Chapter 129

  In the early 486th year of the Imperial Calendar, Rear Admiral Rudolf von Fafnir set out from Odin with his fleet of three hundred and thirty ships, bound for the distant Achenar star system. His chief of staff was still Commodore Gustav von Schlachtensee, and there were still some vacancies in the fleet's officer corps that would be filled by the Ministry of War once they reached their destination.

  The Fawfnir fleet of 3,300 ships included 300 warships, 100 torpedo boat carriers and 100 Walgore motherships, as well as 900 cruisers and 1,200 destroyers. The remaining 700 ships consisted of 200 supply ships and 300 work ships, with the final 200 being assault landing craft and reconnaissance vessels in equal numbers. The entire fleet had a crew of 170,000, including nearly 5,000 ground troops led by Major Dick von Karl.

  After a two-month voyage, the Favner fleet arrived in the Aichenholtz star domain. The local nobles and administrative officials, military officials dispatched local police fleets and private soldiers to welcome the imperial direct fleet's entry.

  "It seems like something is going on upstairs..."

  "I wonder what kind of person this lieutenant general who has been transferred here is?"

  "Shall we pull him together to get rich?"

  "Let's just wait and see for now, what's most important is to tone down those actions a bit, don't give those bureaucrats from the central government an excuse."

  These whispers under the water surface are constantly communicating and fermenting on the planet's surface and in cosmic space.

  The Fawniel fleet, after anchoring in orbit and at the spaceport docks on the planet's surface, did not make any moves, but instead began to grant leave to its officers and men. A large number of soldiers poured into the planet's commercial districts, red-light districts, and tourist areas for consumption - while Colonel Shuttek's subordinates also began to mix with the soldiers to gather intelligence about this star domain.

  "There's no need to rush, I reckon the top brass on this planet should be thoroughly rotten by now. Let your people feel out the bottom and see who's got their fingers in which pies." General Fafnir said to Colonel Schutekau.

  Odin, Midamaia's lieutenant, came to his parents' house with his wife Efanserlin. He was surprised to find that old Midamaia was not working in the garden as usual, but sitting at a table drinking beer with a stout young man. Old Midamaia stood up when he saw his son and daughter-in-law coming in, and the young man also stood up and bowed.

  "Oh, this is Dalles Midaemia, your cousin. His grandfather was your granduncle, and his father also studied with me, your uncle, when he was young. Dalles came here when he was a child, and you two played together. Do you remember? Wolfungen."

  "Ah, I remember now. Dalles' younger brother, you're still as chubby as when we were kids." Midamaya suddenly remembered this younger brother of his.

  "How come you have time to come today? I remember you live in the Imperial Inner Territory, it takes several months to get here. Oh right, I also remember that you became an imperial soldier, Dad mentioned it before."

  "This time Dallès is reporting to the Ministry of War, he has a new workplace. The last few times you reported, you weren't there, so we didn't meet," said Old Mita Maya.

  "Wolfgang, my old friend, I'm also a lieutenant colonel now. You shouldn't have forgotten that I graduated from the Imperial Military Academy's Logistics Department? This time, I've been assigned to the Fafnir fleet stationed in the Aichenhertz star domain as a logistics staff officer. I'll be leaving soon."

  Several Midameyas sat together drinking beer and chatting, after finishing dinner, Dallas Midameya bid farewell. He will soon take the Imperial Communication Vessel to report to Aichenhertz.

  "What's this? Another battle? Oh... no wonder, it's the 30th anniversary of His Majesty's ascension to the throne. 'To give the rebels a profound lesson.' Fortunately, we're not involved." Major General Fafnir said to Colonel Shuttker Hau as he looked at the intelligence that had just come in through hyperspace communication.

  "How's the investigation going?"

