EP.424
When the Emperor heard that Peter Jaeger was retiring, he was saddened, but at the same time, he was fully convinced.
Although it is a bit contradictory to say that it is understandable even though it is disappointing, it is because he knew that the reason he was retiring was only for the benefit of the empire and the emperor himself.
Therefore, the emperor only had tears in his eyes and could not say anything.
‘The person who contributed the most to bringing me to the position of emperor is Marshal Jaeger, but this time, you are saying that you will go first for the sake of the empire and me. ‘I could be more selfish and just be an enemy for 40 years.’
Meanwhile, among the nobles, the pros and cons were sharply divided over the issue of Peter Yeager’s retirement.
First, the Minister of Justice, who is in charge of the retirement of high-ranking officials, spoke.
“Marshal Jaeger’s achievements are worthy of covering the sky. And his loyalty to His Majesty and his love for the Empire have already been proven by Deus and we all know.”
Everyone agreed to those words.
“However, Marshal Peter Yeager’s achievements have already gone beyond the scope of a single subject. He saved the country from the Allied Forces, including the Grand Duchy of Warsaw, who led an army of 1 million men, and launched a counterattack and occupied the Grand Duchy. Even though our empire no longer had the capacity to wage war after destroying Warsaw, it threatened the Kingdom of Stockholm and took over 42 duchies. “What general in the history of the empire would be even as crazy as this feat?”
What he said was just a sampling of Peter Yeager’s recent exploits, none of which were on a level that the generals here would not have dared to dare.
This means that if Peter Yeager is a little greedy, all the political power of the empire could be concentrated on him.
However, the Minister of Justice also trusted a man named Peter Yeager, except for political interests.
‘Before he gains any more power, it would be better to give him the highest honor so he can retire and live comfortably.’
“So, if the Marshal remains at the military gate like this, his presence will grow further in the future, and I am concerned about the side effects that will result. So, you must listen to his petition.”
Since the emperor rationally agreed with that statement, he tried to suppress his emotional anger as much as possible.
In the process, Michael unknowingly clenched his fists and glared at the Minister of Justice.
Even though I knew rationally that what he said was right, it was difficult to accept it emotionally.
Since the Minister of Justice was also an elite who had worked as a bureaucrat for at least 40 years, he felt that if he spoke in favor of retiring any longer, he could end up in the ‘Inspection Department in the Imperial Palace Garden’.
‘This is enough, so I’ll just end with a short closing statement. ‘I shouldn’t show off anymore.’
“The enemy must be tired now. According to what I previously heard from an acquaintance, while preparing for the Warsaw expedition, he had nightmares almost every night and could not sleep well. Now let him rest in peace. That is the way for Marshal Jaeger and the Empire.”
In fact, the emperor could not refute the words of the Minister of Justice, who were considerate of the political interests of the empire and of Peter Yeager personally.
And instead, the majority wanted an environment where there was no greater dragon than an empire where a dragon named Peter Yeager roamed around, and where one could be promoted to ‘Marshal’ and enjoy power depending on one’s performance…
“Your Majesty, Marshal, is also a human being. “I need a break!”
“Please grant him the title of duke, give him unprecedented rewards, and let his family rest in peace.”
“I heard Viscount Pretzel say several times during a drink with the Marshal before the expedition that he wanted to rest now.”
When everyone’s public opinion was so concentrated, the emperor sighed and said.
“I understand. Then, I accept the retirement of Marshal Peter Jaeger and grant him the title of duke and duchy. “I will give you the royal family’s unused villa so you can live comfortably there…”
At that time, Minister of Military Affairs Kaitel shouted in a loud voice.
“It’s not possible! “Marshal Jaeger’s retirement!”
The Prime Minister heard that and expressed his anger.
“This is outrageous, instead of military service! How dare you interrupt His Majesty’s speech in the middle of it!”
“No matter what, as the head of the Duke Keitel family and Minister of Military Affairs, I absolutely cannot accept Marshal Peter Jaeger’s retirement! “Kill me rather than allow him to retire!”
The Grand Chief summoned the royal knights with a wave of his hand.
“Instead of military service, serve His Excellency respectfully!”
As the knights politely took Kaitel away, the corners of the Emperor’s mouth rose.
‘After all, there is no way Duke Keitel, who has been with him for a long time, would want the Marshal to retire.’
“stop! The Minister of Military Affairs is not talking nonsense. I will listen to him until the end. “Let’s continue with the group work.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
After saying that, Kaitel looked at the emperor with his fists clenched as a sign of determination.
“The reason he cannot be retired is because the state of the empire is still unstable.”
“The direction of the empire is unstable? Even though Marshal Peter Jaeger has conquered the Grand Duchy of Warsaw and acquired 42 duchies, the national power of the empire has become stronger than ever before?”
The territory of the empire expanded by nearly 1.7 times due to this war, and the population also increased by tens of millions.
