Year 593 of the Sacred Light Calendar soon arrived. After the new year's eve, Claude would either host a banquet at home or accept invitations to attend banquets.
Half a month later, he felt like he had a belly. So, he decided to train himself when he went to the barracks to train the new recruits. He didn't want to be as fat as Borkal.
Claude left the cigarette business to Alek. Kefnie was already a countess, so she couldn't go out and deal with it. She still had to stay at home to entertain guests, especially the women of influential people.
Ever since his mother decided to find a good husband for Bloweyk, noblewomen often came to visit with their gorgeously dressed daughters and nieces. Bloweyk stayed at home until the third day of the new year before he ran back to the army camp ….
So, Kefnie could only supervise the finances. The real work of buying land, building workshops, and hiring workers were all handled by Alek.
As his assistant, Staff Sergeant Kester only ensured the safety of him and the soon to be built cigarette production workshop. Even the idle old man Zacharason was ordered around by Steward Alek and sent to Aduras to buy tobacco.
Claude went to Port Vebator's barracks and stayed there for less than three days before he was summoned back to Lanu by an emergency hawk.
What could be so urgent that it wasn't mentioned clearly in the hawk?
Claude took a boat before riding a horse and spent five days rushing back. Then, he received an unbelievable piece of news.
"What did you say?
The first prince is dead?
He was assassinated … "
Borkal was the one who brought the news. He spent another month traveling around the western coast to confirm the news and didn't have the time to return to the barracks for the new year's eve.
Unfortunately, his efforts were in vain. News of Prince Hansbach's death was brought to Nubissia by some smugglers. Strangely enough, not a single newspaper in the colonies could confirm the news.
Prince Hansbach's death became a rumor among the people. Everyone in the taverns at the docks talked about it and guessed the cause of his death, but there was no official confirmation or refutation.
"There are seven versions of Prince Hansbach's cause of death. The only thing we can confirm is that the time and place of death are all the same. Last year, September 24th, at eleven o'clock in the evening, in the newly conquered territory of the former Principality of Rimodra, Florida Harbor, the governor's mansion, the prince's temporary palace.
The four more reliable versions all said that he was assassinated, but the assassin and the reason for the assassination were all different.
The first version said that he had kidnapped a beauty from the common folk to serve him in bed. In the end, he was killed in his sleep by the beauty who served him in bed. The beauty then disappeared.
The second version was that Prince Wedrick, the king we were loyal to, had sent a group of Magi to assassinate his older brother and rival for the throne. This version was more convincing.
"The third version says that after the first prince returned from Whitestag in defeat, the generals under him felt that their future was bleak and assassinated him while he was drunk. They even cut off his head and prepared to return to the kingdom to be pardoned.
"The last version says that the rebel army of Rimodra sent a few maidens whose parents were killed by the Aueran army to the city lord's manor as maids. When they saw the first prince drunk, they decided to take revenge for their parents and assassinate him. That's the most legendary version."
Borkal shrugged. "The other three versions are rather nonsensical. They say that the first prince was already heavily injured and passed away when he reached Port Floria.
That was impossible. It was said that Prince Hansbach had brought his men out of the city to inspect the barracks the day before he died. He had made a speech in front of his subordinates saying that they would make a comeback. If he was really injured, how could he ride a horse to the barracks?
"The other two versions are suicide and accidental discharge.
"The suicide version says that the first prince was so ashamed of his defeat that he drowned his sorrows in alcohol. When he got drunk, he remembered the predicament he was in and cut his own artery, causing him to bleed to death.
"The accidental discharge version says that the first prince was playing with a revolver someone gave him when he was drunk and accidentally pulled the trigger. The bullet went through his forehead and killed him.
"The other two versions are even more impossible. The first prince had many attendants by his side and they wouldn't allow him to play with a gun when he was drunk.
Because the first prince and the second prince fought for the throne, civil war broke out in the kingdom. Because of that, it had always attracted the attention of the other kingdoms. Usually, the newspapers of the colonies on the west coast would have news and expert articles about the civil war.
The most recent news about the first prince was that he was defeated in the three southwestern prefectures last August and was forced to evacuate Whitestag to the newly conquered Port Floria. The ruined city was then reclaimed by the kingdom's Reddragon army.
"What's strange is that there was no news about the first prince after he evacuated to Port Floria. News of his death was spread among the commoners and not reported by any of the official newspapers.
"I've asked the people in charge of a few newspapers in private and they all said that they're waiting for confirmation. However, it's hard to get out of the newly conquered territory, so there hasn't been any news. They don't know if it's a rumor or the truth."
Borkal did his best. He brought back many newspapers from the colonies on the west coast. Most of them were about the war in Aueras and the first prince's death. Most of them were reports about the first prince's retreat from Whitestag in August last year. Claude looked at the date of publication.
Claude looked at the date of publication. It was in November of the previous year, meaning it happened three months ago. That was quite normal for the colonies of Nubissia. After all, the two continents were separated by the vast Silent Ocean.
