Chapter 1412: Carl Franz’s Melancholy

“So, what are German’s demands, or rather, what do the soldiers think?” The Emperor casually pushed the ink bottle and parchment gently back in front of Rudolph.

“Your Majesty, the generals of the Empire and Marshal Heilberg both believe this is a threat, and we should deploy our Imperial Army to eliminate it,” Rudolph immediately said sternly. “Otherwise, they will bring us trouble sooner or later!”

Archbishop Vicma, sitting at a distance, found it odd. Emperor Carl Franz had always been decisive and opinionated in handling internal affairs; why was he hesitating and dragging things out today, repeatedly asking for subordinate opinions?

However, the church does not interfere in imperial internal affairs—an unwritten rule. Since the Emperor did not ask for his opinion, Vicma could only wait, and he simply closed his eyes to rest.

While speaking, Rudolph’s hands did not stop, and soon another parchment was placed in front of the Emperor.

The Emperor took it, glanced briefly at Archbishop Vicma, saw him resting with locked brows, and immediately began reading the parchment’s content.

“Odo has received great support from the Justice Church, this army numbering thousands. Should we have Marshal Heilberg immediately lead the Brunswick army to encircle and control this army? And capture Odo?”

The Emperor pondered for a moment, then slowly said, “Although the natives of Obion understand spellcasting, they show no signs of Chaos Corruption. Though he commands some forces, they aren’t considered elite and pose no threat to us.”

After speaking, the Emperor lightly marked an “×” on the parchment and shook his head.

“But would this make them feel that our empire is too weak and easily bullied?” Rudolph was a bit anxious. Rick Guard pressed, “If we leave it unchecked like this, it will damage the empire and Your Majesty the Emperor’s prestige.”

“The empire is not mine alone; it belongs to all the Imperial people.” The Emperor looked up, glanced at the resting Archbishop, nodded and smiled at Rudolph. “This is the critical period of the upcoming Royal Chief Grand Wizard competition, so let’s not gather troops or deploy them arbitrarily. If German really needs it, he will come to me proactively.”

“Understood.” Rudolph nodded silently; he thought for a moment and then said, “Due to the Royal Chief Grand Wizard competition, Brunswick’s public security hasn’t been very good. Should we mobilize more troops to maintain order?”

“This matter must indeed not be neglected.” Carl Franz nodded solemnly. “Tell Heilberg that he’s responsible for this.”

“Then… can I say it was by Your Majesty’s order?” Rudolph asked.

“Yes,” the Emperor nodded, thought for a moment, and added, “Also, send a message to Gailte, telling him the new type of gunpowder he’s researched has gradually been equipped, and to guide the soldiers on how to use it when necessary.”

“Understood.” Rudolph put away the two parchments, clenched them in his palm, stepped back a few steps, bowed, then turned and left. Before exiting, he nodded and smiled at Archbishop Vicma, acknowledging him.

Archbishop Vicma nodded in return; seeing Rudolph leave, he also didn’t plan to stay. He stood up, “Carl, with all your busy affairs, I won’t stay long. Consider carefully whether to appoint Odo as the new Royal Chief Grand Wizard.”

“I will, Your Majesty Vicma.” Emperor Carl Franz immediately put on his usual hearty smile. “Let me see you off.”

“No need, no need.” Vicma waved his hand, indicating the Emperor need not escort him, then turned and briskly left the study.

Carl Franz smiled slightly, sat back in his chair, looked around, and his expression gradually darkened.

He knew why the Justice Church supported Odo, willing to dispatch Temple Knights and Combat Priests to assist him and helped him gather an army.

This traced back to the Black Demon King Egrem event; it was during that event Odo and Kant discovered Egrem’s fall, and after discussions, they decided to seek support from the Justice Church, violating the consistent principles of the Royal Wizard Academy.

Finally, Egrem was driven off, half of the Wizards from Bright Academy were purged by Vicma. Naturally, the relationship between the newly formed Bright Academy and the Justice Church reached its peak. Archbishop Vicma began trying to extend the church’s influence into the realm of imperial wizards, so his firm support for Odo wasn’t surprising.

Today’s situation made the Emperor feel deeply humiliated; in his own Imperial Palace, in his study, in front of his desk, he had to communicate with his Rick Guard in such a manner.

Being the Emperor of the Empire was truly stifling!

But Carl Franz was helpless in this regard.

As everyone knows, the Emperor of the Empire is elected by the Electors; the original intention of the Elector system was to ensure the empire, facing threats from all sides, could have an emperor trusted by all and skilled in warfare to guarantee territorial security.

But over time, the Elector system has been distorted. Candidates for the throne have to promise and bargain with Electors to win enough votes, leading to situations where the Emperor is “burdened with debts” as soon as they take the throne. Over two thousand years, the authority of the Imperial Emperor has been continually weakened. What Carl Franz truly governs is the Rick Province he owns, and still as Grand Prince Rick.

The Old Empire perished this way, whereas Ludwig’s military reform strengthened the Emperor’s authority and control over military nobles. During his reign, Ludwig’s will prevailed throughout the Empire, but he did not change the Elector system, so after Ludwig’s abdication, the Electors resumed their power games, resulting in promises, pledges, and bribery that once again weakened the Emperor’s authority.

Many believe the Empire is centrally controlled, but it isn’t; it is essentially a loose confederation. Recognizing the Emperor’s highest authority can depend on the Electors’ needs and moods. Since ascending the throne, Emperor Carl has relied only on a series of great military successes and diplomatic maneuvers to barely strengthen some Imperial authority.

Therefore, he cannot overly offend the Justice Church. Archbishop Vicma persuaded two other church Archbishops, Aglima and Casleane, to cast three pivotal votes during Carl Franz’s unfavorable competition with Boris Todbringer for the throne, achieving an extraordinary comeback, where even a single vote mattered.

In return, Carl Franz had to show utmost respect to Archbishop Vicma and concede on many issues. He is the creditor, Carl is the debtor. Moreover, the Justice Church supports him, and the Justice Cathedral is located in Brunswick, with the church holding both military and financial power.

“Ah~” The Emperor sighed deeply, leaning back in the soft armchair, remembering his meeting with Laine a few days ago.

He envied Laine instead; being a Holy Sanctuary Holy Grail Knight, Laine’s might and personal reputation are unparalleled, and importantly, he receives full support from the Lake Fairy Church.

How did he do it? Carl Franz internally was puzzled by Laine’s sudden rise; ten years ago, Laine was just a regular Kingdom Knight wintering in Marinburg, and now he’s nearly becoming a king! The entire Kingdom’s nobles, merchants, and church all already comply.

While he himself can only rely on the Imperial Army, limited to the Imperial Army in Rick Province, perhaps at most alongside Gailte.

Being an Emperor is difficult!

Carl Franz’s eyes shifted around as he called out, “Someone!”

“Here, Your Majesty, what are your orders?” Immediately, an attendant ran in from outside.

“Summon Helena and the children!” Carl Franz waved his hand, “Let’s all go to the Royal Hotel and visit Duke Laine! Let the children meet and make friends!”

“Yes!”