Europe, former Hungarian region. For the first time in his life, Reid found himself unwilling to continue fighting despite a string of continuous victories.
As he looked over the battle reports filled with triumphs, Reid grew increasingly uneasy.
He was certain this wasn't just paranoia—abnormality signaled danger, and this campaign had been far too smooth.
History had offered countless lessons: when facing an enemy you believe to be strong on the outside but weak within, it's one thing if they truly crumble upon engagement. But if the enemy doesn't even resist, something must be seriously wrong.
In just two days, Reid's forces had nominally occupied most of Southern Europe. Not only had his troop numbers not decreased, but his Mobile Suit count had risen from under two thousand at the start of the war to over two thousand five hundred.
These extra several hundred Mobile Suits were confiscated from various cities across Southern Europe. While there were filler units like the Strike Dagger, there were also mainstay Eurasian Federation military models like the Windam.
Fortunately, the New Misurugi Kingdom's MS Pilot training followed a policy of casting a wide net and focusing on key catches. Even cooks from the mess company could operate Base Training Units for a few steps.
Thus, there was no shortage of pilots for these extra several hundred Mobile Suits. This time, the mess company even received two Strike Daggers for transport escort and cargo handling duties.
However, the ease with which so many Southern European cities surrendered gave Reid a strong sense of being lured into a trap.
Reid hesitated about launching a blitz into the former Polish region. This area was part of Central Europe, with the Scandinavian Vienna Kingdom to the north. Once occupied, it would truly split the Eurasian Federation in two.
The benefits were obvious: if he could maintain control, Reid could immediately shift strategy westward, first securing half of Europe's territory to steady his nerves.
As for why not head east—Reid, coming from the 20th century, still held reservations about the Winter is Coming Instance. Moreover, heading east risked accidentally triggering the Wall Watch.
Facing two Hell-level Instances in a row would be worse than having Reid clear the Raging Sea Instance twice. At least he had already relatively easily cleared half of the first Raging Sea Instance.
Of course, while the benefits were clear, the risks were even more dangerous. Once Reid entered the Polish region, his current forces would face extremely long supply lines.
It must be remembered that Reid hadn't brought many people this time—there was no way to allocate troops along the way to manage surrendered cities.
If the Eurasian Federation cities in the south staged large-scale revolts at this point, his forces would essentially be trapped in Europe.
Whether Reid chose to escape with some elites or break out and counterattack, the ordinary troops at the Old Capital Base would likely be lost in Europe.
For Reid, Europe wasn't his true objective. Although it was indeed a soft target, the gains from taking it paled in comparison to those from the Atlantic Federation.
Moreover, as someone born in Europe, Reid understood all too well that the Eurasian Federation was a poisonous soft target. Even if swallowed, a long period of indigestion would be unavoidable.
Thus, Reid quickly abandoned the idea of annexing half of Europe by following the trend.
The strategic objective remains unchanged: to concentrate all remaining Eurasian Federation forces in the central region, leaving the west vulnerable and creating an opportunity for ZAFT to launch a surprise airborne assault.
But how could they easily extricate themselves while forcing the Eurasian Federation to desperately gather its main forces, especially when the cities ahead and behind them seemed either intentionally negligent or had other plans?
As Reid was pondering this, a subordinate reported that a local Hungarian viscount named Philip Parr had requested a meeting. He claimed to have visited Star Palace City, met Reid, and spoken with him.
Upon hearing this, Reid was momentarily taken aback. The Philip family? Which Philip?
Hungarian nobility followed a naming convention similar to that of the East, with the surname first and given name last. However, the surname "Philip" was far too common in Hungary—who could possibly know which one this was?
As for having met in Star Palace City, it was likely due to Ange. For a time, European nobles of all kinds had found various excuses to visit the New Misurugi Kingdom to see the two of them.
According to the system's settings, most of these visitors were people Ange had met briefly at some point. In reality, neither Reid nor Ange recognized any of them.
Nevertheless, to maintain their personas, Reid and Ange had reluctantly received some of Europe's more prominent nobles. As for the lesser nobles, they had hosted a banquet where Reid and his wife made a brief appearance before slipping away.
