Politics is much like strategy.
Focusing on short-term victories pales in comparison to the benefits of crafting a long-term vision. That’s why I let Alberic take the lead while I play the role of the naive knight.
Revealing my true self should only happen when I’ve amassed enough power that no one can challenge me, no matter how wary they might be.
Some might question if I’ve been deceiving everyone all along, but I’ve already prepared for that. After all, who could argue if I say I’ve learned from the great strategist Alberic over the past decade?
In both reality and games, having a decoy to draw attention makes a world of difference.
As Richard and Alberic were finalizing their plans to pressure Henry II, I marked the lands I intended to inherit on the Angevin Empire’s map.
“Your Highness, as you know, what you do after ascending the throne is far more crucial than how you ascend.”
“Of course, I know that.”
“That’s why I had an in-depth discussion with Sir Alberic yesterday. He believes this region would be ideal for me. What are your thoughts?”
Richard studied the map, stroking his chin in silence before speaking again.
“Auvergne, is it? You’re asking for quite a large territory. But why that particular area?”
“Once you hear Sir Alberic’s reasoning, it will all make sense.”
Richard’s gaze naturally shifted to Alberic, who sighed lightly before launching into the explanation I’d drilled into him the day before.
“Your Highness, as sensitive as this may be, the first thing you must do after ascending the throne is to remove the incompetent loyalists.”
“Hmm…”
Richard narrowed his eyes at Alberic. The purging of loyalists and the power struggle between the king and the nobility could easily lead to rebellion. It wasn’t a topic to be broached lightly, even among close allies.
Alberic glanced at me, seeking reassurance, and I nodded, signaling him to continue. History had already shown that Richard would purge the nobles who had sided with Henry II.
Of course, he wouldn’t eliminate just anyone who annoyed him. Richard would likely retain those he deemed capable and useful, while focusing on removing the incompetent.
“Your Highness, Sir Alberic believes that to establish your royal authority, you must weaken the nobility’s power. However, doing so without justification would lead to immediate rebellion, so the opportunity must be seized early in your reign.”
“In theory, that makes sense. But Alberic, aren’t you a noble yourself?”
“Your Highness, Sir Alberic is from a cadet branch, and I am technically of illegitimate birth. If we can support you and become your trusted aides, what more could we ask for?”
“I see. So, Alberic, you want to strengthen my royal authority to secure the title of Count of Dammartin. But why suggest giving Auvergne to Marshal?”
Auvergne, centered around Clermont, was a strategic territory on the eastern edge of the Angevin Empire. It had prospered since Roman times and was currently part of the Duchy of Aquitaine. Essentially, I was asking Richard to give me a key part of the duchy he was to inherit.
“Initially, I suggested to Sir Alberic that he ask for any suitable land. But after hearing his explanation, I understood. You will too, Your Highness.”
“Very well, explain.”
“Auvergne is the easternmost part of the Angevin Empire, bordering France to the north and the Holy Roman Empire to the east.”
“That’s true.”
“Moreover, it borders the County of Toulouse, one of the most significant territories in the Kingdom of France. In other words, it’s a prime location for conflict.”
Richard traced the map with his finger, seemingly unconvinced.
“Wouldn’t that make it a place you’d want to avoid? The land is fertile, but defending it would be challenging.”
“That’s precisely why I should go. My presence alone can act as a deterrent. While France has other borders to worry about, we can certainly avoid conflict with the Holy Roman Empire.”
“Hmm… there’s some logic to that.”
“And once I’m firmly established, the isolated County of Toulouse will naturally become isolated. You know the value of Toulouse. Securing it would give the Angevin Empire a direct route to the Mediterranean.”
Even in a time when trade wasn’t as vibrant as during the Renaissance, having access to the sea made a significant difference. The Mediterranean was still the center of the European world.
“Toulouse is recognized for its independence within the Kingdom of France. If we try to take it, France will defend it fiercely. Can we really claim it?”
“Not immediately, but with careful planning, we can. Sir Alberic’s insight is unparalleled in Europe. Isn’t that right, Sir Alberic?”
Caught off guard by Richard’s expectant gaze, Alberic nodded.
“Yes… trust me, Your Highness.”
“If we can make Toulouse ours, giving up Auvergne is a small price to pay.”
“Indeed. Besides, Your Highness, you can confiscate the lands of the nobles who sided with Henry II. Cleanse the incompetent and harmful loyalists, and absorb their lands into the royal domain. Even if Auvergne is given away, your direct holdings will grow.”
