I Became a Genius Commander at the Academy - Chapter 197: General Yaeger, Beloved Of The Emperor (2)

The Reich Empire’s Grand Palace Conference Room.

The ministers present unanimously spoke when Emperor Fernando von Reich entered the room.

“We deeply congratulate Your Majesty on the Crown Prince’s great victory.”

The Emperor knew the ministers were just flattering him, but he still felt pleased.

Even though he had been considering passing the throne to the Crown Prince and retiring, he was hesitant to do so because his eldest son, Michael von Reich, the next Emperor, had not yet established a solid military achievement.

But now, with the significant achievement of conquering the western part of Ostarica with just 10,000 casualties, the Crown Prince’s position has been strengthened so much that there would be no problem even in an imperial election.

“Ahem, ahem. This is all thanks to the ministers who vigorously supported from the rear and the brave soldiers of the Empire who fought at the risk of their lives. Therefore, besides the formal commendations, I also wish to reward the ministers and administrators for this auspicious occasion.”

“All officials will be delighted by Your Majesty’s merciful heart.”

“Joy doubles when shared. Let’s begin the commendations. Let’s talk about the Crown Prince’s achievements first.”

Upon hearing these words, Marshal Benner, acting on behalf of the Minister of Military Affairs, cautiously began to speak.

“The Crown Prince, as the supreme commander of this war, has secured four duchies worth of territory in the western region of the Grand Duchy of Ostarica. Moreover, this great victory has allowed us to escape the crisis of a combined operation by Chekovia, Ostarica, and the Grand Duchy of Warsaw, as pointed out by General Yaeger. The General Staff evaluates this war as an achievement that not only averted a potential future crisis for the Empire but also significantly expanded its territory.

When the Marshal, who could be considered the leader of an army of over 500,000, spoke like this, the ministers unanimously agreed without any objections.

“Therefore, I, Marshal Lucas von Benner, request that one duchy of Ostarica be conferred as a reward for the Crown Prince’s achievements.”

On the continent of Europa, there were various duchies and grand duchies with populations of at least ten million, but the duchies belonging to the Empire or other nations were weaker in power.

Yet, places labeled as duchies included major cities that were commercial hubs with populations of over 600,000, boasting immense economic power.

Nobles with the title of Duke had the influence to sway the politics of the Empire if they chose.

Therefore, even for a Crown Prince, receiving a duchy during ‘his time as Crown Prince’ was almost unheard of for ordinary occasions.

“Wouldn’t it be better to compromise and confer a marquisate instead?”

“However, according to the Foreign Ministry’s view, without this battle, the Empire could have faced an unprecedented crisis. So, conferring a duchy would not be at all unusual.”

“That may be so, but… it’s a duchy we’re talking about. Even the smallest duchy is equivalent to the size of 4 or 5 counties.”

The Emperor was curious about the intention behind Marshal Benner’s words and tried to read his face, but his expression remained impassive.

As if he had no interest at all, he seemed to passionately argue that he was merely reading the opinions submitted by the General Staff.

‘Assuming that since I support the Crown Prince, it’s no problem for me to passionately advocate for many rewards for him, he intends to show that he and his son-in-law, General Yaeger, have no political ambitions.’

“I will accept the General Staff’s opinion. However, the duchy to be conferred on the Crown Prince will be the smallest of the four acquired, Eisenstadt Duchy. The remaining three duchies will be divided into counties, marquisates, and baronies and conferred according to their achievements to those who have made contributions in this war, including soldiers and administrators who served with them. Now, let’s discuss the deputy commander’s achievements.”

Upon hearing this, Marshal Benner remained silent, and the Imperial Chancellor sighed as if giving up and spoke,

“The Crown Prince has made the greatest contribution by practically planning this expedition and considering the diplomatic interests to get the Empire out of danger. Moreover, the new training, operations, and supply systems he proposed nearly doubled the Empire’s military strength compared to before. Also, the 7th Guard Division he commanded performed the equivalent of three divisions on its own in this battle. Therefore, several generals from the General Staff have petitioned for his promotion by one rank.”

The Emperor was surprised by the unexpected turn of events, and the ministers were shocked that a request for the promotion to High General of someone not yet 30 could even be considered.

The funnier part was the reality that it was hard to argue against such requests from the generals, making them want to scold their children and grandchildren, who were also officers.

“However, no matter how great General Yaeger’s achievements are, the Empire’s Council views his promotion to High General as difficult. We would like to know Your Majesty’s judgment.”

It might seem strange for the Nobles’ Council, a gathering of titled nobility involved in military personnel, to express an opinion, but a General of the Empire’s army holds influence comparable to that of a minister in various government departments during their tenure.

