Chapter 60: Revolution Era - Raphael Ballian
In the Republic of Francia, in the capital of the Lorraine Province, Nancy,
there stood a building that once served as the mansion of the Duke of Lorraine
but was now being used as the temporary headquarters of the revolutionary
forces.
Though entangled in a ‘self-inflicted catastrophe,’ Duke Lorraine’s formal
surrender with handing over King Louis marked the official transition of all
of Francia into the hands of the revolutionary government.
Yet, we remained preoccupied with the aftermath.
First and foremost, we had to maintain law and order in the newly secured
regions of Alsace and Lorraine, allocate troops to defend the borders, and
decide how the remaining forces should be welcomed back to the capital.
“I’ll leave it in your hands, Sir Gaston.”
“Under your command, Your Grace.”
Gaston, along with Nicolas of the Northern Army, had set off ahead of us to
escort King Louis back to the capital.
Some of the property that the Duke of Lorraine was planning to take overseas
was distributed locally as promised, so the remainder must be delivered to the
revolutionary government.
“Indeed, you’re someone I trust more than anyone else. I’m counting on you to
do well.”
Gaston bowed gracefully, and I turned my gaze aside.
Eris, always clad in a white robe with her hood up, looked at me with her
slightly subdued violet eyes.
When asked if she could heal King Louis’s jaw, Eris responded that it might be
challenging, but probably possible.
“I’ve said it before, but there’s really no need to go to the trouble of
regenerating his jaw.”
But would King Louis even want that? He’d probably prefer death instead.
After all the trouble of healing him, the first words King Louis might utter
could well be a curse against Eris.
Personally, I’d rather Eris not bother and leave him be, dead or alive, but
the revolutionary government in the capital is eager to put King Louis on
trial and execute him.
And if he died en route, with a saintess among us, we’d surely be blamed for
doing nothing.
“Just keep him alive until we reach the capital. That will be enough.”
“...Understood, Duke.”
After a brief reply, Eris, about to leave with Gaston, turned back to me and
spoke.
“You don’t need to feel too sorry.”
It seems my concern for Eris, given King Louis was kin no matter how
detestable a person he was, had shown through.
“...Thank you. See you in the capital, then.”
With a faint smile in response to her consideration, Eris too shared a smile
before turning away.
Accompanying Saintess Eris as a representative of the Southern Army to escort
King Louis into the capital would surely raise Gaston’s profile as well.
Watching Gaston and Eris leave, I shifted my attention to Dezy and Damien who
remained.
“Sir Dezy, you’ll assist in coordinating with the Northern Army here to
reorganize the troops. Then, lead the unit returning to the capital with me
for the victory parade.”
I felt it was only fair to show such consideration to Sir Dezy, who had been
of immense help every time I was away.
“Ha, that would be an honor, Your Grace.”
Dezy, understanding my intent, smiled warmly, while Damien, standing beside
him, asked with a smile, albeit a stiff one.
“And what about me, Your Grace?”
It seemed he had a rough idea of what was coming.
“Count, you’ll be in charge of the local garrison and border troops remaining
here with your men.”
“Me, alone?”
“Haven’t you had ample rest while mourning the loss of your men? Since Sir
Dezy has been of great help in the meantime, it’s only right to ask this of
you now.”
“But, how could this...”
Damien looked utterly defeated, as if he had lost everything.
...But that’s not my concern. Enjoying leisure under the guise of mourning was
pleasant, wasn’t it? Should have been more diligent when you had the chance.
***
A few days later.
After the meeting to discuss the designation and withdrawal of the remaining
Northern and Revolutionary forces concluded, I headed to Raphael Ballian’s
office upon his invitation.
“Welcome! I apologize for not having a proper reception room as we’re only
borrowing this building, but I’m honored to have such a distinguished guest.”
Ballian’s playful remark made me chuckle.
“Since we’re both sharing this building, why bother about formalities?”
“Haha, it’s refreshing to see a high noble like yourself not bound by strict
formalities. It’s still a bit early for dinner, so I’ve prepared something
light.”
At Ballian’s gesture, the chef brought out sliced baked potatoes and wine.
Simple fare, but perhaps more to our liking given our familiarity with field
conditions.
“Then, let’s toast to the victory of the Revolutionary forces and Duke
Lafayette.”
“To the victory of the Revolutionary forces and General Ballian.”
Our glasses clinked, and Ballian and I each took a sip of wine. As we
exchanged stories about the recent battles and tasks, savoring the wine and
potatoes, a slight buzz began to set in, prompting Ballian to speak up.
