Chapter 22: Faction (1)

Arschach, the young lady, tilted her head slightly at my words, then asked back with a look that couldn’t hide her curiosity.

“Constitutional… monarchy? What is that?”

I answered kindly.

“Just as it sounds. It’s a system that establishes laws to limit the power of the monarch.”

“That… is that even possible? How can a king or emperor be controlled by law? Isn’t it the very essence of being a monarch that they aren’t subject to any restrictions?”

“Why wouldn’t it be possible? After all, they’re just people like us.”

I also only learned this recently.

In this world, while there are distinctions between types of states, the concept of a distinction between political systems doesn’t exist.

Countries are simply divided into two types: monarchies, where a monarch rules, and republics, where a monarch does not.

Unlike Earth, there’s no classification like democracy, oligarchy, or tyranny here.

This kind of classification simply doesn’t exist.

The concept was never even created because such forms of state structure have never existed.

Why is that? Honestly, I’m not entirely sure. I’m no political expert, after all.

If I had to guess… it’s probably because gods really do exist here.

There are many records in history where a goddess sent a divine prophecy or an angel to anoint a king, and so on.

“Humans are the ones who will even sell gods that don’t exist. If the gods in reality are involved, it’s an unquestionable justification.”

Almost every country on the continent has the worship of a goddess as their state religion.

If the monarch is chosen by a living, absolute being, they would naturally hold immense authority just because of that.

Because of that, any attempts to limit that authority would have been inconceivable. It would be akin to challenging the divine authority itself.

Even the Northern Empire, which is currently at war with us, initially had the emperor elected from among several vassals, but that changed immediately to a hereditary system once the emperor was chosen by the goddess.

What’s strange, though, is that our king’s power was far from absolute monarchy… but, well, anyway.

“What’s important is that this woman has taken an interest in my proposal.”

Arschach, the young lady, had believed all along that achieving republicanism was only possible through a bloody revolution that would overthrow the royal family.

It seemed that she was quite attracted to the idea that there might be a way without having to take lives.

“If the law is above the monarch, then who makes the law?”

“Well, the parliament, of course.”

“Are you talking about the Estates-General? That stupid institution that only thinks about taxing commoners?”

No way. If I entrusted such an important task to a bunch of old fools who just spew nonsense, I’d ruin the country.

They don’t even have the capability to carry out such duties.

“I’m thinking of creating a new institution to replace the Estates-General. A deliberative body where representatives from all walks of life gather to discuss national affairs and create laws.”

As long as this country remains a society with a class system, with the monarchy and aristocracy still intact and the clergy holding part of the power, it’s hard to discuss state matters without involving them.

For now, I am ruling arbitrarily, pushing through with military force, but this won’t last forever.

Sooner or later, they’ll move beyond just complaining and start taking real action.

Of course, it would be possible to suppress them with force, but… if that were the case, all the high-ranking officials, who are mostly nobles, would engage in sabotage and bring the administration to a standstill.

So, I needed to at least make a gesture of respecting and listening to their opinions on the surface. The establishment of a parliament was the most appropriate means to achieve this.

“I would like you to join that, Lady Arschach. Along with your followers and influence.”

“As part of the Supreme Council for National Reconstruction, that is.”

“Exactly.”

Lady Arschach, with a look of realization, seemed to understand.

Despite her young age, she’s quite sharp.

It seems she’s already catching on to the potential impact of the opportunity I’ve presented.

“Even though the Supreme Council for National Reconstruction has considerable influence right now, we will inevitably lose out in political struggles. Most of us are former soldiers.”

My subordinates, those from the General Headquarters who joined us, including General Albrecht… among us, there are very few who are skilled at making persuasive arguments or engaging in logical debates.

At best, it’s just me, Colonel Kys, and perhaps Lieutenant General Mauer, who’s still up north.

Having spent our entire lives as soldiers, suddenly excelling as politicians is naturally a difficult task.

That’s why we needed a vanguard—a fierce advance guard that shares our goals and will relentlessly tear into our enemies. A pack of wild dogs to enthusiastically subdue those high and mighty nobles.

“I needed someone who could voice opinions on our behalf, and I thought you, my lady, would be suitable for the task.”

“And what do I and my comrades gain in return?”

“My unwavering support. And the chance to personally suppress those who act recklessly under the shield of their status.”

What I’m offering in exchange for their cooperation is nothing more than modest support, psychological satisfaction, and a sense of accomplishment.

