Him and their stars.

Chapter 2199 The New Position: Minister Suo

Lieutenant General Jaeger Sobek, who had just arrived at the Sacred Tree Palace, was waiting for the autopilot and port AI to guide his official vessel into the port.

He sat on the boat, still thinking about the conversation he had with his old comrade-in-arms, Admiral Renia Tanlian, three days earlier in the Grand Marshal's Mansion in Jianyuan City, within the inner ring of the capital.

"In short, you need to know, Jaeger, the situation in the capital is still very delicate. Duke Barryen's fleet will arrive in the capital before June, followed by the vassal fleet led by Duke Yarosan. Now, according to the Senate's deliberations, these two should also have a seat in the Regency Council."

"What exactly is the difference between this so-called Regency Council and the old Privy Council?" Sobek, who came from an ordinary family, really didn't understand the intricacies of the matter.

Although he is now a count, and it is said that the Heraldry Academy is still discussing granting him a formal title.

By then, Jaeger Sobek, a small-town scholar from a colonial background, would be a legitimate hereditary prince, entitled to a residence in the capital, automatically holding a seat in the Senate, and a member of the imperial upper class with fiefdoms and estates.

His biggest goal since childhood, "to revive the family business," should be considered to have been achieved, right?

Despite saying that, he was still a test-taker at heart and really lacked understanding of the empire's core national policies.

However, her old comrade-in-arms, Admiral Tanlian, is the eldest daughter of the Tanlian Duke's family, so she should understand.

"Actually, I don't know either," the female general said proudly, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

As expected of a duke's daughter, she exudes such arrogance! Sobek could only smile, speechless.

Admiral Tanlian continued, "The last change of the imperial throne was two hundred years ago. But at that time, His Majesty Elithel was already the Grand Master of the Knights and the Imperial Marshal, and no one was qualified to compete with him. The so-called election was just a formality, and there was no regency council."

Sobek nodded in realization.

“Legally speaking, the Privy Council is merely an advisory body to the emperor, and it can only make decisions if His Majesty is unwilling to express his opinion. However, the Prime Minister's Office, the Senate, and even the Grand Marshal's Office can stand up to the Privy Council if they can provide a reasonable explanation.” The female general pondered, “But the Regent's Council is a temporary elders' structure. The decisions they reach are final. That's why some people used to call it the ‘Fake King's Council.’”

"So, all the members are imposters." Sobek wore an expression of profound admiration. "Then congratulations! Your Excellency, I heard that the Duke is also a member?"

The current Duke of Tanlian, Jael, is the elder brother of Admiral Lenia and the patriarch of one of the few remaining founding military families of the Empire, so his influence is naturally not to be underestimated.

“Well, such things are really difficult to decide,” Admiral Tanlian sighed. “In short, the situation is very delicate. After His Majesty’s passing, there is a power vacuum. The Regency Council’s top priority now is to prevent the situation from deteriorating before the election of the Emperor.”

Sobek didn't quite understand why he was being asked about this, so he just smiled and said, "Well, as long as the front lines maintain basic vigilance, things won't get much worse."

Anyway, the situation on the Mountain and Sea Route has reached a stalemate, and our side has also occupied the Cold King Star Gorge in the High Seas. As long as the alliance doesn't initiate a full-scale war, the overall situation is relatively calm.

General Tanlian sighed again: "I'm talking about the fate of the nation. And the fate of the nation is nothing more than avoiding a civil war."

How did this turn into a civil war? Sobek was terrified, sweating profusely and speechless. He even wondered if the other person was telling him a lame joke, but he couldn't see anything amiss.

Tanlian continued, "King Wei and my elder brother have both spoken with me. I will officially replace Marshal Betaway as the Director of the Grand Marshal's Staff."

"Congratulations, really." Sobek continued to sincerely congratulate his old comrade-in-arms.

This position is equivalent to the Chief of the General Staff of the Imperial Army. Although he did not directly command troops, he was still a very powerful and prestigious figure.

However, upon closer examination, wouldn't the Tannian family be the biggest beneficiary?
"I was overthinking things," Sobek reflected. "The Tanlian family has always remained neutral. In this situation, they should benefit."

This is a good thing!
"I'm against marriage myself, but I have a younger sister. Our hometown has decided to marry her off to Major General Bifik. Oh, right, he's also one of King Su's advisors, your old comrade-in-arms, isn't he? What's his character like?"