Claude picked up one of the newspapers and read the expert's report on the first prince's retreat from Whitestag to the newly conquered territory. According to the report, the armies of Prince Hansbach and Prince Wedrick had been in a tug-of-war around Whitestag for more than a year and neither could hold on any longer.
That was why the first prince spent a whole month calmly retreating from Whitestag with all his men and the families of his soldiers. That was the result of Prince Wedrick's deliberate indulgence.
Otherwise, if the armies surrounding Whitestag were to launch an attack in that month, the first prince would have no choice but to retreat alone.
The month was peaceful and there wasn't a single major conflict between the two sides. It was rather strange, as if they had come to a tacit agreement.
The expert's report suggested that Prince Wedrick decided to return to the three duchies that Aueras conquered during the five-year war because he couldn't eliminate Hansbach and his troops.
After all, those were newly conquered territories. Since the kingdom couldn't directly rule over them, it would be better for Hansbach to establish an independent kingdom there than to let other kingdoms take advantage of it.
Perhaps in the future, after a few decades, both sides could reunite as one kingdom.
"What do you think?" Claude looked at the people in the meeting room.
Bolonik furrowed his brow. "I think it's just a rumor. Prince Hansbach couldn't have been assassinated that easily.
It's probably a rumor spread by some faction that hates the first prince. They're probably trying to cause trouble for the first prince.
If the first prince really was injured during the retreat from Whitestag, he'd have to come out to prove that he's still alive. That way, he won't be able to recover quickly. "
Skri shook his head. "No, I think it's certain that the first prince was assassinated. His Majesty might even have sent someone to assassinate his brother. That's the most likely scenario.
Otherwise, the rumor wouldn't have been so specific about the time and place of the assassination. It's obvious that the entire port was shaken by it and the commotion was too great to be covered up. That's why there are rumors that the first prince was assassinated.
Floroc Port was the largest and most well-equipped port in Rimodra. That was why ships heading to Nubissia liked to stop there to rest or buy supplies.
I believe that the sailors and crew of the ships anchored there must have seen the assassination at the mayor's mansion or heard the commotion caused by it. So, when they returned to Nubissia, they went to the tavern by the docks and started bragging about the assassination after a few glasses of ale.
"However, I agree with Bolonik that the first prince couldn't have been assassinated that easily.
If there really was an assassination attempt, the eldest prince would at most be injured, but not killed.
Maybe it's because there are rumors everywhere but no confirmation has been made into official reports. The prince's troops must have put Florida's port under martial law to find the assassin and his accomplices. That's why the reporters were restricted from going in, so the news couldn't get out … "
General Skri's conjecture was more reasonable, but General Eiblont's words immediately diverted everyone's view of the outcome of the assassination. Or rather, it could be said that he had successfully diverted everyone's attention.
"I'm not interested in Prince Hansbach's life or death. He's not our king, so whether he's assassinated or not has nothing to do with us.
"What puzzles me is that since the first prince and his troops left Whitestag in August last year, the sea route between the kingdom and our colonies should be unobstructed.
But why is it that it has been five months since the beginning of the eighth month, and not a single ship from the Kingdom has arrived at the war zone to inform us of this news?
"I don't believe a kingdom this big can't find a single ship. Even if they're busy after the war, two to three months should be enough for them to clean up the battlefield.
However, not a single ship has come. I really want to know if the kingdom has forgotten about our overseas colonies war zone … "
Eiblont's words reminded everyone of the news. The first prince left Whitestag with his troops in August last year and Reddragon reclaimed the city. So, why hasn't the kingdom sent a single ship to reestablish contact with the war theatre yet? Is there something strange about that?
"It's obvious that the kingdom doesn't want to be burdened by our war theatre. After all, our war with the Shiksans didn't end in a clear victory.
"If the kingdom sends someone over, they'll probably receive a lot of requests for military support.
So, they can only pretend that they've forgotten about the colonies and wait for the war theatre and the Shiksans to come to an end. Then, the kingdom will immediately send someone to take over the war theatre. What they want is the wealth of the colonies, not benefits.
Perhaps it's better for our war theatre that we don't have contact with the kingdom than not. "
That was rather harsh. Claude looked at Birkin in surprise. He didn't think he would be able to see through the situation so thoroughly.
When Skri visited Ferd Manor on the second day of the new year, the two of them had a little too much to drink and had a private discussion about the future of the war theatre and the five generals. Skri's view was rather pessimistic.
He said that after the war with Shiks, reestablishing contact with the kingdom would mean a major reshuffle in the war theatre.
If the eldest prince, Hansbach, won, perhaps the colonies would be able to survive for a while longer.
After all, the colonies were loyal to Prince Wedrick, and they could use this as an excuse to continue resisting the crown prince until the crown prince showed some sincerity in negotiating and pardoned everyone in the war zone for their disrespect. Then, the colonies would return to the kingdom's territory.
