I, who was eager to retire, became an Imperial General.

Chapter 66 Who is in favor and who is against?
Meanwhile, in Areno, the Norman capital far from the western battlefield, an unprecedented storm was brewing.

"Wow!"

The dense rain pounded on the stone slabs, constantly splashing out streams of water.

The guards on duty at the gates of Westeros Palace were staring straight ahead at the deserted streets in the pouring rain.

With unprecedented solemnity and gravity, they guarded the palace behind them, where countless high-ranking officials of the empire and the most esteemed emperor resided.

"..."

Compared to the outside world, which appears somewhat noisy and chaotic after being battered by the torrential rain.

At this moment, the House of Lords chamber at Westeros Palace was filled with a depressing and deathly atmosphere.

The conservative noble members of parliament, led by Prime Minister Wolf, sat expressionlessly on the left side of their seats, while across from them were the reformists, led by the ailing Duke Ostan, whose faces were solemn and calm.

In the very center of the Senate chamber, on a soft, luxurious chair, arched by nine steps and inlaid with countless jewels, its overall deep red color symbolizing the holding of the highest power in the country, sits atop a magnificent chair.

William Perus, the current monarch of the Norman Empire, is leaning back in his chair with his hands resting naturally on the armrests on either side.

His brown curly hair was covered by a magnificent golden crown, and he wore a long robe with red and black stripes and a lot of gorgeous ornaments. Perhaps he inherited the superior appearance of the Perus family, his features were deep and three-dimensional, like a perfect statue.

Eight years have passed since he, a former prince, seized power in a coup and officially became the monarch.

And he himself has unknowingly gone from being a spirited young monarch to being forty-two years old.

The former enthusiasm vanished amidst the long hours of trivialities and struggles with powerful ministers, replaced by a chilling silence and awe.

At this moment, sitting on the high platform, he looked down at the noble councilors below with their various expressions through his deep blue eyes, his face revealing no emotion.

He remained silent, allowing the oppressive atmosphere to continue, until he observed the young earl's heir on his right about to speak rashly. Only then, after thirteen minutes of silence, did he finally address his ministers:
"I believe everyone here is aware of the news of the defeat that just came from the Northern Theater Command. And for this defeat, everyone here bears a great deal of responsibility, including myself."

"But compared to the regrettable defeat and the news of Earl West's death on the front lines, there is something else that I am more curious about."

"Why did the Third Navy, which was supposed to arrive in the Northern Theater Command two days ago and launch artillery strikes against the area where the Steel Legion was located, fail to launch an attack on the enemy as scheduled?"

"Duke Ostan, as the Grand Admiral of the Imperial Navy and in charge of this naval war, you should give me an explanation, shouldn't you?"

"Your Majesty, this was indeed a mistake on my part, and I am willing to accept any punishment."

Duke Ostan bowed his head respectfully, offering no explanation for the fact that the Allied forces had inexplicably learned the route of the Imperial Third Navy he had assigned, leading to an attack by Allied submarines and the disruption of the original support plan.

The moment he heard Emperor William's words, he, who had worked with his nominal nephew for many years, knew that the other party already knew everything.

He had to step forward as the Grand Admiral of the Navy to take responsibility before the young earl's son, who had just experienced the pain of losing his father, fell into the trap due to his emotions, in order to avoid falling into an even deeper trap set in advance by the ambitious prime minister on the other side.

Although he knew that the other party would not give up easily.

Sure enough, the moment he finished speaking, the Defense Secretary, Michel Larter, whom many called Wolf's loyal dog, launched an attack on him from the opposite seat:

"Your Majesty, considering Duke Ostan's health and the fact that the Northern Theater has been lost due to the Third Navy, for the sake of the Empire's future, I personally feel that Duke Ostan is no longer suitable to serve as the Grand Admiral of the Navy. Compared to the esteemed Duke Ostan, the Empire's development may need a more flexible Grand Admiral of the Navy."

"Seconded!"

"Seconded!"

As soon as Michel finished speaking, all the members of the House of Lords echoed him, their eyes turning to Emperor William on the throne, their expressions resolute and solemn, completely ignoring the Reform Party members who glared angrily at him.

It was as if their decision was made entirely for the sake of the empire's development, rather than for their own benefit.

"Prime Minister Wolf, do you think so too?"

Ignoring the echoes of the conservatives, Emperor William glanced to his left at the figure sitting in the second seat, eyes closed and silent, a barely perceptible cold glint in his eyes.

“Your Majesty, I disagree with Minister Michel’s view. As far as I know, the reason why the Third Navy did not strike the Allied forces as planned this time was because they were ambushed by the Allied forces during their march. The hasty battle delayed their march, which was an unexpected event outside the established mission. How can this responsibility be attributed to Duke Austein?”

