I play a Evil God in Otome Game

Chapter 157 Grand Duke(10/?)

"Did you speak with the doctors?"

George looked at his subordinate, who had just delivered a report. The soldier nodded quickly, confirming, "Yes, Commander. As you instructed, we spoke to them to ensure they remembered your words."

George smiled and nodded. "Good. If people ask what the curse is, ignore them."

"As you wish, sir."

"You may go."

As the soldier left, George turned his gaze to Thalia, who was sitting beside him. Thalia was still feeling the effects of casting a large-scale spell.

Dark circles shadowed her eyes, her hair was disheveled, and she looked exhausted. Yet, she still managed to smile. Looking at George, she said, "Please don't ask me to do something like this again."

George nodded, signaling his understanding. "This was a one-time thing. Don't worry."

Thalia nodded silently, saying nothing further. George wasn't inclined to speak either, but a knock at the door drew his attention.

"Come in."

"Commander, the captured general wishes to speak with you. What should we do?"

"Bring him here," George ordered calmly. Shortly after, the soldier returned with Antonio. Although Antonio's face was expressionless, George could easily sense the anger within him.

The slight tremble of his hand and the narrowing of his eyes betrayed him. George kept his observations to himself. As the soldier left, Antonio glanced at Thalia with a mix of curiosity and assessment.

When Thalia grinned at him, he merely turned his head impassively and gave George a cautious look before holding up some documents.

"Is this true?"

"Yes, it's all true."

Hearing George's confirmation, Antonio narrowed his eyes. His face twisted as he looked at the documents in disbelief. "How is this possible? Billions in gold... How could they steal so much without leaving any evidence?"

The documents Antonio held contained detailed intelligence on the President and government officials. Thalia's seductive skills had been instrumental in gathering the information.

After a year of work, uncovering billions in embezzled funds was no small feat for Aurelion. It was important to remember that since the time of Grand Lorenzo, the state treasury had been nonexistent, and the Republic had been in debt for years.

The Republic was overshadowed by a populace that believed it was prospering and an army that thought it was powerful.

Antonio's long-cherished dream of a great Aurelion was shattered. Reading the documents made him realize why the military was so incompetent.

The upper ranks of the military were filled with inept supporters of the government. They were all relatives of mayors or the President, and merit was non-existent. All it took was some small talk, and they were generals.

Antonio, who had spent his entire life working hard, sacrificing everything to reach his position, was deeply disappointed.

At first, he refused to believe it. Then he questioned it. But with the mayors fleeing and the imperial army likely to win, Antonio could think only of George's offer. He had come here seeking answers.

George's words might seem like a joke to others, but Antonio wouldn't jump to conclusions without certainty.

"The Republic is nothing but a nest of parasites filled with corruption," George said seriously. As Antonio looked at him, George leaned forward slightly. "Forget the Republic you once knew and just listen to what I have to say. What you'll hear will destroy all your beliefs."

Antonio frowned but sat down when George gestured to a chair. He tried to maintain a composed expression as he looked at George.

When Antonio sat, George smiled. He politely offered wine, but Antonio declined. George shrugged and set the wine aside.

Finally, it was time for answers. Hesitantly, Antonio asked, "How true is all this? And why should I trust you?"

"The proof is sitting right in front of you," George gestured slightly toward Thalia. "Thalia handled all the intelligence gathering herself. She extracted information from the President's son, the Speaker of the House, the Vice President, and others. Believe me, she's the best female spy you'll ever meet."

Antonio was momentarily surprised by George's praise of Thalia and frowned. He had initially assumed Thalia was just a minister or someone similar, but she turned out to be far more significant.

The thought that she was skilled enough to extract secrets from even the President's son further crushed Antonio's already shattered pride.

Antonio asked no further questions and moved to the main topic. Why did the Empire want to establish a Grand Duchy in Aurelion?

It seemed almost foolish to give such a position to an enemy. Weren't they afraid of Antonio rebelling at some point? Antonio, truthfully, didn't understand and was confused.

"Choosing an enemy like me as a Grand Duke is madness. Aren't you afraid I'll rebel?"

"If such a possibility arises, the Empire will place a restrictive curse on you," George said nonchalantly, ignoring Antonio's emotions. "We've given you a chance for the Grand Duchy. If you don't want it, an imperial member will be appointed instead. Would you prefer that?"

Antonio didn't laugh at George's mocking tone. Instead, he seriously pondered the implications, waiting for George to continue.

"The Empire may seem ruthless to you, but we're willing to have an Aurelion native govern Aurelion," George said, dropping his smile and speaking seriously. "The Grand Duchy will be regarded as a special administrative region under the Empire.

