TYPnovel Chapter 144 : Winds of Upheaval (4)
Chapter 144 : Winds of Upheaval (4)
Chapter 144: Winds of Upheaval (4)
‘…I never expected Lieutenant General Alvin to step forward first.’
Alvin Caldwell.
One of the finest elites among the Empire’s military personnel.
The only person comparable to him was probably Defense Commander Natalie Siegmund.
Yet despite being such a talented individual, he was surprisingly lacking in ambition, a peculiar figure who had attached himself to neither the Crown Prince nor Princess Rachel.
However, his stance had overlapped quite heavily with Edel’s for some time now, so right after he became Commander of the Special Task Force, many people had begun saying, “Edel Ribenia has the Special Task Force backing her.”
Even that gradually changed over the years into phrases like “friendly relationship” or “cooperative relationship” after no major incidents occurred.
The fact that Lieutenant General Alvin had stepped forward this aggressively meant the situation had become that severe.
‘Or perhaps ambitions he never had before are beginning to awaken.’
Either way, it wasn’t a bad situation for me.
At the very least, Alvin wasn’t the same kind of person as the Resistance.
He had interest in placing the proper leader on the throne, but he wasn’t someone who would deny the legitimacy of the Imperial Family itself.
‘The problem is what stance Edel currently holds….’
If events had followed the original flow of time, this would’ve been the point where she said, “Let’s observe the situation a little longer,” but too many things had happened in the meantime.
“…….”
I alternated my gaze between the two of them while carefully reading the atmosphere.
After pondering for a moment, Edel turned to me.
“What do you think we should do, Carter?”
As expected, she came at me like this.
Well, from her perspective, it was only natural to ask for my intentions first.
As everyone’s attention focused on me, I let out a deep breath and spoke firmly.
“It is unquestionably a situation on the verge of explosion.”
“…I thought so.”
“By nature, I’m a pessimist, Your Highness. Even more so after abandoning the arrogant self I once was. Assuming every possible scenario and preparing countermeasures—that’s what I’m best at.”
That had never changed, even back when I was still a player.
The means to reach my goals.
Improvisation to overcome the trials blocking my path.
And the persistence to challenge failure over and over without giving up.
With those three things, I had overcome countless worst-case scenarios.
If there was one major difference between then and now—
It was probably because I now genuinely trusted those who had once merely been conquest targets within a game.
“For us, the worst possible future isn’t the collapse of Imperial Authority or even the fall of the Empire.”
The extinction of humanity.
“That is the future I fear the most.”
“…Have the Beasts really overflowed to that extent?”
“I hope not. They absolutely must not have. But someone has to prepare for it. That is the duty of a leader who guides the glorious citizens of the Empire.”
As I said that, I added regretfully:
“To be frank, I don’t believe anyone within the current Imperial Family possesses that sense of duty.”
“…….”
“…Other than Your Highness.”
I had spoken in circles, but the conclusion was simple:
‘I share the same opinion as the Commander.’
There was no way Edel wouldn’t understand my intentions, which was why she was thinking so deeply now.
After roughly five minutes of silence—
“You both understand this well already, but once this begins, there will be no turning back.”
Finishing the rest of her tea, Edel crossed her arms.
“The already unstable political situation within the Empire will become even more chaotic… and there will surely be forces who try to use this opportunity to bring about the Empire’s collapse.”
By “forces,” she probably meant the Platinum Dawn. It was also likely a reference to the Resistance.
“My support base also isn’t as firmly established as those of my competitors. This incident has certainly allowed me to expand my influence considerably, but even so, it still doesn’t compare to theirs.”
“For now, yes.”
“And what do you mean by that?”
With a faint smile, I raised one finger.
“Because once we drag down the Bernhardts, our chances of victory will become quite substantial.”
---
“…If we truly can bring down the Bernhardts like you say, then our odds of success would probably rise above seventy percent.”
Though she agreed, Edel tilted her head.
“But the reason the Bernhardts possess their current level of power is precisely because nobody has ever managed to do that.”
“Yes. I understand that very well.”
Their enormous economic power monopolized through the Empire’s major industries.
Their military strength represented by their mercenary corps.
Their influence within Parliament through the pro-Bernhardt faction.
And even the legitimacy they had built up over hundreds of years.
Our faction had grown explosively through this war, but that still wasn’t enough to wage an all-out war against the Bernhardts.
Even if we united every anti-Bernhardt noble faction together, we would merely be able to contend with them evenly at best.
“Through external attacks alone, there’s no chance of victory.”
They were, in a sense, an impregnable fortress. The more pressure they received from outside, the tighter they would unite among themselves.
“But from within… that’s another story.”
Betrayal from those they trusted would breed distrust among themselves, eventually causing the collapse of their iron wall.
At that point, it would become a fight worth attempting.
And if they ended up making self-destructive mistakes during the process, even better.
After hearing me out, Edel’s eyes widened.
“The insider you’re referring to… could it be Michel Bernhardt? You think she wants her own family to collapse?”
“Not collapse. Reform.”
“…So you really do have some sort of plan.”
“There’s nothing I can tell you yet.”
I couldn’t reveal every card immediately.
There was still too much information based solely on suspicion, and the relationship between Edel and Michel hadn’t fully improved yet either.
There were still about six months left before the calamity truly began.
