[Anabella PoV]
Shouts of praise are always reserved for those who wear armor. They are always the center of attention; they are always considered heroes. Just because they possess principles and codes deemed noble by everyone does not mean we are not better than them in this regard.
Unlike the knights, we mages uphold a freedom of thought unconstrained by idealistic codes like theirs. The benchmark for our research in magic is the advancement of humanity. Although there are mages whose sense of humanity is defeated by their curiosity, such as Warlocks and Witches, there is no group that is perfect or without sin; even every year, there is a Knight who breaks his oath and a Priest who commits a despicable act.
Mages mostly think only of themselves, unlike knights who are required to sacrifice their lives when there is a threat to the people of the Empire. However, that does not erase our services in helping to eradicate monsters or strange occurrences caused by the magical phenomena that frequently appear.
The reason why knights and priests are more popular than mages is that they are the Heroes and Saviors of humanity. The words "Hero" and "Saviour" have never been attached to mages. In fact, the Chosen Heroes of humanity are all Knights, and the Chosen Saints are always Priestesses.
In this country, knights are granted honors, one of which is the title of Grand Espada, which can even influence the outcome of this Imperial election. Besides this, countless honorary medals are given by the Empire to a Knight who falls in the line of duty. Mages are usually only compensated with money or materials for research.
What distinguishes us from them?
Unfortunately, realizing the injustice they receive, mages have never spoken out. Our Archwizards also always focus on their research and never discuss this matter during meetings of the Council of Mages. What they discuss is always magic and magic over and over again; they never discuss our influence in this world.
"Princess Anabella, everyone is present here."
A cloaked Knight approached me as I sat in the Pavilion within the garden area. He was Danilo de Asturias—the youngest Grand Espada the Empire possessed. Although he is a knight, I do not deny his influence during the election later. That is why I brought him into our faction.
We are childhood friends; we often played together, and at the academy, we were completely inseparable. When I revealed my goal of becoming one of the candidates to be the new emperor to him, Danilo only said, "I have sworn to always follow you, whatever path you take."
I feel that he has feelings for me beyond just being friends. However, he does not dare to express them because I am a princess of the strongest nation on the continent. My destiny is not for me to choose, but my Father—the Emperor—will be the one to determine my life partner later.
In front of the garden gate, several nobles from my faction were seen talking, waiting for us to arrive. The faction I lead currently has the support of one Duke as well as eight nobles subordinate to him, and two Counts from famous mage families in this country.
Upon realizing my presence, they stopped talking and bowed to welcome my arrival.
"Good afternoon, Princess Anabella," said Duke Renato. "Are you ready to go to the meeting room?"
"Of course, we will use this opportunity to show what our faction can do in attracting other nobles who are still neutral in this succession," I answered him.
We must win this election succession for the sake of increasing the influence and glory of mages in this country.
***
[Elena PoV]
Raul and I walked toward the assembly building where the meeting was to take place in 10 minutes.
"Hey Raul, are you sure you're going to do this?" I asked him to make sure. "Not only will he become your enemy, but the other Grand Espadas will also have a negative assessment of you, you know."
It was true; if we bring down a Grand Espada in front of all the nobles present, then the faction supported by that Grand Espada will also be affected. There are still many nobles who have not yet chosen their side in this new Emperor election succession.
"I think the other Grand Espadas won't think much of my words later besides him," Raul answered as a reason. "That's because Grand Espada Danilo is still very young."
"You say that as if he were a small child, Raul," I said to him.
Not long after, we arrived at the meeting building. Raul and I separated because our seating arrangements were different. Actually, I could have asked the event organizers for our seats to be close together. However, doing so would be the same as telling the other candidates that the Garcia family was on my side.
"Princess Elena, you've arrived."
When I reached my seat, Count Raymond de Chatelon was waiting there—one of the seven Grand Espadas and also my teacher in swordsmanship.
"Thank you for coming even though I know you are always busy eradicating monsters, Master," I said to him.
"No, Princess Elena, it has become my commitment to support you in this election," Master said. "Furthermore, do not call me 'Master' in this place. I act as your follower now, not the teacher who gives you sword lessons."
I nodded and sat beside Count Raymond. It appeared all the candidates were already present here.
The one with the most was Brother Felix; five nobles were seen sitting near him. They were Duke Rayodel de Hernant, Duchess Lauren de Vallecano, Marquis Diego de La Hoya, Marquis Ramael de Empuria, and Marquis Lebron de Castelanova.
Next was Brother Terantio, who was supported by Duke Carlos de Gaulle, Marquis Velocio de Viterbo, Marquis Fran de Cataluna, and two other Counts.