All administrative and military powers will be under your command," George said. Antonio found no issue with this and remained silent. George continued, "However, a Supreme Court will be established, and all its members will be appointed by the Empire."

"Supreme Court?"

"Yes, a judicial body with full authority and its own military force," George said seriously. Antonio clenched his fists. "Is this to control me?"

"Yes. While we're giving you this position, we also need to ensure our own security. Aside from that, all other legislative and executive powers will be yours," George explained, sliding a contract toward Antonio. "The Empire's constitution must be accepted across the land, including in the Grand Duchy. However, you may also establish your own laws."

Antonio took the contract and examined it. The document was highly detailed. While it contained strict binding conditions, the judiciary was entirely under the Empire's control.

The judiciary would have the authority to investigate and even arrest the Grand Duke if sufficient evidence was presented. Furthermore, governors chosen by the Empire would be appointed to Aurelion's municipalities.

In short, all of Aurelion would appear to be under the Grand Duke's control. This way, the people would believe they were being governed by someone of Aurelion blood.

But it wasn't like that. Regional governors wielded immense authority. They even had the unique power to form their own private armies. In a system where governors and the judiciary were controlled by an external power, what would naturally follow was a constant struggle for power.

Antonio's eyes gleamed. At last, he understood the Empire's plan. The Empire cleverly sought to ignite a power struggle in Aurelion.

The Grand Duke, the governors, and the court would continuously restrain each other, ensuring control over Aurelion. Although it was an effective and restrictive contract, Antonio had to acknowledge its brilliance.

With this agreement, the Empire would both appease the people of Aurelion and make rebellion nearly impossible.

"This agreement may seem bad to you, but it's not. In return, we will not collect taxes from you. The only obligation is loyalty to the Empire and providing military support when necessary," George said calmly, looking at Antonio. Whether he accepted the deal or not, George didn't seem to care much.

After all, sooner or later, they would have complete control over all of Aurelion. This agreement was merely a means to remove some minor obstacles.

"Accepting this is treason," Antonio declared firmly. George looked momentarily disappointed, then chuckled. "Unlike those who ruled the Republic, you can save your nation. Do you really want Aurelion to be completely assimilated by the Empire?"

Hearing George's sarcastic words, Antonio lowered his head, his face tense. On one hand, he didn't want his people fully absorbed into the Empire by accepting the deal. On the other hand, would agreeing to it be a shame he would carry for the rest of his life?

"Accepting or rejecting this won't harm us," George said, maintaining eye contact with Antonio. "Accepting our offer is solely in the best interest of the Aurelion people."

"All you're doing with such a deal is enslaving me and my people," Antonio retorted angrily. "My people have suffered enough. Why are you so ruthless?"

"We are not ruthless," George denied. "We simply must grow stronger to arm ourselves against a greater threat."

"A greater threat than you?" Antonio asked in shock. Was there truly a danger greater than the Empire, which had so easily defeated the Republic? Antonio didn't believe it.

"Anyway, you have time to think it over. Reflect and decide accordingly," George said. As Antonio stood to leave, escorted by soldiers, George added one last thing. "Don't forget, whatever choice you make, it's only for your and your people's benefit. Make your decision wisely."

Before leaving, Antonio cast one last contemplative glance. As the soldiers escorted him away, his thoughts scattered.

"Aren't you trying too hard?" Thalia sighed with a smile. "Why go through so much trouble talking to that general?"

George laughed, glancing at Thalia. "If you were to choose a puppet, would you prefer a skilled general or a simple Drachenreich citizen who only knows administration?"

"Of course, I'd choose the general," Thalia said plainly. George sipped his wine and replied, "Antonio is a general. A general isn't as foolish as a politician. Politicians know how to organize people, but a general can never fully control the masses."

Thalia's eyes sparkled as she seductively stroked her chin. "I see... You want to redirect the Aurelion people's anger from the Empire to Antonio?"

George nodded in confirmation. "Yes, people don't hate an enemy as much as they hate someone they believe betrayed them. That's what we want."

Thalia chuckled, looking at George with amusement. "I thought you were just a simple brute who only knew how to fight." Your journey continues with empire

George smiled. "You don't need to be a diplomat to be smart."

Thalia laughed, sipping her wine. George, however, lost interest in her and turned back to his thoughts. Bernard had gone to stabilize the captured regions with part of the Imperial army.

Meanwhile, Simon had returned to the Empire to report to the Empress and gather reinforcements. It seemed the Republic was preparing for a counter-offensive.

They were gathering more people and equipment to reclaim Sarden. In short, the war had turned into a cold conflict for the moment.

George was certain the war would reignite within a month or two. For now, he didn't hesitate to spend these brief days of respite in relaxation.