Chapter 38: Revolution Era - The National Assembly (1)
Having descended from the podium, I was exchanging brief greetings with the
members of the National Assembly when an unexpected figure approached me.
A man slightly shorter than me, with the handsome features typical of a
Southern gentleman.
He must be seeing me for the first time, but I am quite familiar with his
face.
Indeed, how could I not be?
The man strode towards me, then, with a touch of flair, removed his hat and
greeted me impressively.
“Ah, what a pleasure to meet you, General Lafayette! I am Raphael Ballian!”
“...Pleased to meet you, General Ballian. I am Pierre de Lafayette.”
The members of the National Assembly insisted on reminding me of my nobility,
addressing me formally as a duke, but this man chose to call me a general...
But, more importantly, why is he here?
“I was under the impression that the Northern Army had already advanced near
Reims. It’s unexpected to meet you here.”
“Hahaha. If I may, could I ask you a question?”
“...Hmm, go ahead.”
Ballian, with a rather splendid smile, extended his hand for a handshake. As I
accepted and responded, he asked,
“General, when do you think they will start their offensive?”
“...If soon, it could be after the Germanian Empire Army joins King Louis, but
they are likely to rest due to the long march. If late, after the arrival of
the Northern Union Kingdom’s forces...
Or perhaps after winter has passed.”
The Northern Union Kingdom is a coalition of states on a peninsula to the
north of the Germanian Empire.
Since two of these countries require a brief sea journey to reach the central
continent, their arrival will naturally be much later compared to the
Germanian Empire.
Ballian smiled wryly at my answer.
“Oh, that’s exactly what I was thinking. That’s why I am here. Haha. There’s
no need for me to boringly hold my position when it’s unlikely that the enemy
will attack, right?”
His confidence is not misplaced, but it’s quite remarkable.
Does he believe his predictions are infallible?
“Above all, I have been quite looking forward to meeting you, General.”
But, more intriguingly, why is Ballian, who had only encountered me as an
enemy on the battlefield before my return, showing such interest in me?
“May I borrow a moment of your time, General?”
Ballian said so and gave a wink.
I felt a chill run down my spine...
***
In a room where only the two of us were seated, having moved from the previous
location, Raphael Ballian opened the conversation with a cheerful laugh.
“It’s a great pleasure to meet you again, General Lafayette. Nobody knows how
long I’ve been looking forward to this day. Haha!”
Did he even notice the expressions of the members of the National Assembly
just a while ago?
To avoid giving me the position of Commander-in-Chief, the Republic had to
provide various concessions to our side, beyond the military command post we
demanded. This included a one-year grace period, positions like mayor or
governor, and other benefits such as tax exemptions and pensions.
With the tax privileges of the Aquitaine Trade Guild alone, our army could
finance its own military expenses. The Republic, even with control over the
territories, would end up economically disadvantaged, unable to reap any real
benefits.
They must have placed Ballian and me on an equal footing, hoping that his
commoner background would make him a focal point of the Republican army to
counterbalance me.
“...I am also well aware of your renowned reputation, General Ballian.”
Yet, the man himself is greeting me like this...
My feelings are complex, but Ballian continued with a smile on his face.
“During the prolonged civil war, you emerged like a comet at the very end,
General, using tactics that the kingdom’s nobility had never employed before.”
That was merely me trying out tactics based on what this man had used before
the regression. Was he acknowledging me as a tactician?
“What intrigued me more was what you did afterwards. I thought you severed
ties with Duke Lorraine to establish an independent force in the South, and
then, but unexpectedly, you joined the Republic.”
“If we had tried to establish an independent force, we would have fallen after
the Republic and the King, with foreign powers involved.”
Thanks to us thoroughly defeating the royal army, the revolution progressed
quickly, but King Louis collapsed too soon.
The original King Louis, at the onset of the revolution, was not so desperate
to blatantly betray his people to demons, and thus the revolutionary army
didn’t openly oppose the Abyss Corporation.
Moreover, when the revolution broke out, the civil war was still going on, and
King Louis' main enemy was not the revolutionary army, but us.
After repeatedly failing to suppress the seemingly weaker revolutionary
forces, King Louis reached out to us only after a year had passed since the
revolution broke out in the capital. He sought foreign aid much later.
Therefore, before the regression, the revolutionary government had time to
stabilize after the upheaval of the revolution, consolidate the national
conscription system, secure forces, and arm them with equipment pouring in
from the Abyss Corporation.
But now? The revolutionary government had already crossed an irreparable
divide with the Abyss Corporation, and with King Louis’ too hasty collapse,
the foreign intervention had ensued before they could even catch their breath.
In the meantime, had we not joined the revolution, it would have been entirely
unsurprising if the revolutionary government had crumbled pathetically, given
that we controlled even the South, which the revolution was supposed to have
secured by the time foreign powers intervened.
