Do Your Own Revolution

#087

The completely devastated city of Elcryer.

Looking at the tragically collapsed walls and the desolate city, people who had evacuated to the outskirts of the territory muttered in dismay.

“Everything’s collapsed. The mill, the hospital, the blacksmith…!”

“How are we supposed to live now……”

In a single day, all of their livelihood had vanished.

They couldn’t even think about cultivating the farmland covered in unexploded ordnance, and they had no idea how long it would take just to clear away the debris.

A bleak situation with no solution in sight.

However, a soldier in a black uniform slowly walked toward these people.

“Hii, hiik?!”

“I-it’s the Special Magical Power Unit…!”

“Don’t make eye contact…! One wrong move and we’ll…!”

The territory’s residents trembled in fear at the sight of the man’s uniform.

These were people who had witnessed the Imperial army’s artillery turn the entire city into wasteland from beginning to end.

And they had clearly seen the Special Magical Power Unit advancing through those ruins.

“Citizens of Elcryer territory!”

But that moment passed quickly.

The soldier in black uniform pushed up his glasses and addressed the territory’s residents.

“We need someone to discuss the territory’s reconstruction. Is there anyone among you with relevant knowledge?!”

“W-what? Territory reconstruction?”

“What does that……”

“I’m here!”

While the residents were puzzled, one man emerged from among the people.

He was in his mid-forties.

A gentleman wearing the kind of suit typically worn by nobles.

“May I ask your name?”

“Hanson Albeck. I was the tax collector in charge of Elcryer territory’s tax affairs. I majored in public administration at the Imperial Academy and have work experience in the Imperial court.”

“So you were a public official. I am Special Magical Power Unit Staff Officer and Major Erich Hartmann.”

Hanson Albeck.

Upon hearing that name, voices of concern rose from among the territory’s residents.

“Oh no, Mr. Hanson! Come back quickly…!”

“These are the ones who turned our territory into ruins! Who knows what they’ll do to you…!”

The residents worried about his well-being.

Seeing this, the soldier Erich Hartmann’s eyes gleamed as he looked at the documents containing the man’s career details.

‘Judging by people’s reactions, he seems to have quite a reputation in the territory. Just as our investigation showed.’

The documents Erich held were filled with information about him.

Hanson Albeck. Tax collector.

He was someone who had taken the residents’ side against the harsh rule of House Elcryer, including secretly redistributing portions of the collected taxes among them.

‘A local who’s well-respected among the residents and skilled in administration…’

This man could be useful.

Having finished his assessment, Erich immediately began speaking.

“By special order of His Majesty the Emperor, large-scale reconstruction will be carried out in this territory.”

“Territory… reconstruction?”

“Yes. This is the approximate scale of the project, and the equipment and essential personnel should arrive in about three days.”

When Hanson examined the documents handed to him, his eyes lit up with interest.

A streamlined logistics plan and well-structured urban planning.

According to the reconstruction plan, the Elcryer territory could develop into something far greater than before.

“Th-this is an excellent plan. But why are you showing this to me……”

“Ah, well…”

Trailing off, Erich immediately got to the point.

“We plan to employ the territory’s residents as labor for this reconstruction work. Could you possibly mediate this, Mr. Hanson? The compensation would be this much……”

When he received Erich’s documents, the tax collector’s eyes widened.

“T-two years of tax exemption? And this much salary? No, with this much, the costs would be considerable……”

“The costs?”

Erich smiled awkwardly and pointed to the ruined Elcryer mansion.

“We plan to sell all the bonds and assets seized from Count Elcryer and his branch families. After the Imperial court collects a portion of the amount, the remainder will be distributed to this territory……”

“…!”

“I believe this should be more than enough to cover the reconstruction costs.”

The officer calculated the estimated construction costs and wages on the spot, showing the numbers.

It was a dizzying sight just to look at, but that wasn’t what was important right now.

“We’ll be leaving in three days. If you don’t give us an answer by then, personnel from the central government will be dispatched to manage and supervise the reconstruction……”

“I’ll do it. No, please let me do it!”

This was an opportunity.

A chance to rebuild the territory and restore people’s shattered daily lives.

If they missed this now, there would be no guaranteeing the future of the territory’s remaining residents.

“I’ll bring you a list of territory residents as quickly as possible. Then, if you’ll excuse me…!”

With those words, the tax collector hurriedly ran off to gather people.

“J-jobs? Is this real?”

“We’re saved…! So, when does construction start?”

“I was at a loss about how to live from now on, but this gives us some breathing room.”

People rejoiced at the rare good news.

Watching them, Erich recalled what had happened just before.

“Territory reconstruction?”

In Eugene’s office on the armored train.

Eugene tilted his face as if telling Erich to continue when he heard his proposal.

“The land officially declared forfeit from Count Elcryer will probably be incorporated into direct Imperial territory. Soon, a civil official will be dispatched from the central government to take charge of administration, but this process will take about two weeks.”

“Two weeks in temporary quarters like emergency tents would be quite an ordeal for the territory’s residents too?”

