Chapter: 856
There are five subordinate departments under the Ministry of Defense. Some might count them as six, including the Imperial Army, but it’s set that there are indeed five departments named as such.
First, there’s the Army Department responsible for theland forces, the Navy Department for naval forces, the Special Forces Department managing special troops like knights and mages, and the Veterans Affairs Department dealing with compensations for casualties and injured soldiers.
Finally, the most recently established department within the Defense Ministry—the Staff Office, which the Emperor referred to as the symbol of the commander-staff rivalry.
“Commander and staff rivalry, huh.”
I’m not an expert on military affairs, but hearing the Emperor’s words made something come to mind. What I didn’t know was the current state of the military, not the history.
In the past, the Empire, along with all the nations on the continent, tended to trust the judgment and capabilities of commanders in the field. If the central authority steps in and meddles, even a winning battle can turn into a disaster. No matter how holy a monarch is, they sure as heck can’t outsmart a seasoned veteran!
That’s why the commander was seen as the flower and symbol of the military. They lead soldiers directly on the battlefield, proving their merits to eventually become a commanding general, and if they possess political acumen, they can become the head of the military. This is a common trajectory for commanders across all nations.
However, about a hundred years ago, this textbook path began to creak and groan.
“Commander’s monopoly has crumbled.”
The commander, once believed to be the emblem of the military, the very road to success… all this unchangeable common sense began to waver when the mysterious underground line of the Livnoman Royal Family came onto the scene.
The reason was simple yet absurd. The underlings wanted to place their people within the military and even created non-existent staff positions, dramatically raising the authority of what used to be mere aides to the commander.
They chose to influence the staff instead of the commander for a straightforward reason: the commander positions were already fully occupied. But they didn’t have the guts to kick the current commanders out and install their pals.
“Wasn’t this merely a ruse for friends, rather than an attempt to seize control of the military?”
If they had a noble cause and were truly aiming to seize the military for the imperial family and the Empire, they would have gotten rid of the existing commanders promptly. They would have sent their people down as new commanders and strengthened their military power.
Yet, the underlings didn’t do that. They only wanted to put their friends or subordinates in decent positions without any grandstanding intentions. They likely didn’t want to fight within the military with such a careless mindset.
Thus, the Imperial military came to a coexistence of entrenched commanders and newly minted staff members.
“Surprisingly effective, though.”
Amazingly enough, their blunders hit a home run.
Unlike the commanders who must lead soldiers on the battlefield and make timely decisions, the staff could analyze all the information to arrive at broader and deeper judgments. Being a step back allowed them to perceive things otherwise hidden.
The strange situation where the elevation of staff powers due to the underlings’ antics unexpectedly led to a qualitative improvement in the Imperial Army’s performance. Thanks to that, the remnants of the underling line were dealt with without the staff office having to intervene. The cause might be strange, but the results were crystal clear.
“From the start, it was for poor reasons that they coexisted, and over time, the role of the staff has become more prominent. With that kind of ongoing strife, there couldn’t be a good relationship.”
The Emperor sighed softly as he rubbed the back of his neck, as if just saying it was exhausting.
I understand. Even I, who failed to transition into military duty, was well aware of the commander-staff rivalry. To refer to it as a mere factional dispute wouldn’t do justice to its long history and bizarre causes. Instead of fading over time, the rivalry only thickened.
“There were times it almost ended, though.”
In fact, when my father-in-law achieved victories against the Eastern kingdoms, he personified the ideal commander. He smashed the enemies with his own might and leadership; you can imagine how impressive that was to other commanders.
Thanks to that, there were murmurs that commanders were once again ruling over the staff. Even if there were a hundred staff members, a competent commander could turn a war upside down, so how could the staff, just twiddling their thumbs, dare sit at the same table as the commanders?
Thus, the internal rivalry seemed to end in a victory for the commanders. However, the Vice Commander, having ascended as the Vice Commander, subtly supported the staff. He recognized the utility of the staff and prevented them from returning to mere aides for the commanders.
Had it been someone else, pushback would have erupted, but what could they do?
“If the Duke says so, then it has to be so.”
What’s more, the Vice Commander was a solid commander who advanced through the traditional routes. He was someone whom the commanders couldn’t openly criticize, no matter how disgruntled they were.
How could they oppose the decisions of the Vice Commander, their senior and an idol of sorts? Especially within the military, where compliance is virtue.
Yet, if that rivalry had continued, it might have exploded eventually.
“By the eternal blue sky’s name! Burn the souls of the plains!”
With the arrival of Tannian, the rivalry between commanders and staff was forcibly shut down. A power struggle only exists when you have the luxury to bicker; it’s not happening when your life is on the line!
