Manuel's POV
"So, to start, how's the management of the region?"
"It's quite stable for now, but sir, I'm only used to managing things in a military way. That's my limit. Anymore, and I can't really manage unless someone from the empire comes here," his staff officer, who was in charge of administration, replied.
"Yeah, I can see that. Any news on when the empire will send an administrator?" he turned to Cornaro.
"I think it will take much longer since the empire is training people to be sent to the Tyrell continent," Cornaro responded.
"Damn. For now, we can manage, but let me know if we reach a stage where an administrator becomes essential, Precorpius," Manuel said, and the man bowed slightly.
"Okay, next is the deployment of new soldiers. On the western defense line, we have a battalion guarding it. In the north, we have two battalions, in the east six battalions, and on the coast two battalions. The rest are stationed across the various bases and here in Frustora. Most of our units are conducting patrols, keeping the peace in smaller cities, and managing security. In reserve, we have 13,000 left," Manuel said as he brushed his hand across the map and continued.
"From the latest intelligence from Assassin X, it's stated that they've been drawing troops from their elderly to adult population. They've also been in overdrive producing weapons and armor for everyone, with shipments coming from the Tiamat Empire and Zenith Empire. One of those shipments included a skyship…" The intelligence officer paused at the end, realizing the implications.
"Marco, what's the status of the runways and hangars?" Manuel turned to the man in charge of the engineering company.
"Well, I'd say in two months we can request two multi-role fighter planes and five helicopters of any type," Marco replied after thinking for a moment.
"I see. And how's local cooperation?"
"They've been helpful in exchange for building new houses with the extra materials lying around," Marco said.
Manuel nodded in response. For the next hour, they planned an upcoming trip. Two platoons of selected Blackwatch units would accompany him, while a cavalry battalion would be stationed at the Thanatos border in case a rescue was needed.
"Okay, let's end this meeting here. I'll review the files myself and reconvene tomorrow to discuss their contents," Manuel said, grabbing the folder.
Everyone left the room, and Manuel went to his quarters. Locking the door, he cast a soundproof spell, a skill taught to all officers.
"Okay, time to see what this is about," he muttered as he opened the folder and began reading its contents.
The Thanatos Empire Dossier
'She is the true ruler of the empire. At the age of 30, she secured her position as the dominant faction through shrewd negotiation, accumulating a vast treasury. She commands an active military force of over 150,000 soldiers and a navy of 300 ships. While her military is on par with other empires in Pangea, it does not reach the level of the Tiamat Empire. However, her position within the empire remains precarious despite outward stability.'
Manuel paused and shifted uncomfortably as he turned the page. His eyes caught the bolded word: 'Conspiracy.'
'We have observed several deaths among the empress's allies and her inner circle. Most causes of death are attributed to natural illnesses native to the empire, or to rare and sudden sicknesses. This suggests a conspiracy to undermine her power or initiate a coup within the coming months.'
"Well, shit," Manuel muttered, continuing to read.
'The suspected ringleader is Natasha Amirov, Duchess in name only, and the lover of the current emperor. She has been influencing him heavily, using seduction and manipulation to convince him to use his artifact to eliminate the empress's allies and vassals, securing her own position.'
"Why not just kill the empress directly?" he wondered aloud, pacing the room.
'One main reason the emperor cannot harm the empress with his artifact is their marriage. The artifact cannot act against one's significant other. If the emperor moves against her personally, she would have justification to depose him.'
Manuel nodded. "A cold war in the making," he muttered, flipping to the next page.
'If the empress were eliminated, it would lead to utter chaos. In such a scenario, the talents of the Thanatos Empire would likely be purged, and any resources derived from the Draconian Empire could be destroyed or seized.'
"Let's consider assassinations, isn't that right, Frost?" Manuel said, noticing a figure emerging from the shadows. Every Assassin X member guarded a specific file, and this one fell under Frost's jurisdiction.
"I could say we could go for that, but I might need the Chaos Insurgency to start the fire," Frost replied.
"Good. Tell them it's a request from this Marshal. I expect them to start once I leave the empire," Manuel ordered, and Frost nodded.
"Oh, and lastly—ensure the concrete sacks are blown up once I give the signal, along with the books and people who know the dye-making process. We can't risk that knowledge spreading. The emperor will be furious if he discovers I allowed them to develop something that could be used against us. Also, send a message to the embassy in the Dominican Federation to start halting shipments of concrete sacks in a few months," Manuel finished. Frost gave a final nod before vanishing into the shadows.
The Next Day
Everyone reconvened in the war room.
"All right, I won't prolong this further," Manuel began. "I will bring only two platoons of Blackwatch soldiers. The rest of the company will remain hidden from public view. The festivities start in a month's time, so I want all preparations in place. Cornaro and Frost will accompany me. The rest of you will stay and maintain progress," he stated.
Before anyone could speak, Manuel added, "I will depart in a month. Once I arrive at their capital, it will be the day before their celebration begins."
After he left the room, the remaining officers discussed their plans.
"We'll still deploy a company, but dispersed along the route to the capital. The convoy will consist of two transport trucks and three Humvees. All in agreement?"
Everyone raised their hands in agreement.
"Marco, try speeding up the helicopter hangar construction. At least we'll have one more option in case we need to extract him by air," Cornaro said, turning to Marco, who nodded.
A Few Days Later – Thanatos Empire
Within the imperial palace, in the empress's main office, her secretary approached.
"Your Majesty, a letter has been received from the Draconian Empire, stating that they will attend the founding feast," he said, handing her the letter bearing the Draconian sigil.
"I see. Have rooms prepared for them, and ensure their accommodations are suitable," the empress instructed, continuing to read reports with her piercing red eyes.
To be continued...