  "All fifteen local noble families were involved in smuggling. They divided into several factions and monopolized all the smuggling channels, while each faction pulled a group of administrative and military bureaucrats. The pirates were basically their hunting dogs, and they didn't pose much threat to ordinary civilians." Schutte handed over a serious report, then handed a portable computer to Fafnir.

  "Alright, I'll take a look. You go ahead and attend to your business first. In any case, all smuggling here must be 'eradicated'!"

  Schutek nodded and returned to his office, looking at the newly reported logistics officer - Major Dallers Midamaya. "Dallers, it's been a while since we last met. First, go sort out our logistical supplies, then if you have time, within three days, review the documents I sent to your computer and submit a report to me."

  Without mentioning how Favre had planned it, the third Diomande battle was already being performed in a tight and secretive manner.

  The 35,400 warships led by Grand Admiral von Mükenberger set out from Oadin to the Allied Star Territory for "punishment". The attention of the entire galaxy is focused on the Diamatte star field, and all parties are nervously calculating and speculating about the progress of the battle.

  "Schutzhelm, how many did you get?"

  "Third, Lieutenant, how many beauties have you received?"

  "Hahaha, they sent a whole dozen over trying to make amends. You're not worth it, Gustav. What a tragedy."

  Fafnir sneered at his friends, proudly showing off the beauties he had received, while displaying the indecent 3D photos and short films he had taken.

  "Alright, Gustav. Call Karl and get ready! Give them a 'surprise'!"

  In the 486th year of the Imperial Calendar, in mid-February, just five days before Lieutenant General Favner's arrival at Aigenholtz Star Domain. What happened on that night was not recorded by any historian, nor did any "conscientious historian" ever investigate what exactly occurred that night. All that is known is that all fifteen local noble families of Aigenholtz, who had lived in this place for hundreds of years with tens of thousands of relatives, disappeared without a trace on that one night. In the following months, there were continuous reports of "a certain noble was killed by an asteroid/space debris/pirate while on vacation/traveling/working/trading, not a single survivor" and for Aigenholtz it was known as "the bloody half year". Many administrative officials/military officers were also assassinated by "pirates/rebels", and Lieutenant General Rudolf von Favner shouted: "This is the most profound contempt for Imperial soldiers! We will take revenge!". At the same time, a military ban was issued throughout the star domain.

  Fafnir rode the cruisers in pursuit of every smuggling and pirate ship, unfolding a campaign of extermination, happily swinging swords to kill everyone on board, and the cargo was confiscated with the Imperial Army's label. In just half a year, "smuggling" and "piracy" were eradicated in the Aichenhertz star domain. However, some goods on the market did not decrease at all, they are now legitimate imperial commodities - although the imperial tax authorities did not collect an additional imperial mark of tax.

  "Now this smuggling route is all ours, and the money is rolling in like a tidal wave! Hahaha!"

  "Your Excellency! We've slaughtered so many pigs, won't there be any consequences?"

  "Don't worry! From Odin's perspective, this is just a pile of dirt. Fortunately, the third Diemart War that ended earlier drew attention away from us. And what we did was clean and efficient, and we also gave a good share to Odin's other group of pigs, even the Imperial Military Department received many black benefits. Who will come to care?!"

  "Alright! Schuttkr?mer, get to it! Remember to change the helmets and masks for the entire army's armor suits! Dammit, I've been looking at those masks with disdain for a long time now! Three holes! It makes me want to stick my fingers in and mess with them! Not intimidating at all! And what's with the skull design?! Tell the factory to produce completely realistic skull masks this time, don't give me that abstract stuff with three holes! And make sure the helmets have earflaps and a visor, Roman-style!" Fafnir said, his face puffed up in annoyance. He had never liked the Imperial standard armor suits' helmets and masks. "Next time, try modifying the military uniforms again, these are really ugly, almost like those tight-fitting clothes worn by...!"

  "Let's talk about it after you've been promoted to marshal..."