Consequently, the commander-staff rivalry came to a temporary halt, and a sense of camaraderie developed from facing the monster known as Tannian. The man who threatened the Empire’s decree fortified the stability of the Imperial Army. How bizarre!
Of course, it was only a recovery compared to the past. A rivalry that lasted a century could not be entirely eradicated by even someone like Tannian.
“Right now, everyone is complying with your father-in-law’s authority, which is why it’s quiet. The commanders respect your father-in-law as their senior, while the staff respect him as a supporter.”
I could almost hear the unsaid words following what the Emperor said. Once the Vice Commander, the restraining force, is gone, the Imperial Army will dive headfirst into thrilling internal discord again. For the Emperor, this was nothing short of spine-chilling.
Maximizing my optimism, I thought perhaps the Vice Commander’s successor would earn the respect of both commanders and staff and manage to mediate both factions… Well, who genuinely has that capability other than the Vice Commander?
The title of the Emperor’s father-in-law, the title of Duke, the military achievements he had made—this was the Vice Commander, who possessed it all! Who could step into his shoes as a successor? Even if Ewald the Duke from Hablem were to come, it simply wouldn’t suffice.
“Maybe if we had sent him to the military back then…”
“Huh?”
“No, it’s nothing. Just talking to myself.”
When I asked, the Emperor shook his head firmly.
In that moment, my heart sank. Here, right in front of me, and at this very moment discussing the Vice Commander’s retirement, is he making comments about sending him to the military? Everyone can clearly see he’s referring to me. If I hadn’t been promoted to the Chief of Information, they’d have suggested I take over as the Vice Commander!?
‘Are they out of their minds?’
Even if it’s a far-off future, that’s a horrific comment. A Minister in their twenties can at least say, “There are many ministers above me,” but a Vice Commander in their twenties has crossed the line. All the other commanders and legates would follow happily, right?
“Well then, Count.”
“… Yes, Your Majesty. Command me.”
“If an academy for soldiers were to be established, it’s obvious how it would greatly aid national interests. As Emperor, I cannot deny that.”
“Indeed, that’s the truth.”
“However, it wouldn’t do to be the Vice Commander’s final achievement.”
His genuine sentiment had me nodding reflexively.
At this moment, the Emperor and I were on the same wavelength. Just a while ago, I thought the Vice Commander’s retirement was a decisive move for the imperial family and Empire, but it now seemed clear that keeping him on would serve national interests. Should the Vice Commander retire, the military could explode.
Thus, he must endure for at least five, perhaps ten more years. That’s when the answers will begin to reveal themselves.
“Umm, Your Majesty.”
“What is it?”
“Aside from dissuading the Vice Commander, what are your thoughts on an academy for soldiers?”
The Emperor smiled gently at my query.
“That’s a matter for the Minister of Education and the Minister of Defense to consider.”
I grasped that immediately.
*
While playing with Teresa, I unexpectedly received a message from an unusual person.
— Apologies for the sudden contact. I hope I’m not interrupting if you’re busy?
“It’s nothing, Your Grace. I’m merely a slacker who’s off-loading work to my child, how could I possibly be busy?”
This was from His Grace, the Vice Commander, whom I only exchanged pleasantries with during the wedding of Karl and Erich or the New Year’s Ball.
It was an unexpected scenario, so I left Teresa with my wife and shifted to a quieter space. If a Duke unexpectedly reaches out, it’s generally of significant importance.
— You’re killing time, huh? I suppose retirement does provide downtime.
“Even if I wanted to work, I’m lacking authority. If I were busy, that would be more troublesome.”
— True, very true.
The Duke nodded lightly, rubbing his chin for a moment, then cautiously continued speaking.
— If you have plenty of time, might you lend me some for the future of the Empire?
“Time, you say?”
Now, what on earth could that mean? Wanting to borrow time for the future of the Empire?
— Yes. If it weren’t for your outstanding abilities and character, I wouldn’t be seeking you out.
A bit embarrassing praise, but the Duke’s expression was earnest.
How intriguing and odd! What could it be that the Duke of all people needs me for? Honestly, if it’s something within my capabilities, it would usually be alongside the Duke’s retainers that could handle it—
— I’m planning to establish a specialized academy to train soldiers. If you could take on the role of a teacher, it would be the greatest boon.
“Oh.”
Ah, I see. If it’s this kind of matter, it’s a tricky situation for the retainers to handle.
— Of course, I haven’t even begun the groundwork for the academy yet. Still, it’s essential to have a proper teaching staff, don’t you think? I’m also considering proposing it to the former Count Horfelt.
I inwardly smiled at the Duke’s words.
Somehow, I had a feeling familiar faces would gather in one place.
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