Steel, Explosives, and Spellcasters

Since the current Emperor ascended the throne, although sweeping reforms like those initiated by his grandfather and father never occurred, small-scale flexible innovations have never ceased.

The structure and responsibilities of various councils, committees, and government departments are constantly changing, so even Alexei Araktcheev cannot be sure which institution will truly hold power in the future.

However, compared to those court jesters racking their brains to guess the Emperor's intentions, Alexei Araktcheev has a very straightforward way to get the answer.

"Your Majesty, forgive my dullness." Araktcheev frowns as he directly asks the Emperor, "Is this so-called 'State Council' not overlapping in power with most of the existing councils? Do you intend to establish a council for all councils?"

Beside him, Earl Narzia stands in the corner, lifeless as a statue, with his eyes on his nose, his nose on his mouth, and his mouth on his heart, while his ears are perked up high.

"As expected of you." Earl Narzia's heart pounds incessantly, and he can't help but think, "As expected of you."

The question Araktcheev can easily ask, Earl Narzia could never utter.

The Emperor calmly gazes at Araktcheev, and behind him, Crazy Richard also fixes his gaze on Araktcheev.

"A council to replace all councils." The Emperor says.

A council to replace all councils?

A council to replace all councils!

Such a light sentence, falling on the right ears, weighs like a thousand pounds.

The office falls into dead silence, and Earl Narzia instinctively swallows. He feels a deep regret for staying here, eavesdropping on the Emperor's conversation with Alexei Araktcheev.

From this moment, he must pray that Araktcheev can keep silent until the Emperor announces his intentions to the Empire's subjects.

Before that happens, Earl Narzia dares not imagine what would ensue if a fourth person uttered "a council to replace all councils."

On the other side, Araktcheev's boot heel thuds heavily.

He answers bluntly, "Understood, then I'll go to the State Council. Rather than being supervised, I'd prefer to supervise others."

The Emperor lightly nods.

Araktcheev asks again, "Your Majesty, who will succeed my position?"

"Barclay de Tolly."

Araktcheev furrows his brows, this is a Castilian with less experience than he had when appointed Minister of War.

"The Southern Army's case." Araktcheev continues, "Should I bring it to the State Council?"

"No need."

"Barclay." Mentioning his successor, Araktcheev's tone carries a hint of disdain, "I'm afraid he lacks the courage to pursue it to the end."

"No need to investigate further." The Emperor pauses slightly, "The Southern Army's case ends here."

Earl Narzia's heart starts pounding again, for the Emperor's simple words signify that the terrifying Southern Army scandal can finally be concluded.

"Lord Araktcheev." The Emperor rarely addresses the minister by name.

"Your Majesty." Once again, Araktcheev's boot heels clack heavily.

"As chairman of the Military Affairs Committee," the Emperor patiently explains, "your primary task is to resolve the chaos revealed in the Southern military supplies and logistics, restore order to the military administrative system. Recruit enough new soldiers and horses to make up for the losses in the Northern Army during the war, and prepare for losses that will arise in future wars."

Araktcheev listens intently without missing a word, then, after pondering for a moment, shakes his head, "It's too rushed. If the Southern Army could be properly cleaned up before rebuilding, everything we want to do would be much easier."

Earl Narzia's heart tightens; after so many beheadings and dismissals, this bastard Araktcheev still feels it's not enough? Just when the brutal reckoning seemed to see an end, does it really have to continue?

The Emperor does not respond to Araktcheev's complaint.

He looks out the window, gently tapping the armrest.

Once, twice, thrice...

"Time waits for no one." The Emperor says.