"...Although his temper is too straightforward, he is an upright, brave, responsible, and selfless great man." What could Sobek say? He couldn't very well say he had a bad temper, could he?
“Very good, my little sister likes this kind of hero the most.” The general said, “Politics is about compromise. In any case, we are the ones who have wronged you.”

The general's wife looked guilty and could hardly look Sobek in the eye.

Could it be that something has happened to me? Sobek was almost scared out of his wits, and his expression froze into a blank, emotionless poker face.

He thought about it carefully, and realized that the thing he was most good at was probably reading "The Origin." Actually, he hadn't just read "The Origin," he'd even attended a few study group meetings… oops, actually, Captain Pegsey had organized a small group, developing quite a few members among the fleet's highly educated young officers, and even held several book clubs in their spare time. He'd gone to persuade them to end the meeting, but ended up sitting there for two extra hours, mainly because he found the snacks at the book club quite delicious.

Also, could it be because they didn't choose to intercept the Earth fleet during the Battle of the Heavens? But this was approved by Vice Admiral Baal!
If Lieutenant General Baal approves, doesn't that mean His Highness Brunhilde agrees?

I understand. To attack me is to attack His Highness Brunhilde?
What right do I, a mere Jaeger Sobek, have to get involved in the highest-level political struggles?
"Are they really going to attack Prince Brunhilde?" Sobek asked in a trembling voice.

"I just hope she'll prioritize the bigger picture and make some concessions," Admiral Tanlian patiently advised. "Chancellor Valpolis hopes you'll serve as the Deputy Director of the Unified Star Forging Office of the Grand Marshal's Office."

This is equivalent to the position of Deputy Minister of the Imperial Army's General Armaments Department.

"But this means you have to cooperate with King Werrent. You were the first fleet commander to arrive in the capital to defend the king, and you've sacrificed so much; you should at least be the admiral of a standard Imperial Guard fleet. However, the mayor of the capital and the Grand Master of the Knights are now under His Highness King Su's command, and she has supporters in various war zones. For the sake of the bigger picture, your interests must be sacrificed. The Regency Council can only try to compensate you with titles and military ranks... Wait, what's with that expression? I know you're in a hurry, but there's no need to be this anxious!"

Sobek used almost all his strength to keep his expression from getting out of control: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, I am willing to accept any orders."

He actually wanted to say it was a promise, and that it would bring double happiness.

Admiral Tanlian breathed a sigh of relief, his face showing undisguised emotion: "This is you! Jaeger, you are such a noble and virtuous person!"

The female general shook hands firmly, but after thinking for a moment, gave him a warm hug instead, and then left a very friendly kiss on Sobek's cheek: "Thank you! Jaeger, for a long time to come, we will all be working in the same office building, so please be sure to give me your guidance. Don't refuse when we have colleague gatherings."

In summary, this was a lighthearted conversation that Sobek had at the Grand Marshal's Mansion before receiving his official transfer order.

The marshals seemed genuinely worried that being transferred from frontline command positions would cause dissatisfaction, and they even called over their old comrades to give them a talk, as if to give them a psychological boost.

That's incredibly self-deprecating. Is Jaeger Sobek really such a blind man to the bigger picture?
He even had time to reassure his old subordinates, telling them that this was by no means a demotion. He also wanted to tell them that this kind of safe job was exactly what he had always dreamed of, but he couldn't bring himself to say it.

In a salon with senior officers, he said to his old subordinates: "In short, Imperial soldiers, we must consider the big picture."

"This is actually eliminating a security risk," Captain Pegsey laughed. "After all, you're from Taiyuan. People from such a place can be chosen as emperors, but they can't be fleet admirals from humble backgrounds."

“Before the Common Era, the Sobek family was also a prestigious family,” the Viscountess said. “Besides, this is a form of paranoia. There are too many traitors like you; you can’t stop them by banning them. This is nothing more than sacrificing the personal interests of your superiors.”

It's not a sacrifice, it's not a sacrifice at all. I really enjoy this job.

“However, from a macro perspective, moving away from a purely military command role and taking on a logistics position actually allows you to see the big picture from a higher vantage point,” Sellu added.

The Marquis's daughter's analysis was always so insightful. Of course, it was also important that she would never oppose Sobek's decisions, never.

“Yes, you can speak on our behalf at the higher levels,” the captain said with a smile.

"Shut up, you traitor! Don't put your superiors at risk!" Miss Sellu said irritably.

