Chapter 157: The Shifting Era (4)
In the Kraft Territory, a region classified as part of the western Empire but located near its central zones, a food distribution effort was underway in the public square.
“Please maintain your place in line!”
“Anyone caught cutting will be denied rations!”
“Stand in an orderly manner, everyone!”
Individuals in silver-white uniforms shouted commands to the gathered citizens, ensuring a smooth and disciplined distribution process.
From a vantage point, Muller Altaria, the leader of Cry for Freedom, and his deputy, Erich Koschnik, observed the scene with satisfaction.
“The allied forces of the other races… They’re far more overwhelming than we initially expected. Just watching them sends chills down my spine,” Erich remarked, shaking his head.
A week had passed since the fall of Schreiber Fortress.
In that time, the allied forces of elves and dwarves had rampaged across the western region of the Altaria Empire.
Three fortresses had fallen, and two territories had been devastated.
During these attacks, the commanders of the fortresses and the lords of the territories were all killed, their severed heads sent to the imperial capital of Raize.
It was the work of the clandestine group Cry for Freedom.
“I wasn’t advocating for their assistance without good reason,” Muller replied, a faint smile on his lips.
“I must admit, Your Highness’ foresight has been remarkable. Not only have you addressed our lack of powerful allies, but you’ve also secured control over the Rutegers and Kraft territories.”
Muller chuckled at Erich’s praise.
As the allied forces occupied each territory, Muller had actively worked behind the scenes to negotiate.
While he couldn’t prevent the execution of nobles, he insisted that the civilians be spared.
In fact, food rations were distributed using Muller’s personal funds, earning him widespread goodwill among the populace.
This goodwill wasn’t limited to humanitarian efforts.
When administrative and military structures collapsed due to the subjugation of local officials and knights, Cry for Freedom members quickly stepped in to fill the void.
Through this, Muller had established his first true domain.
With the original lords and their heirs eliminated, there was no one left to oppose his actions.
“This will serve as the foundation for expanding our influence further. Though I doubt future conquests will be as smooth.”
“Does the imperial family even matter at this point? Their main forces are tied up in the south, and the only organized military force left is the Royal Guard, which is bound to the capital and cannot leave.”
“True, but don’t underestimate my sister,” Muller said, his expression tightening. “She’ll find a way to scrape together a force to counter the allied army.”
“Most of the nobles under her command defected after our negotiations fell through. I doubt Princess Claudia has the resources to act on such a large scale.”
“It’s a mistake to underestimate my sister, Erich. When our older brothers were vying for power, she carved out a third faction for herself.”
“That is true, but…”
“Moreover, with our elder brother Richard bogged down in the south, she’ll seize this opportunity to raise her profile. With Countess Irina von Minert at her side, she has the capability to at least delay the allied forces.”
Currently, the allied army had only one Ninth Circle powerhouse, Marcel.
“If only the elders and leaders from other regions had joined,” Muller lamented.
The lack of more high-ranking elven or dwarven leaders in the allied army was a glaring shortfall.
Marcel remained the sole Ninth Circle fighter, while there was just one Eighth Circle warrior from the dwarves.
This was why Muller paid such close attention to Irina von Minert’s movements.
“But the one we truly need to be wary of is someone else. If my sister makes a move, you can be sure ‘he’ will as well.”
Muller’s tone grew somber, prompting Erich to straighten his posture.
He had already guessed whom Muller was referring to.
“Duke Martin von Adalbert.”
“Exactly. The full might of the north isn’t even necessary. The forces of the Adalbert family alone could destroy the allied army.”
Martin’s personal combat prowess was another critical factor.
While it hadn’t been officially disclosed, most nobles were already well aware of the truth: Martin had overwhelmingly defeated Jurgen Ferdinand.
For a Ninth Circle powerhouse to dominate another Ninth Circle fighter was an extraordinary feat.
Against someone of Martin’s caliber, Marcel stood little chance of victory.
“We also need to consider whether Marcel even intends to fight Duke Adalbert. The elves, even those in the allied forces, seem to have a favorable impression of him.”
“It’s a legitimate concern,” Muller admitted, nodding at Erich’s observation.
The allied forces were supposed to deal maximum damage to the west before disappearing.
However, if Martin were to intervene, many might abandon the fight or even defect to the north.
Either outcome would undermine Muller’s plans.
“If things unravel, I may have to resort to using what I found at my brother’s estate,” Muller muttered.
“With respect, Your Highness, that could backfire. We might get caught in the fallout ourselves.”
“I know. I’d prefer not to use it. Despite our differing paths, I’d rather avoid clashing with Duke Adalbert.”
Muller still believed Martin to be a hero capable of changing the era.
The only thing that had changed was Muller’s own resolve.
“We can’t rely solely on heroes.”
He aimed to become his own hero, forging his destiny through his own strength.
Though Muller had no intention of directly opposing Martin, the prospect of challenging someone who had never lost a battle was foolish.