During that period, some of these minor nobles might have exchanged a few words with Reid, but he certainly hadn't remembered a single one of them.
Originally, Reid had no intention of getting entangled with these local nobles. After all, he wasn't here to rule the area, so there was no need to waste energy on these local power players.
But just as Reid was about to say "no," he suddenly changed his mind.
Because it occurred to him that there was a situation that would make the Eurasian Federation councilors jump out of their seats.
With this realization, Reid's thoughts suddenly clicked into place. Feeling pleased with his new plan, he instructed his subordinate to bring Viscount Philip Parr up.
In less than five minutes, Reid met the impeccably dressed Philip Parr in his office.
The viscount immediately performed a Hungarian noble salute and praised,
"It is a great honor to meet you, the pioneer of human evolution, the leader of the new era, the true ruler of the New Misurugi Kingdom, Prince Isaac."
Under normal circumstances, Reid would have shown him the door, finding such a string of titles utterly pretentious.
But now, Reid intended to make use of these European nobles, so he needed to at least appear willing to integrate into their circles.
Thus, Reid merely nodded and replied coolly,
"Viscount Philip, it has been a while. Unfortunately, given the current circumstances, we cannot engage in lengthy conversation. May I ask what brings you to see me?"
This response was in line with Reid's persona. Everyone knew he was not of noble birth, and his background as both a soldier and a scientist made him prioritize efficiency over flowery formalities.
So Viscount Philip didn't mind that Reid hadn't responded in the typical noble manner. The fact that Reid had agreed to meet him—a minor noble with a title but no real power in this small city—was already a significant gesture of respect.
Thus, Philip Parr got straight to the point, smiling as he stated his purpose.
"Prince Isaac has traveled far to Europe to liberate the people oppressed by the Eurasian Federation. As a local noble, though without power, I am willing to contribute my modest family fortune, offering some financial supplies to provide a small measure of assistance."
With that, Philip Parr took an envelope from his pocket and presented it.
Reid gestured for the indigenous guard beside him to open the envelope. Inside was an inventory. This Viscount Philip Parr was quite sincere—and clever. The list mainly consisted of various foods, water, and ordinary military supplies.
To put it plainly, aside from the large quantity, these supplies weren't particularly risky—items that any local figure with some influence could obtain.
But they were still practical. As long as the army had people, they needed to eat and drink daily. As long as there was fighting, military supplies were never too much.
Reid's invasion of Europe had placed significant strain on his logistics. Even without much combat, since Reid refrained from plundering the wealth of local cities, supplies were merely adequate.
However, Viscount Philip Parr's offerings couldn't be accepted for free. He had already hinted in his words: he was a local noble but without power—clearly hoping to exchange these goods for some local authority.
Of course, Reid could pretend not to notice and take advantage of Viscount Philip Parr, but then his reputation among European nobility would suffer. No one would like someone who took things without delivering.
So, Reid naturally couldn't be such a person. Instead, he gently turned the supply list face down on the desk and replied:
"Viscount Philip Parr, to be honest, the supplies you've offered are not something my army lacks."
Viscount Philip Parr understood instantly—Reid thought the offering was too meager.
But Viscount Philip Parr wasn't afraid of Reid making excessive demands; he feared Reid outright refusing or taking advantage without reciprocation. So, he immediately raised the stakes:
"Yes, yes, of course, these things naturally wouldn't catch your eye. In fact, my family has some collectibles, and my daughter just turned twenty this year. She admires you greatly. Perhaps... you'd like to visit my home?"
Reid was taken aback. What kind of image did he have in the eyes of these European nobles? Why were they so quick to offer their daughters?
Even if these European nobles had a habit of collecting excellent genes to pass down, and he, as a Newtype, was indeed a coveted prize—did they think he was that casual?
So, Reid decided to skip past this topic and get straight to the point:
"Viscount Philip Parr, actually, I can entrust the entire city we are in now to your management—with the freedom to establish police and a municipal government.
However, I need you to prove that you can govern this city well."
Hearing this, Viscount Philip Parr's eyes lit up. Originally, he had only wanted some practical authority in the city government, preferably in trade, so that no matter how much he gave today, he could quickly earn it back later.
