This Kingdom Needs a Coup

[The central army successfully suppressed the rebellion led by Duke Barellmont and his faction. The damage was minimal.]

The news of victory spread across the nation at lightning speed, as always.

Some spread the good news far and wide, while others shared the tragic news to awaken vigilance.

“Several noble families raised an army together, and it was suppressed in less than two months? Is that even possible?”

“The total number of troops was said to exceed 60,000. To defeat such a large army in such a short time…”

“It must be Sir Roytel. With someone like him, our kingdom remains strong.”

The commoners, as always, were excited and cheered by the dopamine-filled stories.

After all, it was a civil war involving two ducal families and one count family.

Including the minor families Duke Barellmont brought in, it easily surpassed ten families.

The total number of troops mobilized reached a staggering 64,000.

That’s equivalent to the entire northern front army in the past.

In reality, the Loengram ducal family was the first to be crushed as an example, and Karolus deliberately incited the rebellion, but anyway.

That’s what was officially announced.

The central army defeated such a large force with just two short expeditions.

Without any difficulty, as easily as twisting a child’s wrist.

It was like a development straight out of a fairy tale or an epic drama, so how could one not be amazed?

“But why did they start the rebellion?”

“They said Sir Roytel was trying to oppress them unfairly, so they had to fight to survive.”

“What a load of crap. They started a war, and now they’re talking about unfairness?”

“It’s not like the high and mighty lords haven’t been doing this for a day or two. It’s not even surprising anymore.”

Especially since Karolus and his faction have been advertising the reason for the war with the empire for a long time.

Not just the capital, but even the provinces now know about the Crown Prince and his close associates’ stupid actions.

And about the hypocrisy and greed the nobles showed while trying to cover it up.

Everyone has clearly learned why their precious children were dragged to the battlefield and their valuable livestock were requisitioned.

But could there be any sympathy for the nobles?

Physically impossible.

“I wonder how they’ll deal with the ringleaders.”

“They were taken to the capital, so they’ll probably be tried there and then burned to death or something.”

“What about like in the western countries? They execute people by cutting them into thousands of pieces with cannons.”

Given the chance, they’d want to burn the trash that deceived them for ten years alive, but since the central army did the job for them,

There was virtually no public backlash or criticism across the kingdom.

In fact, many were disappointed. They wanted to join the central army and get a chance for revenge.

“That monster Roytel. Is he planning to clean up the local forces now…”

“He took out two ducal families openly. This should be seen as a threat to crush anyone who tries to rise.”

“Given their background and position, they’re not likely to be positive about compromise…”

On the other hand, the Blue Bloods were in a funeral-like atmosphere, both metaphorically and literally.

With their relatives in the capital being executed en masse, they were already in chaos, and now they were hit repeatedly.

Two of the most powerful families in the kingdom were uprooted.

The combined area of their territories was equivalent to a small country.

The confiscated territories are soon to be incorporated into the royal domain, right?

The nobles knew what this meant. In fact, they knew too well, which is why they were in despair.

Clearly, the intention is to use the puppet royal family, stripped of all real power, to centralize the territories.

They must be planning to strip the local forces of their power to prevent them from opposing Karolus’s regime.

“Everyone should lay low for a while. For the sake of their families and themselves.”

“Ugh! How did we end up like this?”

“We should have killed Karolus. If we had acted earlier, we wouldn’t be in this mess.”

But even if they knew, there was no way to respond.

They quietly bowed their heads and chose to go along with the trend, hoping for a chance to make a glorious comeback.

…Whether such a possibility actually exists is another matter.

Karolus and his central army returned to the capital around the time this atmosphere was fully ripe.

* * * * *

“Wahhh!!”

“Roytel! Roytel! Roytel!”

“Long live the Vice-Chairman of the Supreme Council! Long live the Revolutionary Army!! Long live!!”

“Mom, I want to be Sir Roytel when I grow up!”

As we crossed the city gates, dragging our tired bodies, we were greeted by thunderous cheers from all directions.

Flower petals rained from the sky, and the sound of fireworks mixed with joyful screams to create a symphony.

The endless applause, along with the public’s enthusiasm, seemed to commend the soldiers’ hard work and fill them with a sense of accomplishment and pride.