If Prince Wedrick won, the war theatre would be in deep trouble. Everything the war theatre was doing was considered treasonous to the kingdom.
Be it setting up the Minsheng Bank, expanding the military or starting up a military industry, they were all against the kingdom's economic development and military restrictions.
The overseas colonies were a place for the kingdom to collect resources, harvest wealth, and sell goods. The kingdom had never treated the overseas colonies as its own territory, so it did not want the overseas colonies to have the power to rebel against the kingdom.
Everything that the theater of operations was doing now went against the kingdom's original intentions. But to the theater of operations, all of this was a choice that they were forced to make.
Even if the kingdom didn't have a civil war, they wouldn't be able to provide enough support to the war theatre.
In order to defeat Shiks and maintain the territorial integrity of the colonies, the theatre had no choice but to develop the economy of the colonies and obtain sufficient war funds and military supplies to win the war.
Even if the five titans managed to preserve the colonies' integrity and protect the kingdom's honour, once the war was over, be it Prince Hansbach or Prince Wedrick, as long as the kingdom regained control over the colonies, the five generals of the war theatre would be exiled and idle. Unless they rose up in rebellion, they wouldn't be able to avoid that fate.
Perhaps the only one among the five generals who would rebel is you, Claude. Skri's blunt words gave Claude quite a shock.
Why do you think so?
Claude retorted indignantly.
"It's simple. Firstly, you're the youngest and the most spirited, so you can't stand being wronged.
Secondly, you have the highest prestige in the army. Be it Thundercrash, Monolith or HQ, you basically have the final say in military training and the war.
Thirdly, and most importantly, you've always lacked respect for the royal family. That's why you'll fight against unfair treatment, while we'll only accept the punishment of fate. "
That was what General Skri said at the time, and then he analyzed the other four generals, including himself.
General Bolonik was a traditional soldier. He had received the traditional education of loyalty and patriotism. He was in awe of the royal family and would obey any unreasonable or unfair orders from his superiors.
Even though his wife and children were there, his family still lived near the royal capital. His parents and siblings ran farms for a living and were proud of him. He couldn't abandon his family.
Birkin's family had already migrated to the colonies, so he didn't have much to worry about.
However, he had always been on good terms with Bolonik and followed his lead. So, Bolonik's choice was the same as Birkin's.
Like Bolonik, he would choose to accept the kingdom's punishment.
General Eiblont was also a traditional soldier. Unlike General Bolonik and General Birkin, he vented his dissatisfaction verbally.
However, he didn't have the guts to resist. No matter how loudly he cried out, he wouldn't do anything.
But if Claude were to lead the resistance, he might be the first to follow. Eiblont needed a boss who could back him up and give him a leg to lean on.
As for Skri himself, he admitted that he wasn't a leader. The only contribution he had was the management of logistics. He didn't have any military power and posed the least threat to the royal family. Perhaps he would be able to get a better outcome if he tried to be lenient.
If the eldest prince ascended to the throne, he might be spared on account of their past relationship.
If Prince Widlek ascended to power, then there was no need to say anything. What awaited General Skri was nothing but exile and idleness.
When Claude woke up the next day, he vaguely recalled the private conversation he had with Skri and pondered over it for two days. What did he mean by those words?
But when he saw that Skri behaved normally in the days that followed, he treated those words as a drunken venting.
He did not expect to hear General Bigklin say something like that today.
General Bolonik's face darkened. He should have understood the true meaning of General Birkin's words.
After sighing, he reprimanded, "We're discussing whether the news of the eldest prince's assassination is true or not. What are you two talking about?
The kingdom's civil war is a mess right now. Didn't you see what the papers say? Whitestag is in ruins.
The eldest prince must've taken all the ships with him when he retreated. That's why the royal capital couldn't find any ships to notify us. I believe that we'll be able to regain communications with the kingdom in a few months. "
Claude shook his head. Bolonik's words were just a form of sophistry.
He slapped the table and said to the people present:
"If there aren't any ships in the kingdom's mainland, we'll take the initiative to send a letter. Aren't there a few long-distance warships of the Storm Fleet idling in Port Cobicus in the Tyrrsim colony?
Our theatre doesn't have enough funds for the navy to restore Storm. Now that Whitestag has been taken, we can return those ships to the kingdom and have them become part of the kingdom's naval forces.
At the same time, have our messengers send a report from the theatre to the royal capital in hopes that they'll provide us with some military support in this war. "" You're right, Claude.
Since the sea route is open, we'll take the initiative to return to the kingdom to contact them.
The navy isn't willing to join our theatre to form a patrol fleet anyway, and they even want us to pay for them to escort and patrol the coastal waters. Are they really the kingdom's navy or a mercenary fleet?
Now we can use this as an excuse to get them to scram back to the kingdom's mainland, so they don't have to keep asking us to give them funds to build warships and restore the Storm Fleet. Don't you think that's something we can interfere with … "General Skree cheered loudly.