“I hope Marcel can handle it,” Muller thought grimly.
The wheel of fate continued to spin rapidly, impossible for anyone to halt.
At least, until the wheel of fate itself is shattered.
“This is the first and final chance. From this victory onward, we must fix this continent’s decayed system.”
“Our comrades are giving their all. Our aspirations will undoubtedly come to fruition.”
“They must.”
Both Muller and Erich believed this with unwavering conviction.
Abolishing the privilege of innate abilities as the foundation of status—this ideology, they thought, would illuminate the future of the continent.
Although Martin had ascended to the position of patriarch, his daily life hadn’t changed much.
At most, his attire had grown more ornate.
Since consolidating power by suppressing the rebellion of the branch families, he had already wielded authority akin to that of a true patriarch. That his routine remained stable was unsurprising.
Yet, it wasn’t entirely unchanged.
“I greet Your Majesty, the Emperor.”
Martin bowed toward the figure of the Emperor, a projection formed of light.
As he did so, a thought crossed his mind:
It had been quite some time since he had taken the initiative to offer respect to anyone, even as a formality.
***
“It’s been quite a while since we’ve spoken, Duke Adalbert. I have much I wish to say, but first, let me offer my congratulations. Becoming the patriarch safely is truly worth celebrating.”
“Your Majesty already sent the First Princess as your envoy. There’s no need to extend congratulations twice.”
“No, it must be done properly. After all, your standing is now nearly equal to mine. Though my health has prevented me from congratulating you sooner, I am now well enough to do so personally.”
The Emperor’s voice carried genuine regret.
Martin, however, remained indifferent.
He was well aware that the Emperor did not view him favorably after the Second Prince incident.
Still, he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of disappointment.
“It would’ve been better if Richard had contacted me first,” Martin mused.
Had the First Prince sought reinforcements, Martin planned to refuse at first.
This would have established his dominance and underscored the gap in their standings.
Yet instead of Richard, it was the Emperor himself who had reached out.
“I trust you’ve heard about the alliance of elves and dwarves sweeping through the west, Duke Adalbert?”
“Yes. I’ve also received news that Kraft Territory fell just a few days ago.”
“The damage has been far greater than anticipated. But no matter how severe, neither the imperial forces nor Ferdinand’s army can afford to withdraw from the south.”
“I understand. Any misstep in reallocating forces could lead to devastating losses.”
In war, retreating forces always suffer the heaviest casualties.
If the imperial forces pulled back now, it would embed the perception of defeat in the minds of the populace.
Such an outcome could solidify the Klaus Duchy’s independence.
“Exactly. That’s why I’m requesting reinforcements from the Adalbert family. Despite the toll of the civil war, surely your forces can handle the allied army?”
“Of course, Your Majesty. However, I must mention one thing.”
“Speak.”
“Through recent efforts, I’ve established trust with both elves and dwarves. Perhaps I could mediate—”
“You certainly have the capability to do so, Duke Adalbert. But that is not what I desire. What I seek is the complete annihilation of the allied forces. That alone will suffice.”
“If that is Your Majesty’s will, I shall comply. Indeed, I will ensure that even Redis Village is burned, so they understand the consequences of opposing the Empire.”
The Emperor’s uncompromising stance left no room for alternative approaches.
Martin, however, betrayed no emotion.
“After all, those unwilling to fight have already joined Altair Village,” Martin thought.
The current allied forces consisted primarily of extremists who harbored deep hatred for humans.
While it would be preferable to integrate them, eliminating them wouldn’t harm his plans.
If anything, it would remove potential sources of discord, serving his vision of a unified Empire.
The one concern was how this might affect perceptions of elves and dwarves.
“I need to have a proper discussion with them this time, to ensure no lingering resentment arises.”
Still, Martin had no intention of backing down without extracting his own concessions.
If the north was to shoulder the burden, the Empire had to share the cost.
“Surely Your Majesty has also received reports on who is supporting the allied forces?”
Martin broached the topic most dreaded by the Emperor.
The Emperor’s expression immediately hardened, but Martin was unfazed.
He now held the power and authority to speak his mind.
“The Third Prince is rallying citizens under the guise of humanitarian aid. But in truth, he’s seizing lands abandoned by their rightful lords—a blatant act of treason. He should be dealt with accordingly.”
Martin refrained from mentioning the Second Prince, feeling he had made his point.
“…Do as you see fit, Duke Adalbert. Bring peace to the Empire.”
“I accept Your Majesty’s command.”
Martin bowed respectfully as the Emperor nodded weakly, bringing the conversation to an end.
As the projection vanished, Martin exhaled deeply, muttering to himself:
“The times truly are spiraling out of control.”
The difference from his past life, confined to the internal conflicts of the Adalbert family, was staggering.
But ultimately, the strategy remained the same.
“No matter what happens, as long as I win, nothing else matters.”