“I was concerned when foreign forces intervened, but the war ended more
smoothly than expected.”
Smoothly?
Hearing Ballian’s words, I couldn’t help but remember the soldiers who had
died charging forward at my command.
The fervor that had surged on the battlefields where I had risked my own life,
and the shared desperation as we carved a path towards the Witch of the Storm
through tremendous sacrifices.
Well, was it easier than expected?
If we consider only the losses and the duration of the war, perhaps it might
seem so.
“...Indeed. But this isn’t the end, is it?”
Though they have lost the Witch of the Storm, it hasn’t significantly impaired
the Germanian Empire’s ability to wage war.
The Witch was an irregularity, a powerful individual force. Her grand magic
indeed delivered a shock we hadn’t anticipated, but the Empire’s losses in
this war amounted to about ten thousand troops.
A costly toll of blood and prestige for a foreign war, but trivial in the
scale of the Empire’s military might. Ironically, the Empire’s swift
withdrawal underscores their minimal investment in this conflict.
Ballian smiled, seemingly pleased.
“So, you think the same, Duke?”
“Nations intact but pride wounded often consider war to regain honor,
especially if there’s just cause. The monarchs’ psyche dictates they’ll invade
again at any opportunity.”
And that cause lies with the Empress herself, beloved by the Empire’s people.
They are bound to return.
“Haha, war is the game of kings, after all.”
With that, Ballian took another sip of wine, swirling his glass before asking,
“Do you remember our conversation before you headed to the capital, Duke?”
The wine in my mouth tasted bitter.
Had I said my loyalty and dedication were too precious to be offered to the
Republic?
That there was no reward commensurate with the dedication and sacrifices of me
and my people.
- Indeed, has the cause you pursued with the Republican government achieved
anything?
- There are definite achievements. They might seem insufficient from General
Ballian’s perspective, but they are valuable endeavors.
Recalling the exchange with Ballian, my brow furrowed naturally.
Back then, I was more convincing myself than truly believing it.
And what I faced upon returning to the capital was Christine, on the brink of
death.
“It’s a bit awkward to say this now that we’ve all been preoccupied with the
war, but I felt sorry for what you went through in the capital, Duke.”
Before we parted, Ballian had sincerely hoped my efforts would bear fruit.
“...Is that so?”
After my brief reply, I set down my empty wine glass, and Ballian refilled it.
“As you know, Duke, Francia must stabilize quickly before the Empire poses a
threat again.”
“I agree. We must make good use of the peace we’ve been granted.”
Christine is already bustling in the capital to strengthen our influence, and
upon my return, I too must focus intently on political activities and military
development.
Until now, I’ve acted in anticipation of foreseeable events, but with the
revolution successful and the initial conflicts with foreign powers concluded,
it’s time for me to shape events alongside my people.
Ballian then asked with a slight smile.
“So, Duke, do you have intentions to transform this nation?”
“To transform the nation?”
That’s an overly broad notion.
Narrowing my eyes, Ballian swirled his wine glass before speaking.
“The old regime has fallen, and the so-called National Assembly has taken its
place, but not everything has lived up to expectations.”
I responded only by sipping my wine.
Yes, I chose the republic as the lesser of two evils, even though I never saw
it as ideal, before or after my return, despite the lack of alternatives.
“Freedom, equality, philanthropy. Beautiful words indeed, but I doubt if they
truly fit the reality of the National Assembly.”
“That sounds dangerously seditious for a general commanding half the
revolutionary forces.”
Ballian chuckled and asked.
“Don’t you share the same thoughts, Duke?”
I took another sip of wine and smirked.
“Well, we did wrestle freedom from the old regime, at least.”
Still smiling, Ballian pressed on.
“Haha, well said. And what about equality? I’ve always been curious about the
opinion of a distinguished general and knight like yourself.”
“I don’t believe stronger individuals are necessarily superior. No matter
their prowess, they can’t confront a nation alone. A nation relies on much
more to sustain human life and society.”
After all, Christine might be weaker than an ordinary soldier in terms of
brute strength, but does that make her influence on the people and this nation
any less significant than mine?
There are commoners more knowledgeable about the law than I, and skilled
technicians who create new things based on knowledge I can’t even comprehend.
Ballian grinned.
“Indeed, you are remarkably flexible for a noble. But what do you think about
the argument that even those who can barely read and have no substantial
knowledge should have an equal vote?”
“That’s a Revolutionary Party’s stance. Indeed, it’s problematic.”
