Chapter: 368
After the sudden performance, silence fell. The declaration of giving the position of Khan to the Emperor was an unexpected move by the tribal leaders, not something coordinated in advance. Even seasoned political monsters would find it hard to react instantly to such a major event.
Besides, if I—just a spectator—had no idea what to say, how lost must the Vice-Captain feel facing this head-on? At least the leaders were careful to mention that they were requesting this of the Emperor; otherwise, it might have seemed like they were pushing the Vice-Captain to become Khan. The atmosphere was thick enough that it felt like a withdrawal from the capital was imminent.
‘Khan, huh.’
In any case, my mind was racing in this chaotic situation. The nomads asking the Emperor to become their Khan meant that the Emperor’s list of titles was growing. He already has a bunch of royal titles; will adding Khan really make a difference?
‘… It might though.’
Unfortunately, it does indeed make a difference. The Empire does not even officially recognize the title of Khan. Whether or not the Emperor acknowledges this title will change the political landscape of the continent.
Not recognizing the title of Khan wouldn’t hinder the Empire’s northern conquests. The significant figures out there in the north herding sheep were already given titles, making them vassals of the Emperor and members of the Empire. It’s obvious that the north would be recognized as part of the Empire.
However, if the Emperor recognizes the title of Khan and holds it himself, the north transforms from merely lands conquered by the Empire into a proper territory that has joined the Empire. A mere wordplay perhaps, but this subtle difference is what snowballs into political significance.
‘The north goes from being a land without a master to a territory with one.’
That’s where things get complicated. If somehow the Emperor loses the title of Khan, or if the nomads start shouting “Our Khan from our hands!” and attempt to domesticate the title themselves, the hard-fought control of the north could crumble. Not as separate tribes but unified under one Khan.
Of course, there are downsides to every upside. Accepting the title of Khan could solidify control over the north. It wouldn’t just be about making influential people into nobles, but it would legitimize the Emperor as the rightful ruler recognized by the north.
‘Tough call.’
This isn’t something simple to resolve. The Empire is strong, with a solid grip on the north, but if it ever weakens, that Khan title could become a vicious dagger against them.
“It’s truly fitting that those who have wandered without a rightful leader should turn to His Majesty for guidance.”
Just as I was lost in thought, the Vice-Captain finally opened his mouth, perhaps having concluded his calculations.
“I will report your loyalty and resolve to His Majesty.”
The tribal leaders showed no signs of dissent to the Vice-Captain’s seemingly obvious response. Offering honor to the Emperor is not something a subordinate can decide on their own.
And the next morning, the Emperor’s response came back.
From today, the Emperor of the Kefellofen Empire is the Khan of the northern lands—Tirap, Groten, Latia, Prunian, and Galan.
‘So now we have a Khan Derby, huh.’
An international Khan versus a local Khan. My heart fills with grandeur.
The news that Aiman Ka, the 16th of the Kefellofen Empire, became the Khan of the north spread across the region. The Empire had barely any involvement in this process.
After all, it’s the tribal leaders who are most eager for this declaration. They couldn’t leave their stronghold until they heard back from the Emperor; once they did, they immediately became loud and boisterous.
Had the Emperor rejected this nomination, gossip like “Isn’t this a bit much for the sake of the tribes’ safety?” would have surely spread. Now that they have become Khan-appointing heroes, they must be thrilled. The line between a pawn and a hero is razor-thin.
“We’ll end the war before autumn passes.”
Thus, set up the Khan Derby, and the Vice-Captain declared his own cut-off line. Although autumn is still a few months away, considering that the last war dragged on for two years, that’s a bold statement.
Yet, no one contradicted the Vice-Captain’s words. This Khan appointment had significantly loosened the Empire’s shackles.
“All tribes have sworn to go into battle, pledging to oust the false Khan and establish peace.”
Since giving the title of Khan to the Emperor, the surrendered tribes began to act as if a limit had been lifted. Unlike when they were mainly concerned about their own safety, they’ve now declared their willingness to actively cooperate in subduing Dorgon.
Thanks to them, the Empire’s practical military strength saw a significant increase. With the surrendering tribes joining the fray, forces that would have been allocated for their protection and surveillance could now be sent elsewhere, increasing cavalry strength and preventing Dorgon’s army from loitering near the borders.
Moreover, there’s no longer a need to feign robust strength. Previously, if the Empire’s forces had shown weakness against Dorgon, there was a fear that the surrendered tribes might bolt again, so frontline adjustments had to be minimized. Logically, a force barely surpassing 10,000 shouldn’t be in danger, but after two years of witnessing the unorthodox monstrosity of both the Empire and the nomads, logic no longer held water.