Anything beyond that, they’ll have to secure for themselves.

It’s an unfair deal, no matter how you look at it. Essentially, I’m exploiting them for my own purposes.

But for those who’ve dreamed of this day ever since they embraced republicanism, even this is more than enough.

“Haah, you really are a sneaky one.”

Lady Arschach sighed, but the expression on her face was a mix of anticipation, slight excitement, and zeal.

“If you make such a proposal, how can I possibly refuse? It feels like I’m at a disadvantage, yet it’s a deal that makes me want to accept it.”

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, isn’t it? So, it wouldn’t hurt to be deceived once. At the very least, you’ll be able to achieve the dreams you’ve longed for.”

“That’s the problem…”

She can’t take the king’s head, but she can still carry out the kind of politics she’s always dreamed of.

A proper government ruled by capable individuals, like themselves, not just the nobility.

If it weren’t for Carolus von Royten, this would have been impossible, a future that could never have been reached, even after several generations.

How sweet of a temptation this is. Even if it means being used by someone else, they would likely want to accept it at least once.

Lady Arschach herself is a prime example. Even though she’s sensed something off, she’s not only refused but is filled with enthusiasm.

“Alright, fine.”

In the end, her conclusion was acceptance.

“I, Camilla von Arschach, accept the proposal of His Excellency, Carolus von Royten. Let us work together to create a just kingdom.”

“That’s a wise choice, my lady. You won’t regret it.”

With that, the republicans within the kingdom turned to my side.

“Are you asking for new seats to be created in the Supreme Council?”

“Yes. I’m going to add about four or five people this time. We’ll make space for them in the meeting hall as well.”

“Understood, Your Excellency. We’ve already arranged for the flexibility to increase the number of members from the start. I’ll get it ready quickly.”

The process of bringing in new allies went smoothly.

The Supreme Council for National Reconstruction had been designed with the intention of cooperation and mergers with other factions from the beginning.

By simply revising the list of committee members and issuing the appointment letters, I was able to secure Lady Arshah and her companions in no time.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Your Excellency. I’ve heard a lot about you from the lady.”

“Likewise. Your name is Herman, right? I look forward to working with you.”

Six people were appointed to the committee, and with the establishment of the parliament, about twenty people would join. I chose only the most capable and sharp-witted individuals from Lady Arschach’s connections.

Since I gathered only high-caliber talents, such as current members of academic societies, lawyers, and other highly qualified individuals, they would certainly fulfill their roles.

But,

“Something feels missing.”

I couldn’t be satisfied.

Although the republicans were excellent fighters, they were outsiders in the central political scene.

In reality, they held no power within the government.

They could propose and plan things, but they lacked the ability to execute them.

In my previous life in Korea, the parliament made the laws, and the executive branch handled the implementation, but here, it’s different.

This is still an era where the separation of powers isn’t even on anyone’s radar.

The judiciary, the legislature, and the government are all intertwined.

Even within the same country, factions within the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Justice engage in power struggles.

It’s not just about supporting a particular faction—it’s almost like distinguishing between friend and foe.

“The military was my domain, so I could make it happen, but…”

Forming an auxiliary force by conscripting the nobles’ troops? That was easy for me because I had the central army and the cooperation of the General Headquarters.

But when it comes to actual governance? That’s something I can’t touch easily.

Even if I bark orders at the nobles to implement various policies, they’ll just instruct their own people in the administration to sabotage my efforts through deliberate sabotage.

“I need an administrative force that I can control directly.”

In conclusion, I needed a group of civil servants under my command. A group that could work independently, free from the nobles’ interference.

Naturally, such a group wouldn’t just fall from the sky. I would have to create it myself.

I would have to recruit the promising ones, lure in the opportunists, and if possible, elevate their ranks.

By expanding our ranks as much as possible, we could push through the reforms we wanted.

Since none of us are part of the administration, we needed a reliable person to play the role of a middle manager.

“Then, someone useful… Ah, I’ve got it.”

As I was contemplating the appointment, I suddenly thought of someone perfect for the situation and immediately called for my aide.

“You called for me, Your Excellency?”

“Yes. Go to the administration and find someone. They should be in the tax department of the Ministry of Finance.”

“I’ll go right away. But what’s the name?”

In response to my aide’s question, I answered right away.

“Julius von Royten.”

If you look at the last name, you’ll know he’s my older brother.