The Protagonist's Party is Too Diligent

Chapter 73

“So, that mercenary group was completely annihilated? When did this happen?”

"Early yesterday morning, sir."

Upon hearing the report, a brief expression of satisfaction crossed the face of Maximilian Schmidt, Governor of the Riklant Autonomous Territory. However, that look of delight didn’t last long.

“Did the Empire deploy additional forces?”

“Well...”

The senior officer in a blue uniform furrowed his brow, looking somewhat troubled. His meticulously groomed gray mustache twitched, as if something about the report didn’t sit well with him.

Still, Schmidt found it unlikely that the Empire had sent a large force across the border. If they had, this commander would have stormed in here looking visibly agitated. The autonomous territory, though nominally a “republic,” hadn’t completely shed its aristocratic influences.

Structurally, it resembled the Empire, minus the royal family.

Of course, that resemblance was only political; the territory was far smaller, and its military strength was laughable compared to the Empire’s. Originally, the autonomous military should have kept this mercenary group in check, but during the revolution’s chaos, they’d turned into a full-blown warlord faction. Comparing their military might to the Empire’s was practically a joke.

Reluctantly, they had requested assistance from the Empire, with the added plea not to send too many troops, fearing the Empire’s strength. Schmidt and the territory’s nobles had hoped to maintain some pride, though the military occasionally let its frustration show.

...Truth be told, even if the Empire ignored this plea, there was little they could do to stop them, but the Emperor had respected it—for now.

“There was only one individual.”

“...One person?”

Schmidt pondered for a moment before speaking.

“Did General Winterfield return?”

“No, sir.”

“Then, perhaps his daughter?”

“I’m afraid not. Though she was also female, she was much younger than General Winterfield’s daughter. There are rumors she’s a princess...”

“...A princess? Are you telling me they sent a princess to the battlefield? And she was the key to victory?”

Schmidt looked up at the ceiling with a stunned expression before turning his gaze back to the commander.

“Did the Empire sacrifice their forces to protect her presence in the field? If so, the compensation will be significant.”

‘Protection’ isn’t free, after all. Even if compensation isn’t paid outright in gold, there would undoubtedly be a price. Otherwise, who knew where the Empire’s military might would end up pointing?

The border region was overrun with warlords now, but if the Empire ever cleared them all out...

This was part of why the autonomous territory repeatedly pleaded with the Empire to limit their troops.

“No, sir.”

“Even if it is propaganda, there might be some truth to it. Like Lady Winterfield’s case, the princess may have been of considerable help in battle.”

Though the Empire might downplay their own losses, the presence of the princess in these photos suggested she’d participated in the battle. Schmidt considered sending someone to verify the truth from the Imperial forces.

"Hmm."

“Is there something wrong, sir?”

Seeing Schmidt narrow his eyes, the commander took a step back, looking puzzled.

“Commander, don’t you have a daughter?”

“...Yes, I do.”

Schmidt, noticing the commander’s dubious look, added with a faint smile.

“My daughter is still too young for the Imperial Academy, unfortunately.”

"..."

“But if you’re interested in sending your daughter to study abroad, the autonomous territory would be happy to sponsor her.”

"..."

The commander fell silent for a moment.

“There is, of course, one condition... but if you’re not interested, it’s no problem. There are many young women in the territory who’d love to study in the Empire. A son would be just as suitable.”

“I’ll consider it.”

At the commander’s response, Schmidt nodded, leaning back in his chair.

“I’d appreciate a decision as soon as possible. I’d like our student to board the same train as the cadets returning home.”

Although the process would require some bureaucratic navigation, Schmidt was confident the Emperor would entertain his suggestion.

Though he hadn’t fully gauged the Emperor’s character, Schmidt knew at least that he had a keen interest in “entertaining developments.”

“What do you intend to do with this information about the princess?”

“Well, information has a way of coming in handy eventually. If this princess really is as formidable as they say... we might find a way to leverage her abilities to benefit the territory. After all, we still don’t know much about her character, do we?”

Schmidt shrugged.

“Oh, and Commander, does your daughter enjoy making friends?”

“Oh, well—”

Schmidt chuckled as the commander averted his eyes, shifting them awkwardly.

I see.@@@@