Unlimited Ambition

Princess Cornelia, true to her reputation as the witch of Brittany, showed little reaction even with the sword to her neck. She simply stared at me coldly, waiting to see how I would explain myself.

Tsk, I can't exactly say again: "So-and-so is in a frenzy and likes to kill," can I? I don't want to become the recipient of this year's No. 1 diplomatic scandal.

So I slowly began to speak: "The Chinese Federation has been established for a thousand years, never acknowledging its vassalage, never ceding territory, and never paying reparations. These three principles are the foundation of our nation and will never be changed."

After speaking, he sheathed his sword. He laughed heartily, as if nothing had happened, and quickly put on a smiling face: "Gentlemen, you have come from afar and must be weary from your journey. It would be impolite of our country not to treat you well. As for the negotiations, we can discuss them after you have rested." After speaking, he turned to an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and instructed, "Take good care of these guests."

He then cupped his hands in greeting to the princess, who was about to say something, and said, "I have urgent business to attend to, so I must leave you alone." He turned and walked away without looking back. Xu Chu and Dian Wei's two bodyguards snorted coldly, brandished their guns at the Britannian entourage, and then turned to follow me.

In any case, I've decided to give this princess a good dressing down. Meanwhile, aid to Japan will remain unchanged—no, it will be doubled.

Thus, Princess Cornelia and her entourage received lavish hospitality in Luoyang, indulging in a variety of delicacies every day and visiting one famous historical site after another. However, they couldn't find anyone to discuss the negotiations with. Upon inquiry, they were told that Lord Mengde was busy with official duties. Busy with what? Providing aid to Japan.

During this period, a total of 5,000 humanoid mechs were sent to Japan. Under strong pressure from the Chinese Federation, the Japanese government was forced to concentrate these mechs for use. While these 5,000 mechs were insufficient for offensive operations, they could cause considerable trouble for the enemy in defense. One even managed a minor victory against a junior lieutenant colonel named Toudou Kagamishiro.

This was too much for the empire to bear, especially after learning that the Japanese military had planted explosives all over Mount Fuji, intending to detonate them after their defeat.

Heaven help us, Mount Fuji is a volcano. Although it hasn't been active for centuries, who knows what the effects of an explosion would be? The most important factor for Brittany in its attack on Japan was the cherry blossom mines on Mount Fuji. If Japan were to go mad and launch a massive attack, Brittany would end up with nothing.

Therefore, Britannia repeatedly urged its diplomatic missions to reach an agreement with the Chinese Federation as soon as possible. The previously mentioned treaty was naturally invalid. In truth, Britannia was also hoping for a miracle, wishfully scare the Chinese Federation away. However, it had no real intention of demanding compensation from the Federation.

I didn't expect the Federation to be so decisive, leaving the diplomatic mission hanging without even a discussion. They also increased their secret aid to Japan.

Emperor Egg Roll was furious this time. He gave the Witch Princess a severe dressing-down over the video call. Afterwards, he indicated that he could concede a little benefit to the Chinese Federation, allowing them to taste some sweetness, and return to the negotiating table.

Such underhanded tactics were beyond the capabilities of the iron-blooded princess, who had risen through the ranks of the military. However, she had quite a few professional diplomats under her command, who found ways to bribe the eunuchs in the eunuch faction. The next day, seven or eight of them came to my office to explain themselves. And these were all people I couldn't afford to offend at the moment.

Damn it. Once I'm in power, I'll exile you all to Siberia to mine.

After cursing him in my mind, I went to find the princess, still seething with anger.

So, the two empires engaged in a war of words, but that was none of my concern; there were plenty of professional negotiators to handle the talking. My job was simply to accompany this woman around and build rapport.

After being spat on in the face by her own father, the woman noticeably toned down her behavior. While her attitude towards me remained cold and indifferent, she didn't say anything offensive again. Overall, the situation was relatively amicable. Compared to the heated debates at the negotiating table, it was practically like sweet nothings between lovers.

However, by the next day, the woman was getting restless. After asking a few probing questions, it seemed she wanted a "friendly kendo match" with me, apparently still harboring resentment about me pressing my sword against her neck that day.

You're not convinced? Fine, I'll beat you until you are.

As a result, the two fought on the field. I am 1.34 meters tall and weigh 32 kilograms. My opponent is 1.8 meters tall and weighs 62 kilograms. Looking at this report, I whispered in a voice just loud enough for her to hear: "Isn't he too fat?" This almost drove the woman crazy.

