## Chapter 36: On Unlimited Warfare
Young officers who had participated in the ruse of impersonating the Restoration Army were not the only ones feeling lost. The vast majority of them turned their hopeful gazes toward Roger. They desperately wanted their “historian who writes with integrity” to offer them some affirmation. He dared to write about the Empress’s dark past, so surely he wouldn’t lie to them about something as trivial as this? Therefore, if he said this mission was righteous, it must be righteous!
Roger did not offer a perfunctory response. He was someone who enjoyed expressing his views. The confusion among the officers before him made him feel needed. They trusted this historian and respected the integrity and knowledge he displayed. Although Roger knew it was a misunderstanding, that his fearlessness stemmed from not caring about the position at all, it didn’t stop him from using this misunderstanding for a wave of opinion-shaping.
He began by asking questions, guiding the officers to express their own thoughts and recall the many benefits of impersonating the Restoration Army, and the help they had provided to the citizens of the seventeen nations. This shifted their focus away from the negative, bloody, and cruel aspects of their actions. As the officers’ contributions dwindled, Roger finally spoke slowly:
“First, I have bad news for you all: your actions and contributions may not be publicly acknowledged for several hundred, even thousands, of years.”
“However, I believe that the history books of that era will record this event thus: it is the beginning of the Azurevine Empire’s true integration, the pivotal war that erased the traces of the seventeen nations, and the foundational ceremony of humanity’s new era.”
“Some are in darkness, yet their hearts yearn for light. They have made immense contributions to the establishment of a unified Azurevine Empire, and we should not forget their sacrifices as we happily drink and eat today.”
The officers initially felt disappointed. They had overthought things; they feared being scolded, but in reality, they wouldn’t even have the opportunity to be judged by the world. But Lord Dio was truly brave, openly stating these unwritten rules. It further demonstrated his integrity. Thus, Roger’s subsequent words carried even more weight and credibility! In truth, this was a small trick of “praise after criticism.” By first letting the other party feel disappointed, any subsequent praise would naturally make the officers feel happy, excited, and thrilled. *We are representatives of light! We made contributions to the unification of the empire! We laid the foundation for humanity’s new era!* Though they didn’t fully grasp the logic, if Lord Dio said their actions were historically significant, then they must be! It was because Lord Dio was so genuine!
Colonel Joey Barton, in his excitement, still had a hint of confusion: “Lord Brandu, do our behind-the-lines operations count as war?”
Roger nodded. “Of course. War is not just about clashing swords and fighting to the death. Using various methods for bloodless struggles is also part of war.”
“This is called unlimited warfare. As warfare methods become increasingly diverse, it’s not always necessary to use direct violence to cripple an enemy nation. Public opinion, economics, technology, natural climate, and other means can all become ways to disintegrate an enemy.”
“You, impersonating the Restoration Army, did not engage in passionate battles, nor did you hold your ground against all odds to create miracles. Many people might feel this isn’t war.”
“But in my eyes, you not only weakened the enemy’s strength but also saved hundreds of thousands of fine young men for the Empire. This is the most successful war, this is the most glorious victory!”
“As for the other side of victory, where some ordinary people were caught in it and became sacrifices… but if the real Restoration Army had ignited beacon fires and engaged in a protracted bloody war with the imperial army, how many ordinary people would have been drawn in then?”
Countless officers looked aghast and fell silent. They understood that in that era of limited productivity, prolonged warfare would lead to devastated lands, ruined families, and even cannibalism… For that was what the Azurevine Kingdom had once experienced! In that light, resolving the hidden danger of the seventeen nations swiftly and decisively, thus saving more lives, was also a tremendous good for the seventeen nations!
As they fell into contemplation, Roger recited with immense emotion: “When a nation prospers, the common people suffer; when it falls, the common people suffer! Our Empress is a ruler who transcends her era.”
“The desires of the remnants of the seventeen nations are power, land, wealth, and beauty – to exploit their subjects and live luxuriously. Yet, Her Majesty, who could easily possess all of this, continues to explore the mysteries of magic and diligently govern to establish a stronger empire.”
“What is she pursuing? Is it for herself? She could have easily obtained everything others covet!”
“She seeks to allow more people to feel the glory of the Empire! Your novel form of warfare, almost bloodless, has successfully allowed the ignorant citizens of the seventeen nations to feel the glory of the Empire, to feel the Empress’s greatness.”
“On the road to glory, some will always have blood on their hands. Remember, killing to protect life, severing karma, not severing people!”
“My lords, are you willing to bear the burden for this empire, even if it means descending into darkness?”
Hundreds of officers stood up and responded with fervor: “We are willing, for the Empire!”
Roger clenched his fist and roared, “Long live the Empire, long live the Empress!”
The young officers, even the lieutenant generals and guards present, felt a surge of excitement and roared in unison: “Long live the Empire, long live the Empress!”
“Thank you, Lord Brandu… I understand. I don’t need to be confused. We are doing the right thing. Her Majesty is too great!” Joey Barton quickly wiped the corners of her eyes. Her gaze regained its firmness. The gazes of all of them had once again become resolute. *Undercover operations are also a form of war! Killing to protect life, severing karma, not severing people! Our Empress is a ruler who transcends her era! We are willing to spread this glory throughout the Multiverse!* Lord Dio is truly talented, and he speaks so well; they all like Lord Dio.
But they couldn’t see that as Roger lowered his head, a hint of confusion appeared in his eyes. Essentially, this was a dose of toxic chicken soup, molding these officers into even more fanatical royalists. The Empress of Eternal Night possessed righteousness, appearing noble and transcendent, so naturally, the soldiers fighting for her would also be righteous. And given the Empress of Eternal Night’s warlike nature, it could easily devolve into militarism if one wasn’t careful. Roger was not, after all, a philosopher or a true historian, capable of imbuing the action of impersonating the Restoration Army with profound meaning. At his core, he was still that uploader who wrote essays at the end of videos, used chicken soup to numb senses, and scamed for coins and likes. Spreading flowery words, speaking with passionate fervor, was simply to avoid being plagiarized and to prevent rage-filled “next times” filling the screen.
Yet, he felt that this bowl of chicken soup, however toxic, likely had some value. At least tonight, it might prevent a few people from waking up from nightmares. Ordinary people didn’t need to comprehend human nature or history, to fully distinguish black and white, or right and wrong. They simply needed a reason and logic to move forward with a clear conscience, and this could unleash boundless energy. Even if the chicken soup was poisoned, they were willing to drink the poison to quench their thirst and accept Roger’s deception. This was what a historian should do. It was the only thing he, a small uploader, could do.
Just as Roger was experiencing a rare moment of life reflection, Madame Mosconi suddenly approached him and bowed deeply: “Lord Brandu, I was disrespectful to you before. I was shortsighted, and I beg your indulgence.”
“Ah, Madame, what is the meaning of this? I cannot accept it!” Roger quickly helped her up. This was the head maid closest to the Empress of Eternal Night, and she had held considerable reservations about him. Why was she suddenly so polite? Had this aunt gone insane from his excessive shirking of duties?
