Chapter 88

The Oxyseis United Kingdom is on the move.

Upon receiving this news, the capital planet was in an uproar.

Skirmishes at the border have been ongoing, but a full-scale invasion is on a different scale.

It's not tens of thousands, but millions of fleets clashing.

And this time, the United Kingdom is getting serious.

"Three million?"

"Yes! The United Kingdom is forming a large fleet centered around the nobles and countries that participated in the internal strife. Lord Liam, this is a serious matter!"

A serious clash between interstellar nations can last for hundreds of years if mishandled.

I was drinking coffee elegantly in my hotel room.

"I see."

"Y-You see!? Lord Liam, are you really thinking this through?"

The one who brought this matter to me is Thomas, who has conspired with the corrupt nobles of the United Kingdom.

The corrupt nobles have already done their job.

They brought me the information first.

"It's none of my concern. It's the military's job. And I'm a civil servant now."

Thomas rushed in while I was spending my time elegantly before work.

"Well, that's true, but the military alone can't handle it. They will likely request the participation of the imperial nobles."

"Then I'll decline. I'm currently in training. I'm also a reservist in the military."

Three million enemies attacking—this is indeed a major event, but the empire is also a massive interstellar nation.

If it wanted to, it could prepare twice the combat power.

However, when there's too much leeway, allies tend to drag each other down.

Like me, just watching without participating, for example.

A corrupt lord doesn't take risks.

We might win the war, but with three million enemies, the empire will also suffer casualties.

Can I say that I won't be affected by those casualties?

"This time, I'll just get by with providing funds and supplies."

"That—might be the right approach."

Thomas regains his composure.

Did he think I would participate in the war?

While drinking coffee, I received a communication from my capable subordinate, Klaus.

"Lord Liam, I apologize for the emergency intrusion."

Klaus, who contacted me without an appointment, looked quite anxious.

"What's wrong?"

If this were a communication from an incompetent subordinate—Tia or Marie—I would have hung up immediately.

But they get excited even when I'm cold, so I always feel like I've lost.

"It's a request from the palace. They want you to participate in the war against the United Kingdom."

"I'll decline. I'm busy."

"—However, it has been decided that Prince Cleo will be the supreme commander this time."

"What!?"

◇

There is a noble in the United Kingdom who is connected to Liam.

It's the Earl of Norden.

A man who has been receiving aid from Liam through Thomas.

This man, who owns an entire planet as his territory, serves a king who previously sided with the rebels.

As a result, he is being forced to participate in the war as a form of atonement.

A man who has been connected to the empire's Liam and has been enjoying the benefits.

He has no intention of working for the United Kingdom.

And—no intention of working for Liam either.

He moves only for his own benefit.

"So, you're saying I should help pull Liam into the battlefield?"

The merchant from the empire smiles and nods.

"There are nobles causing a stir within the empire. They will be your opponents."

"The empire's nobles are indeed fearsome, wanting the United Kingdom to deal with their rival factions."

"In return, we will ensure that the information on the fleet led by Prince Cleo is always sent to you."

The Earl of Norden smiles.

In this situation, he can also claim credit.

Most importantly, the enemy fleet is expected to lose to the homeland.

He will also face various forms of harassment from his own side.

"But, I have been well taken care of by Lord Liam. It's not easy to betray him."

The empire's merchant smiles at the Earl of Norden, who is demanding more compensation.

"Of course. If successful, we will prepare the rewards you desire. This is the advance payment."

The prepared documents listed an enormous amount of money and a large quantity of resources.

The Earl of Norden couldn't stop laughing inside.

(Lord Banfield, it seems you have made too many enemies within the empire. I hope you will die for my sake.)

◇

The harem.

In the building where Cleo lives, there was a commotion from morning.

"Leading a fleet of several million!? Cleo hasn't received military education!"

The one who couldn't hide her anger was Cleo's older sister, Rishitea.

She is a royal who aspires to be a knight and is now serving as a bodyguard for her younger sister, who has become a pitiful younger brother.

Cleo remained calm as he watched his agitated sister.

"Sister, please calm down. I have learned the basics through education capsules."

"Cleo, education capsules are indeed excellent, but they only install knowledge. It's meaningless if you can't use it. If capsules were enough, there would be no need for education!"

"Anyway, it's not me but Lord Banfield who will lead the fleet."

"You don't understand. The number Lord Banfield can lead is at most a hundred thousand. If it's double that, excellent commanders are needed. The Banfield family alone isn't enough."

Liam is excellent, but this is beyond what one person can handle.

Rishitea holds her head.

"Lord Banfield lacks the experience. To lead several million, a talented and experienced admiral is needed. And tens of thousands of capable subordinates are required."

Those tens of thousands—hundreds of thousands—refer to well-trained officers.

Just soldiers won't do.

A single earl can't provide them.

"If this had been known a few years ago, there would have been a way. But there's no time. War isn't that easy to win with an unorganized army."

Seeing her sister, Cleo realized he had reached his limit.

(Lord Banfield, it seems we have reached our limit.)

Such a major role, normally the emperor or crown prince would take on.

If successful, it could even affect the line of succession.

Normally, Calvin should have taken on this role—but Calvin recommended Cleo.

Clearly, he wanted Cleo to fail.

Rishitea's eyes were teary.

"It's the worst. In this empire's crisis, if Cleo declines the position of supreme commander, he will be abandoned by the nobles. Even if he takes the position, there's no chance of winning."

Even if they win—Cleo's faction, exhausted, can't fight against Calvin's faction.

"Brother Calvin is troublesome."

Cleo's comment is agreed upon by Rishitea.

"Having held the position of crown prince for so long, he's not just a figurehead."

It seems close, yet so far.

The throne feels very distant to Cleo.

◇

One of the government offices in the capital of the empire.

It's like a city hall in modern Japan, where I worked after graduating from university.

Why?

Because I was removed from the fast track.

Instead of working elegantly in the palace, I was sent to a remote area.

However, I drive there every day.

Why?

Because the car is amazing.

In simple terms, it has the function of a small jet.

So, even being sent to a remote area is no problem.

And my boss—another disgusting person.

"Hey, Liam, you're commuting from the capital to this countryside, right? Since you're rich, why don't you rent a room nearby?"

A noble in his thirties, I think?

Anyway, he's a prideful bastard who doesn't work and just plays around.

He always comes to my desk with unnecessary work.

"Oh, and please compile these documents by today. By tomorrow, okay?"

A large number of files—electronic documents—are spread out in front of me.

Glancing at the clock, it's only thirty minutes until quitting time—impossible to finish.

It's obvious bullying.

I push the documents away with my hand and grab the man's head, pressing it against the desk.

"Who are you ordering around, you bastard?"

"You, you, to your superior!"

"Having an incompetent person above you is truly unbearable."

Saying that, I increase the pressure on my boss's head.

I can hear the sound of bones cracking, but I don't care.

Also, I'm a supporter of incompetent bosses.

I myself am a corrupt lord and a prime example of an incompetent boss.

However, I can't tolerate incompetence above me.

Evil people are selfish.

"What do you mean by assigning work at this hour? Your job is management. Assigning work is also part of your job. Can you finish the work within the time limit if you assign it at this hour?"

"H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H