  "Ah, here's the report from this Diarmat battle. That blond guy's luck is really good! The opponents were all IQ-zero machines! He actually dared to play a reversal in front of the enemy! If the opposing alliance was a fool or a one-trick pony, we'd be attending General Mujir's funeral right now. What a disobedient little brat, loving to play clever tricks... He'll get his comeuppance later! Can't figure out why Marshal Muckenbel didn't discipline this little guy?"

  "Oh? I've just received this report too...... Jin Mao really did that?! It seems his sister's face is quite thick!"

  "Alright, now Jin Mao is a General... Next time we return to Odin, who knows, maybe we'll even have to address him as 'Count Rozenkranz'..."

  Only a week later, the Imperial Military Ministry's document appeared with "Major General Rudolf von Fafnir has made great contributions to the eradication of smuggling and piracy! Promoted to Lieutenant General. I hope you will not disappoint your heavy responsibility and make new achievements!"

  This time, both sides of the battle lost thousands of warships. The alliance did not have a single admiral killed in action, but the 11th fleet suffered significant losses. However, the Imperial Army was also stopped by the Alliance in subsequent attacks and paid an equal price in casualties... to make up for the wounded hearts of the Alliance.

  In July 486 GD, the Fahnlehrer fleet was ordered to return to Odin for reorganization, and Viscount Fahnlehrer himself had to go to the palace for an audience - this was something that high-ranking military officers of the Empire had to do.

  This time's audience had no surprises and no regrets. On the same day, Fahvernir Lieutenant General went to the Space Fleet Command and Ministry of Military Affairs to pay respects to Mikenbelga Marshal and Minister of Military Affairs Allenbok Marshal, and finally this guy properly completed the etiquette, without being pushed out by the military police again, so as not to lose face for the Imperial officers.

  Fortunately, his position was not kicked to a leisure job - just like Reinhardt now, he is still the commander of the Imperial Fleet, and the number of ships under his command has been increased to 6,000. The number of battleships and aircraft carriers has also been replenished: 1,000 battleships; 500 torpedo cruisers and Wulfgar cruisers each; 2,000 cruisers; 2,000 destroyers; In addition, there are 150 assault landing ships that are not counted in the formal combat number; 400 workships and 400 supply ships; 200 reconnaissance ships and medical ships. What makes him most happy is that his personal flagship has been ordered to be produced and is expected to be delivered within the year: The flagship is a large fleet flagship of the same type as Wilhelmmina-class and Mückenberger's flagship, with enhanced defensive power and speed, communication command capability can command 30,000-level fleets. As for the ship name, it will be named by Major General himself after its launch, Fafnir has already booked the ship name "Loki".

  Not long after, something interesting happened. A certain marquise attempted to assassinate a certain countess but failed. The countess was also the one that Viscount Fariniel had seen at the grand noble gathering in Oudin. "The one I saw back then was indeed Countess Grevard, the sister of that blonde kid... Hmph, the old emperor really is blessed with good fortune. But I remember she loved that red-haired guy... I estimate there will be some very interesting events happening later."

  A certain marchioness was put to death…… “What a waste! Marchioness Penimendi actually looked quite good. Can't we let the brothers have some fun before putting her to death?” Fafnir thought in his mind with treasonous thoughts.

  In August 486 of the Imperial Calendar, unlike in the original work which usually occurs in March, and after the failed assassination attempt by the Marquis' wife, a grand invitation was sent out by Duke Blumund Pfeil, a heavyweight among the aristocracy. He wanted to host an imperial banquet at his private residence, where high-ranking military officers and their wives would gather for a friendly party. Viscount Faraniel also received an invitation, and those who were qualified to attend were lieutenant generals or above, with the title of "Your Excellency". Colonel Schtukart was unable to attend. The fact that it was stipulated that "whether active, retired, or reserve" could participate probably meant to gather as many aristocrats as possible. With its elaborate decorations, empty and wasteful nature, it would likely be a grand banquet.