Not far from Brother Terantio was Sister Anabella, supported by Duke Reyes de Cavelina, Count Pelle de Grenada, and Count Ferel de Asturias.
And finally, there was Brother Ramon, followed by Duchess Amanda de Villanova representing the Valencia family and Marquis Lorenzo de Medena.
If looked at, I—who only received official support from a single Count—have only a very small chance of victory, and it is almost impossible to win the election later.
There remain four Duke families that have not yet officially given their support to any candidate. Those four families are the Garcia family, the Artagnan family, the Jimena family, and the Salamanca family.
The Garcia family is the wealthiest family in the Empire after our family; the Artagnan family has great influence among the Empire's mages; and the Jimena family is the most influential family in the southern region of the Empire. Meanwhile, the Salamanca family plays an important role in the Empire's economy. These four families will be the key to winning this election succession.
I have secured the Garcia family to support me through Raul. As for Valeria, I do not know if I can make her persuade her family—which is always neutral—to choose me during the election later, and finally, there is the Jimena Family...
Scarlett and Geralt are the son and daughter of Duke Vasco de Jimena. Honestly, I do not know both of them closely. However, because both of them and I are in the same year, I feel I have a better chance than the others to persuade them to side with my faction later. As for the Salamanca family... I have never had any contact with them at all.
"Emperor Philip de Aragon is entering the meeting room!"
As soon as the guard shouted those words, all the attending nobles stood from their respective seats. The door opened; Father was seen entering the room followed by the Minister of Defense, Salazar de Cordova, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Luis de Menorca. Both then sat beside Father at the very front of this large room.
The nobles sat back down after seeing Father sit in his chair.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, our meeting this time will discuss our response to the new Republic of Venetia policy, which is certainly very detrimental to our economy," Father said, looking at all the nobles present. "What they are doing is clearly an effort to erase our dominant influence on this continent."
The political direction of each Emperor who leads this country varies. There are those who are Expansionists like Queen Isabella, and there are also those who are Pacifists like Emperor Joan 'The Peaceful Monarch'.
Emperor Philip—my Father—has the ambition to make the Empire a dominant power where no country dares to argue with the Empire's words when dictating the foreign policies they take. However, now there is one country doing this: the Republic of Venetia. They are the wealthiest country on the continent because they control important trade routes.
"Lord Luis will explain the situation we are currently facing," Father said, looking at the Foreign Minister.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," the Foreign Minister said as he stood with a piece of paper in his hand. "Lords and Ladies, the Republic of Venetia has actually been planning to make this policy decades ago. However, they are only able to implement it now. Why? Because they were afraid of our response to them."
If they were afraid of our response, why are they doing it now? I feel the Empire is becoming much stronger day by day than before.
"This time, they dare to do it because they have gained allies to fight us if war occurs," the Foreign Minister revealed. "After helping rebels overthrow the Agonid dynasty in the Kingdom of Greco and turning that country into a Republic, they formed a military alliance."
The Republic of Greco, although it is the country with the smallest territory in the western lands, its military strength cannot be underestimated. However, even with the combined strength of these two countries, I feel they still cannot rival the military strength of our country.
"But I heard the Republic of Venetia is sending their envoys to the Kingdom of Weimar and the Kingdom of Draconia," Lord Luis stated. "If both agree to form an Alliance with the Republic of Venetia, then the combined strength of these four countries could become a threat to our nation."
Making an Alliance agreement between countries is not that easy. Each country must agree on certain conditions before an alliance is formed, and usually, the country requesting the alliance will be more disadvantaged in the agreement.
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent an envoy to the Republic of Venetia. If they refuse the conditions we provide, then the Empire will declare war on them," Lord Luis said. "In addition, we also sent envoys to the Kingdom of Weimar and the Kingdom of Draconia so that they do not form an alliance with the Republic of Venetia."
After finishing presenting his views on this matter, Lord Luis sat back in his chair. Next, it was the turn of the Minister of Defense, Salazar de Cordova, to stand.
"According to reports, the Republic of Venetia has a total of 50,000 troops, while the Republic of Greco has 30,000 troops," Minister Salazar revealed. "On the other hand, we have 100,000 troops ready to be deployed to the battlefield. This number does not include the state knights and mages."
Not all knights and mages living in this country can be recruited to fight for the Empire. Only Knights sworn directly by the Empire and official mages of the Empire can be deployed to the battlefield. All mages still in the magic tower will remain neutral in war, as will the knights in Knight Orders not formed by the Empire.
"We have about 3,000 Knights and 500 mages who can be deployed to the battlefield later," Minister Salazar said. "The Republic of Greco is estimated to have 500 Knights and 100 mages, while the Republic of Venetia will probably use mercenary Knights and Mages with their abundant money."
