The Betrayed Master Betrays In Turn

Chapter 48

By the time the Imperial conquest of Aniak, Saint-Toir, and Montpieu was relayed to the royal court of the Kingdom of Brotan:

"General Gerhardt Weisschild's correspondence has arrived."

“...Hmm.”

Even Louise, who had been idling away her time in her study, received Gerhardt’s report containing the details.

The earlier reports were concise, sent during preparations for counteroffensives, containing only brief summaries of the battle outcomes. Now, a more comprehensive report detailing the situation and merits of the campaign had reached her hands.

"Summon the nobles! We shall convene a meeting tomorrow!"

Without delay, Louise ordered the assembly of the nobles.

---

#### The Next Day

"...What could this be about?"

"From Her Majesty’s expression, it doesn’t seem like bad news."

"Indeed, that seems likely."

The nobles, gathered in the Imperial Palace’s audience chamber, noticed something unusual: Louise, seated on the throne, wore a broad smile—one far removed from her usual demeanor.

“...”

The one most startled by this sight was Theodore.

Recently, Louise had ceased her efforts to gather talent, and during meetings, she often appeared bored or disinterested. Yet here she was, smiling brightly as she summoned the nobles to the throne room.

Theodore, staring blankly at her from afar, thought to himself that he might need to call upon a portrait artist once again to capture this rare expression. He made his way to his seat, shaking his head in bemusement.

"Are all present?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Then let us begin. Ahem, ahem."

Clearing her throat, Louise began her address:

"As you all know, the Imperial forces, numbering 55,000 and led by Generals Gerhardt Weisschild, Viktor, and Friedrich Günter, achieved a resounding victory at Apitelo Lake."

She started by referencing the victory, known as the *Battle of Apitelo Lake*, which had reached the capital about a week prior.

"Indeed, it was a remarkable achievement born of General Gerhardt's excellent strategy."

"Hmm, yes."

"Such a feat is only natural for General Gerhardt."

Theodore, quick to respond, attributed the victory entirely to Gerhardt. The other nobles, having only read brief summaries of the battle, nodded in agreement, confident in Gerhardt’s capabilities.

"Indeed."

Louise’s response was cryptic. She pulled out a report from her robes and held it up.

"Just yesterday, I received a detailed account from General Gerhardt concerning the progress of the battle and the current state of the borders. Sir Theodore."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Since you were among those who advocated for the dispatch of reinforcements, why don’t you read it aloud for all to hear?"

"Understood."

Despite an inexplicable sense of unease, Theodore bowed and approached to accept the report.

“...”

His eyes twitched as he skimmed the contents, but:

Theodore, barely restraining his irritation, was relieved when the report finally ended.

---

"The purpose of today’s meeting," Louise declared before murmurs could rise, "is to determine our policy toward the Kingdom of Brotan."

While Louise typically left meetings to Theodore, only speaking to make final decisions, today she took the lead.

"General Gerhardt has sought my guidance, but a commander on the field surely has a better grasp of the situation than one far removed. Don’t you agree, Sir Theodore?"

"Ah, yes, Your Majesty."

"Moreover, constantly awaiting orders from afar during critical moments seems terribly inefficient."

Having promised Viktor her full support:

"I intend to entrust General Gerhardt with the authority to negotiate with the Kingdom of Brotan temporarily. What say you?"

With her lineage and the growing dominance of the emperor’s faction, Louise’s legitimacy and authority were unassailable.

"...I fully agree with Your Majesty."

No noble present dared to oppose her decision during the formal meeting.

---

#### A Few Days Later

As the revelry following the victory subsided, Gerhardt sat quietly in his study, examining a document bearing the Imperial seal.

"Delegated authority for diplomacy..."

Though he had cautiously suggested negotiations, he hadn’t expected such authority to be granted outright. Placing the document on his desk, he leaned back and closed his eyes.

“Haah...”

Negotiating with the Kingdom of Brotan, still one of the most powerful forces in the eastern continent, was not a task to be taken lightly.

"Lieutenant."

"Yes, General."

"Summon the officers..."

Just as he was about to call for a meeting with his officers, he paused.

"...No."

Recalling Viktor’s extraordinary tactical acumen, Gerhardt hesitated. While diplomacy was different from battle, Viktor’s flawless judgment suggested he might offer valuable insight.

“It wouldn’t hurt to hear his thoughts first.”

"Summon Deputy Commander Viktor to my study."

"Understood."

Thus, Gerhardt sent for Viktor, partly as a test. Having proven his capability as a commander and strategist, if Viktor also excelled in diplomacy...

"Hmm."

It would be unparalleled.

With expectations in mind, Gerhardt organized his papers and waited for Viktor to arrive.