Raphael Ballian is indeed a remarkable general, but even he couldn’t
single-handedly bridge all gaps in an international war, unlike in a civil
conflict.
Hearing my words, Ballian smiled, seemingly quite pleased.
“I’m genuinely delighted to have someone of your discernment on our side.
Honestly, things have been quite daunting until now. Haha!”
“Your favorable disposition makes me glad as well, General.”
Ballian, understanding my words, snorted.
“In the assembly, they wish me to be your check, General, no – Duke. But
that’s merely the petty thinking of those who know politics but not war. The
Republic’s army barely exceeds 20,000, while our enemies command forces over
40,000. Now is not the time for internal strife.”
I responded to Ballian’s words with a light laugh.
“I appreciate the straightforward talk. The Southern army I brought is about
6,000 strong. Though the Republic will muster more troops, our current
strength blurs the distinction between the Northern and Southern forces.”
As I broached the subject, Ballian immediately responded.
“Honestly, compared to the quality and quantity of the Northern army’s
officers, our troops are excessive. I propose integrating my 7,000 troops into
your Southern army.”
I was quite surprised.
Honestly, I hadn’t expected Ballian to be this cooperative. This certainly
makes things easier.
“And what would you like in return?”
“There are many experienced non-commissioned officers in the Southern army.
Please send some of them our way. The Northern army has plenty of soldiers,
but far too few capable officers for effective control.”
Our officers, mostly either rigid traditionalists or nobles who underestimate
commoners, would be less useful than battle-hardened non-commissioned
officers. A wise request indeed.
“Understood. I’ll select personnel who can assist General Ballian in
commanding the army and send them over. I also have a suggestion from my
side.”
“Oh, do tell!”
“...Among the knights, there are those I trust who won’t defy you, General. I
propose sending them as instructors. If they could train the cavalry, even
just the basics of mana utilization, it might be significantly helpful in the
upcoming war.”
It’s not that commoners don’t use mana because they can’t, but rather because
they haven’t learned how. They possess mana too.
Among them, those selected as medium cavalry are, by commoner standards, quite
strong. If even a few talented individuals learn to wield mana, they may not
match knights trained from a young age, but they will certainly be a
significant asset.
Even if we had just ten medium cavalrymen who could handle mana simply, they
could easily match an average knight.
During the long civil war, our once proud knights dwindled in number. To gain
any advantage against foreign forces, we must leverage every resource
available.
Ballian, beaming with excitement, grabbed my hand eagerly.
“Incredible! To have a noble like you, General, is truly noblesse oblige! It
seems this country is not doomed after all!”
I almost flinched and pulled away, but Ballian was looking at me with bright,
enthusiastic eyes, smiling broadly.
The Ballian I knew was a fearsome enemy; he’s so different from what I
expected.
“It was worth ignoring my subordinates’ protests and rushing to Lumière. I’m
confident we’ll work well together. Together, we can save this nation and
become heroes!”
“Well... yes. I’m also pleased to see General Ballian so cooperative.”
“Hahaha! I look forward to working with you. May victory and glory be in your
future, General Lafayette!”
Ballian seemed as elated as if he were celebrating with an old friend over a
drink.
I did want to establish a cooperative system with Ballian, but his easygoing
approach left me somewhat taken aback.
Well, it’s not a bad thing for me, at least.
“I echo that sentiment. Wishing you victory and glory as well, General
Ballian.”
***
About a month after Ballian left for the front lines, I was busy sorting out
the non-commissioned officers to be sent to Ballian’s Northern Army,
allocating the troops I’d receive in exchange, and adjusting the organization
of each unit.
I selected knights like Gaston, who were loyal to me and less objectionable to
commoners, to train the cavalry of the Northern Army. Similarly, I had to pick
out individuals to train the Southern Army’s cavalry.
Amidst this hectic time, I welcomed Christine to my mansion in the capital
after a long while.
“How is it? It’s quite a favored brand among the high society of the Holy
Church.”
Hearing Christine’s words with a smile, I lightly lifted the cup to taste, and
a rich, deep coffee aroma spread in my mouth, the bitterness wrapping around
my tongue.
“Ah, it’s certainly good.”
It seemed to clear my mind a bit.
Christine smiled softly, then elegantly lifted her cup, savoring the coffee
slowly.
It’s definitely good, but something’s bothering me...
“So, how much is this?”
“It’s a gift, and here you are asking its price.”
Christine looked at me as if disappointed, so I shrugged lightly and gave a
small bow.
“Well, if you put it that way, I’ll gratefully accept it.”
“Yes, please do. Lately, Pierre, you seem so busy and weary, so I prepared
this for you.”
