The doctor suffers from amnesia, but not complete amnesia.

"Our Ursus was founded on military strength, and all the surrounding countries know the power of our empire's military. Therefore, even if we reduce our troops, they will not dare to invade easily. Moreover, although reducing troops may cause temporary pain, it will benefit the people for generations to come."

Fyodor had already made up his mind.

He was initially just pleased with himself for getting the designation of the First Army Group, but now that he has calmed down, he realizes that it is indeed a good idea.

Although Witte certainly had his own ulterior motives, there was no doubt that this proposal could effectively weaken the army groups controlled by the nobles and give the empire's exhausted economy a chance to breathe.

So, why not just agree to the parts that are beneficial to oneself?

"However, the matter of newly designating army group numbers should not be done lightly. If the empire reduces its military while simultaneously establishing new army group numbers, it will be nothing more than a change in name only. This policy will become a waste of paper, and military commanders at all levels will not be convinced by the reduction of troops."

Upon hearing this, Witte felt reassured, which meant that his understanding of the Emperor was correct and that the other party could definitely see through Nicholas's old trick of putting old wine in new bottles.

"However, my uncle has devoted himself to the empire for many years. Now that he is asking me for a favor for the sake of his descendants, I cannot completely ignore it. After all, we are all family."

Witt: ?

"Since we cannot create a new one, let's choose one from the old designations and bestow it upon Anatoly. I remember that the Sixth Army has never been rebuilt since its destruction, so let Anatoly serve as the commander of the Sixth Army and begin rebuilding it."

"Your Majesty—the Sixth Army is a rebel army. This designation is full of disgrace; even its banner was burned. Is it perhaps a bit... to bestow it upon His Excellency Anatoly?"

Witte was greatly alarmed, and although he did not show it on his face, he immediately stood up to express his "subtle objection".

Sure enough, once I plugged the leak, this guy started to get anxious.

The emperor sneered inwardly.

The Ursus Empire has only fought this one war against the Eastern Kingdom to a draw in the past few decades. Therefore, there are no newly rebuilt army groups in the empire, only the First and Sixth.

Now that the First Army is under his command, if the Sixth Army is also awarded to Anatoly, there will be no other unit designation available.

As for why Nikolai was given the item—the other party had already proven his loyalty, at least by not delaying or concealing what was due, and had been cooperating with him all along.

So why not take this opportunity to appease him and reassure Nicholas, making him more determined to stand on his side instead of colluding with the nobles or Witte?

"The Sixth Army is a disgraceful designation, and Anatoly has just seen the error of his ways. I think it is most appropriate to have such a person lead the Sixth Army—I expect that he can also lead the Sixth Army to regain its reputation as the Emperor's most loyal army group."

"Your Majesty is virtuous."

Just as Witt was about to try again, Qiao Yelan uttered those four words at just the right moment.

This means that the emperor's reward has been granted, and His Majesty's word cannot be easily changed. If Witte still dares to cause trouble at this point, the emperor could even arrest him for the crime of disrespect.

"Then so be it, Qiao Yelanqing. Just convey my words to the Imperial Uncle and Anatoli, and tell them that there is no need to rush to the palace to express their gratitude. They should finish their work first."

"Your subject obeys the decree—Your subject takes his leave."

Qiao Yelan looked up, her face still showing surprise and joy, as if she had won the lottery.

"...Then, I shall take my leave."

Witt was on the verge of losing his composure, never expecting that the problem would arise at the stage he thought was least likely to go wrong.

"Alright, someone, escort Qiao Yelan and Vittor out of the palace."

The emperor smiled and gave the order. Attendants came in and led the two away from the palace.

Once the palace gates closed, Qiao Yelan was pushed by Ace and stood in front of Victor.

"Your Excellency Speaker, I never expected that His Majesty the Emperor would agree to what you refused. It seems that although you have a wealth of experience, my luck is even better."

These words almost broke Witt's composure.

Today's meeting with the Emperor was the first time he had ever discovered that Fyodor had done something completely beyond his expectations.

This made him somewhat wary. After all, the other party was the son of His Majesty Vladimir. Even if he didn't have much experience in wielding power, he was still an emperor with a very deep mind.

"His Majesty still has feelings for Grand Duke Nicholas, but he hopes that the Grand Duke will not ignore these feelings and do something willful."

He could only say these kinds of polite words to cover up his extremely embarrassing situation.

A hand was stretched out in front of him.

“Speaker Witte, you said you were willing to pay a political donation as a reward for the military’s proposed disarmament plan—I dare not delay this any longer, otherwise if you say that His Majesty approved it and it has nothing to do with you, then even if I am squeezed dry, I will not be able to come up with so much money for His Highness the Grand Duke.”