“It’s quite noisy.”

“Isn’t everyone too happy for a civil war?”

The subordinates pretended to be worried, but the corners of their mouths were practically reaching the sky.

Being stuck in the icy lands, everyone was overflowing with a desire for recognition and honor.

After all, no matter how hard you worked (or even died), there were few people to praise or comfort you there.

“From their perspective, it’s like defeating the enemy. They crushed some bastards, so it’s worth celebrating.”

“That’s true, but…”

“Don’t overthink it and just enjoy it. They’re celebrating us, so there’s no need to think too seriously.”

“Yes!”

We waved our hands appropriately.

We accepted flower wreaths and necklaces.

As we walked, responding appropriately, the crowd gradually thinned, and we soon reached the central part of the capital where the government buildings were.

Familiar faces were waiting in front of the grand palace standing in the center.

Our Brother Julius, Brigadier General Kais, General Albrecht, the Cardinal in charge of the capital diocese, and…

“Sir!”

“Oh my.”

Finally, Kamilla, who ran up and hugged me.

“Long time no see, my lady.”

“I’ve been waiting. Are you hurt anywhere?”

“Thanks to your concern.”

This girl’s expressions of affection are getting more intense.

After spending one night together, she’s no longer shy even in front of others.

“Wow, isn’t that a bit too blatant?”

“Sir, let us know when the wedding date is set. I’ll come dressed in my best uniform.”

“Shut your mouths, we haven’t even had the formal meeting yet.”

Of course, I’ll take responsibility, but I haven’t prepared anything yet. After the war is over and we catch our breath, we’ll take it slow.

“Did any problems arise while I was away?”

“Not really. I’ll report on the tasks you instructed before leaving later. For now, you should rest.”

Unable to resist her pulling on my arm, I ordered everyone to disband. Let’s all go back, get a good night’s sleep, and meet again tomorrow.

With that, everyone dispersed to their respective destinations.

Some to the barracks, others to the camps or taverns.

And I to the mansion now owned by Kamilla.

* * * * *

Many people might want a detailed description, but to put it simply.

We spent the night burning with passion. In other words, we went at it. This time, without getting drunk and in full control.

Since it was the first time for both Kamilla and me to do it properly, we were a bit clumsy. Made a lot of mistakes.

But once the spark was lit, we got excited and went at it until we ran out of energy.

“The administrative recovery is going smoothly. It’s hard to find replacements because there are so many vacancies.”

The next morning, after our energy was drained and we were both in a post-coital haze.

I lay in bed listening to Kamilla’s status report.

“Is it hard to find people? In the capital, shouldn’t it be easy to secure educated professionals?”

“Outsiders usually lack experience. We don’t have time to train them when we need to deploy them immediately.”

“Ah, if that’s the problem, then there’s nothing we can do.”

“So we’re promoting existing staff and rotating people to fill the gaps. Recruitment is mainly for lower-level positions.”

She shrugged, saying that in a month or two, about half of the administrative functions should be restored.

Though full recovery is still far off, at least the system is being revived. That’s something.

“You mentioned the examination system for bureaucrats? We’re preparing to introduce that too. Since there are no nobles to oppose it, it’s easy to plan and pass.”

“What will the exams cover?”

“Math, language, and philosophy for now. Administration can be taught after hiring.”

The system planned to reduce parachute appointments will soon be implemented.

It’s not as systematic as the South Korean civil service exam, but it’s quite good.

At least it can determine if someone has the basic knowledge of an educated person.

The days of having idiots who can’t even read statistical charts sitting in director or deputy director positions are over.

“What will you do with the captured nobles?”

“Kill them. Soon.”

With national affairs going smoothly, we need to sign a peace treaty with the empire soon.

We might have to make some concessions, but not too much.

After ending the long war, we’ll celebrate by cutting off the heads of the criminals.

After crushing a few more dangerous families, we’ll hold a mass execution. I wonder what expression Karl VII will make.

I was vaguely thinking about that when.

–Knock knock.

“Sir, are you inside?”

An unexpected guest arrived.

“What is it?”

“A guest from the intelligence bureau is here. They say the king has fled and need to inform you urgently…”

What the fuck?

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