With the support of many, including Vladimir, Andrei, and Nikolai, I successfully transitioned to my new role without severely damaging my image.

“Whew…”

Unlike last time, when I nearly refused bathing or meals altogether, I kept my expression neutral and allowed myself to be attended to in the bath with a calm mind. My body was sore all over from the aftereffects of riding urgently, making it impossible not to notice the pain.

Of course, this doesn’t mean the hard times are over. My subordinates are still prisoners, and I essentially have no base of support within the Empire.

The Emperor has shown favor toward me for some time and has even personally offered me a position. So, rather than trying to win me over, the noble faction might see me as an extension of the imperial faction and keep me at arm’s length.

However, there’s little comfort in siding with the imperial faction. Theodore, the faction’s current head, is openly hostile toward me, and the fact that they already have the upper hand against the nobles is a problem in itself.

Although they gather under the banner of the imperial faction, these people are still nobles and ultimately act in their own interest. So, what happens if my influence grows suddenly and attracts the Emperor’s attention significantly?

Some among them will surely see me as a political rival rather than an asset, choosing to keep me in check instead of bolstering the faction’s overall strength. If Theodore exerts his influence, this sentiment might extend beyond just a few.

…Still, maybe I can indulge in a little satisfaction for the moment.

“Urgh…”  
“Would you like some help?”  
“No, thanks.”

A groan escaped me as I moved my lower body, feeling my muscles twist painfully.

For now, I intend to align with the imperial faction. The plan is to strip Theodore of his position, weaken the noble faction to a manageable level, and consolidate the Empire’s power under the Emperor’s name.

My ultimate goal is to build the Empire’s national strength to a point nearing world dominance, or at least enough to meet an impending "endgame crisis" should one arise.

Events like the "Wrath of the Forest," "Mine Depletion," and "Black Dragon"… endgame crises are large-scale occurrences designed to add tension for players who might grow bored as a nation expands or time progresses.

Now, whether or not such crises will actually occur in this world, given that it isn’t a game, is uncertain.

But if we sit idle assuming they won’t happen, and one does? I’m sure of it. The Empire, divided as it is among self-serving nobles, won’t be able to handle it.

Since these crises tend to grow stronger over time, suppressing them quickly will be key. In its current state, the Empire would waste time bickering over responses like an indecisive AI, crumbling in the process.

However, the Dragonia Empire has a central figure of authority in the form of the Emperor. With the right power behind her voice, unity can be achieved quickly. I plan to be that power.

Though I did grow somewhat fond of the Kingdom of Rus along the way, which made things a bit more complicated. That’s part of why I didn’t flee to the Empire outright and took care to build my reputation and credibility.

If I’d surrendered without proving my capability, it would have taken ages for an orphaned commoner like me to reach a position where I could command troops effectively. The Emperor wouldn’t have taken interest in me as she has now.

But now that I hold her interest, I can withstand the nobles’ opposition with her protection, use the Kingdom of Rus as my foundation, and build power swiftly in her service, not just as part of the imperial faction but as her personal force.

In truth, Empress Luise has little interest in governance, so the role I foresee will essentially align me with Theodore’s position as head of the imperial faction, representing her voice in the administration.

Though the purpose of my growing power differs, the path is the same. Theodore will undoubtedly be my greatest obstacle.

-Splash!-

“Hah…”

As I poured hot water over my head to finish my bath, I contemplated the steps ahead.

With my renown as a general now established, the best way to strengthen my position is through war.

Failure doesn’t frighten me. I’m no prodigy destined for the annals of history, but I have the mini-map and tactical overlay.

…Yes. I don’t fear failure.

After leaving the bath, I began packing away my Rus Kingdom officer uniform, marked with scars and memories, knowing I wouldn’t be wearing it again.

---

The next day, at three in the afternoon, I was summoned to a meeting.

Instead of the green uniform of the Rus Kingdom, I donned the attire of a Dragonia Empire noble and knelt with one knee at the center of the throne room, waiting for the assembly to begin.

“The meeting will now commence. Today’s agenda is the determination of Viktor’s position and the duties assigned to him,” Luise announced, opening the assembly.