Therefore, through this war, the empire gained the power of two countries on the Europa continent and secured hegemony on the continent.
Saying something like that in that situation could be like sprinkling ashes on finished bread dough, but Keitel didn’t care about this situation at all.
“Besides, Francois and the United Kingdom are still fighting. Looking at it so far, it appears that the war situation is slightly tilted towards the United Kingdom.”
“yes.”
“And once the United Kingdom takes Francois, what will they do next? Surely, as the Grand Duke of Warsaw did, wouldn’t he try to gather together numerous surrounding countries and attack the empire that has achieved ‘hegemony’? “Because we are scared.”
Someone tried to refute that statement like this:
‘What do you think after seeing what happened to the four countries, Czech Republic, Austria, Stockholm, and Warsaw?’
However, I couldn’t say it out loud because it was just an illusion based on emotional speculation and hope.
“In particular, the countries that lost to the Empire this time and paid a huge price will really grit their teeth and look for an opportunity to destroy us. The threat of invasion from the United Kingdom that occupied Francois and numerous other countries is difficult for an empire that has not yet fully assimilated its newly acquired territory to handle. “As the Minister of Military Affairs, I can say this with confidence.”
Other ministers also nodded in agreement with that opinion.
The four countries that rebelled against the Empire could easily win even without Jaeger, but if the United Kingdom and other countries that ate Francois joined in… ‘
It’s difficult. It’s so difficult.’
“But if our enemies remain in office, they will not dare to invade the empire. He is a monster who single-handedly cuts down hundreds of soldiers and crushes his opponents by creating extraordinary strategies that no one can imagine. No one would want to fight with him.”
As his words continued, the atmosphere in the room gradually shifted towards Peter Yeager’s ‘marshalization for life’.
This is because the political battles waged by imperial nobles to seize wealth and power can only continue as long as the empire that forms the basis of the hammock remains.
‘If you leave Marshal Jaeger in his place, you can remain loyal while continuing to receive greater interests in the empire in the future.’
“Finally, Your Majesty.”
Michael nodded as if telling him to go ahead and speak.
“I am speaking from my personal opinion this time, but do you think Field Marshal Peter Jaeger really wanted to retire and conveyed this intention? He risked his life for His Majesty and stood at the forefront as a major general in Lichen, and fought to the death in Bastion despite losing nearly 70% of his entire force. Could it be that Marshal Jaeger asked to retire because he wanted to give up the opportunity to be loyal to His Majesty?”
Michael realized at that moment.
The reason why Peter Yeager asked him to retire was because he was afraid that protecting him would be a burden to the emperor due to the political situation in the empire.
Also, because I want to maintain a good relationship with myself until the end.
The fact that he had no choice but to give up his position as the hero of the country’s salvation, the power of marshal, and the position of supreme commander of the military, which he had dreamed of running for.
‘Yes, Marshal Jaeger always valued me more than himself.’
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A few tears welled up in Michael’s eyes after realizing that.
“Your Majesty, Marshal Jaeger, even when I said I wanted to retire due to old age, didn’t you personally ask your Majesty to allow me to stay in the position of Minister of Military Affairs for a long time, saying that this country needs me?”
There were two real reasons why Keitel was making this claim.
One was that he wanted to prevent Peter Yeager from retiring out of concern for the Empire, and the other was…
‘Yeager, you bastard! How dare you prevent me from retiring by making me ride in a carriage at the imperial palace, and then you’ll be discharged from the military in your 40s? There is no way. I’ll retire around 75, but you’ll make it to 120.’
Thinking like that, Keitel showed a rare excitement in his life.
“And where is there a loyalist like Marshal Jaeger? I won’t say who it is, but I think everyone at the noble level is likely to have some level of petty corruption. He is an incorruptible and innocent soldier who will not show any corruption even if he is determined and scraped by the inspection department. “Is Your Majesty trying to take away the value and joy of life from someone who has lived only to be loyal to Your Majesty?”
After hearing those words, the emperor came down from the throne.
Then he held Kaitel’s hand and bowed his head slightly to express his gratitude.
“I almost made a big mistake. You are blind to Marshal Jaeger’s achievements and past examples. “It almost brought a potential crisis to the empire and almost crushed the hearts of its loyal subjects.”
“No, Your Majesty.”
“I will never forget your loyalty as Minister of Military Affairs.”
At that moment, the emperor reminded himself once again that Peter Yeager and Keitel were loyal subjects and talented people who should never be overlooked, and decided that he must fight them to the brink of death.
However, Keitel, who did not know the Emperor’s true intentions, was tearing up at the thought of making the evil Jaeger, who had been serving as ‘Minister of Military Affairs’ for the sake of the Empire’s national interests, serve for life.
The only time he laughed like this was when he had a son and daughter from his wife.
It’s hard to tell how much joy he felt from this.
See next episode