The competition ended after two hours. Western fencing, with its powerful and sweeping movements, is indeed incredibly effective in military formations. However, in one-on-one combat, it cannot compare to the exquisite beauty of Eastern swordsmanship. Cornelia and I fought twelve rounds. Unfortunately, I won them all.

After I won, Cornelia's gaze seemed to soften considerably. After observing her closely and realizing it wasn't just my imagination, I was slightly surprised. Could this woman be a submissive? A queen-like submissive? Hmm, maybe that'll become a trend, I thought, looking at Cornelia's awkward expression.

Chapter Eight: Farewell

As both sides escalate their pressure and the day draws ever closer, the countdown to Japan's demise has begun. I thought about it and felt a little embarrassed; two major powers sit down at the negotiating table, and the small country caught in the middle is essentially sold out. Who can we complain to?

Forget it, these kinds of things happen all the time. If you have that kind of free time, you'd be better off analyzing that woman Cornelia carefully.

That woman really seems to be a masochist. Even after I beat her up a few days ago, she's still relentless, constantly pestering me for more beatings. What kind of person is she? Where do I get all that free time?! The Chinese Federation has so many important matters waiting for me to handle every day.

So, when Cornelia later came looking for me, I would hide away at the Emperor's place. The little girl was very welcoming of my arrival. The reason was that I was getting older, and I had more and more things to do, so I gradually came to play with her less often.

Cornelia always felt pressured whenever she saw me with the little girl. She'd awkwardly not know what to say, so I just avoided the situation. But afterwards, leaving the palace to return to my office became a bit more difficult.

Seeing the little girl clinging to my clothes, tears welling in her eyes, I felt a lot of pressure. My heart softened, and I thought that after this was over, I would be going back to Northeast China. I didn't know when I would see her again. So I stopped focusing on work and decided to spend more time with her.

After this back and forth, Cornelia realized that I was deliberately avoiding her. Once her princess temper flared, she stopped looking for me altogether. The next time I saw her, it was at the farewell banquet for the Britannian delegation, after the terms had been agreed upon, as they prepared to return home.

As the nominal negotiator, it would be unreasonable for me not to attend. And that's how Cornelia caught me.

Once the banquet officially began, Her Highness first scared away the negotiators from both sides who wanted to surround her with her gaze. Then, she grabbed me, who was about to escape, and brought me back to a secluded spot—on the glazed tiles of a roof. There, she began to have a heart-to-heart talk.

"You're special." That was the first thing Cornelia said to me. Then she chugged down half a bottle of Wuliangye liquor, which she didn't know where she'd gotten it from.

"I don't know why, but I always feel relaxed around you." That's the second sentence. Then comes another half-bottle.

I guess it's because I'm ridiculously strong that I feel safe.

This is followed by a monologue from Cornelia. It's mostly about how much she suffers. Despite her noble status as a Britannian princess, the life is fraught with danger. Princes and princesses vie for power, and there's the fierce competition for the throne. She feels like she's walking on thin ice, and she has to numb herself by immersing herself in battle. And so on.

When I heard that, I realized, "Oh, so that's how it is. We can actually use this against her." Feeling pleased, I offered her a few words of comfort. Unexpectedly, this tough princess burst into tears.

Under the influence of alcohol, the princess, barely twenty years old, appeared radiant and beautiful. I secretly swallowed, and for some reason, I thought of what that bastard Guo Fengxiao had told me back then.

Who knows, with proper planning, this could turn out to be a tremendous opportunity. Years ago, I joked with my father that we should emulate Austria in marriage alliances. And now, just a few years later, heaven has truly given me this chance. Not bad, not bad. I'll visit Brittany sometime and, while I'm at it, ask that emperor of the egg rolls for a marriage proposal.

The emperor would surely be satisfied. My current status is barely worthy of the princess. And after he marries his daughter, he'll gain more support from the Chinese Federation. It might even become an excuse to interfere in the Chinese Federation. Of course, conversely, for me, isn't this also an opportunity to insert myself into Brittany?

At that point, it'll come down to who's more cunning. As for love... pshaw.

Seeing this woman, oblivious to her own limitations, down a whole bottle of baijiu in one gulp, I chuckled. Unlike Fengxiao, I didn't resort to such vulgarity. I simply leaned over and sniffed the air. Thankfully, it didn't have the strong body odor often associated with Western women. The aroma of the liquor mixed with the subtle fragrance of a virgin was quite pleasant.

It's passable, I guess. It's just that he's a bit too old.

Thinking this, I followed her example and lay down on the tile, closed my eyes, and started to sleep.

※※※

The next morning, Cornelia was the first to wake up. Recalling her drunken state the previous night, she felt a chill run down her spine, realizing she had said many things she shouldn't have. Looking at the little boy lying beside her, she felt somewhat troubled.

