Reincarnated with the Country System-Chapter 192: This kingdom’s politics is so entertaining

Palace of Versailles

Alberto opened his system.

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MP: 550,000/550,000

Experience Points: 634,639/750,000

Technological level: 2000s

Country Citizen: 560,025/1,200,000

Military Troops: 98,000/ 120,000

Air force: 40,000/ 50,000

Police: 18,000/70,000

Heroes: One SS and Two S rank

Map

Inventory

Shop

Balance: 20,107,089,094 SC

★★★

"Hmm, I have a lot of SC saved up. But is it wise to spend them now? In my opinion, instead of summoning soldiers from the system, it would be best to recruit local people and create a separate branch with them. Also, my limit for summoning troops is 120,000, meaning I won't be able to maintain more than that. So this would be the optimal choice.

"Hmm… Besides, people in this world aren't very educated—especially the commoners, 99% of whom are illiterate.

"Our territory has grown considerably. If I exclude Jimland and count only the populations of Britannia, Latvia, and Amazonia, their total numbers would be approximately 75 million—more than ten times the population of my country.

This content is taken from freeweɓnovel.cѳm.

"Ah, I need to establish a military academy in these regions—a place where loyalty to the Bernard Empire will be instilled in their minds. I can also provide them with facilities that their own country could never offer. A high salary is key because, at the end of the day, money is everything.

"I heard that a common soldier in Britannia earns two silver coins a month. What if I paid these men twenty silver coins a month? The British did the same in their colonial forces. Higher salaries would attract more locals to join our army."

While Alberto was contemplating these matters, a soft, sharp knock sounded at the door.

"Enter," he commanded.

The heavy doors swung open, and in walked Rinehart.

Her boots clicked against the polished marble. Her posture was straight, cold, and disciplined.

"Your Majesty," she said, bowing slightly before placing a thick file onto the desk in front of him. "This contains everything we've gathered so far."

Alberto let out a slow exhale through his nose. Another goddamn file. How many more before this was over?

He reached forward, flipping it open. The rustle of paper filled the air, breaking the silence.

He scanned the pages, his golden eyes flicking over the carefully compiled intelligence.

Then he saw it.

"Hmm. Interesting." His lips curled slightly. "So... Eric is the bastard son of King Philip."

Rinehart gave a curt nod, her arms crossed behind her back. "Yes, Your Majesty. I must admit, it surprised me too. Prince Eric's mother was just a maid."

Alberto's jaw tensed.

A maid.

"The esteemed Queen Ruliana couldn't bear a son, so King Philip had to spread his seed elsewhere," Rinehart continued, her tone edged with quiet amusement.

Alberto let out a low chuckle. How ironic.

"And then fate decided to play its twisted little game, didn't it?" He ran a finger along the edge of the parchment. "Four years later, Ruliana finally gets pregnant... and out comes Caspian."

"But weak. Sickly. Fragile." Rinehart's lips curled slightly, as if the mere thought disgusted her. "The nobles of Latvia never wanted him on the throne. A king who can't even wield a sword? Pathetic."

Alberto leaned back in his chair, amusement flickering in his gaze. "So the weakling had the birthright, but the bastard had the strength. And strength always wins."

Rinehart nodded. "That's how it played out, yes. Caspian was sidelined. Eric became King Philip's favored son. Also, most of the nobles of Latvia supported him. So Queen Ruliana made a desperate decision."

Alberto raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

Rinehart leaned in slightly. "She turned to black magic."

Alberto let out a low whistle.

"Now that," he said, "is interesting."

Rinehart's gaze darkened. "She was caught by the Church. Burned alive. But Caspian never believed the official story. He thinks Eric orchestrated it. That Eric was afraid that if Caspian ever recovered, his own claim to the throne would be questioned. So he framed the Queen on false charges and had her executed."

Alberto tapped a finger against the desk. His mind was already racing.

"That's a hell of an accusation," he murmured. His fingers drummed against the desk. "Hmm… Have you verified its authenticity?"

Rinehart smirked. "Oh, I made sure of it. We used the special serum developed by the Arcane Research Institute. Straight from Circe's hands. Caspian sang like a fucking bird."

Alberto let out a low chuckle, but his mind was still moving, calculating.

Now I'm wondering…

Do I make Eric the king or bring Latvia completely under our control? We can use this information to reduce his popularity in Latvia.... Hmm, it can also be used to blackmail him.

Or do I break him completely?

Either way, he would squeeze everything out of this.

Rinehart watched Alberto carefully. She knew that look in his eyes.

A hunter contemplating his prey.

"You seem amused, Your Majesty," she noted, tilting her head.

Alberto laughed. "How could I not be? This kingdom's politics are more entertaining than any play in Versailles."

He picked up a silver letter opener, turning it between his fingers.

"And tell me," he continued, his voice deceptively light, "how is dear Caspian doing? Is he still resisting?"

Rinehart's smile was thin and sharp. "Resisting? No, Your Majesty. He broke. The moment we injected the serum, his arrogance melted. He struggled, but the body always betrays the mind."

Alberto smirked. "Did he beg?"

She hesitated. Then—"Yes."

Alberto set down the letter opener with a satisfied exhale.

"Good. Let him drown in his own humiliation."

Silence stretched between them, thick and heavy.

Finally, he leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples.

"Alright. You may go, Rinehart."

She inclined her head. "Of course, Your Majesty."

She turned to leave.

Then—

"Oh, and Rinehart," Alberto called after her.

She paused.

"Do not kill him until you receive my order."

A slow, cruel smile spread across his lips.

Rinehart's lips curved.

"As you wish, Your Majesty."

Alberto sat in silence for a moment, staring at the flickering candle.

This was going to be interesting.