In the end, it’s a win-win for everyone.
I didn’t lie. Claiming it was all Alberic’s idea might be a stretch, but the content was accurate. Probably.
Of course, I didn’t reveal everything. I chose Auvergne because it was a strategic frontier, perfect for expanding my influence.
Being on the border meant more opportunities for territorial expansion and more autonomy.
If I could secure Lyon from Auvergne, take Toulouse to the south, and eventually claim Marseille from the Holy Roman Empire, I’d build a power base no great noble could challenge.
Even in modern France, Lyon, Marseille, and Toulouse are the most populous regions after Paris.
With these under my control, I could choose to expand into northern Italy or northern France, depending on the situation.
Initially, I had many doubts. I fled Jerusalem for survival and posed as a prophet to secure my position.
If I could claim Auvergne, I’d achieve my initial goal.
What should I do next?
The future plans I’d set aside for survival were now creeping into my thoughts.
What do I want to become in this world? What do I want to achieve?
It was time to seriously consider this and set a course for the future.
‘It’s not a question that requires deep thought.’
I long abandoned the idea of returning to my original world.
This isn’t a novel or a game with an ending. The ultimate goal is to ensure my family’s prosperity and that my successors continue our legacy.
And I’ve mastered that art.
Even achieving such success in a game brings immense satisfaction. Imagine doing it in reality.
I want to see how far my knowledge and skills can take me.
What awaits at the end of this journey?
“Your Highness, all that’s left is your decision. Will you join us?”
Having come this far, there’s no turning back.
Richard stared intently at the map of Europe.
”…”
Despite its crude depiction due to the era’s limitations, it was clear that the Angevin Empire was situated in the western corner.
He asked again, as if seeking confirmation.
“Honestly, I don’t intend to stop at merely inheriting the throne from my father. If I join you, can I achieve my ambitions?”
“Absolutely. I promise you.”
“Your promises carry a different weight. To be convinced so quickly…”
This is the power of religious authority in a theocratic society.
And now, we’ll see what happens when that authority is combined with real power.
“Your Highness, the preparations to meet His Majesty are complete.”
Upon arriving in the capital, everything was already in place.
Richard and I followed the attendant into the palace.
We had come to declare war, and just by walking in with such confidence, it was clear the game was already over.
“We’re entering, Your Majesty.”
”…”
I let Richard lead the way as we stepped into the audience chamber.
I was curious about how Henry II, who had refused to abdicate and rejected all of Richard’s demands, was faring.
Was he plotting some scheme, or had he resigned himself to drinking away his days?
Perhaps he was preparing a surprising counter-move. I wanted to see for myself.
But upon arrival, it was clear Henry II was exactly as I expected.
His eyes were bleary, likely from drinking since morning to escape reality—a typical downfall of a second-rate politician.
“You come and go as if this is your own home now.”
Henry II’s words dripped with disdain, and Richard responded with a smirk.
“As a prince of this country, is there any reason I shouldn’t visit the palace?”
“A prince? At least you still think of yourself that way. That’s a relief.”
“Yes. So why not resolve this peacefully? I’d prefer to end this without bloodshed.”
“Then give up Aquitaine. I’ll pass it on to John.”
“Again with the unrealistic demands.”
Giving up the largest territory in the Angevin Empire in exchange for the throne was as absurd as offering a pizza without cheese.
“It seems we’ll never see eye to eye, so let me propose a solution. As you know, Edward Marshall here is a prophet recognized by the Papacy for his sanctity. He will now share the divine insights he has received for the future of our country.”
Richard stepped aside, and I took a step forward, lowering my voice to sound as solemn as possible.
“What I am about to tell you is not my personal opinion, but the future that will unfold.”
”…”
“If the youngest of Henry II’s five sons, John, ascends to the throne, he will be remembered as the worst tyrant in England’s history. However, if he remains a trusted advisor to the king, he will find happiness and fulfillment in his life.”
In truth, King John was indeed known as a symbol of incompetence in England, so I wasn’t lying. I merely recited the historical future that awaited if John became king.
I added a brief note at the end, acknowledging his administrative skills, as a small gesture of consideration.
Henry II, the nobles around him, and even the youngest prince, John, widened their eyes at my words.
With Richard already having the upper hand, bringing a prophet to deliver this final blow was essentially an ultimatum.
Standing at the center of this event with Richard, John glanced nervously at Henry II before turning to me.
“Um… is there still room for me if I switch sides now?”