Other than Reinhard and Kircheis, I've always liked Muller and Bittenfeld too. They're both extremely loyal to Reinhard in their own way, and have very interesting personalities.
Chapter Three
January 24th, U.C. 798, I.C. 489
Odin, Ministry of War, Officer's Lounge
When Reinhard made his final decision and announced that they would be launching an attack on Iserlohn, Kircheis had not commented. It was clear that nothing would change Reinhard's decision. What he did however, was to enquire about Reinhard's decisions to appoint Kempf as the Commander of the expedition, and Neidhardt Muller as the Vice-Commander. Kircheis had even offered to lead the attack himself, but Reinhard had declined, stating that he had consulted with Oberstein over personnel decisions.
Kircheis knew that at some level, Reinhard had refused to give him command over the expedition out of consideration for his feelings. Lord Reinhard doesn't want me to feel conflicted. He knows that I'll follow orders if it comes down to it, but he does not want me to have to face such a dilemma, not when there are other choices…That was the hidden kind, compassionate side of Reinhard that only Kircheis knew existed.
Sighing, Kircheis dragged his attention back to the present. He was currently drinking in the Officers' Lounge with Mittermeyer, Reuenthal, the newly appointed Vice-Commander of the Expedition, Muller, and Commander of the Black Lancers, Fritz Joseph Bittenfeld. Well, he was supposed to be drinking, but so far, he had barely sipped at his white wine.
Seated besides him, orange-haired Bittenfeld was loudly questioning Reinhard's personnel decisions. "It's not especially for me to say, but this is a big operation. Shouldn't we send Fleet Admiral Kircheis? Or failing that, the two High Admirals?"
It was widely known that Bittenfeld was loud, boarish, and not known for his political-savvy. Or else he wouldn't have said that in front of me. Taken in the wrong way, he could've been suspected of questioning Lord Reinhard's judgment. And everyone knows that I'm Lord Reinhard's eyes and ears. Of course, there was no way that Kircheis would go tattling to Reinhard over every single small detail, but it was his duty to keep an eye on the officers' feelings and report any disturbing trends to Reinhard.
And now Bittenfeld appeared to be awaiting a reply to his question. Unfortunately, Kircheis was not in a position to say anything but the politically correct answer, and he doubted that that was what Bittenfeld wanted to hear. In public, Kircheis could not be seen to be anything less than fully supportive of Reinhard's plans, or it'd undermine Reinhard's authority.
Luckily for Kircheis, Mittermeyer saved him by answering for him. "It's probably Chief of Staff Oberstein's inclination. He doesn't want Kircheis, Reuenthal or me to render distinguished services." Oberstein was, Kircheis knew, highly unpopular among all the other military officers.
Reuenthal smirked at that, "In Kircheis' case, if he makes another great contribution, it'd be personnel trouble. You're already Fleet Admiral, with the same military rank as Prince Lohengramm. In our case, he probably doesn't want either Mittermeyer or me to continue gaining influence."
Kircheis had nothing to say to that, so he continued sipping his wine. Mittermeyer however, had more to add. "Therefore, Kempf's in command, in accordance with his experience and loyalty. And Muller, as the youngest, you were most suitable for Vice Commander right?"
Despite his youth, Muller had naturally grey hair and grey-coloured eyes. He nodded once, even as Kircheis decided to say something. "I would not presume to know Prince Lohengramm's thoughts, but I think that Prince Lohengramm probably wants to give Kempf a chance to redeem himself, a chance at victory over Admiral Yang Wen-li's forces." The admirals nodded at that. Everyone knew, after all, that Kircheis was Prince Lohengramm's confidante, and that he was a fair, honest and kind man. There was a high probability that his words were true.
Muller, ever sensitive and diplomatic, then changed the subject. "By the way, in combination with these personnel affairs, I heard that His Excellency the Fleet Admiral is changing his assistant adjutant again."
"Oh?" Reuenthal questioned with interest. Turning to Kircheis, he remarked. "I'm surprised that you're still Prince Lohengramm's Chief Adjutant, even with your recent promotion."
Kircheis ran his hand through his hair sheepishly as he replied. "Well, it's probably for the best." Both Mittermeyer and Bittenfeld nodded solemnly, and tried their best not to look at Kircheis. It was no secret that Prince Lohengramm was very particular about his adjutants, and a difficult boss to satisfy. In the short time that Kircheis had been unfit for duty, the prince had already gone through three Interim Chief Adjutants. It was apparent to everyone that Prince Lohengramm considered only one person suitable for that job. "However, Prince Lohengramm is aware that I might have other duties sometimes, hence the Vice Chief Adjutant."
Reuenthal nodded, then turned back to ask Muller. "Prince Lohengramm substituted for Feldewelt?"