‘Finally, I can breathe a bit.’
It’s been an exhausting ordeal. In the last war, the mindset was “We just need to take down the Khan!” which justified all measures. But this time around, it’s different; there’s so much more to protect.
The Empire needed to display its stability to instill confidence in the surrendering tribes, allocate manpower for their protection and surveillance, vigilantly patrol the borders of the recently reclaimed north, and avoid large-scale clashes to minimize the repercussions of deploying expeditionary forces…
In such a miraculous situation, the leadership could only sigh. Completing a game’s stage is far simpler than fulfilling all the additional conditions.
But now, I could finally shake off that pressure and chains. It’s time to squash Dorgon with overwhelming numbers.
‘This is the optimal stage to be on.’
Dorgon’s force, which I had estimated to be around 60,000 to 70,000, had fallen down to about 14,000. In contrast, the Empire boasts over 200,000, including the surrendering tribes.
The morale on our side had reached its peak thanks to the Khan appointment. It’s a commander’s virtue to fight under optimal conditions, and surely, there won’t be a better situation than this. Now is the moment!
‘This will be the end.’
With my hands clasped behind my back, I couldn’t contain my excitement. I hadn’t encountered Dorgon since the Sarei battle, but that meeting would be soon. The end was looking near.
“Well then, let’s go. Today wasn’t the day, but next time, let’s have a proper bout.”
He said that himself, so I have no doubt he won’t run away.
If he were prone to fleeing, he would never have started a rebellion in the first place.
*
Is it because I can’t die with others? I’ve been hearing all sorts of bizarre stories.
‘Khan, huh.’
A laugh escaped me instinctively. Many have self-proclaimed or been nominated as Khan, but who would ever think a non-nomad from the Empire would get the title?
A few years ago, that would’ve been unthinkable. But today, the logic and benefits of a Khan from the Empire made it possible. The heavens have allowed it.
“The rich always get richer, and it seems that’s true.”
I joked, but Dashan didn’t show any reaction.
How could he possibly handle the idea of an Empire member being called a Khan? He didn’t explode in outrage nor blame himself for his insufficiency. He seemed at a loss for words, clearly overwhelmed by the absurdity of the situation. It’s a shame.
“What should we call a Khan who’s also an Emperor? Should I address you as Kagan?”
“Khan!”
But Dashan, stunned by the thought, couldn’t help but shout at the mention of “Kagan.”
“Just kidding. The Emperor would probably hate that title by now.”
Indeed, Kagan is a nightmarish term for the Empire and its Emperor. He wouldn’t want to go by that name.
Unless he’s some kind of exceptional weirdo.
“What about those guys?”
“They’re adjusting the frontline on a large scale. Looks like we’ll be meeting on the plains soon.”
I nodded at that. If the Empire, free from being tied down, was to lazily maintain a defensive posture, it would’ve raised suspicion.
Now there’s no more going around greeting different fronts. While it was thoroughly tedious, I suppose it’s good that’s coming to an end; I need to buckle down now that the final battle is approaching.
“I’ll wait until the Empire moves. No reason to exhaust ourselves before the grand finale.”
“Yes, Khan.”
As Dashan lowered his head in response, I gave him an encouraging pat on the shoulder. I’ve come to share a bond with him as a comrade through all the skirmishes we’ve faced, and now he’s grown into a loyal aide.
And now, I must allow myself to hand over this overwhelming responsibility. All I can feel is a mix of gratitude and regret.
“Let me know if your thoughts change.”
I chuckled while seeing Dashan bow without uttering a word.
I know he’s unlikely to change his mind, but I still wanted to ask again.
With signs of the Empire mobilizing, I began preparations.
‘A lot of forces.’
Although our numbers had dwindled from the fighting, I was still astonished to see over 10,000 troops gathered. It’s incredible that so many remain with a lunatic like me.
“When five humans gather, one is bound to be garbage.”
“What kind of nonsense is that?”
Suddenly, I remembered what Krasius Carl had said in the past. He was notorious for spouting off ideas that led to various forms of doom, yet oddly, that saying had stuck with me.
Perhaps it resonated with me on some level. It’s being proven correct even now.
‘Looks like he was right about one out of five.’
That wretched bastard. He can be annoying, yet he speaks no lies, which makes it even more irritating.
I fiddled with the lone scroll hidden in my robe. The one I’ve prepared—if this one fails, it’d be a sign the heavens don’t wish it to succeed.
‘It should succeed.’
I have no grounds for it, but I feel unusually confident. This is a fantastic device for capping off our endeavors, so it has to go well.
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