“That’s right.”

Agreeing with Eugene’s words, Erich immediately continued.

“So I was thinking, how about having the locals lead the reconstruction project? I’ve outlined the reconstruction project here, and this is the budget. All we need is your approval.”

After saying this, Erich watched Eugene tensely.

Eugene silently flipped through the documents Erich had handed him.

‘This won’t be easy.’

Erich had full authority over administrative matters and supply planning related to the unit.

But getting involved in matters outside the unit was a different issue.

Moreover, the person he was recommending had been on Count Elcryer’s payroll, albeit at a low level.

Rather than hastily employing him, bringing in a civil official from the central government would be the safer method for Eugene.

Considering Eugene’s usual personality, this wasn’t a proposal that would easily receive approval.

He understood that perfectly well.

However…

‘If we don’t do this, the remaining territory residents will live in hell.’

A city in ruins.

Insufficient supplies.

An environment where even proper water supply was lacking.

Though they were managing now with the Imperial army’s water trucks and food supplies, this was just a temporary measure.

Two weeks until the new civil official arrives.

And several months until reconstruction work begins.

This meant the territory’s residents would have to live in an environment without even sewers for that long time.

What kind of chaos would emerge during that process was painfully obvious.

The war was over, but the residents’ suffering was just beginning.

‘We need to return these people to normal life as quickly as possible.’

It might be hypocritical for him, who had bombed the city, to think this way, but Erich still wanted to help these people.

To have nothing but ruins left in the wake of his friends and subordinates.

If that happened, the criticism and infamy would strangle his precious comrades.

Just as Erich finished his thoughts and opened his mouth to convince Eugene.

“Alright. Let’s proceed.”

Eugene stamped his approval without further comment.

“Eh, what?”

“If we send a magical power communication to headquarters, we can start right away. We have about three days until preparations for withdrawal are complete, so that should be enough time to put out the urgent fires.”

“Um… is this okay?”

“Okay? What do you mean?”

Eugene replied while looking at Erich’s plan.

“If it’s a plan you’ve made, there shouldn’t be any problems, and people who willingly followed orders should receive appropriate compensation. Now that it’s been incorporated as Imperial territory, these residents are no longer potential enemies but Imperial citizens who need protection.”

“……”

“We need to normalize the situation as quickly as possible to start generating profits, so we should show this much flexibility.”

Punishment without exception, thorough and cruel.

But equally merciful to those who follow and comply.

After finishing his words, Eugene tilted his head at Erich who was standing there dumbfounded.

“What’s wrong? Did I say something wrong?”

“No, no! Nothing at all!”

With those words, Erich ran excitedly toward the territory’s residents, which led to the current situation.

“Um… Sir soldier!”

“You can call me Erich. What is it?”

“Ah, well. I noticed earlier, but quite a lot of the sewage system is still intact. Reinforcing that area might be better……”

Erich laughed together with the territory’s residents while discussing the reconstruction plans.

Meanwhile, near the armored train, there were people carefully observing Erich.

“Reconstruction project using territory residents… He certainly thinks differently from us.”

The one who spoke was Special Magical Power Unit 2nd Company Commander, Guille.

“We’d have been in big trouble without someone like Erich. To be honest, we didn’t really give much thought to the territory residents.”

At most, forced relocation?

Hearing this, both Matt and Ortega cleared their throats with a “ahem.”

“Well, I just thought others would handle it properly…”

“I just suggested the most efficient method, while considering local sentiment is good, the risks of…”

“You bastards, acting all proper now.”

When Guille said this, Ortega asked him, still seeming not to understand.

“But hey. Do we really need to take care of all this? Honestly, it doesn’t really resonate with me……”

“Of course we do. Because we’re soldiers.”

We’ve become too accustomed to killing people.

Opening with these words, Guille looked toward where Erich was and continued.

“We can suppress enemy strongholds and use magic to burn enemies as much as we want. But building buildings, cultivating fields, taking care of people. Planning all that… Honestly, I wouldn’t even know where to start.”

Guille continued.

“That’s why our unit desperately needs someone like Erich. To raise the reputation of the Special Magic Unit as an organization, we can’t just be a strong and cruel army.”

With those words, Guille recalled the unit’s reinforcement plans.

270 personnel scheduled for three stroke imprint transplantation.

About a thousand new members who had received two stroke imprint and were training under Keiren’s command.

When these people are deployed to actual combat, the reinforced Special Magical Power Unit would gain military power comparable to the Knight Orders of the 12 Great Magic Houses.

However, despite this, the Special Magic Unit’s total combat power was still inferior compared to all magic nobles combined.

For the Special Magic Unit to replace magic nobles and gain the support of Imperial citizens, they needed strengths that differentiated them.

Unlike knights who exploit territory residents, an honorable army that protects Imperial citizens.

The Emperor’s sword that shows no mercy in unleashing magic against enemies, but spares no support for the citizens under their protection.

That was the image the Special Magical Power Unit needed.

“Of course, the current image of the Special Magic Unit under Eugene’s command is no different from demons risen from hell.”