From the data revealed by Minister Salazar, it appears the number of Imperial Knights and Mages is far more than other countries. This is one reason why we are called the strongest country on the continent.
"The mobilization of the main forces toward the border will take one month, while for logistics requirements, I hope Duke Rayodel is willing to have his territory used as the logistical hub for the war later," Minister Salazar said, looking toward Duke Rayodel's seat.
Hearing this, Duke Rayodel then stood up and said, "With pleasure, we will accommodate all the needs of the troops for the war later, General Salazar."
The Minister nodded and then looked again at all those present here. "I think that is all I want to convey for now; I will discuss it again in more detail after the selection of the troop commanders has been completed."
After Minister Salazar sat back down, this time it was Father who stood up while holding a piece of paper.
"Alright, it is time to determine the important positions in our troop leadership," Father said, appearing to look at all the noble factions present here. "For the position of Marshal, it will be occupied by General Salazar."
"Thank you for this honor, Your Majesty," the General said. "I will lead our troops to victory in the war later."
Father nodded in response to the General's words. "Next is the position of the leader of the first Caballero. I do not have someone to fill this position and wish to hear your opinions on who should occupy it."
A Caballero is a military unit consisting of 10,000 troops.
The nobles will compete for this position. The nobles who manage to achieve good achievements in leading a Caballero will surely be remembered by the Emperor. Their names will be the ones the Emperor thinks of to be made a Marshal one day.
After Father said that, Brother Terantio was seen standing and raising his hand.
"Your Majesty, I recommend Marquis Velocio to be the leader of the first Caballero unit," Brother Terantio said confidently. "My reason for choosing him is that he successfully stopped bandit activity in his territory and significantly reduced the crime rate there."
"Alright, I will consider it," Father said, nodding to Brother Terantio. "Are there any other recommendations for this position?"
This time, Brother Felix stood up and raised his hand.
"Your Majesty, I think a war with the wealthiest country on the continent cannot be equated with handling a group of bandits," Brother Felix said, his face looking mocking as he stared at Brother Terantio's faction. "I recommend Marquis Diego de La Hoya. He has experience eradicating the Tyal Tribe rebels. I think Marquis Diego would be a better choice than Marquis Velocio."
Hearing Brother Felix's words, Brother Terantio's face looked very annoyed after his Brother belittled the Noble from his faction. Father only nodded in response to Brother Felix's words; the first Prince sat back down after finishing recommending his chosen noble.
After that, Brother Ramon and Sister Anabella both recommended their chosen nobles. However, the one Father chose was Marquis Diego de La Hoya—the Noble from Brother Felix's faction.
"Thank you, Your Majesty! I will not make you regret choosing me!" said Marquis Diego.
"I expect much from you, Diego," Father replied, smiling at the Marquis. "Next, are there any recommendations for who will occupy the First Cavalry Squadron?" Father asked again to everyone present here.
Unlike the Leader of the Caballero unit who controls the troops from the rear lines, the Leader of the Cavalry Squadron must participate as a horse rider in the battle later, leading their subordinates to perform maneuvers.
This time, the one who stood first and raised her hand was Sister Anabella.
"Your Majesty, I recommend one of the best Knights in our country to lead the First Cavalry Squadron Unit," Sister Anabella said. "I recommend Danilo de Asturias—one of the Empire's Grand Espadas—to lead the Cavalry Squadron!"
Hearing Sister Anabella's words, Grand Espada Danilo then stood up. He has a handsome face, neat short blonde hair, and black eyes.
"Grand Espada Danilo is a brave Knight, cares about the lives of soldiers, and will surely inspire them to be braver on the battlefield!" Sister Anabella added.
"Alright, are there any other recommendations for this position?" Father asked.
However, this time none of the factions stood up to recommend someone. It would be difficult to find a better candidate than a Grand Espada. In addition, being a Squadron leader carries a fairly high risk of death on the battlefield.
"If there are none, then Grand Espada Da—"
When he was about to give this position to Grand Espada Danilo, Father suddenly stopped speaking. That was because he saw a young black-haired man standing and raising his hand.
"Aren't you the son of Duke Alvaro?" Father asked Raul. "What is your name, young man?"
"Your Majesty, my name is Raul de Garcia," Raul answered in a very clear voice. "My presence here is to represent my family in voicing an opinion at this meeting."
"Alright, Lord Raul. What do you wish to voice at this time?" Father asked, appearing interested in him.
Hearing Father's words, Raul nodded and then turned his gaze toward Sister Anabella and Grand Espada Danilo.
