to maintain order, it was chaos.
A sound of shuffling footsteps heralded the arrival of a servant, who leaned out of the door instinctively lowering his eyes, hardly daring to look the three officers in the face.
"The Emperor is ready to receive you," he said in a neutral tone, albeit one full of politeness. "Introduce yourselves."
Rudersdorf nodded, following him inside the immense throne room, decorated with great pomp and luxury. His Imperial Highness Frederick III "The Wise" sat on his throne, a proud and amused expression on his face. His gracious consort Empress Victoria seated to his right, a semicircle composed of their closest children and relatives (Princes and Princesses Christian, Elizabeth, William and Maria Theresina in the front row) around the two thrones while a small crowd of courtiers, minor nobles and important representatives of the government would have acted as spectators. The Emperor was in a good mood, thanks to the new resounding military victories, and a happy emperor was more likely to arbitrarily award rewards and titles to those who managed to get into his sympathy.
"Your Majesty!" Rudersdorf said when he stood before the throne, bowing on one of his knees and lowering his head, imitated by his comrades.
"Ah, general!" The emperor replied, a big smile fully blossomed on his lips. "What news do you bring from the war front?"
"The situation had turned... better than we hoped, your majesty." The old General spoke, careful as he choose which words to utter next. "Our courageous allies of the Russy Liberation Army, with support of Imperial artillery and armored units, have managed to break trough the Federation defense all around Moskva, the former capitol, and were successful intro neutralizing the last remaining enemy units. Imperial Magica Aviation units deployed during the battle also successfully managed to prevent the last leaders of the Federation from running away, killing them in the process."
The Emperor laughed once again, his laugh resounding loudly in the room, his wife rolling her eyes even as she couldn't hide her own pleasure into hearing the official report, the princes and princesses focusing on their father. The sight of the Emperor laughing, once a rare sight to behold, had become more and more common as it kept happening every time the Imperial Army brought more victories for their sovereign to gaze upon.
The ruin of Dakia, the Entente's Downfall, the defeat and later exile of the Republic, and now the collapse of the Federation. And over every new victory, the towering image of the Emperor laughing at the despair and humiliation of their enemies.
"So it finally ends, that aborted abomination of serfs who allowed themselves to be ensnared into rebelling against their ruler!" The Emperor finally said, not even bothering to hide his past disdain for the Federation and all that its 'worker government' represented. "Once and for all, they are dead and buried, ready to be forgotten by history."
"Huh, actually, my Emperor," Von Rerugen spoke, without even waiting for the emperor to give him permission to. "while it is good new to celebrate the downfall of the Federation as a politic organization, their sudden collapse may also mean much more trouble than we expect. From the reports we keep receiving from the Eastern front, many Federation-aligned resistance groups keep popping up in the former Federation territories, as well as other armed organizations and group intent on establishing their own political views on the territories, and that's without considering those groups who harass the local population and, beside their own rhetoric and proclamations, are nothing more than bandits and criminals disguised as freedom fighters. Moreover, while our allies of the Russy Liberation Army do have the support of the masses and already had made good steps into establishing a provisional government in the territories under their control, they will still need considerable time and effort to rebuild all the necessary infrastructure to get an efficient control over the European Russy, let alone the rest of the land. In fact, just by seeing Syldberia alone-"
The nobles said nothing, most of them simply looking at Von Rerugen as if he had grown a second head, or if he had suddenly gained suicidal thoughts. To interrupt the Emperor while he was speaking, it was a rude offense enough to warrant several months in prison, and possible sanctions against the family of the perpetrator, but to ruin his thunder and interrupt such joyful moment with bad news about political chaos and civilian disarray?
Yet, as the Emperor said nothing and simply listened to Von Rerugen's warning, someone else, who was related to him by blood but was also smart enough to realize the truth in Erich's analysis, spoke in his support.
"Father, I think this is quite accurate." Prince Christian nodded. "The defeat of the Federation is good news, I can't deny. However, not only the end of all armed conflict in the region are far from being over, but the power vacuum resulted by the end of the Federation could be seen as an opportunity for new, more dangerous enemies of the Empire to rise. This is why it's pivotal the Empire should support the Russy Liberation Movement and the new Czarina into restore order and peace all over their nation."