I gave a bitter smile at Christine’s words.
“Thank you. And, I’m sorry. Ideally, I should be helping you at the
assembly...”
Although I’m a member of the National Assembly, the need to organize the
Southern Army before the battle keeps me so busy that I can only attend
occasionally.
“It can’t be helped. It was my role from the start, and the other nobles seem
to be adapting a bit now.”
“They must be learning by observing. You’re doing an exceptional job,
Christine, more than anyone could ask for.”
Christine smiled faintly, savoring her coffee.
It’s no exaggeration to say that the National Assembly is almost a stage set
for Christine.
Initially, the Assembly nearly ignored her. Despite being the sole female
member, her status was seen as mere formality, and her noble heritage gave the
Assembly little reason to welcome her.
However, since arriving in the capital, within about a fortnight, she, along
with Eris, had steadily conducted charity and donation activities, making the
citizens aware of her presence. During the same period, she completed the
capital branch of an intelligence organization connected to the Aquitaine
Trade Guild.
The first to show support for her were the women of the capital.
The women viewed Christine favorably just for stabilizing the price of bread
through the Aquitaine Trade Guild. When she started listening to the voiceless
women and conveyed their concerns to the Assembly, their husbands too began to
be influenced by their enthusiasm.
That’s when Christine began to utilize the information she had quietly
gathered. Her primary targets were the Assembly members who were either
hostile or corrupt towards her and us. Many, having risen swiftly through the
ranks due to the revolution, were not adept at controlling themselves or their
subordinates and failed to respond effectively.
Despite the significant disadvantage of being a noble-born female member, she
had considerable support.
“...It seems you and Representative Zidor have been getting along surprisingly
well.”
The one who contributed significantly to her cause was Maximilian Zidor. He
played a crucial role in decisively eliminating corrupt members based on the
evidence Christine gathered.
There were even rumors suggesting a secret collaboration between Zidor and
Christine.
“It’s more like a hostile symbiotic relationship.”
Christine replied with a light laugh and, after another sip of coffee,
continued.
“It’s risky, but someone who acts on firm convictions can be used to our
advantage. Of course, I am cautious since his fangs could turn towards me at
any time.”
Christine, on several occasions, had already brought members of her circle to
court for corruption or for actions that could tarnish the reputation of
Aquitaine. These preemptive measures not only disciplined her own faction but
also enhanced her reputation as a fair and diligent councilwoman, despite
being a noble-born woman.
Among them were a few she had knowingly allowed to continue their misdeeds in
the capital, intending to deal with them later – a testament to her fearsome
strategy.
“I trust you, Christine. Regardless of what others say, in that arena, no one
can match you.”
“Leave it to me. The public relations work in the capital is going quite
smoothly. If you achieve victory against the invaders, I’m all set to turn you
into a hero overnight.”
I smiled confidently at Christine’s assurance.
“Haha. I’m afraid I might be riding too much on your coattails.”
“Don’t say that. The foundation for my activities was laid by you, Pierre,
wasn’t it?”
Christine laughed deeply, her unique, dark, deep-set eyes twinkling.
The National Assembly must have thought that by admitting us to the capital,
we would fail to adapt to their system, but far from it.
The revolutionary government made it clear to the citizens that we were at
least not their enemies and even granted us the power to exercise political
influence through our positions as Assembly members.
Moreover, by preventing punishment for past crimes, they preemptively stopped
any unfair treatment and gave us military authority to avert sudden crises.
The economic and informational power of Aquitaine is a resource capable of
influencing both public sentiment and political power.
Holding all this and still failing to utilize it effectively would mean one
wouldn’t even think of joining hands with the Republic in the first place.
It’s only been just over a month.
At first, Christine, dressed in her black gown, was criticized for flaunting
her noblewoman’s status, but now, her image has transformed. It’s widely known
as a touching tribute, honoring her father who was assassinated by the poison
of demons.
Members of the Assembly, initially overwhelmed by their sudden grasp on power,
began to tread cautiously under the stern gaze of Christine and Zidor,
striving to survive their scrutiny. With the noble Assembly members
finding their footing, they, along with the moderates, have gradually softened
the atmosphere of the revolutionary government.
Now, the guillotine is rarely used, except for executing those who collude
with foreign powers.
“If only things could continue like this.”
“Indeed.”
Once the reorganization of the Southern Army is complete and we set out,
repelling the foreign invasion should resolve the immediate crisis.
As I was contemplating this, a butler entered with a knock, handing me a
letter.
Unfolding it, my brow involuntarily furrowed.
“Is it bad news, Pierre?”
“...It’s an emergency summons from the National Assembly. There’s been a
protest in the west against the Republic’s conscription orders, resulting in
government officials being killed or injured.”
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