339: Chapter 20, Face Card_3 339: Chapter 20, Face Card_3 Politics, after all, is oftentimes more about symbolism than practicality.
From morning until noon, Joseph II showed no annoyance, though Marshal Boge was nowhere in sight, and it was almost time for lunch.
After all, he had recently dismissed a notable meritous official on apparent fabricated charges just shortly before.
He now found himself in abrupt need of that individual’s services again, so could he not let him vent his frustrations?
Deep down, Joseph II was thankful.
Fortunately, Marshal Boge had not been in a rush to return to his garrison, otherwise he would have to travel hundreds of miles to persuade him out of his retreat.
The situation on the frontline was urgent; the Orc Army had already launched a probing attack on the Warhammer Kingdom via the Moxi Duchy.
Joseph II did not feel at ease until Marshal Boge was persuaded to head to the frontlines.
As a king, a tiny affront for the sake of the bigger picture was a sacrifice he was willing to make.
At present, the public displays of respect were directed not only to Marshal Boge but also to the military officers in the army.
Through sincere actions, he wanted everyone to understand that Joseph II was no stubborn monarch.
Even political opponents with talent were valued equally.
How long this state could last would depend on when the war would end.
“Your Majesty, should we…”
Before Prime Minister Guy could finish his sentence, Joseph II interrupted, “No need to rush, let’s wait until the old Marshal wakes up.”
“If you’re impatient, you can go back and rest first.
There’s no problem if I wait here alone!”
A political performance should be taken to its conclusion.
If it were abandoned halfway, all the effort would have been in vain.
If necessary, he would wait here indefinitely, he as a king would not go hungry and continue to wait here.
“What’s happening here?
Why didn’t anyone wake me when His Majesty arrived?”
The chiding from afar made everyone sigh with relief.
The protagonist had finally arrived, sparing them from having to figure out how to properly end this prolonged waiting game.
“Your Majesty, I ask for your forgiveness!
It is entirely my fault for poorly managing my subordinates and making you wait for so long!
I am old and no longer as useful as I once was.
My body isn’t what it used to be, I slept until now, it really is my fault…”
Upon hearing Marshal Boge’s explanation, the bystanders collectively rolled their eyes.
For ordinary people, eighty years is indeed an age of physical decline and twilight years, but for an Earth Knight, it is merely midlife.
It was likely that every person in the room would be in their graves before this old marshal would cease to run and jump about in his lively spirit.
If he were truly too old to hold a sword, Joseph II wouldn’t have come to plead with him to return to service.
Yet Marshal Boge was acting his age, and no one could argue, because it was indeed about time for someone his age to retire.
By this age, an heir is typically already groomed anyway.
Wealth and fame become past smoke, and in the remaining years, everyone yearns more for the legendary Sanctuary.
Even without the prior political struggle, the retirement of Marshal Boge was anticipated to happen within a few recent years.
If the position of Death Overlord isn’t relinquished, then not only outsiders but even his own offspring may grow resentments.
“The old Marshal is in jest, you are in great health!
I must tell you that I have come to apologize to you this time.
Before …”
Before Joseph II could finish his sentence, Marshal Boge interrupted him, “Your Majesty, let bygones be bygones.
I’ve weathered many storms in my life.
These trivial matters have never worried me.
Right now, the situation is tough, Your Majesty should focus on national affairs.
There is no need to waste energy on an old man like me.”
It was clear that Marshal Boge wasn’t lacking in political wisdom.
He perfectly understood what he could and could not do
For instance, now, he could swing attitudes and strike poses.
However, he could not allow the king to publicly admit his mistake.
“The Marshal need not worry.
Right is right, and wrong is wrong.
Since I was swayed by false words to misunderstand the Marshal, I should apologize.
Currently, the Kingdom is in a difficult situation.
Countless people are under the threat of the Orc’s blades.
Any carelessness could lead to the tragedy of national collapse and family ruin.
For the over twenty million subjects of the Warhammer Kingdom, I implore you, Marshal, to put past grievances aside and venture forth to stem the tide!”
Whilst speaking, Joseph II bowed to Marshal Boge, leaving no opportunity for him to refuse.
Frankly speaking, for a king to act in this manner, it surely lacked some grace, but the current situation didn’t afford Joseph II any leisure.
Everyone knew the front line was a mess and that no matter who was appointed there, they wouldn’t be able to alter the difference in power between both sides.
The difference being how they would face defeat.
For Marshal Boge who had accomplished much and already stepped back, getting involved in this muddy water was utterly unnecessary.
As a man who had achieved the pinnacle as a subject, there were no further promotions to be had if he won, only garnering more suspicion from the king.
If he were defeated, the situation would be even worse.
Not only would his reputation be damaged, but there was also a chance he would lose his life on the battlefield.
The business of high risk with no reward.
If the roles were reversed, Joseph would have definitely chosen to refuse.
Without playing on morality, he genuinely didn’t know how to persuade Marshal Boge to enter the battlefield.
“Your Majesty, the Warhammer Kingdom has always had a plethora of talents.
In times of national crisis, it’s indeed the time for young talents to stand out.
This is now the era of the young.
Why should I as an old man come out and block their way?”
Marshal Boge struggled to respond.
As the former commander of the armed forces, he had a deeper understanding of the military strength of the Warhammer Kingdom than did Joseph II.
With the military strength of the Warhammer Kingdom, if they became the primary target of the Orcs, their performance would not surpass that of the Moxi Duchy.
The gap in our hard power cannot be made up by personal effort.
Even he, personally, commanding the entire national army could only delay the time of defeat.
No commander likes a war without the hope of victory.
Having finally retired unscathed from politics, he didn’t want to throw himself back into the fray.
“Marshal, the Warhammer Kingdom indeed houses no shortage of young talents, however, still needing time to grow.
In these difficult times, only you can escort them, turning the tide in…”