Muller replied with a slight hesitation. "Well, I wonder if one could call it 'substitution'. There's no change in the work, but generally it's in the form of a promotion."
Mittermeyer and Bittenfeld both nodded sagely. "His Excellency's kind feelings, eh?" Mittermeyer commented with a slight hint of irony in his voice, although he did not cross over to outright sarcasm. Kircheis supposed he could be thankful for that. He could not abide it if others spoke ill of Reinhard in his presence, although he knew Mittermeyer had no malicious intent.
"So, who's going to be the next one?" Bittenfeld asked curiously, glancing at Kircheis briefly before turning his attention back to Muller.
"They say he's going to appoint old Commodore Streit." Muller replied, even though he was aware that Fleet Admiral Kircheis was the best person to answer all these questions.
"What?" Identical looks of shock appeared on Mittermeyer and Bittenfeld's faces as they digested the news; that Prince Lohengramm was appointing one of Prince Branschweig's loyal subordinates to such a crucial position.
Reuethal let out a sigh of appreciation even as Mittermeyer shook his head in admiration. "He's a person who does bold things."
Kircheis firmly nodded in agreement at how true that statement was. He added softly, "Prince Lohengramm values Commodore Streit's experience and resourcefulness."
Bittenfeld frowned slightly at that. "I don't think Oberstein will keep his mouth shut."
"That's strange, because they say that he's meekly accepting it." Muller shot back.
Reuenthal's expression was sardonically amused as he commented, "Even Streit, who was Prince Brauchschweig's loyal subordinate knelt down to Prince Lohengramm? He's probably aiming for a political show."
Even though Kircheis privately agreed with the assessment, he thought it was best to tamp down on the antagonism that the high-ranking military officers had towards the Chief of Staff. "Well, there's nothing wrong with that, is there? Prince Lohengramm needs to consolidate his political power at this point in time."
All the admirals nodded in agreement with that, even as Muller hastily changed the subject. "Did you hear about our Chief of Staff? It was last year, but they say he picked up a dog in front of the Admiralty."
Bittenfeld almost choked on his glass of wine when he heard that. "A dog? Oberstein?!" Even Kircheis was surprised by the news.
"Yes. They say it's an old Dalmatian. But because this dog is impudent and won't eat anything but boiled chicken, the Chief of Staff personally goes out to buy meat in the middle of the night." Muller continued. Kircheis had to blink at that. He would never have expected that from the cold, pitiless man that was Chief of Staff Oberstein, but, he reminded himself, humans were multi-faceted beings.
Kircheis noted that Mittermeyer and Reuenthal exchanged one of those glances that contained an entire conversation (he knew because he and Reinhard had their own version of those glances). Then, as was his wont, Bittenfeld lashed out viciously. "Although our Chief of Staff is hated by people, he's loved by a dog? As fellow dogs, they probably hit it off!" Kircheis made a placating gesture to his fellow comrade, but a reluctant smile crept onto his face. It seems that Admiral Bittenfeld's words can be as vicious as Lord Reinhard's sometimes.
February 2nd, U.C. 798, I.C. 489
Odin, Ministry of War, Corridor
"Fleet Admiral Kircheis!" A cry from behind him stopped Kircheis in his tracks. Turning, he came face to face with a pretty young lady with dark blonde hair and large, misty green eyes.
"Fraulein Mariendorf." Kircheis greeted his friend's secretary with a gentle smile. Then, he waited for her to speak.
"Fleet Admiral Kircheis, I will be upfront with you. I am opposed to this dispatch, as it is both profitless and meaningless. Even if we have recovered financially from last year's civil war, the people are still not stabilized. What His Excellency should be doing now is to focus on internal politics." Pausing, Hildegarde von Mariendorf took a deep breath before continuing. Her voice rang with sincerity as she said, "I have mentioned as much to Prince Lohengramm. Yet he is still set on this course. So, Fleet Admiral Kircheis, I have come to you; what are your thoughts on this?"
Kircheis blinked as he took in Hildegarde's words. It always amazed Kircheis how her analysis often cut to the heart of the matter. "Fraulein Mariendorf," he begun carefully. "It is as you say, but…" He trailed off, not certain of how exactly he should phrase his own concerns. He had spoken to Reinhard, but when the latter had refused to heed his words, Kircheis had not pressed the matter. After the Westerland incident, he was now much more aware of the boundaries that lay between him and his best friend. No longer were they merely two young men sharing a common dream, working towards a common goal. Now they had other roles to play. Reinhard was Prince Lohengramm, Prime Minister and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Armed Forces, and he, he was Siegfried Kircheis, Chief Adjutant, Fleet Admiral and Prince Lohengramm's loyal subordinate.
