Water Magician

Chapter 375: Intermission – Developments in the Debuhi Empire

Editor: Tseirp

Two years ago, Rupert VI had abdicated the throne and the new Emperor was his eldest son, Helmut VIII.

Former Emperor Rupert announced his retirement from all political affairs, and the true authority of the Empire passed entirely to Helmut VIII and his entourage.

Of course, nothing wrong with that.

Since Helmut had gathered his entourage from his days as crown prince, learned to rule in the territories he was given, and gained experience and achievements to that very end.

He would become Emperor and rule the country well.

Taking his time to reel in achievements.

But Helmut couldn’t wait.

The shadow of his great predecessor was still looming over him.

Former Emperor Rupert VI was just twenty years old when he ascended the throne.

Thereafter, he further strengthened the mighty Empire, reformed the aristocrats who even slightly defied his authority, and gained absolute power and absolute economic strength.

When Rupert VI abdicated and Helmut VIII ascended to the throne, there were no more aristocrats in the Empire who would challenge the Emperor’s authority, and the Emperor’s power and authority were already immense.

Perhaps it was inevitable that Helmut became impatient with the grandiose achievements of his predecessor.

He had only one thing on his mind.

What could he do to surpass his predecessor’s great achievements?

What could he do to surpass his predecessor?

This is a question that has been repeated in many histories, in many worlds, and not only by Helmut VIII.

Some built gigantic structures.

Some built libraries to accumulate knowledge.

And others... invaded neighboring countries to expand their territories.

“Failed?”

Helmut VIII asked, a hint of displeasure evident in his voice.

“My apologies.”

Flora Leisenheimer, commander of the 10th Imperial Army, bowed her head and apologized.

She bowed deeply, but her expression did not change at all.

Her advisor Elmer, who was standing right behind her, could tell.

On the outskirts of the Imperial Capital, the 12th Imperial Army training ground.

“What is His Imperial Majesty thinking... ordering us, Shadows, to the 10th Army instead of the 12th!”

The voice didn’t sound angry.

However, it was filled with frustration.

The voice belonged to General Rancias, commander of the 12th Army.

Listening to his complaint was Bossabo, an archer who had newly become Rancias’ second-in-command two years earlier.

Bossabo, who was assigned to the 12th Army because of his divine archery skills, was highly regarded by Rancias for his ability to coordinate as a lieutenant and, in some cases, lead the whole army, and he had earned his complete trust.

Well, that explained why he was the one listening to his complaints....

However, Bossabo, who was in his mid-thirties, was also experienced enough to know that listening to his boss’s complaints was part of the job.

“I guess it means you have yet to regain the Emperor’s trust.”

He was also a man who had no problem voicing out the difficult stuff.

“Sure, leave it to you to hit a sore spot...”

General Rancias succumbed with a frown.

“After the war with the Kingdom, half of those who returned from the Elven Forest left the army. After an experience like that, who can blame them.... Then again, it’s also true that the strength of the 12th Army has been rattled by it. Though we’re training new recruits, the art of ‘Shadow’ is not easy to master.”

Saying that, Rancias let out a loud sigh.

He knows.

He actually knows well.

How extremely difficult it is to regain trust once it is lost.

And that he was just clinging to their past glory.

But still....

Isn’t it human nature to seek that glory again?

“We’re going to build the army back up, and better!”

“...Yes sir.”

General Rancias shook his head repeatedly before saying so, and his second-in-command, Bossabo, who could imagine harsh training regimens ahead, delayed his reply for a moment.

Indeed... a lot of things are simply inevitable....

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