"Oh yes, the New Czarina." The Emperor nodded, realizing he had momentarily forgot about her. "So young... yet so wise for her age, and with a determination uncommon for people who hadn't been raised for it their whole life."
"About that, your highness, last week I had a chat with... Herr Kovalenkov, the unofficial Russy Ambassador in Berun." Von Zettour added. "From what info he was able to tell me, there is a lot of unrest among the ranks of the Russy Liberation Army, especially toward Admiral Kolčakyv. While he is one of the main figureheads of the movement and its popularity is ever strong, both on Russy and abroad, many members of the Anti-Federation alliance, both former nobles who are currently vying to get their own rights and land possession reinstated or other officers of the army, accuse the Admiral of isolating their young sovereign as well as trying to get himself instated as 'Regent for Life'. The Admiral, in opposition, accuses them try and influence her for their own petty squabbles, and reassures that once the political situation will be stable enough, he will be willing to step down and let the Czarina rule, that is of course once she will be of age to rule."
"That's... not reassuring at all." the Empress said, a worried expression on her face. She knew very well the pain of being a ruler in name only, of having people who got close to you and presented themselves as faithful friends and good collaborators, while in truth they were the worst kind of parasites. They used their charisma and lies to rule in your name, either by keeping you blissfully unaware of what happened beyond the wall of your own palace or, in some more extreme situations, actively keeping their ruler unable to do their job. Young kids who had been recently entrusted with a throne were the most vulnerable to these kinds of imprisonments. "I suppose there is a way to shed some light on the matter?"
"The Russy Liberation Army is our ally, so technically we can't spy on them, however... from what the reports from one of our most trusted sources say, the conflict growing inside it goes beyond the mere opposition to the Admiral and the various faction supposedly fighting to gain influence on their Czarina. Members of the former aristocracy are advocating from the restoration of their lost fiefdoms and privileges, but while in some regions the inhabitants are quite accepting of this, even welcoming back the heirs of their former sovereigns," Kurt Von Rudersdorf stopped for a moment, thinking back to the achievement of that mage of the 203rd Magic Battalion, who was revealed to be the heir of the former Duke of Volgaria. "others are less happy about it, and are petitioning their new government for small concessions or judgment to get better rulers, a couple even advocating for self-government directly under the blissful watch of the Czarina. Also, we have confirmed info about a growing discontent among several members of the Russy Liberation Army military forces, due both to the different opinion among the commanders and a general sense of resentment toward the Admiral regent. So far this discontent had been kept soothed thanks to the ongoing conflict with the Federation, acting as a common enemy against which many different groups and factions could rally against, but now that the downfall of the Federation is a matter of time... "
"The good news in this regard, however, is that none of these factions feels inclined to start another active conflict, especially after seeing how much damaging their 'crusade' to liberate their nation had been for the population." Von Rerugen intervened once again, explaining in great details the result of his analysis, as the Emperor and his bloodline listened with renewed interest. "While it's quite probable a new political struggle will start out of this, with many factions trying to win enough influence or support from the Czarina and the populace, either in order to push their own goals or prevent their adversaries to achieve theirs, I think none of these factions will be strong enough to completely control their ruler, and the Empire is in optimal position to influence the outcome."
"He's right, father." Princess Elizabeth nodded. "While the Imperial Army can't remain without explicit direct invitation of the Russy Government, our diplomatic support and eventual relief to the population will allow us to strengthen the political factions more friendly toward the Empire as well as prove our trust to the Czarina. That of course means, to put our 'other project' on hold..."
The Emperor grunted both he and the Empress realizing what their daughter had been referring to. Ever since the Admiral had officially contacted the Empire with a request to help him find a 'suitable bachelor' that could help the Czarina restore her own family bloodline and provide Russy with a steady line of healthy heirs, the Imperial family had taken upon itself to start a small 'investigation' among all the main noble households of the Empire who had young scions and heir of close age as the Czarina. Most of them were second or thirdborns of houses who already had heirs set to take over their family reins, and such, had no restriction to be used, both from their families and the Emperor, as pawns. The idea was simple: if the Czarina were to marry a noble of an Imperial noble household, their marriage would become an unofficial nonaggression pact among the two nations (thus securing the eastern border for the Empire and protecting both its puppet governments in Dakia and the former Entente) and would kickstart many economic opportunities for Empire-controlled companies and business, who would be able to draw on the vast deposits of natural resources into the Russy territory (most of which were not exploited, or not efficiently due to the nation's low distribution of extraction technology) to feed the never-ending hunger of the Empire's war machine. At the same time, for the Household whose scions would become the betrothed and later husband of the Czarina (thus the new Consort Czar, according to the law of Russy) would be elevated in rank and rise in prominence, second only to the Emperor's own household among the Empire. A profitable agreement, that would make all sides of the issue happy, yet was still far from being formalized.