  The crystal chandelier's glow strangely highlighted the noisy crowd of gentlemen and ladies, casting a hypocritical impression. With imperial

  The emperor's guest seat was at the center, and the highest-ranking noble seats were arranged in a row, while standing seats were prepared further outside. The guests were thus

  Dividing the seats by rank is a very rude practice, but this was originally a banquet opened by the host to boast about his identity level. Of course, Fafnir was just a guest at the standing seat, and his opponent was Reinhardt.

  The Duke of Brunswick rose amidst applause and said:

  The Ministry of Rites has sent a notification that His Majesty the Emperor suddenly felt abdominal pain on his way to the venue and returned halfway to the imperial palace.

  "Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend this time. Hope you all enjoy the drinks and food."

  Among the guests, a somewhat formalized voice of disappointment sounded, but in fact, for those who do not possess charm and wisdom on a personal level

  The emperor's absence was not truly regretted by anyone. The Duke of Brunswick's gaze stopped at a seat.

  "What about Marquis de la Fayette?"

  "This... hasn't seen his figure since just now."

  Because the marquis's seat was empty, the chair of Mong Hua, which was only five or six steps away from the emperor's guest seat, was taking up space for no reason.

  Under my feet was a black box. The wine-steamed milk cow on the silver plate also gradually lost its fragrance.

  Reinhardt held a wine glass in one hand and stood by the wall, when a rough voice came over.

  "Oh! This is... The unparalleled brave warrior of the Empire's army, and the brilliant genius has also arrived?"

  Reinhardt filtered out the disgust and contempt in his eyes with a willful gaze. Although he almost disliked all the nobles, the Baron of Fiegel standing before him was the person furthest from Reinhardt's good feelings and affections. He was five years older than Reinhardt, currently twenty-four years old, and held the rank of reserve lieutenant general, but this was due to his identity as the nephew of Brownback, not because he was evaluated for bravery or military tactics. This young man found it inconceivable that Reinhardt had been promoted to general, but did not question how he himself became a lieutenant general without battlefield experience. His standard for judging values was based solely on historical vested rights, and his evaluation of Reinhardt was to liken him to a pest that destroys gardens.

  Bird.

  No sparks flew between the two. Because just then a fellow jumped in, grabbed a large piece of butter cake and began to devour it, Baron Philger was about to rebuke this utterly tasteless behavior, but found that it was Viscount Fafnir. He could only helplessly retreat - what's the point of rebuking a man with no shame at all? At this time, a group of noblewomen came over and scolded, Baron Philger walked away. Behind him seemed to be lingering some miasma.

  In the front of the hall, a portrait of Emperor Beastroad gazed down at Reinhardt and the others from a high pedestal. It was a depiction of him from when he ascended to the throne at 34 years old. He had a sturdy build with a height of 195 cm and weight of 99 kg, with broad shoulders and chest. His crimson hair was striking. The lack of whiskers on his chin and jawline made his sideburns all the more impressive. He wasn't a beautiful man in the classical sense, but rather a powerful and sharp one who valued dominating others above all else, casting a strong shadow as an overwhelming ruler. One couldn't help but think that human life and the fate of great empires were trivial to those shoulders. An object of awe, not reverence.

  A small commotion arose. A certain baroness actually fainted from anemia and fell to the ground, immediately raising a chorus of "Call the doctor!" cries.

  But for now, there must be a seat for the lady to sit on.

  "Borrowing slightly from Marquis Kl?tzke's seat, take that box away."

  The baroness's body was placed in a chair by the servant, and the black box was handed over to a young noble. The belongings of distinguished guests cannot be disposed of at will. For the time being, it is kept on the frame stand beside the entrance hall. If the guest forgets to take it back,

  It still needs to be returned.

  The box is about to be moved out of the hall.

  It first emitted light and heat, then in an instant, a massive explosion and storm formed a whirlpool.