“Count Ralph Royce of the House of Royce, your majesty,”

From the right side of the hall, where Theodore and other members of the imperial faction were gathered, a noble named Ralph Royce stepped forward.

Before he spoke, I noticed Theodore subtly signaling to him, which gave me a sense of foreboding.

“Viktor’s military prowess, demonstrated in battles such as Serkutsk and Garogorod, is already well-known throughout the Empire. While his loyalty to the crown remains untested, it would be a waste not to utilize his skills. I believe it would be wise to appoint Viktor as a military advisor by your majesty’s side, allowing time to verify his allegiance.”

Ralph was clearly intent on keeping me in check.

Empress Luise’s interest in any individual often fades quickly due to her mercurial nature. A military advisor is a largely advisory position, lacking any direct authority.

No doubt, Ralph assumed that directly challenging me while I hold the Empress’s favor would be too bold. By placing me in a low-impact role for now, he could sideline me later if her interest shifted.

Once Ralph had spoken, a noble from the left side of the hall stepped forward. He bore a more rugged, military appearance than most nobles.

“Count Reinhardt Ulrich. Assigning Viktor merely as an advisor is not the best use of his value.”

Reinhardt stepped forward, openly challenging Ralph’s suggestion.

“While Viktor’s name is known within the Empire, his renown in the Kingdom of Rus far surpasses it. Additionally, his knowledge of the Kingdom’s internal matters and terrain could be invaluable to our expeditionary forces. Since her majesty has entrusted him with the treatment of the prisoners, appointing him as Deputy Commander under General Josef Steiner in the expedition could be beneficial.”

A chill ran down my spine at Reinhardt’s proposal. He intended to erase my influence completely without directly opposing the Empress’s will.

As Deputy Commander of the expeditionary forces, I would be nominally high-ranking, but the army’s supreme commander is Josef Steiner, a staunch ally of the noble faction. Under his command, I would be far from the Emperor’s gaze and unable to act on my own intentions.

Moreover, being directly involved in subjugating the Kingdom of Rus would brand me as a traitor who betrayed my homeland. Later, they could throw me a worthless piece of land from the Rus territories as a hollow reward, sealing my fate as a branded traitor, forever isolated from the imperial center.

My clenched fists were clammy with cold sweat.

“Viktor’s loyalty remains unverified! Granting him command is risky!”  
“An advisory role might pose an even greater risk. As Deputy Commander, General Josef could effectively oversee him, but one ill-conceived suggestion from an advisor could lead to disaster.”

Several other proposals were briefly mentioned, but the initial two suggestions had already aligned the noble and imperial factions’ agendas.

As they discussed each other’s suggestions, I sought a solution.

Would I become an ineffective military advisor or a hated traitor banished to the borders?

Neither option was the path I desired.

“Deputy Commander? Military Advisor? Hmm…”

Empress Luise appeared to be mulling over their intentions, her gaze thoughtful as she considered the suggestions.

“Does anyone else have an opinion?”

As the meeting quieted down, she looked to the nobles with a decisive air.

“Your majesty.”

Seizing what I sensed to be my last chance, I rose and called to her.

“Yes?”  
“If I may, I, Viktor, would like to speak.”  
“Permission granted.”

I could feel the nobles’ piercing stares.

Hiding my trembling hands by clasping them together, I inclined my head slightly, masking my expression with a solemn posture.

“Yesterday, I recall your majesty’s words.”  
“Yes.”  
“You told me to prove my worth beyond the damage I’ve caused the Empire.”

I stole a glance at Luise’s reaction. She was watching me with a faint smile, encouraging me to continue.

“Both the advisory and Deputy Commander positions could benefit the Empire, but they require resources and can only achieve results through expenditure.”

“Ah. And what does that mean?”

I bowed deeply toward her.

“Appoint me as a provisional special commander. I will gather some of those who came with me to the Empire and, with only them, enter the battlefield to prove my loyalty.”

Calming my racing heart, I waited to see Luise’s response.

“…Ha-ha.”

The smile on her face grew broader as she sat upon the throne.