"Honestly, I doubt the words of Princess Anabella regarding Grand Espada Danilo being a brave person who cares about the lives of the troops," Raul spoke loudly but calmly. "During the attack by demons and monsters on the Fortress City of Cataluna, Grand Espada Danilo, who was not far from the location, refused Marquis Fran's request for help on the grounds of wanting to wait for other Grand Espadas to arrive first."
After saying that, the gazes of everyone here were fixed on Raul. It seemed they thought this would be an interesting spectacle where an academy student insults a Grand Espada directly.
"If what Princess Anabella said regarding Grand Espada Danilo is true about his concern for the lives of the soldiers, he should have immediately gone to the City of Cataluna so that the casualties of the soldiers who were fighting would not increase further!" Raul exclaimed, staring coldly at Grand Espada Danilo. "If he is indeed brave as the Princess says, then he would not wait for other Grand Espadas to go help us who were fighting against the demons and monsters!"
"What right does a brat like you have to question my honor as a Knight, huh!?" Grand Espada Danilo replied, pointing at Raul, appearing furious. "An academy student like you knows nothing about bravery and concern for human lives!"
The atmosphere became increasingly heated; Grand Espada Danilo was seen clenching both his fists, holding back his anger which had peaked due to Raul's words.
"Nevertheless, it was academy students like myself and my colleagues who dared to face those demons and monsters by risking our lives! Unlike yourself who hides behind the title of Grand Espada and abandoned your duty to protect this Nation!" Raul replied with passionate words.
"Kid, do you know at whom you are hurling that insult?" Grand Espada Danilo asked, staring at Raul like a lion about to pounce on its prey.
I held my breath seeing this sight. My heart beat faster imagining what would happen next. Raul... he had gone too far in doing this...
"The title of Grand Espada does not frighten me at all... especially if the person holding it is a coward like you who is thirsty for glory!"
After hearing Raul's words, Grand Espada Danilo drew his sword and dashed toward the black-haired man. Sister Anabella tried to stop him, but Grand Espada Danilo's movement was faster than hers.
"ENOUGH!!!"
A voice that boomed like the sound of thunder suddenly filled the room, making my whole body tremble and unable to move. Likewise, Grand Espada Danilo's steps stopped, and he could not move his body. This was... Father's Roaring Thunder God magic. Everyone this time turned their attention to their Emperor, including Raul and Danilo.
"Grand Espada Danilo, is what was said by Lord Raul the truth?" Father asked the young Grand Espada.
"Your Majesty! At that time, there were rumors saying that a Noble Vampire had appeared in the Margraviate of Cataluna," Grand Espada Danilo answered. "As a Grand Espada, I had to be careful and confirm these rumors first and make preparations to face it!"
Hearing the answer from Grand Espada Danilo, Father only nodded and said nothing.
"Truly shameful."
Hearing those words, this time everyone's attention was diverted back to the black-haired man who had just spoken.
"As a Grand Espada, you are required to arrive immediately when the Empire needs you! Do you not remember how the strongest Grand Espada in history—Liana de Grantz—did not even think twice about risking her life to protect the citizens of Wisperia City from the terror caused by a Noble Vampire!?" Raul asked, again cornering the young Grand Espada.
"And what was the result? She died even though she managed to protect the citizens!" Danilo exclaimed, again looking annoyed. "Listen kid, the Grand Espadas are the Empire's strongest weapons; if they die, then our enemies will consider this Empire weakened!"
It was true; a Grand Espada could have the same value as 10,000 troops. Saying the Empire would weaken if some of them died was actually not too an exaggeration.
"Even when Grand Espada Liana died, her replacement was appointed only three days after her death, and she was the strongest Grand Espada in history," Raul replied calmly but with a cold tone. "You are the weakest Grand Espada of the other seven; I think it won't take even one day for us to get a better replacement for you if you die."
"WHAT DID YOU SAY!!??"
The Grand Espada again was about to move toward the black-haired man who had just insulted him. However, he abandoned his intention because he saw Father staring at him coldly.
"Enough, both of you are forbidden to speak to each other as long as this meeting is in progress," Father commanded the both of them. He then turned his gaze to Raul this time. "Then, if you think Grand Espada Danilo is not worthy for this position, then whom do you wish to recommend, Lord Raul?"
The atmosphere returned to how it was before when Father stopped the fight between the two of them.
"I recommend your Daughter—Elena de Aragon—to be the Leader of the Cavalry Squadron, Your Majesty."
After hearing those words, Father fell silent. He looked as if he were reading what was in Raul's mind when he said that.