Can those who barely understand the issues exercise their rights and
participate in politics effectively? They’re more likely to be easy targets
for manipulation.
Ironically, those advocating for such rights initially opposed granting
Christine political participation solely because she’s a woman, despite her
lacking neither capability nor influence.
While they refuse equality to someone with no lack of ability or influence,
they advocate for rights for those who would offer them zealous support, don’t
they?
Ballian smiled at my response, but I offered him a contrary answer.
“However, just because they aren’t ready now, I don’t believe the principle of
equality itself is flawed.”
After all, their stagnation at that level is due to the lack of proper
opportunities and necessary education provided to them.
Isn’t Gaston, who, despite being a commoner, seized opportunities through his
innate talent, better than many nobles?
Isn’t the argument that we are superior because we have more power, without
even giving them a chance, the corrupt logic of the old regime?
“Even a mercenary leader who became a general commanding half of the
revolutionary forces is evidence of why equality is necessary. Such a thing
would have been impossible under the kingdom’s old regime.”
While it’s impossible for humans to be entirely equal, providing even a slight
semblance of equal opportunities could allow many unseen talents to prove
their worth.
Ballian shrugged.
“Well, I can’t win an argument with you, Duke. As for philanthropy, well, it’s
hardly worth debating.”
This time, I couldn’t help but let out a bitter smile and refrained from
countering.
Ballian refilled his empty glass with wine, swirling it before speaking up.
“As you might be aware, Duke...”
When I looked at him quizzically, Ballian laughed heartily before continuing.
“What you’ve just described, Duke, are ultimately the values of the Republic
and the people of Francia, not necessarily those of the National Assembly.”
“......”
Freedom, equality, philanthropy. They are ideal values if they could be
realized.
The people of Francia have shown their mettle.
They initiated a revolution to overthrow the old regime and fought selflessly
to protect their homeland.
There are those who trusted me and, despite facing persecution from the
revolutionary government, compromised and joined the revolutionary forces.
But the National Assembly?
After feeling betrayed by the expectations I had for them, I demanded that
they prove their proclaimed values were not mere hypocrisy.
“The Republic is just beginning. War is approaching, and in the short time we
have, we need to organize and reform the nation. But is that possible with the
current National Assembly, where the party leaders are too busy keeping each
other in check?”
“...I am also a member of the Central Party and the National Assembly. It
won’t be easy, but we have to try.”
“Really, is it necessary to choose the harder path when there’s an easier
one?”
I set down my wine glass upon hearing Ballian’s words.
Ballian just looked at me.
At this point, not understanding would be the problem. So, he’s suggesting we
do away with the National Assembly?
“You were prepared and supported by them. To keep me in check.”
Ballian raised both hands in a gesture of peace.
“Oh, I believe that ability is the most crucial attribute in a person. And
from what I see, compared to a National Assembly drowning in complacency and
idealism, ignoring the state of the nation, I find myself much more drawn to
your side, Duke.”
“...What is your objective?”
“I hold the potential of this Republic in high regard. You must have seen our
cavalrymen stand against and triumph over the Empire’s knights. Soldiers who
fight to the death, unafraid, shouting ’Long live the Republic.’”
Ballian seemed to recall the scenes from the battlefield before looking at me
and continuing.
“While the power wielders in foreign lands suppress the common folk’s use of
magic to maintain their privileges, you, Duke, taught magic to the cavalrymen.
The results were impressive, even though it was a hurried measure during the
civil unrest. Imagine what we could achieve if we did the same for all our
soldiers?”
“I had plans to revise the military training programs once I returned to the
capital, but...”
Even as I spoke, I could sense it.
What Ballian desired was not merely on that level.
“Yes, exactly. If we eliminate the inefficiencies of politics and move
swiftly, we could create the strongest army that the continent has ever seen.
Soldiers unafraid of death under the banner of the revolution, wielding magic,
an army worthy of being called ’The Grand Army.’”
A smile spread across Ballian’s lips.
“With such a force, we won’t just be defending against the Germanian Empire’s
invasion. We’ll advance onto the continent, crumbling their forces, and we
could become the true empire. Not an empire in name only, subject to the whims
of the Electors, but an absolute ruler of the continent, like the ancient
empires.”
Ballian extended his hand towards me, proposing.
“Unlike those who waste their potential, letting the treasures in their hands
rot away unknowingly, it’s entirely possible if you and I join forces. Duke Lafayette, shall we not write a legend that will be remembered as the
greatest in history together?”
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