But what had he just heard? Prince Reid Isaac was actually allowing him to control the entire city.
Without any hesitation, Viscount Philip Parr replied resolutely:
"If that's the case, I am willing to dedicate my family's entire fortune to you, and my daughter can even serve as your maid."
Reid was speechless seeing Viscount Philip Parr still stubbornly insisting on offering his daughter—were these European nobles only capable of using this one trick?
Thus, with a stern expression, Reid refused:
"Viscount Philip Parr, forgive my bluntness, but you should keep these family assets for yourself and your family. I truly have no interest in them.
As I said, I want you to demonstrate how to manage a city well.
You must show me at least one of these: connections, or the ability to acquire money and supplies. Only then can I entrust a city to you with peace of mind. After all, this region has more than just you as a noble."
Upon hearing that Reid might turn to someone else, Viscount Philip Parr panicked. But since Reid didn't want his money, what exactly did he want? The Viscount admitted he truly couldn't guess.
However, Viscount Philip Parr had a clear mind—otherwise, he wouldn't have been the first European noble to actively seek allegiance.
The Viscount was absolutely certain that Reid wanted someone with competence and the ability to demonstrate loyalty.
That was why he insisted on offering his daughter, as it would bind his family to Reid. If Reid were to fail, his family would still have a fallback option to retreat to the New Misurugi Kingdom.
So Viscount Philip Parr directly asked:
"Please enlighten me, Your Highness. I will accomplish your task with my life and fortune."
Hearing this, Reid thought this Viscount Philip Parr was quite sensible and decided not to speak in riddles anymore. He replied directly:
"No need to risk your life. I simply want more nobles to pledge allegiance to me. You can spread the word: any noble who can provide substantial funds and military supplies will be granted management rights over their city. For nobles in the same city, priority will be given to the first to act. As long as the resources they send satisfy me, even if later offers are greater, the firstcomer will retain control of the city.
However, let me make this clear upfront: when you spread the message, explicitly state that anyone who extracts wealth from the common people will only meet a bullet and execution here.
If those nobles feel their wealth is insufficient, they should acquire it from the emerging financial conglomerates. The Eurasian Federation's military protection is now gone. If they can't even outmaneuver the emerging financial conglomerates under these circumstances, such incompetents are unworthy of managing a city.
As for you, Viscount Philip Parr, as long as you mobilize the nobles in southern Europe, I promise this city at our feet will be yours. If you perform well, the position of the New Misurugi Kingdom's liaison in Europe will be yours in the future."
With Reid's explanation, Viscount Philip Parr fully understood. He patted his chest and promised to handle everything, then hastily took his leave.
After Viscount Philip Parr left, Reid looked at the map of Europe and remarked that he had dug a massive pit for Europe's future rulers. The resurgence of European nobles, rooted in this land for centuries, was not good news for any ruler.
As for whether Viscount Philip Parr might be a spy sent by the Eurasian Federation, Reid didn't care.
Don't forget, Reid's ultimate goal was to force the Eurasian Federation to quickly assemble troops to attack him.
If Viscount Philip Parr was a spy, the Eurasian Federation Council would undoubtedly be unable to sit still upon learning of Reid's plan to revive the nobility, as it directly threatened the very seats they occupied.
If Viscount Philip Parr was not a spy, then Reid would fulfill his promise to genuinely revive the European nobility and harvest a wave of wealth from the emerging financial magnates.
By then, the Eurasian Federation Parliament would only grow more anxious, because not only would their positions be unstable, but their coffers would also be depleted. They would undoubtedly muster their forces at the fastest possible speed to fight him to the death.
At this moment, Reid could almost envision it—if he truly reignited the hopes of the old Eurasian Federation nobility for a revival, these aristocrats, who dreamed of restoring their former glory, would stir up quite the storm.
Once he withdrew, he would be content whether the Eurasian Federation or PLANT took over this mess. From the shadows, he could stoke the flames, allowing Orb, as a neutral nation, to sell more weapons to Europe. No matter the outcome, he would come out ahead.
(End of Chapter)