The Betrayed Master Betrays In Turn

Chapter 32

With the support of many, including Vladimir, Andrei, and Nikolai, I successfully transitioned to my new role without severely damaging my image.

“Whew...”

Unlike last time, when I nearly refused bathing or meals altogether, I kept my expression neutral and allowed myself to be attended to in the bath with a calm mind. My body was sore all over from the aftereffects of riding urgently, making it impossible not to notice the pain.

Of course, this doesn’t mean the hard times are over. My subordinates are still prisoners, and I essentially have no base of support within the Empire.

The Emperor has shown favor toward me for some time and has even personally offered me a position. So, rather than trying to win me over, the noble faction might see me as an extension of the imperial faction and keep me at arm’s length.

However, there’s little comfort in siding with the imperial faction. Theodore, the faction’s current head, is openly hostile toward me, and the fact that they already have the upper hand against the nobles is a problem in itself.

Although they gather under the banner of the imperial faction, these people are still nobles and ultimately act in their own interest. So, what happens if my influence grows suddenly and attracts the Emperor’s attention significantly?

Some among them will surely see me as a political rival rather than an asset, choosing to keep me in check instead of bolstering the faction’s overall strength. If Theodore exerts his influence, this sentiment might extend beyond just a few.

...Still, maybe I can indulge in a little satisfaction for the moment.

“Urgh...”

“Would you like some help?”

“No, thanks.”

A groan escaped me as I moved my lower body, feeling my muscles twist painfully.

For now, I intend to align with the imperial faction. The plan is to strip Theodore of his position, weaken the noble faction to a manageable level, and consolidate the Empire’s power under the Emperor’s name.

My ultimate goal is to build the Empire’s national strength to a point nearing world dominance, or at least enough to meet an impending "endgame crisis" should one arise.

Events like the "Wrath of the Forest," "Mine Depletion," and "Black Dragon"... endgame crises are large-scale occurrences designed to add tension for players who might grow bored as a nation expands or time progresses.

Now, whether or not such crises will actually occur in this world, given that it isn’t a game, is uncertain.

But if we sit idle assuming they won’t happen, and one does? I’m sure of it. The Empire, divided as it is among self-serving nobles, won’t be able to handle it.

Since these crises tend to grow stronger over time, suppressing them quickly will be key. In its current state, the Empire would waste time bickering over responses like an indecisive AI, crumbling in the process.

However, the Dragonia Empire has a central figure of authority in the form of the Emperor. With the right power behind her voice, unity can be achieved quickly. I plan to be that power.

Though I did grow somewhat fond of the Kingdom of Rus along the way, which made things a bit more complicated. That’s part of why I didn’t flee to the Empire outright and took care to build my reputation and credibility.

If I’d surrendered without proving my capability, it would have taken ages for an orphaned commoner like me to reach a position where I could command troops effectively. The Emperor wouldn’t have taken interest in me as she has now.

But now that I hold her interest, I can withstand the nobles’ opposition with her protection, use the Kingdom of Rus as my foundation, and build power swiftly in her service, not just as part of the imperial faction but as her personal force.

In truth, Empress Luise has little interest in governance, so the role I foresee will essentially align me with Theodore’s position as head of the imperial faction, representing her voice in the administration.

Though the purpose of my growing power differs, the path is the same. Theodore will undoubtedly be my greatest obstacle.

-Splash!-

My clenched fists were clammy with cold sweat.

“Viktor’s loyalty remains unverified! Granting him command is risky!”

“An advisory role might pose an even greater risk. As Deputy Commander, General Josef could effectively oversee him, but one ill-conceived suggestion from an advisor could lead to disaster.”

Several other proposals were briefly mentioned, but the initial two suggestions had already aligned the noble and imperial factions’ agendas.

As they discussed each other’s suggestions, I sought a solution.

Would I become an ineffective military advisor or a hated traitor banished to the borders?

Neither option was the path I desired.

“Deputy Commander? Military Advisor? Hmm...”

Empress Luise appeared to be mulling over their intentions, her gaze thoughtful as she considered the suggestions.

“Does anyone else have an opinion?”

As the meeting quieted down, she looked to the nobles with a decisive air.

“Your majesty.”

Seizing what I sensed to be my last chance, I rose and called to her.

“Yes?”

“If I may, I, Viktor, would like to speak.”

“Permission granted.”

I could feel the nobles’ piercing stares.

Hiding my trembling hands by clasping them together, I inclined my head slightly, masking my expression with a solemn posture.

“Yesterday, I recall your majesty’s words.”

“Yes.”

“You told me to prove my worth beyond the damage I’ve caused the Empire.”

I stole a glance at Luise’s reaction. She was watching me with a faint smile, encouraging me to continue.

“Both the advisory and Deputy Commander positions could benefit the Empire, but they require resources and can only achieve results through expenditure.”

“Ah. And what does that mean?”

I bowed deeply toward her.

“Appoint me as a provisional special commander. I will gather some of those who came with me to the Empire and, with only them, enter the battlefield to prove my loyalty.”

Calming my racing heart, I waited to see Luise’s response.

“...Ha-ha.”

The smile on her face grew broader as she sat upon the throne.