Was that too serious?

When Guille shrugged his shoulders saying that, faint smiles appeared on the faces of the other two as well.

“When this battle becomes known, that infamy will probably get worse.”

“Hey, did you hear? We got another nickname! Hounds, they’re calling us hounds! The Empire’s hounds! Don’t you think that sounds kind of cool?”

“Cool my ass……”

The trio laughed as they said this and moved their feet to prepare for withdrawal.

If Erich’s role was to help people and raise the Special Magic Unit’s reputation by taking care of them.

Their role was to raise their infamy by killing enemies before them.

***

“Extermination? Is this true?”

“It’s news that just came in. Martan, who was first in line to inherit the family, and the Knight Order were annihilated in Elcryer city. And seizure operations against subordinate houses are currently underway.”

In a dark study late at night.

Hearing the report transmitted through magical power communication, a middle-aged man with a dignified impression darkened his expression.

He had already thought something would happen when he heard the news of Count Elcryer’s death.

But official designation?

And extermination?

They’re saying they annihilated a member of the 12 Great Magic Houses who belonged to the Round Table, along with their Knight Order, in just one day?

‘I thought the Emperor’s faction had gained momentum, but I didn’t expect them to take action this quickly. Moreover……’

The middle-aged man, Carlos Buckenheim, pondered.

The reason why this incident felt more threatening than others.

It was because House Elcryer’s extermination had occurred without any warning signs.

‘Official designation, dispatch of subjugation forces, bombardment, and extermination. During this entire series of events, not a single noble house received any related reports.’

If anyone had received word, they would have immediately reported to the Round Table.

But by the time he heard this news, everything was already over, wasn’t it?

In the Empire, there was only one group that could block information this secretively and thoroughly…

‘Imperial Intelligence Department.’

And if the Imperial Intelligence Department had blocked information and interfered with communications, what that meant was clear.

That is…

“So the Emperor personally directed the extermination of Elcryer.”

“…!”

When they heard the voice, both men’s gazes instantly turned to one spot.

Standing at the study’s doorway was an elderly gentleman with white hair tied back.

Judging by his formal attire and cape even at this late hour, he seemed to have been outdoors until just now.

A commanding presence that hadn’t lost its characteristic strength despite being over 70 years old.

The House Buckenheim crest embroidered on his luxurious cape.

Carlos and his subordinate immediately dropped to one knee in respect.

“We are honored by your presence, my lord.”

Karl Buckenheim.

A great noble who commanded the nobles of the eastern Empire and a mage who had inherited Buckenheim’s seven stroke imprint.

The head of House Duke Buckenheim, first seat of the Empire’s distinguished magic houses, looked down at them with stern eyes.

“The Emperor who awoke from seclusion gained power by crushing the Republic, and now that blade has carved away a part of the Round Table.”

“……”

“Then, this isn’t a matter we can simply overlook.”

Duke Buckenheim pondered with gestures similar to Carlos’s.

At the Duke’s sudden visit, Carlos fell into extreme confusion.

‘Did he hear everything?’

‘Since when?’

‘I’ve essentially intercepted information that should have gone to the Duke, so why isn’t he saying anything about that?’

‘No, more than that. Why didn’t I notice his approach……?’

A fear that wouldn’t easily disappear even after watching him for decades.

While enduring that anxiety with his whole body.

“Carlos.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

“Tell all magic noble houses, including Nachtval.”

Having finished his thoughts, the Duke commanded Carlos who was prostrated at his feet.

“That we must reconvene the Round Table.”

“…!”

Hearing those words, Carlos’s eyes widened greatly.

The Round Table.

The noble coalition formed by the 12 houses that had saved the Empire from monster invasions, established to prepare for future calamities.

To reconvene that meant, in other words……

“Do you intend to take the Empire from the Emperor?”

“That’s right.”

Though the Duke spoke with a calm expression, the impact was enormous.

All-out conflict between the Imperial court and magic nobles.

It was essentially declaring the start of a massive battle that couldn’t even be compared to the rebel uprising.

“Your Grace. However…!”

“I know well what you’re worried about, Carlos. You’re concerned about the rebels raging everywhere, aren’t you?”

Carlos nodded at the Duke’s words, but the Duke opened his mouth with a faint smile.

“You need not worry about those lowborns.”

“Pardon? Your Grace. What do you……”

Just as Carlos asked with a puzzled expression.

Swoosh-

“?!”

A man who emerged from behind the Duke bowed his head respectfully to them.

Glossy blonde hair and features different from Imperial citizens.

Seeing this appearance, Carlos’s eyes widened in shock.

“You’re…!”

He was someone who appeared on the Imperial wanted list.

Randall Dean Clark.

The right-hand man of Claude Elcidore, the rebel supreme leader, and effectively one of the most influential figures commanding the entire rebel force.

Why would someone like him be by the Duke’s side?

As if sensing Carlos’s confusion, the Duke looked down at Randall and slowly opened his mouth.

“These people have now become our chess pieces.”

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