"You know the Leader of the Cavalry Squadron must lead directly on the battlefield, do you not?" Father asked with a sharp gaze at Raul.
"That is correct, Your Majesty," he answered briefly.
"Do you want to have my Daughter killed on the battlefield?"
In the history of the Empire, it is very rare for the Emperor's children to go directly onto the battlefield. They do not want to take the risk of losing their lives before the selection of the new Emperor candidate has been carried out. Even during the first war with the Republic of Venetia, Prince Joan was killed in battle while leading troops. In fact, he was the one at that time expected to be the successor after Queen Isabella died.
The other faction leaders also seemed to be guessing what Raul's purpose was in recommending me for this position. Each Cavalry Squadron unit only has a total of 200 Mounted Soldiers. This is far fewer than the Caballero unit which has 10,000 to 15,000 soldiers led. This made the position unpopular, added to the risk of death faced.
"No, Your Majesty. In my opinion, Princess Elena has more than enough strength to be on the battlefield leading our soldiers," Raul said, looking at me this time, making my heart beat faster than usual. "This will increase troop morale as well if the Princess from the family they serve can lead them and witness them fight directly."
After hearing Raul's words, Father then turned to me and said, "Elena, are you willing to accept this position?"
"Of course, Your Majesty," I answered without thinking twice.
"Very well then, you will lead the first unit of the Cavalry Squadron."
That was how it ended; everything went according to Raul's plan. I do not know how it will turn out if war really happens later, but I believe in the man who has sworn not to betray me.
***
[Raul PoV]
The meeting continued although it had already spent 4 hours. Currently, the Emperor was asking about the support and participation of the nobles regarding this war. All nobles directly under the Emperor are required to contribute 30 percent of their private troops to fulfill the obligation of the nobles in their participation in the war.
"Duke Rayodel, does your family wish to contribute something besides the obligation to provide 30 percent of your private troops?" the Emperor asked one of the nobles from the first prince's faction.
"Of course, Your Majesty. My family will contribute as much as 10,000 Gulden to help finance the war later," answered the Duke.
"Thank you for your help, Duke Rayodel. I promise, the Empire will repay this generosity of yours," said the Emperor, smiling.
"No, Your Majesty. It is an honor for my family to be able to play a role in increasing the Glory of our beloved Country."
After that, the Emperor asked the other nobles one by one the same question. There were no nobles who did not contribute their wealth to this war. That was because they wanted to gain a positive view from the Emperor so that one day, their affairs could run smoothly when asking for something from the Emperor.
"Lord Raul, does the Garcia family wish to contribute something to this war?" the Emperor asked me.
"Your Majesty, I will contribute 70 percent of the Garcia family's private troops instead of only providing 30 percent of the private troops we have," I said to him.
"Hooo~ If you contribute this much, will the security in your family's territory not be disturbed?" asked the Emperor.
The Empire limits the number of private troops owned by an individual to only 5,000 people. If they increase the number without permission from the Emperor, then their family will be labeled as planning a rebellion against the Empire. And if proven guilty, then the punishment is public execution.
"Do not worry, Your Majesty. The activity of bandit groups in our territory is decreasing after conducting a sweep a few months ago," I answered him.
"Very well then."
Why did I contribute the Garcia family's private soldiers instead of contributing a sum of money, for which the Garcia family is famous for its wealth in the Empire? That was because I wanted to remove the troops currently loyal to Duke Alvaro and replace them with new ones.
After spending 6 hours, finally, this meeting has ended. The Emperor and his two ministers were seen leaving this meeting room. The nobles also began to stand up to leave this place.
On the other hand, I felt a sharp gaze being directed at me. Turning around, Grand Espada Danilo was seen staring at me sharply. It seems I have truly made him annoyed. However, this was according to plan.
With the fall of Grand Espada Danilo's reputation, then the views of the nobles who are still neutral and the Emperor regarding him as well as the candidate he supports will worsen too. At this time, all I need is to make Prince Ramon's and Princess Anabella's candidate factions weaken each other. If the plan succeeds, then all I have to deal with is Prince Terantio's faction because Prince Felix's faction will fall when their crimes against the minority races are revealed.
After seeing Grand Espada Danilo leave this room with Princess Anabella, I began to stand up to return to my room. However, in front of me suddenly appeared a man in armor in his 50s staring at me sharply.
"If looked at closely, you are indeed very similar to that Snake Duke, both in appearance and your attitude," said the Knight. "I do not know what Elena actually sees in someone like you?"
He was Raymond de Chatelon—the Mentor who has been training Elena—the older brother of Empress Martha de Chatelon—the mother of Elena de Aragon.
"What does The White Knight need from an academy student like me?"