Damn it, this little brat is really taking advantage of people's kindness.

Witt could no longer maintain his composure as a seasoned politician. With a cold face, he took out a checkbook and pen from the inside pocket of his coat and wrote down a rather substantial amount.

However, when Qiao Yelan reached out to take it, she found that the other person was holding it very tightly.

“Your Excellency Speaker, that is extremely uncouth.”

"No, I wanted to ask if Mr. Qiao Yelan has any interest in working for anyone other than the Grand Dukes?"

Witt casually released his grip and then shook the checkbook in his hand.

“If so, I wouldn’t mind paying the same amount again.”

“Of course I’m interested, Mr. Witt.”

Qiao Yelan's eyes lit up.

Is there such a good thing?

Witt readily wrote another identical check for Qiao Yelan.

"This is my business card, Your Excellency Speaker. Whether it's business activities, mine development, commodity sales, intelligence exchange, or any other need, you can contact me."

Qiao Yelan smiled and handed a business card to Witt.

"In the name of the Tower of Babel—we will meet all the needs of our customers."

Originally, I wanted to take the initiative to get closer to the other party and make a deal with them, but since the other party is willing to pay to befriend me, I definitely can't let this opportunity pass.

------------------------------------------------------------

"Grand Duke Kosiché, please take this check to Grand Duke Nikolai and tell him that this is an advance payment of start-up capital for him, so that he can begin preparing for his operation to extort money from the Haydenschweig region in the south."

[Isn't this the one Witte promised to give Nicola?]

"If I hadn't asked, would Witt have given me this check?"

【......impossible.】

“That’s right—so this is my money, and since it’s my money, I can decide how to use it.”

Qiao Yelan carefully put away the other check, brazenly accepting Speaker Witt's offer to curry favor with Nikolai, intending to use it as leverage to make Nikolai even more grateful to him.

I'm not going to argue with you—are you trying to get me away from something by sending me to Nikolai's place?

"Of course not. It's just that I'm safe for the next period of time. The Emperor, Witte, and Nicholas all trust and are friendly to me. I'm not in any danger here at the Holy Eagle Fortress. So it would be a waste for you to stay here any longer."

Qiao Yelan said very seriously.

But didn't you promise to keep me by your side?

Black Snake angrily accused Qiao Yelan of going back on his word, but for some reason, it sounded a bit like a girl accusing a scumbag.

"This is only because the one who will be in danger recently is Grand Duke Nicholas—the nobles of Ursus are a group of people with even lower bottom lines than I am. Vladimir died under mysterious circumstances back then, let alone Grand Duke Nicholas who has taken action against their army."

The man's explanation of sweet talk

“If something were to happen to Grand Duke Nikolai at this time, all my efforts and efforts in coming to Saint Eagle Castle would be in vain—and it is precisely because of my trust in you that I thought only you could temporarily protect Grand Duke Nikolai.”

“I assure you, it will only be for a short time. Once the disarmament order is issued and Nicholas and the nobles reach an unspoken agreement to turn a blind eye, I will take you with me again—for at least a year.”

【......All right.】

"Then it's settled. Do you have any usable bodies left in Holy Eagle Fortress?"

Of course I have it, I'll go find it myself—I took the check with me.

"Bon Voyage."

Qiao Yelan smiled lightly and said goodbye to Kosic.

After the other person left, the man's expression returned to indifference.

Did you bring what Yefim entrusted to you?

"Right here, he said this is the only remaining copy of the document, and there are no other copies."

Qiao Yelan took the brown paper bag, opened it, and found the document that had been on the table during the meeting at Anatoli Villa that noon.

"Did you give me the address?"

“I told you, the troop you’re looking for is currently 200 kilometers northwest of Saint Eagle Fortress and is still heading this way—that’s their planned route.”

"Let's go—to see an old acquaintance."

-----------------------------------------------------------

"Your Excellency, a convoy has arrived at the outskirts of the camp. After the sentries patrolling outside stopped them, the convoy leader said that they were your friends and had come to see you."

"my friend?"

The speaker was completely shrouded in heavy, cold armor, with nothing exposed outside the armor except for a pair of protruding antlers.

"Yes, that's what the team leader said."

While the captain was still pondering, his adjutant spoke up.

"Captain, whether he is your friend or not, he has already appeared on our marching route—and we clearly received a secret military order to return to the capital from the north. The fact that he was able to intercept us so accurately means that it must be related to this matter, so let's meet him first."

“...You’re right, Constantine—tell that leader I agree to see him, but not in the camp.”

The man gave the order to the messenger.