Unlimited Ambition

Su Zi and Empress Suzumiya Haruhi, the supreme commander of the SOS Empire, parted their lips slightly and gave the order. Instantly, smoke filled the Milky Way, and a great battle was about to begin.

From planets controlled by the Imperial Central Government, countless reservists were mobilized, stuffed into individual armor without even the most basic training. They were then transported to the front lines by troop transports, led by rookie commanders fresh out of officer cadet school, plunging headlong into the quagmire of war. They vanished without a trace, without even surfacing.

The Queen's campaign was fraught with difficulties from the outset. The army suffered heavy casualties, crashing into the outermost defensive line of Baldwin's territory.

Two thousand star systems are lined up along this spiral arm, with nearly ten thousand planets fortified. This is a remnant of the great war between various forces in the Milky Way, hundreds of years old now. After the alien fleet invasion, it was rearmed as the next line of defense. However, now, Prince Baldwin has used it to become the most solid line of defense against the Imperial Central Army's invasion.

This defensive line was virtually impregnable. The area around the wormholes on the outer edge of the star system was riddled with various types of space mines. The access codes were so complex that even the Central Empire's interstellar computers would need years to crack them. However, the tyrannical ruler couldn't wait that long. So, a large number of minesweepers were dispatched. They subsequently became the first casualties.

Having finally cleared the obstacles and entered outer orbit, they encountered the elusive Ghost Fast Fleet. These Ghost Torpedo Boats, boasting speed and stealth capabilities, moved unseen, intercepting and destroying lone light warships and transport ships, causing great headaches for the frontline commanders.

Meanwhile, around the fully fortified planet, Baldwin Territory's three main fleets stood ready. They clashed with the invading enemy several times, each time winning despite being outnumbered. Even when the Imperial fleet temporarily gained the upper hand and entered planetary orbit, their numerous satellite platforms, densely packed with various laser weapons, missile arrays, and drone launch bays, were fully capable of withstanding enemy fleet attacks until the Baldwin Territory fleet returned.

After more than ten days of fighting, the pampered soldiers of the Imperial Central Army had fully experienced the might of these country bumpkins from Baldwin's territory. Having lost tens of millions of troops, they were forced to temporarily retreat and regroup.

This series of heavy losses further damaged the prestige of the central government. Soldiers lamented their plight, while regional warlords grew increasingly arrogant. It seemed the empire's millennia-old foundation was on the verge of collapse.

Seeing this scene, Chunri suppressed the pounding in her heart and began to think.

Baldwin's former army was formidable. Yet, it was a miracle that they were able to easily repel an attack from an enemy several times their size.

This was primarily due to Prince Wright Baldwin's almost superhuman command abilities. One man, a single astrological chart, and twenty-three hours of frantic activity, he managed to keep everything perfectly organized. His ingenious schemes and masterful manipulation of the enemy were exceptional; both his strategy and tactics were outstanding. This was something Her Majesty the Queen could not match.

Secondly, the rebels held their positions firmly in their fortified positions. Fighting on home soil gave them a clear advantage, and their morale was high. In contrast, some Imperial soldiers had never even left their own planets and hadn't undergone basic training. Naturally, their morale was low. Entire divisions and regiments of Space Marines surrendering were commonplace. There were even farcical instances of entire divisions surrendering to a single company, then building their own prisoner-of-war camps and locking themselves up.

Third, there is a huge disparity in the quality of officers. The Empire has consistently placed its top military talent on the front lines against alien fleets. This front line is essentially equivalent to Baldwin's territory. This is why successive leaders of galactic empires have valued the Baldwin family so highly.

Prince Baldwin went to war at the age of eight, and these valiant generals fought alongside him, some for as long as ten years. Under His Highness's command, they repeatedly won victories, naturally developing immense admiration for him. Most soldiers are straightforward and outspoken, and they also disapproved of Her Majesty the Queen's style of doing things. Once His Highness raised the banner of rebellion, followers naturally flocked to him. The few loyal and patriotic generals were all brought under control, making escape unlikely.

As a result, the empire had to appoint so-called civilian generals who worked in offices or managed logistics to command the army. Alternatively, they had to recruit war theorists from military academies and have some students graduate early. It was through this piecemeal approach that they were able to gather the necessary generals.

With so many problems and shortcomings, the progress of the war is predictable. Advancing it will be extremely difficult.

Of course, Her Majesty the Empress still had her own considerations: "Because I have an absolute advantage in resources and manpower, there's no need to worry even if the stalemate continues. It seems that the faithless bastard still has some sense of public duty; the three main fleets on the front lines defending against the alien fleet haven't been mobilized. With only the other three fleets, defense is sufficient, but offense is lacking. If he dares to stick his head out of that shell, I'll definitely grab him and make him suffer terribly until he obediently surrenders… Oh, hehehehe." (Haruhi, you're so awful.)