The main issue within the plan was to find someone who could fit all the requested skills and abilities to be chosen by the Czarina as her future husband, for it was painfully clear, as soon as the investigation started, that many 'scions' that the various households had hurried to propose weren't actually volunteering of their own choice, and were quite lacking the qualities the Emperor had been searching for. They were lazy, greedy, self-indulgent; living embodiments of all the worst flaws often associated with nobles, in many cases controlled by their ambitious mothers or other relatives who were only planning to use them as pawns and rule in their stead. Only fifteen of a thousand young nobles had passed the initial screening, and even now the servants of the Emperor were keeping watch over them, to be sure they wouldn't have flaws that could compromise the whole plan and damage their relationship with the Russy Czardom with their own incompetence.
"That is advisable, my husband." the Empress agreed with her daughter. "If we try to push the argument right now, it will look like the Empire is trying to chain the reborn Russy to itself with a political marriage, plus wait would give us more time to further screen the noble scions we have so far and to investigate even more the question. Moreover, we still do not have any clue about what the Czarina wants, what if she feels like she is not of marriable age yet?"
"Nonsense, we were betrothed by our parents at almost the same age as she is now!" The Emperor replied, yet with an amused look in his eyes. "Yet... Do you remember how grandiose our wedding was? It was a day when all the Empire cheered, seeing your beautiful white dress as we exchanged our vows."
"I remember, it was well two years before we fell in love with each other." the Empress nodded, a couple of nobles and even Von Rerugen snickering or rolling their eyes. The marriage of the Imperial family may had been chosen by their own families and done for political reasons rather than for love, yet in the years that had passed since the marriage the two had grown considerably close and were still deeply in love with each other. Proof of this was the ever-growing number of Imperial Princes and princesses, the older ones looking away or trying to ignore their parents going lovely-dovey in front of them.
"Uh, your Majesty?" General Von Zettour spoke, lowering his head even more. "I apologize for interrupting you and the Empress as you're talking, however, there are a couple of questions who I do believe require your attention as soon as possible, before we can move on to illustrate the overall military situation after the fall of Moskhva, as well as our concerns related both to the Allied Kingdom... and the Unified States."
The Emperor groaned while silently, everyone thanked Von Zettour for having spoken in their stead. While many of them were to afraid to call out the Emperor (especially when he was sweet-talking with the Empress) they knew too well how obnoxious the love for his wife could be, especially when he was supposed to hold court and provide them with guidance.
"Yes, General, what is so important that you repute is necessary to get my attention, even more priority than our victory against the Federation, or our bond with the Allied Kingdom?"
"Your Majesty, during our counteroffensive against the Federation, as well as in many past campaigns of the Empire, our mage units, especially the 203rd and the 205th Mage Battalions, proved to be impressively effective, achieving victory in conditions that we would have otherwise assumed to be too risky or impartial to guarantee us success. It would be advisable, at least in my humble opinion, that we invest more resources in our Magical Research and Development as it could give us a staggering advantage against any other nation that may threaten the Empire's hegemony. Moreover, with the current strains between the Imperial Army, the Navy and the Air Force, I think it would be a savvy decision to... start a new branch of the Imperial Military, who can properly manage and coordinate our own mage units, and solve the issue of control over magers once and for all."
The nobles gasped, as did Von Rerugen, while Von Rudersdorf smirked. Even as an Army man he felt a little sad about willingly giving up the control over the Empire's mages (the ones they had, at least), the advantages this would bring would surely outweigh the costs. And judging by the surprised (but also impressed) expressions the Emperor and his family were making, this had caught their interest as well.
"I... I assume you have some idea of who the right officer to lead this branch would be, should this proposal be considered officially?" One of the lower nobles murmured, yet his voice was heard by everyone.
"Yes, I happen to know one... "
