Big Meetings for Small Matters, Small Meetings for Big Matters

"Regarding the troop numbers for Yue Mountain Fortress," Selene began, her voice clear and authoritative, "after consulting with Grand General Budo, we've set the troop strength at 36,000. What are the opinions from the southwestern defense forces?"

A familiar voice responded, one that Selene recognized as an officer who had once guided her during the southern campaigns. Now, judging by his rank, he had clearly risen through the ranks.

"Grand General, I believe 36,000 troops may be excessive. After your decisive campaigns, the southwestern tribes have been significantly weakened. I propose a garrison of 21,000 troops, with a gradual expansion of our defenses beyond the border. We can incrementally push forward in thousand-man units to further compress the living space of the enemy."

Selene considered his words for a moment before replying, "You make a valid point. However, we'll stick to the plan of training 36,000 for now. As for your proposal, draft a detailed plan within three days and submit it to Grand General Budo for approval."

"Yes, Grand General!" came the sharp response.

The next agenda items followed in quick succession, with Selene leading the discussion.

"The third agenda, regarding the continued suppression of rebel forces in the southern provinces. This task will be handled by your local forces. Remember to follow the strategy laid out by myself and Grand General Budo—emphasizing military clearance alongside material blockades. Shift from a 'leave none alive' policy to one of divide and conquer, granting leniency to those who surrender willingly."

"Understood, Grand General."

"The fourth agenda concerns the re-equipment of the Empire's military forces…"

"Eighth agenda, reviewing the submitted promotion requests…"

Despite the many topics, all proposals passed smoothly, as expected. While the conference was touted as a space for open discussion, everyone knew the truth: the most important decisions weren't made in these large meetings.

Critical matters were decided in private discussions, while these grand gatherings were more for show, providing updates and reinforcing discipline among the provinces. The Defense Review Conference served as an opportunity for the central government to assert its authority over the regional forces and remind them of their place.

In this context, the conference moved swiftly to its final item.

"Now, for the last agenda item: the Empire's primary military objectives for the next two years," Selene announced, pausing for a moment as her voice echoed through the hall. "I propose we focus on the western regions."

She continued, "The western forests are filled with bandits and rogue elements. Among them, based on reports from the Imperial Assassination Unit, is an elite remnant of the southern rebel army hiding in the Komodo Mountain Range. This faction requires immediate attention and eradication."

Selene's statement caught the attention of the commanders. However, it was her next line that made the room collectively hold its breath.

"In addition to the local defense forces, I will be dispatching a contingent of Imperial elite troops to participate in the campaign."

The moment she mentioned sending Imperial elites, the room came alive. Commanders who had been passively listening now sat up straight. This was an opportunity for glory and merit. To be involved in this mission would mean significant battle honors.

It was Gensa, the bold commander of the Eighth Legion, who made the first move. "Grand General, I request that the Eighth Legion take charge of this mission."

His request was like a spark igniting dry tinder. The air grew tense as other commanders exchanged glances, the competitive atmosphere palpable.

"No, no," another voice interrupted, belonging to the commander of the Sixth Legion. "With all due respect, the Sixth Legion, with its specialization in mountain warfare, is better suited for this task."

Before long, another chimed in. "I think the Twelfth Legion is the most appropriate force for this campaign."

"Are you insane?" someone shouted back. "The Twelfth Legion is a naval force—what business do they have in the mountains?!"

"Who cares if we're a naval force? We can handle land combat just as well as any of you!"

The arguments intensified, with insults being hurled across the room. Only the First Legion, responsible for defending the capital, remained silent, watching the scene unfold. The other legion commanders weren't holding back, driven by the chance to secure their place in a prestigious campaign.

The atmosphere grew explosive, with commanders standing and gesturing angrily, their pride and military reputations on the line. For the provincial commanders like Najenda, it was an almost unbelievable spectacle, watching the Imperial elites so openly clash over the opportunity to fight.

Selene's patience finally ran out.

Her voice rang out, sharp and decisive. "Enough!"

The room fell silent as she glared at the commanders. Without waiting for further discussion, she gave her verdict.

"The Imperial Guard will not be participating in this campaign. Instead, I will assign this task to Minister Honest's Imperial Assassination Unit."

Her final words sucked the air out of the room. The commanders exchanged shocked looks, but no one dared protest further. The chance for military glory had slipped from their grasp, and there was nothing they could do about it.

"The meeting is adjourned," Selene declared, her tone final as she abruptly vanished from the hall.

As Selene disappeared, the tension in the room slowly dissipated. The generals began to leave, some grumbling, others laughing as they departed. However, Najenda remained seated, her thoughts far from the excitement of battle.

She had found the eagerness for war among the Imperial Guard to be troubling. Was war merely a path to personal glory for these men? To her, warfare was a necessary evil, but here, it seemed like a means of career advancement. And what of the bandits in the western mountains? Were they really all criminals deserving of death, or were they simply poor souls forced into their situation by circumstance?

Imperial Palace, Honest's Quarters.

"So Selene and Budo are letting you go, huh? Honestly, I thought Selene would have kept you under her thumb," Minister Honest said through a mouthful of food, tearing into a large slab of meat.

"But it works out. I'll make sure everything you asked for is arranged. Once you've got your new army ready, feel free to crush the northern tribes as you see fit. A promotion to Grand General isn't out of the question."

Esdeath, who was seated across from him, remained silent at the mention of the promotion. She had no interest in titles—her mind was fixed on vengeance. But for now, she nodded in agreement. "It will happen soon enough. However…"

"What is it?" Honest asked, wiping grease from his chin with a satisfied grin.

"I'll need more than just funding to get this new army in shape. I'll require additional personnel to assist with the training and organization," Esdeath replied, setting her terms.

Honest stroked his oily beard, still chewing, but nodded. "Anyone you need. Just give me the names."

A small smile crept onto Esdeath's face. "With those assurances, I'm confident we can proceed smoothly."

Imperial Prison, Death Row.

Esdeath's destination was the Imperial prison's death row, a place reserved for prisoners with no chance of escape. While other criminals might be pardoned or given clemency, death row prisoners had crossed a line so severe that only the approval of the highest-ranking officials could save them.

"Where's the warden?" Esdeath asked as she walked through the damp, foul-smelling corridors.

"The warden has been summoned to death row on a special order to pardon a prisoner. Details are unclear, but it seems a high-ranking figure requested it," one of the guards informed her.

"A high-ranking figure?" Esdeath's instincts flared. Something about this felt off, as though someone was interfering with her plans. Her pace quickened.

Deep within the prison, near the isolated cells of death row, the warden stood before a cell, holding a signed pardon. He began to speak: "By the authority of—"