Of course, I've seen my share of big scenes. If Haruhi can analyze something, I certainly can too. She's waiting, and so am I. Waiting to completely decipher alien technology and create an even more superior battle fleet. Waiting for other forces to succumb to temptation, to raise the banner of rebellion so she'll be overwhelmed, waiting for her to lose her temper and make even more erroneous moves…

Patience? I have plenty of patience. I've made it this far all these years. Do you think I can't outlast a mere young girl like you?

"Isn't that right, Yuki?" Ko said, while his hands wandered restlessly over Yuki's body. Yuki, her face slightly flushed, nodded almost imperceptibly.

"Pour me a cup of tea."

Yuki walked over shakily, then shakily carried the teapot over. It's quite unusual that Yuki, who possesses alien-like abilities, would be so unsteady on her feet.

"Oh dear!" I was just thinking that when Yuki slipped and fell to the ground.

"How could you be so careless?" Gu said, trying to suppress a laugh, as he helped her up.

"It's all your fault—" Yuki stopped abruptly, lowered her head, and stood up with the help of Gu's arm. Then she changed her words: "It's nothing, I just made a little mistake."

This icy beauty suddenly revealed an expression that was both angry and pleased, and for a moment I was slightly dazed. I couldn't help but smile.

She's so adorable, it stirs up a possessive desire within me. I want to tear her clothes to shreds, wantonly ravage her slender limbs, and possess her forever and ever.

"Nagato Yuki." Koga smiled warmly and leaned close to her ear.

"What is it?" Yuki seemed still angry that I had given her the strange medicine, and her voice was cold.

"I love you," I said, then hugged her and gently unbuttoned her clothes...

Chapter Twenty-One Development

After semi-forcedly turning Yuki into my possession, I've been in a great mood these past few days and have been handling things much more smoothly.

And these past few days, that idiot Kasuga seems to have learned her lesson a bit. The intensity of her attacks has decreased considerably.

Therefore, I and Yuki lived a shameless and happy life from then on... cough cough, let's pretend I never said that.

However, it's been a little too quiet. There have been neither further attacks nor renewed negotiations.

I don't believe that Spring Day will really learn her lesson.

In other words, are they accumulating strength?

Indeed, the disparity in resources and manpower between the two sides is too great. If the SOS Empire were to fully mobilize and launch a human wave attack, it would be quite difficult.

There's no other way but to resort to a little trickery or schemes.

Another half month passed. One spring morning, after waking up, she stretched and took the flower petal dew that Mikuru handed her to rinse her mouth—only to discover that her empire had become riddled with holes without her noticing.

Almost overnight, the entire empire was engulfed in flames of rebellion. At least eight out of ten nobles in each star sector raised the banner of rebellion. Some even formed alliances and, under the guise of purging corrupt officials from the court, openly marched towards the imperial heartland at the center of the galaxy.

"Damn it! Those bastards dared to oppose me, the Empress! Send out the troops! Wipe them all out!!!"

It wasn't so obvious when it was just me betraying them. But now, the difference is stark. Back then, the Empress, though she fainted from anger, still said with a hint of shame, "You mustn't kill him." But when others betrayed her, even under the guise of "purging the court of corrupt officials," the Empress threatened to kill their entire families.

Speaking of which, Haruhi is indeed a rather eccentric little girl.

Although she can be incredibly difficult to deal with when she gets upset.

For example, this time.

“But Your Majesty… the vast majority of the Empire’s main forces have already been deployed to the front lines with Baldwin’s territory. We don’t have enough troops right now.” Koizumi Itsuki, with his squinting eyes, said from the side, “Besides, those local nobles are nothing but a minor ailment. A few planets, a few dozen, a hundred or so outdated light cruisers—they dare to wage war against the Empire with such strength? They’re utterly courting death—compared to that, Grand Duke Baldwin is our true and most pressing concern.”

I don't know why, but this guy seems to really dislike me. He often puts on a ferocious expression as if he wants to take me down with him.

Speaking of which, the Imperial Central Army was badly defeated by me not long ago. And Koizumi Itsuki, who tried his best to provoke this war—although he was just a mouthpiece for the Empress—was attacked terribly by the dove ministers. He almost lost his position and was too ashamed to hold his head up for many days.

However, this time, the rebellion of nobles from other territories demonstrated his foresight in another way. Koizumi Ichiki became cheerful again. He once more delivered a passionate speech, continuing to urge the Empress to treat him firmly.

To be honest, he's kicking himself now. He'd originally envisioned his army sweeping away everything in its path. As the instigator of the war, he'd naturally be credited immensely, and promotion and wealth would be a given. But he never expected the emperor to be so difficult. Now he's in a bind. If the empire negotiates peace with him, he'll most likely be made a scapegoat and executed. Therefore, even knowing the odds are against him, he persists in his hostility.

However, the captain of the guard clearly sensed a hint of disgust on the queen's face.

So he wisely kept his mouth shut.

The remaining ministers split into two factions, with the majority advocating for a compromise with the emperor. Their reasoning, naturally, remained that internal strife was shameful and that they should unite against a common enemy, relying on the emperor's abilities to quell the rebellion.