Her commotion woke me up too. I rubbed my eyes and got up, looking at her troubled expression, and said, "What are you thinking about, Cornelia?"

Cornelia looked a little surprised when she heard my address. When we didn't get along, I called her by her first name. Once our relationship improved, I added "Princess" to her name. As for calling her "sister," that was something I came up with last night after discussing it.

"No, it's nothing." Cornelia blushed for no reason when I called her that. Her heart softened a little. These past few days, I'd left a very good impression on her. Brave, wise, patriotic, learned, gentle… such a man is rare even in Brittany. The only regret is that he's a little too young. About the same age as her younger brother, Lelouch.

Thinking of her younger brother, the princess felt another pang of heartache. She secretly blamed her father for starting the war and ruining her brother. Now, news from the front lines indicated her brother was nowhere to be found, neither alive nor dead. Perhaps he had already perished.

Thinking of this, the princess's usual military demeanor vanished, and she began to cry like a little girl.

good chance.

At that moment, I was incredibly grateful, because my little girl is a crybaby, which is why I've developed the habit of carrying a handkerchief. So I handed her the handkerchief and then put my hands on her shoulders. The princess didn't hesitate and immediately leaned into my arms.

Yes, the plan is going ahead.

※※※

Her Highness eventually left, but before she did, I made a promise with her to visit Brittany in the future. It was a good start. I don't know who told me, but a good start is half the battle. I've always kept that in mind.

After the Chinese Federation ceased supplies, the dedicated radioactive fuel ran out. All the mechs became scrap metal. The Empire's offensive once again became unstoppable. The Japanese army suffered a crushing defeat.

What worries me a bit is that Lieutenant Colonel Todo—for some reason, this decorated mid-level officer hasn't been promoted at all. This also shows the extent of the corruption within the Japanese government—this guy, without mech cover, hasn't suffered any major losses. He even seized opportunities to fight a few brilliant battles. A talent indeed. Too bad he's not one of my talents. I'll find a chance to eliminate him.

Although I was somewhat prepared, I was still greatly shocked when Japan was destroyed. Prime Minister Genbu had been killed by his own ten-year-old son. After the prime minister, who had pursued a policy of hardline resistance, died, the Japanese army collapsed instantly. The vast majority surrendered and became prisoners. Only a small number persisted, waging guerrilla warfare in the deep mountains and forests, but they were unable to gain any real strength.

What surprised me even more was that the reason why Kuchiki Suzaku killed his father was that he believed his father's resistance policy had caused suffering to the Japanese people.

"Hey, Zhongde, are you sure this kid isn't an idiot? If he doesn't resist, does he just obediently become a subjugated slave, a third-class citizen?" That's what I asked Cheng Zhongde, who was in charge of intelligence, at the time.

Cheng Yu's expression was also very strange, as if he wanted to laugh but dared not. He said to me, "The intelligence should be fine. That kid named Kuchiki Suzaku certainly seems to think so."

Wow, the world is truly full of wonders. But it's not surprising that such a despicable lackey was born in Japan. The Japanese are just unlucky.

Also, the plan to blow up Mount Fuji was only half successful. During the execution, the surrounding garrison was routed by the Imperial Army. However, there was a decisive guy in the Imperial Army who immediately brought in a large amount of liquid nitrogen. At least half of Mount Fuji was saved. This guy is probably about to become rich. What was his name again, hmm, Orange?

Because of the Britannian mission, I was supposed to return to Northeast China at the end of the year, but I spent the New Year in Luoyang again this year. The old man knew I'd most likely leave after the New Year. He was a little reluctant to let me go, but there was no reason to force me to stay.

Besides that, there's another reason: my father's health is truly failing. The doctors have even predicted he won't live past the end of the year. If I don't go back, there's a good chance of major unrest in the Northeast. That old geezer doesn't want to lose the powerful Northeast Army as a major ally.

Just like any other child, the emperor also looked forward to the New Year, or more precisely, to the fireworks and sweets. As for lucky money, that was out of the question.

Well then, I'll just buy her a small gift to appease her. Consider it a parting present.

With this in mind, I gave the little girl a five-yuan agate pendant I'd bought from a roadside stall. Completely oblivious to price gouging, she beamed with joy. However, when I told her I'd be leaving after the New Year, she burst into tears. It took me quite a while to calm her down. I also made a promise to come back and see her every New Year from now on. Only then did I manage to soothe her.