"Fleet Admiral Kircheis," Hildegarde plowed on determinedly. "I know it is not my place to say this but please. You are the only one that His Excellency will listen to. The power to save the resources of the Empire, and many thousands of lives lies with you. It is your responsibility to do the utmost to persuade His Excellency to make the right decision."
And that struck Kircheis to the core. She's right. No matter what role I play, whether it be the loyal subordinate or the best friend, it is my responsibility to do whatever I can to persuade Lord Reinhard to make the correct decision.
"I understand. You are a very wise lady, Fraulein Mariendorf." Kircheis nodded once to her. "I give you my word that I will do my best to dissuade Lord Reinhard...I mean, Prince Lohengramm."
"That's all that I can ask, Fleet Admiral Kircheis." Hildegarde bowed slightly.
Odin, Ministry of War, Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Office
One look at his friend's face and Reinhard knew that Kircheis had come to talk to him about a difficult topic. And given the current circumstances, it took no great leap of logic to deduce that Kircheis was here to talk to him about the attack on Iserlohn.
Reinhard folded his arms across his chest and glared at his friend. "No."
Kircheis blinked at that abrupt statement from Reinhard. "No?" he echoed in semi-confusion, before he realized that Reinhard knew what he wanted to say. Amusement and exasperation warred for dominance across Kircheis features, before he settled for a sigh. "Lord Reinhard…"
Reinhard was determinedly looking out of the window and not at Kircheis. Used to his friend's evasion tactic, Kircheis continued walking until he was half a step away from his friend. "Please listen to what I have to say, Lord Reinhard."
Reinhard showed no obvious physical reaction, but Kircheis knew that his friend was listening. "Please, wait for a better opportunity of attack, Lord Reinhard. Remember the Sixth Battle of Iserlohn? After Lord Reinhard's actions led to an Imperial victory, there was talk of another campaign the next year, because the losses at that battle were considered low. At that time, we both derided the Empire that would toy with the lives of the commoners. Do you remember what you said, Lord Reinhard?"
Reinhard stiffened besides Kircheis. His own voice echoed in his head. "Kircheis, I will not carry out useless battles like this. I will not let soldiers die meaninglessly. For us to get to our goal, we may not be able to avoid casualties, but I promise that I will not throw away people's lives for futile causes." He had promised Kircheis that, three years ago. Yet here he was now, planning an expedition for no other reason than to launch an attack against Yang Wen-li and the Iserlohn Fortress.
Closing his eyes, Reinhard breathed deeply, then released his breath in a half-sigh. "Alright, Kircheis. I understand. I'll cancel the dispatch." He heard Kircheis breathe a sigh of relief at that. "But, Schaft will continue working to make Geiersburg mobile, and Kempf and Muller will oversee his work. At the first advantageous opportunity, I'll launch an attack at the Alliance."
Kircheis bowed his head. "Thank you, Lord Reinhard." And he was. He was grateful that even after everything, Reinhard was still willing to take his advice. His mind flashed to a conversation that he had with Annerose once upon a time.
"Reinhard may not say it, but he relies on you. So please, I beg you, take care of my little brother, won't you?"
"You're very kind to such as me." Kircheis had replied, surprised by the entreaty.
"Sieg, you're of great value. In Reinhard, certainly, there is genius. A genius that nobody else has. But Sieg, my little brother is not an adult like you are. His eyes are always looking far away, so he can't see where he's headed. Surely…surely, Reinhard's path leads somewhere other than to war. Is there something in those steps of his? Where does that path lead? If he should lose his way…Sieg, if that happens, talk to him. You're the only one he'll listen to. If there comes a time when he won't listen to you… then that's the end of my little brother. With Reinhard's ruin…"
What had his response been at that time? Kircheis could remember it as clear as day. "Lady Annerose. Please leave it to me, Lady Annerose. Whatever I can do, even if it means sacrificing myself… Please, trust in my loyalty to Lord Reinhard."
He had always done his best to keep his promise to Annerose, not merely because he did not wish to let her down, but also because Reinhard was his best friend and the man to whom he had given his loyalty. And now, so many years later, Kircheis was glad that whatever else had happened between Reinhard and him, their relationship had not changed.
"You were right, Kircheis, as always. From now on, I'll continue counting on you." Reinhard responded with a genuine smile, that rare smile of true happiness that only two persons in the entire universe, Annerose and Kircheis, had ever been the recipients of. It was a smile that Kircheis could not help but return.
February 24th, U.C. 798, I.C. 489
Odin, Ministry of War, Lounge Area
"There's no novelty whatsoever in Schaft's plan," Reuenthal commented as he glanced at his friend, Mittermeyer, who was enjoying his coffee on the same semi-circular lounge sofa a few arm lengths away from him. "Isn't it just the old big ships-big gun doctrine?"
"But it might be effective against Iserlohn," Mittermeyer replied after putting down his teacup.