However, those who insisted on fighting against me remained steadfast. They even unreasonably accused me of accepting bribes. The other side responded with angry shouts and curses. As a result, the situation gradually spiraled out of control.

Seeing her ministers arguing endlessly over differing strategic opinions, Empress Kasuga snapped, "Shut up, all of you!"

After that, the entire palace fell silent.

"I have made my decision! The plan to punish Baldwin remains unchanged!"

Hearing the Empress say this, the brainwashed hawks, represented by Koizumi Itsuki, breathed a sigh of relief.

"But! We can't ignore those damned rats! They're absolutely despicable!!" Empress Kasuga changed her tone again, making the ministers uneasy.

“But Your Majesty, our forces are insufficient…” a minister mustered his courage and reminded him.

"Do you think I would make such a low-level mistake? Drag him out and shoot him!!" Empress Kasuga glared with her almond-shaped eyes and raised her eyebrows, revealing her capricious nature once again.

Then the unfortunate man was dragged away by the expressionless guards.

"Your Majesty, have mercy! Your Majesty, have mercy!! I have rendered meritorious service to the Empire! I have rendered meritorious service to the Empire!!"

Despite its desperate struggle, the tragedy was still relentlessly dragged away.

"Snapped!!!"

……

……

……

"Alright! Stop giving me those long faces! Smile, smile for me!"

The ministers looked at each other, then burst into extremely unpleasant, piercing laughter, like that of night owls.

"It's uglier than crying?! Mikuru! Show them what a truly healing smile looks like!"

"Ah... well... that's about it..." Mikuru smiled faintly, picking up the hem of her skirt.

"Healed..." ×N

"I can die without regrets..." ×N

"Waaaaah... I... this life... was worth it..." ×N

"No crying allowed!! All of you go home and practice in front of the mirror! I'll be checking tomorrow! Anyone who can't smile will be shot!!" After saying this, Empress Kasuga seemed to lose her patience: "Regarding the army, continue to draw garrison troops from various places. Conscript reserves. Then exchange these troops with the troops confronting the border of Baldwin's territory. Intensify their training. Use the exchanged troops to quell other noble rebellions."

To be fair, Empress Kasuga's idea is quite feasible. However, there are two minor issues.

First, the already limited garrison troops in various regions will continue to be redeployed. This will further deteriorate the security situation in these areas. It's possible that even more people will raise the banner of rebellion, making the situation even worse. Rebellion will then spread like a contagious disease.

Second, send these third-rate troops to the front lines and redeploy the main fighting forces to quell the rebellion. That shouldn't be a problem. The Imperial main force, while slightly inferior to Baldwin's territory army, is a different story compared to those noble private armies—but who can guarantee that such a large-scale operation won't be noticed by Prince Baldwin on the other side, who might then seize the opportunity to launch a major attack?—that's almost certain.

But in this situation, who would still stand firm and offer advice? Everyone was terrified by the Queen's recent outburst. Good heavens, just one sentence, and she was dragged out and executed! Such a capricious master is hard to deal with. It's best to say less and protect oneself. After all, this SOS Empire isn't ours.

Thus, the court assembly concluded. Following Empress Kasuga's plan, the SOS Empire embarked on a new round of aggressive military expansion.

At this moment, having just spent some time intimate with Yuki, I yawned and carefully released her from her tight embrace. Then, completely naked, I climbed out of bed and headed towards the bathroom.

The room still reeked of the lewd atmosphere left from yesterday's grueling battles. Looking at Yuki's slightly weary face, worn from overwork, I couldn't help but gently stroke her chest with affection (Why are you stroking her chest while looking at her face?! Are you a beast?!).

Let's do it again after I take a shower.

As he thought this, he lay down in the several-square-meter black crystal bathtub, enjoying the stimulation that the hot water brought to his body.

"You seem to be having a very leisurely time."

That damn sound.

A fierce glint flashed in his eyes, then he snapped his fingers, and the voice control system immediately activated. The edge of the bathtub slowly opened, and a bottle of chilled red wine and two crystal glasses rose up.

"Want some?"

"Oh my, does Urobuchi have some ulterior motive for giving me an alcoholic drink like this? But if it's Urobuchi... well, it's not like I can't..."

She acted coy and shy, and said this to me.

I rolled my eyes and didn't reply. Then I poured myself a glass. I took a small sip—and then the person who came in snatched it away.

Gu frowned: "Don't go too far."

"That's going too far," the newcomer replied, a mix of reproach and delight, before downing the drink in one gulp. His face was slightly flushed, perhaps from drinking too quickly. "Heh... Xu-chan drank it, so it's an indirect kiss, you know." He then grinned sheepishly.

"What an idiot," Gu cursed, then poured himself another drink.

"Honkai-chan is so cold..." The person feigned disappointment. "But, Honkai-chan probably really wants to do all sorts of comfortable things with me, doesn't she?"

Gu rolled her eyes: "You really dare to say that, Yakumo Yukari."