The captain smiled apologetically, "Your Royal Rabbit will be temporarily mothballed and placed in the reserve fleet. Also, the Grand Duke Ator, which has just been repaired and equipped with a new type of active shield and engine cooling system, is to be handed over to Rear Admiral Mettig of the New World. I will also be transferred there to serve as his flagship captain."

Sobek said he didn't mind at all.

Ms. Sellu stated that she has submitted an application to transfer to the reserves.

“I want to complete my advanced command studies at the Royal Naval College and also take a short course at St. Echo Women’s University.”

"A short-term course? It's not the Housekeeping Management Department, is it?" the captain teased.

“It’s the Household Management Department. A family’s revival is only the first step. To achieve stability and prosperity, the subsequent management of household affairs is also an important skill. Do you have any opinions?” Miss Sellu asked without hesitation.

This is roughly what is known as the bride's lesson, which was certainly very important in aristocratic society.

Although putting the Senior Commander and the Bride's Class together feels a bit off, Miss Sellu is quite fierce when she loses her temper, leaving the Captain and Sobyk speechless.

"Brigadier General Hatcher will be transferred to the Celestial Guard system, and Brigadier General Aslon will be transferred to the Wanwang Pass direction. Your remaining subordinates will all have bright futures." Hermisa, the Star-Seeing Officer, gave a nonchalant smile. "As for me, I will continue to serve as the acting interim chief priest in the Star-Seeing Pavilion. As for whether I can be officially appointed, that depends on whether I can become a seventh-ringed officer within a year. Wish me luck, Commander Sobek."

"So... Lady Hermisa, why are you here?"

“I said, please bless me, General Sobek.” She still wore a calm smile, but her eyes were unusually bright.

I wish you well.

“Thank you.” Hermisa winked at Sobek in front of her livid cousin. “I’ll also have an advisory position in the Regency Council from now on. Feel free to ask me any questions. I’ll answer them kindly.”

She paused for a moment, then continued, "So, my first piece of advice is that you should meet with Prince Brunhilde before you take office. This is very important, Jaeger. This is the political landscape of the Empire; it's important to you, and it's important to all of us."

Miss Sellu nodded: "Although this should be my line, it is indeed."

The captain sighed: "It sounds dirty, but it really is. If you're going to be our representative in the military high command, there are certain rules that must be followed. And His Highness King Suryuka is the most worthy person to follow."

"Is it appropriate for a mere traitor like you to say such things?"

"We are not rebels, we are just pragmatic social reformers. Although we have read the original text, we are still soldiers of the Empire, and we are not necessarily believers of any particular person."

"Ha, isn't it because you're now an imperial noble, Sir Pegsey?"

That being said, Sobek also felt that it was indeed necessary to pay a visit to his benefactor, even if it was just based on the most basic social etiquette, this step was unavoidable.

Moreover, that person is currently in the Sacred Tree Palace.

...Speaking of which, shouldn't I also give him a visit?
Sobek now found himself with mixed feelings. He genuinely felt no ill will towards that person. He was also certain that, if it weren't for some subtle force field issues, they could have been friends.

But if he were to show up, what could he possibly say? How should I respond so I don't get tricked again?
In the end, he had no choice but to let things take their course and remain unchanged in the face of all changes.

Lieutenant General Jaeger Sobek adjusted the cuffs of his brand-new silver-gray uniform and glanced at the insignia on the sleeve patch. The emblem had now changed from the flag and spear symbolizing senior commanders of combat units to mithril gears representing logistics and research positions.

Gears are great! They're both peaceful and productive; who wouldn't love gears?
He took a deep breath before stepping into the Rose Garden behind the Sacred Tree Palace. It was said that Prince Brunhilde had received hundreds of political, military, and business magnates here recently, hence the name "Rose Hall."

Miss Sellu told herself, "In three years at most, that Rose Hall might become the core of the entire empire."

Although the words sounded politically alarming, the hall was actually brightly lit, with light streaming in through the huge arched viewing windows, and the air was filled with the delicate fragrance of flowers from the garden.

Sobek soon saw his lord, King Brunhilde of Suryuka, behind a flowerbed full of white roses.

Of course, only Brunhilde.

Sobek didn't know whether he felt disappointed or relieved, but he did feel much more relaxed.

His lord, with his back to him, was wearing a simple dark blue dress, his long golden hair casually draped over his shoulders, watering his flower garden.

Sobek, however, felt more relaxed because he thought that Prince Brunhilde would not be so casual when meeting other people.