Upon hearing this, Prime Minister Wolf, who had meticulously combed his gray hair back and whose face was gentle and humble, looking completely different from the Prime Minister who held administrative power and checked and balanced Emperor William at every turn, immediately opened his eyes and responded to Emperor William.

Before the conservatives could speak again, he said with a righteous and stern expression, "Although Duke Ostan's health is indeed worrying, given the current lack of capable men in the Imperial Navy, I personally believe that apart from Duke Ostan, it would be difficult for anyone to be competent for the position of Grand Admiral."

"Moreover, Duke Ostan is the founder of the 'Raiders Land and Sea Combat Legion,' which is currently the most powerful force in the Empire's Eastern Theater resisting the Allied forces. Before Duke Ostan officially selects a successor for the legion, I think it is necessary for us to retain Duke Ostan's position as Grand Admiral of the Navy, both in terms of ability and obligation, isn't it?"

Having said that, ignoring the puzzled looks from the crowd, Wolf looked directly at Duke Ostan, whose gaze remained calm, then a subtle, enigmatic smile appeared on his lips as he casually added:

"Of course, despite this, it is an undeniable fact that the Third Navy failed to complete its mission as agreed. Therefore, as the main person responsible for the loss of the Northern Theater, I personally believe that the Third Navy should be punished accordingly in order to demonstrate the fairness of the Empire."

"Moreover, the situation in the Southern Theater is becoming increasingly dire in the face of the Allied Navy. Why not let the Third Navy redeem itself by leading its troops to Faoken Bay to confront the enemy forces at sea and wash away its responsibilities with a victory? What does Duke Austein think?"

"Seconded!"

"Seconded!"

Upon hearing this, everyone suddenly understood.

With the Allied forces deploying a large number of warships, coupled with the dense jungle of Faoken Bay and the stealth spells of the Allied 'Shadow Orc Special Forces Legion,' it was difficult for magic-wielding soldiers to be effective there.

Therefore, the war in the Southern Theater concerning Faoken Bay had by this time become a quagmire, and the Empire's withdrawal from this front was a foregone conclusion.

Sending the Third Navy to the front lines at this point, ostensibly under the guise of providing support, would essentially be nothing more than sending them to their deaths; it would have no chance of turning the tide of this damned battle.

Upon realizing this, the conservatives secretly admired the Prime Minister's superior skills, as he had come up with this method to weaken the Duke of Ostan's military power, and immediately echoed him with fervent enthusiasm.

"...It is up to Your Majesty to decide."

Duke Ostanen naturally understood what the prime minister was planning, but the defeat of the Third Navy was an undeniable fact.

Therefore, despite feeling a pang of regret, this was the only response he could offer.

At the same time, he gave a look to his trusted confidant behind him, who then stopped the young count from speaking up to defend himself.

"Since no one has any objections, let us follow Prime Minister Wolf's suggestion and dispatch the Third Navy to Faoken Bay to assist in the fighting in the Southern Theater, effective immediately!"

Realizing that this conflict had once again ended with the Duke of Ostan's military power being invisibly eroded, William's eyes grew even colder, and when he looked at the smiling Prime Minister Wolf, a strong murderous intent flashed through his mind.

Despite having the surveillance force at his disposal, he could easily eliminate his opponent.

But William knew very well that Wolf Castells was not just backed by the Castells family, but by a vast group of nobles.

Even if he could kill Wolf, under that power, it wouldn't be long before a completely new prime minister would emerge.

This was a struggle between him and the group of nobles who had formed a conservative party.

It cannot be solved by simply killing one or a few people.

As long as he still wants to achieve centralized power, this contradiction will remain unresolved.

Most importantly, these nobles each wield significant military and administrative power, and if this conflict were to erupt completely...

His chances of winning this invisible war are currently less than 30%.

His status as emperor accounts for one part, while his uncle Ostan, who holds naval power and supports him, accounts for the other part.

As for the extra ten percent, it was just brought to him by his trusted and beloved general.

Upon thinking of this, a long-lost smile appeared on Emperor William's face.

No longer dwelling on Duke Ostan's defeat, after finalizing the support arrangements for the Third Navy, he addressed the assembled noble council members, whose expressions varied, and explained the fundamental reason for his council meeting:
"You are all aware that the Imperial Air Force, led by Admiral Dormammu, achieved a great victory on the western front and captured Walden Lake of Magic."

"Therefore, considering General Dormammu's many years of merit and the result of this great victory, I wish to promote him to Field Marshal of the newly formed Third Air Army of the Empire, and concurrently to the new Earl of Philoth of Walden Territory, in charge of the governance of Walden Territory."

"So, among those present, who agrees and who disagrees?"

……

The book will be available for purchase tomorrow. As usual, updates will be at 5 PM. I'm currently writing furiously for a big update. I'll explain the specific rules for extra updates when I post the release announcement tomorrow. That's all~
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(End of this chapter)