Reincarnated as the third son of the Duke-Chapter 87 - Price of War and the Cost of Blind Faith

87 Price of War and the Cost of Blind Faith

"It seems this discussion has reached its conclusion. Unless you have more to say, William?"

A second prince, standing behind the first, interjected. "Brother, it’s Lord William."

"Ah, right. Lord William. If you have no further objections, I’d like to end this council here."

The First Prince nodded absentmindedly at his younger brother’s correction. Denying Bernhardt’s logic was tantamount to denying the Empire’s strength itself.

Yet, despite the overwhelming opposition, William shook his head.

"I do not doubt the Empire will not break from a single loss. But if it suffers defeat, will it still have the strength to march on Krefeld again while rebellions rise on all sides?"

Bernhardt’s eyes narrowed. "What are you implying?"

"That whether Krefeld breaks the Grand Accord or not, the moment they win even once, uprisings will erupt across the Empire. And if that happens, Krefeld will have no reason to uphold the Accord any longer."

If the rebels only needed a single victory to secure their independence, then the burden of war was asymmetrical.

For the Empire, a single loss would spell disaster.

Instead of merely reconquering Krefeld, they would find themselves drowning in insurrections. The prospect of sending another army would become a distant dream.

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**"Marquis Bernhardt," William continued, his tone measured. "You called the Grand Accord a ’perfect excuse.’ But where in history has there ever been such a thing as a ’perfect excuse’?"

"Rebellion is not a decision made lightly. It is an act of desperation—one that risks the very lives of the ruling class. Do you really believe they would stake everything on nothing more than a test of the Empire’s strength?"

Bernhardt folded his arms. "So you claim that, since their survival is on the line, they will use every tool available? You sound far too pessimistic."

William met his gaze evenly. "And you, Marquis, are far too optimistic. You assume every advantage lies with the Empire."

Bernhardt chuckled. "And you assume every disadvantage does."

William’s voice remained steady. "I was taught to always prepare for the worst."

"There’s a difference between preparing for the worst and being too afraid to move forward."

The conversation was swiftly interrupted.

"Enough!"

The First Prince’s hand slammed against the armrest of his chair. The sudden impact silenced the room.

His sharp gaze flickered between William and Bernhardt before he spoke again.

"I asked for strategy, not a shouting match. Do not forget that I am the one leading this campaign."

Both men immediately bowed their heads.

"My apologies."

"I ask for your forgiveness."

The First Prince accepted their words, though his displeasure was evident.

His eyes lingered on William for a moment longer before he added, "And you, Lord William—choose your words carefully. The Empire is not so fragile."

William inclined his head slightly. "If my words were offensive, I apologize. But war is a matter of the state’s survival, and I cannot ignore the worst possible outcome."

The First Prince’s lips curled into a smirk. "Ah, such noble devotion. How inspiring."

The sarcasm was thick, but William remained impassive.

The prince swept his gaze across the gathered nobles.

"It seems we have two proposals before us. Marquis Bernhardt’s call for a swift strike and Lord William’s… cautious approach. Which do you believe is the wiser course?"

The room fell into silence.

The gathered lords glanced at Bernhardt and William in turn, hesitant to voice their opinions.

The silence did not last long.

Soon, voices rose in near-unanimous agreement.

"I believe the Marquis’s proposal is the more reasonable choice."

"Lord William’s argument has its merits, but experience must also be considered..."

"If Krefeld does break the Grand Accord, we can adjust our strategy then. There’s no need for hesitation now."

As the room swayed decisively in his favor, Marquis Bernhardt turned to William with a victorious smirk. Even the First Prince tilted his head slightly, as if to ask, What now?

"It seems the majority supports the Marquis’s plan."

William remained composed. "I am merely offering counsel as a vassal. The decision ultimately rests with Your Highness."

"Then I see no reason to go against the consensus. We will proceed with a swift campaign."

William gave a quiet nod. "If that is Your Highness’s will."

Satisfied, the First Prince grinned and raised his voice.

"Then it is decided! We will advance swiftly upon Krefeld’s capital and show them the might of the Empire!"

William let out a sigh as he made his way back to his tent.

He had expected at least some among them to seriously consider his warning. Yet not a single one had.

"Pathetic."

"Do not be too disheartened, Your Highness."

William turned as Raymond approached, offering words of consolation. Though he had not been allowed inside the war council, he had remained close as William’s bodyguard and overheard the entire discussion.

"Your strategy was sound, but to the others, it was simply too radical. It is only natural that they would gravitate toward the more conventional plan."

William scoffed. "Conventional? What part of this is conventional?"

"Swift campaigns are always ideal, are they not? Ending a war quickly is common sense."

For a brief moment, William blinked in surprise. Then, he let out a small, wry chuckle.

Speaking as if to a child, he began his explanation.

"Do you know who is paying for this campaign?"

Raymond tilted his head. "Marquis Bernhardt, is he not? I heard he was forced to foot the bill because of that mess with you."

"Then tell me—who benefits the most from ending this war quickly?"

Raymond’s eyes widened in realization.

What had seemed like a purely strategic choice was, in truth, nothing more than a ploy to minimize the Marquis’s own financial losses.

"Then what about the part about mercy? Showing restraint as proof of the Empire’s strength?"

William’s lips curled slightly. "Once the Krefeld royal family falls, chaos will follow. Even if there is no formal war, the army will have to remain deployed for a long time to maintain order. And the longer the army stays, the more it will cost. And guess who will be paying for that as well?"

Raymond frowned. "And the other lords supported the Marquis because...?"

"A mere Third Prince—one without even an official claim to succession—against the head of an esteemed noble house. In most cases, who do you think they would support?"

Raymond stood frozen.