I stayed with the little girl for the first half of the night, and when she couldn't stay awake any longer in the second half, I quietly took a pair of scissors and cut off the sleeve she was clutching tightly. I handed her over to the palace maid. Then I went to say goodbye to the old man.

Under the night sky, only a dim oil lamp was lit in the old man's room. The dim light made him appear particularly desolate. After hearing that I had come to say goodbye, the old man didn't show any reaction. He offered a few words of comfort, handed me a red envelope as a New Year's gift, and then told me to leave.

"Wait a minute. I remember you're very interested in swordsmanship, aren't you?" Just as I was about to leave, the old man called me back again. "There's a sword in my collection over there called Yitian. It's just for show in my hands. Take it if you like."

The Heaven-Slaying Sword? Sounds impressive. I walked over, took it out of its case, and drew it. In the dim light, the longsword revealed incredibly beautiful patterns. The entire blade shimmered like autumn water.

"It's a fine sword," I exclaimed. Then I sheathed it and bowed slightly to the old man.

"This is probably the most precious thing my godfather gave me," I praised. Unexpectedly, the old man ignored me. He simply shook his head slowly, then waved me away.

Chapter Nine: The Wolf King of the Far North

Just as the doctor had predicted, my father did not survive the winter. Before his death, he repeatedly asked his ministers to assist me well, and then passed away peacefully in the presence of his senior officials and descendants. From then on, I succeeded my father in his official position and status, becoming the Commander-in-Chief of the Northeast Military Region, the Governor-General of the Northeast, the hereditary Duke of Wei, and the head of the Cao clan of the Chinese Federation.

I was eleven years old back then.

I'm probably the youngest yet highest-ranking minor in the world right now. That's what I say to myself.

Three months after the funeral, as I expected, the idiots in the clan couldn't sit still any longer and were preparing to hold a clan meeting, using my age as a starting point to restrict my rights.

What poor fellows! Because they're in the Northeast, they haven't heard of my infamous reputation? I'll just silently recite a mantra for their rebirth in the Pure Land for now.

Another point is that I don't like being insulted to my face before I can retaliate.

Let's kill them all before that happens. I've already given you your chance. I've been holding back for three months.

The network I built in Luoyang back then finally came in handy. Two thousand special operations troops from the Ministry of Internal Affairs turned Harbin upside down in one night. Everyone involved in the conspiracy, from the highest-ranking elder of the Cao family to the trusted servants who served tea and water, all lost their heads. In just one night, my reputation in Harbin was almost as bad as it was in Luoyang.

Congratulations! Congratulations!

※※※

After completely crushing all opponents, the second step was to seize control of the Northeast Army. Fortunately, the Northeast Military Region had been under Cao Cao's control for over a thousand years. The soldiers were highly loyal to Cao Cao. Of course, they might still have some doubts about me, a minor. But soon, very soon, these guys would see.

A strong, iron-fisted, highly capable, and extremely young leader. Under his leadership, the entire Northeast region will be revitalized, becoming the perfect base for my grand plan to conquer the world.

Oh, just ignore the second half.

As for the few who have been bribed by others within the clan, well, kill them. After all, I need to place some of my own trusted men in positions of power. That way, even if other armies have reservations about my age, I'll still have a reasonably capable army at my disposal.

Barely, it could swallow up the whole of Siberia.

Thus, in the second year after Cao Mengde took control of the entire Northeast Military Region, the Chinese Federation launched a rare undeclared war, sending 800,000 elite troops westward along the Eurasian Railway Bridge.

Although the army was small in number, it was equipped with a total of 10,000 snow-specific mechs called "Snow Wolves." (Lakushata finally gave in. A year ago, she produced this mech design blueprint, clearly intended to curry favor with me, and I slightly improved her treatment in return.)

Meanwhile, the timing of the Federation's move was also quite opportune, coinciding with the EU's hard-won conclusion of a long period of contention. The decision to send reinforcements to North Africa was made after extremely fierce fighting broke out between the two sides on the El Alamein front.

The EU's elite forces were almost entirely committed to the El Alamein front. The Russian border guards alone were no match for the Northeast Army, equipped with new mechs. Western Siberia resisted for only two days before swiftly falling to the enemy.

After the veteran general Kutuzov, who remained on the western front, finally managed to organize a barely passable army, the Northeast Army had already captured key cities such as Omsk, Yekaterinburg, and Tyumen. They were now at the outskirts of Moscow, and their artillery was poised to reach the Kremlin.

Fortunately, Kutuzov was a responsible fellow. He foresaw the difficulties our supply lines were stretched too thin, the approaching winter, and other challenges, and resolutely burned down the entire city of Moscow. Then, he and his drunken soldiers disappeared without a trace.