It wasn’t a comfortable amount of time by any means, but it was still too early to expose all my foundations.
“…Well, fine. I’ll let it slide for now.”
Seemingly understanding my position perfectly, Edel responded not with pressure, but with support and encouragement.
“If you ever need help, contact me through Lea anytime, Carter.”
“…Understood.”
“No matter how the political situation changes from here on….”
Pointing at both Alvin and me, she spoke firmly.
“From this moment onward, we share the same fate. Our goal is to change the Empire and overcome the coming calamity.”
“…….”
“Until we achieve that goal, let’s ensure we never split apart.”
“Of course.”
“I’ll remember that.”
“That’s enough discussion for today. You may all leave.”
On the way out, Lea Bronte handed me a Tebrel Orb.
Apparently it was the same Orb she had once used for reports during her undercover enrollment.
“Her Highness said you can contact us anytime… but don’t overdo it either.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“…You aren’t seriously injured anywhere, right?”
“Just sore all over.”
“Well, I suppose it would be strange for a legendary war hero to suffer major injuries from a battlefield like this.”
She smiled awkwardly before adding:
“Anyway, don’t push yourself too hard.”
“…….”
“You’re practically our mistress’s right hand. It would be troublesome if you suddenly collapsed from overworking yourself.”
“That’ll never happen, so don’t worry.”
As I left Lea behind and headed outside, the Commander casually asked:
“What sort of relationship do you have with her?”
“She used to be my student.”
“Hmm?”
“Putting that aside, Commander, I also have a favor to ask.”
“What is it?”
“I want to establish a revision committee for the Imperial Army Field Manual. Would you be willing to help me?”
---
Saturday, April 2nd, 6 PM sharp.
Summoned suddenly through an emergency call-up order, Chloe Bernhardt was pounding uselessly against the front seat of the carriage.
“So I have to suffer because of those idiots who are practically one step away from total failure? Huh?”
The two servants accompanying her desperately tried calming her mood, but the only thing they received in return were several smacks to the back of their heads.
It took more than two hours to travel from the Fifth Villa where she usually stayed to the Bernhardt Main Estate.
Normally, she would’ve leisurely sipped wine along the way to avoid boredom, but today that was impossible.
The results of the war had spread across the entire Empire through this morning’s newspapers.
The reason an emergency summons had been issued so hastily was likely because of the same matter, and given the severity of the situation, expecting a peaceful atmosphere was impossible.
“How the hell did things turn out like this?”
It was an unbelievable result.
And an infuriating one.
Not only had they won a war they absolutely shouldn’t have been able to win, they had even joined hands with the defeated side to repel the Beasts, creating a conclusion that was far too beautiful.
‘…That damned older sister of mine.’
Now even the smallest amount of mercy had become impossible.
It wasn’t until nearly 8 PM that the carriage finally arrived at the Main Estate.
There were five carriages in total.
‘Father and Uncle Mikhail probably arrived long ago….’
‘Then that means Mother, Eldest Brother, Eldest Sister, Younger Brother, and Younger Sister make five.’
Lightly counting them in her head, Chloe headed inside.
Unlike her own villa, which was extravagantly decorated on the outside, the interior of the Main Estate was cleanly organized without even ordinary decorations or murals.
“You’re rather late, Young Lady.”
The head steward Igor strode over and bowed deeply.
“Yeah. The carriage was slow as hell. Everyone’s gathered already, right?”
“Yes. In the Round Table Conference Room on the second floor.”
Before Igor even gave the signal, several butlers approached to escort her.
Crossing the wide staircase with the shortest possible route, she walked toward the conference room.
From beyond the half-closed doors came a mixture of different voices.
Taking a deep breath, Chloe forcefully pushed the doors open.
Creeeak—
Silence fell as the gazes of everyone inside turned toward her.
“…….”
“Am I the last one?”
With a composed expression, she crossed her legs and sat down in her seat.
At the same time, her eyes quickly scanned the participants.
Across from her sat her mother, eldest daughter, and second son.
Beside her sat the eldest son and second daughter.
And directly ahead sat her father.
The silence lasted only briefly before the family head, Edgar Bernhardt, spoke.
“…As of 20:05, the 688th Emergency Assembly Meeting will now begin.”
Elegantly pulling out his Wand, he poured mana into the center of the oval round table.
“I assume everyone already understands the reason for this summons, so I’ll keep it brief.”
At once, the recording Orbs embedded beneath the table began emitting faint light.
“The outcome of the siege battle between the Karbenna Allied Forces and Dellowell, as well as the Beast defense battle that followed afterward, deviated significantly from our predictions, making follow-up measures necessary.”
“…….”
“Therefore, do not limit yourselves solely to your assigned fields. If you have worthwhile suggestions, speak freely. And avoid speaking over one another, as it may interfere with the recordings.”
Just like that, the meeting immediately began.
Meaning there wasn’t even time for idle chatter.
‘Now then… let’s hear what everyone has to say first.’
The first to step forward was the attention-loving second son, Gilbert.
“I think we should start by deciding on a clear target.”
“A target?”
“Yes.”
Scratching the corner of his mouth, he continued.
“As for the Orthodox Church, this alliance only feels temporary, so we’ll need to observe their stance going forward….”
“That leaves three.”
“Duel—Mallet, Karbenna, and the Imperial Special Task Force.”
“…….”
“So then. Which one should we crush first?”