Chapter 96: Leading Up To The Coronation (2)

In the Luxenberg Palace's meeting room were all the Grand Duchy of Luxenberg's important figures.

Dukes Cassell, Dupont, Reuss and Gundenvarg were all present alongside Marshal Soult, Marshal Bessières, Bishop Pompallier, Grand Admiral Nelson and Field Marshal Schwarzenberg. All of Victor's generals and family were there as well. It was the first time that every important person in the Grand Duchy was in the same room.

Wasting no time, Victor addressed the worried group. "Firstly I apologise but there is no need for an urgent war council, that was just a false pretence to keep you all in the dark about the real reason for this gathering. If news had been leaked about the true reason, it could cause all types of issues for us."

"I do not want to keep you all worried, so I will not dilly-dally with my words. The real reason for our gathering is simple. Next week there shall be a coronation, I shall be a king and henceforth, the Grand Duchy of Luxenberg will become the Kingdom of Luxenberg."

Almost everyone in the room was shocked to hear such an announcement. A few people thought back to when Victor declared his intentions to be king all those years ago, and now it was finally coming to fruition.

"Are you serious, my lord? Is that why you had some of us move our troops to the border regions? You expect there to be heavy resistance from the Grand Duchy of Fontaine and their allies after the world knows of your coronation," General Tauentzien said in an apprehensive tone.

"That is right. I suspect they will wish to retaliate after hearing that there is now a king on the continent. I did not wish to openly declare war on them, so I wished to have them be the ones to be the aggressors of this war," Victor replied cooly.

"If it is your will, my lord, me and my soldiers will crush all those who wish to oppose you becoming a king," General Rapp stated firmly. Victor nodded in appreciation while looking to see other people's opinions. Generals Bülow, Vandamme, Gimborn, Hill and Kamensky all gestured that they felt the same. 

"How would you approach the war if it were declared, my lord? With our forces concentrated at the border regions, are you planning to invade straight away once we receive a declaration?" General Bertrand asked.

"That is partly correct. If we receive word of major troop movements converging in one area, we will act accordingly, but if they are a step slow, we can invade from multiple regions, forcing them to split their forces. If we can divide them, I am confident we can make use of our corps system in the best way," Victor stated.

"Are you sure about this, grandson? Once you have taken this step, the threats will not just be internal but beyond the continent. I think I can speak for everyone when I say that we all have faith in you, but taking a momentous step like this does warrant some careful debate," Duke Cassell said in a warm tone.

Dukes Gundenvarg and Dupont both agreed, that becoming a king, opened the door to a lot more problems. On a domestic scale, you still had to defeat the Grand Duchy of Fontaine and their allies. Internationally there were always forces skulking in the shadow to pounce on opportunity. Becoming a king would expose Victor to a new realm, that he could have never thought of.

"I appreciate your words grandfather, however, if I have senior nobles like yourself, Duke Gundenvarg and Duke Dupont by my side, I am sure that I can succeed in building my kingdom," Victor answered sincerely.

The atmosphere that had begun in total shock and worry was now pleasant. Even if they wanted to oppose this course of action, no one could convince Victor to stop. Everything was in motion, and there was no halting it. They could merely stay the course that Victor had charted for them.

Everyone was settled and content, which concluded the meeting. Field Marshal Schwarzenberg and many of the military commanders held back from the meeting to discuss further troop movements and possible contingency plans according to the Fontaine Faction's movements.

As each day went by, Victor's excitement grew. A historic moment in the continent's history was soon to occur. There had not been a true king in these lands for over two hundred years. The few who tried to become kings were easily wiped out before they could truly establish themselves.

It made sense from a logistical standpoint to become a king. Victor ruled two-thirds of the continent. He had 12 cities and hundreds of villages in his domain. His military and naval power were the strongest on the continent, while the millions of citizens under his rule sang his praises.

Nothing could convince Victor that taking this momentous step was wrong. Ever since Conrad had taken over Victor, he had felt that there was some reason he was brought to this universe. At first, he thought that he had to avenge the original Victor, but as time passed, he began to realise that he was destined for greatness.

What he had achieved thanks to the overwhelming support of the system was incredible. From his days at the military outpost with his first followers like Sebastian, Florence and Sergeant Junot, to now becoming king, it was a legendary journey. His saga would be remembered in the annals of history. 

For a 25 year old, his accomplishments were outstanding. Victor had overthrown his family and taken over the dukedom at the age of 17. He had wiped out the pirate king and his fleet, who had been helping the economic decline of the territory. Victor was a veteran of 3 wars, with a 100% win rate, he had not lost a battle or siege.

Most importantly, he had transformed his territory into a prosperous and happy realm. The living conditions were great and the economy was booming. Life under Victor's rule was a dream many had thought impossible. 

With a strong sense of pride, Victor approached his coronation with the fervent belief that he was destined to conquer.