Thus, the promotion couldn’t be simply regarded as ‘internal military affairs.’

Generals below the rank of Major General were promoted based on a request from the General Staff, reviewed by the Minister of Military Affairs, and approved by the Emperor, but promotions to High General or Marshal would go through the same process as other generals and were subject to thorough personnel verification by the Empire’s Council before the Emperor’s approval, and the Emperor, the final approver, was not particularly fond of such proposals.

‘Frankly, General Yaeger could perform the duties of a Marshal as well as Count Benner sitting there. However, it’s also true that he lacks age and experience. Promoting him is not something I should do; it should be handled after Michael ascends to Emperor. But that doesn’t mean the military’s proposal is rash.’

“I acknowledge that General Yaeger, having received both the Diamond Knight’s Cross and the Twin Dragons Medal, is already qualified for promotion to High General. Therefore, some generals’ requests from the General Staff are not at all unfounded. However, due to his lack of age and experience, I will decline his promotion. Additionally, I believe it is not appropriate to confer a marquisate on him since he has already received the title of Count.”

Upon hearing this, a unanimous sigh of relief swept through the conference room, and the ministers praised the Emperor’s judgment.

Because, no matter how exceptional Peter Yaeger might be, these high-born nobles themselves were only aspiring for the rank of Secretary (equivalent to a Lieutenant Colonel to Major in military ranks) at his age.

They did not wish to see someone not yet thirty equate their ceremonial rank and status, no matter how significant his achievements were.

“General Yaeger is only 28 years old. He has plenty of opportunities ahead, so there’s no need to rush.”

“The General will surely understand Your Majesty’s decision.”

“Instead, conferring lands or similar rewards would enhance his family’s prestige and honor.”

Hearing that, the Emperor smiled and said,

“As the ministers have said, since neither a promotion to High General nor an elevation of title is appropriate, it is only right to reward him generously. Therefore, I will confer upon him the Countships of Horn and Melk, along with 60,000 gold.”

Upon hearing this, the ministers decided to write letters to their sons, who were still lagging behind in promotions despite their age, urging them to work harder for advancement, or even scolding them in person.

“Generously reward the 7th Guard Division commanded by General Peter Yaeger more than usual for their achievements. Also, in recognition of the 7th Guard Division’s achievement in holding back Ostarica’s knights with only spear-armed infantry, I will allow the Emperor’s insignia to be inscribed on the division’s flag.”

Currently, there were about five units in the Empire with the Emperor’s insignia inscribed on division-level or higher flags, and officers who served in these units were generally treated as elites.

Over 60% of those promoted to General had served as division or deputy division commanders in such units.

Thus, with this, the Emperor had almost confirmed Peter Yaeger’s promotion to High General, only not setting a specific time frame.

Then, the Emperor looked around at the ministers and declared,

“The achievements of General Peter Yaeger are so significant that they are unparalleled in the history of the Empire. Therefore, to honor his achievements, I will permit his marriage to the Empire’s 4th Princess, Louise von Reich, clearly showing the Royal Family’s trust in him. Furthermore, the commendations will be announced en masse after the Crown Prince completes the victory parade. However, since we have discussed quite a bit, let’s have a meal and reconvene to handle the remaining agenda.”

As he said this, the Emperor left the conference room, and the ministers looked at the Emperor’s back as if they had been hit hard on the back of their heads.

“…Permit General Yaeger’s marriage to the Princess? Maybe we should have just argued for his promotion to High General first.”

“What on earth is my son doing? Why can’t he get promoted from Lieutenant Colonel to Colonel even after turning 40?”

“Ah, maybe I should have been more careful when choosing a son-in-law. Marshal Benner must be pleased to have such an accomplished son-in-law…”

However, Marshal Benner, the object of the ministers’ envy, had quite a complex mind.

Having a son-in-law who enjoyed the Emperor’s absolute trust, he expected his family’s status and wealth to inflate significantly due to his son-in-law’s influence.

Gratitude for being promoted to Marshal, a rank he should have reached as a Lieutenant General at best, due to his son-in-law’s influence.

And concern for his beloved daughter, surpassing all those feelings.

“Laura often complained in letters about Colonel Kerzhit, a dedicated maid named Charlotte, and many other young ladies flocking around him. And now a marriage with the Princess. I was expecting it, but already…”

“Having such a capable son-in-law can sometimes be this challenging. Those folks probably can’t imagine I have these concerns. Maybe it’s time to visit Senior Patton, clear my head, and have a drink…”