Reuenthal snorted at that, flicking at his own fringe with a finger. "Besides, I know it's an order, but Kempf is a really hard-working guy." And Reuenthal meant it. Even though Prince Lohengramm had cancelled the dispatch, Kempf was still working full time on getting the warp drives on the Geiersburg Fortress working as soon as possible.
"At any rate, I don't care about Schaft or Kempf," Mittermeyer said. "I'm only concerned about Prince Lohengramm. It's great that he has changed his mind about the politically and strategically useless dispatch. I suppose we must thank Kircheis for that."
Mittermeyer looked pensively at his coffee. "Do you remember? It was right here when we first saw Kircheis and Prince Lohengramm."
"Yes. It was after the victory in the Battle of Van-fleet Starzone. Four years ago…" Reuenthal replied. At that time, Reuenthal and Mittermeyer had debated if Reinhard von Lohengramm, who had still been going by his old name Reinhard von Musel at that time, was a cat or a baby tiger, concluding that Reinhard von Musel was the latter because the enemy had no reason to favour him just because he was the younger brother of the Emperor's favourite concubine.
"No doubt he was a tiger," Mittemeyer concluded after his reminisces.
"No", Reuenthal drawled. "He's a lion."
"Indeed. The lion is the king of all animals." Mittemeyer agreed with his friend.
"But I also did not realize Kircheis' influence is so great. It appears that he's the only one who can change Prince Lohengramm's mind." Reuenthal said with an amused air. "Oberstein might be frothing at the mouth now, what with his theory that there should not be a Number 2 in Prince Lohengramm's camp."
"Regards of what that Oberstein thinks, I think it's a good thing. Kircheis' influence on Prince Lohengramm, that is." Mittermeyer stated. Reuenthal agreed, although he was not as sanguine as his friend about the entire affair. And why is that? Is it because I'm wary of anyone having that much power over Prince Lohengramm. Or is it because…
Phezzan, Landesherr's Office
Adrian Rubinsky, fifth Landesherr of the autonomous planet of Phezzan, was scowling. He had just received word from his spies that Reinhard von Lohengramm had cancelled the dispatch for an Expedition to Iserlohn Corridor. Initially, Rubinsky had planned to make the Free Planetary Alliance crumble from inside, paving the way for an Imperial victory. To that end, he had sent his illegitimate son, Kesselring, to sow discord within the Alliance. Kesselring had informed the Alliance's commissioner in Phezzan that Phezzan's financial support can continue only if the Alliance is a stable democracy, and hinted that Yang Wen-li, Commander of the 13th Fleet, was inclined to seize power. Even now, the Alliance had formed an inquiry committee to question Yang Wen-li about his actions during the coup summon Yang Wen-li to a hearing on Heinessen. Meaning that Yang Wen-li would not be at Iserlohn. Meaning that the odds were in favour of a victory for the Imperial forces.
Naturally, Rubinsky would then turn such a situation to his advantage. Once Imperial forces had control of the human-occupied universe, he could then assassinate Reinhard von Lohengramm, and seize the reins of power for himself. But now, because of Reinhard von Lohengramm's change of heart, his plans would have to put on hold. This meant that he would have to be patient for a little while longer, while he set his back-up plan into motion. Ah yes, he would now have to plan the kidnapping of the most powerful seven-year-old child in the galaxy. Erwin Josef II, thirty-seventh Emperor of the Goldenbaum Dynasty. No matter. He would get what he wanted in the end, and that was all that mattered.
Odin, Muller's Groundcar
Travelling down the streets of Odin towards the Ministry of War, Muller was occupied with his thoughts. Which was why he acted on surprise and instinct upon seeing that shock of red hair in the midst of the crowded street. The red-haired man was dressed in everyday clothes, strolling casually down the street with what looked to be a box in his hand. Lowering the window of the groundcar, Muller called out, "Fleet Admiral Kircheis!"
At that shout, almost everyone within hearing range in the crowd turned to stare. A low buzz of murmurs started. It was then that it struck Muller that it might not have been such a good idea to yell out Kircheis' name in the middle of the streets. His eyes widened in dismay as he quickly decided to remedy the situation. Getting out of the groundcar quickly, Muller snapped off a crisp salute, despite the fact that Kircheis was not in uniform. "Fleet Admiral Kircheis, please allow me to offer you a lift to your destination."
The kind red-haired man was wearing a smile tinged with some resignation as he accepted the offer. "Thank you, Admiral Muller," Kircheis said as he entered the groundcar with Muller in his wake. As the groundcar sped off, Muller shook his head in embarrassment. "I apologize for my thoughtless action, Fleet Admiral Kircheis. Where can I drop you off?"
Muller eyed the box of cake in Fleet Admiral Kircheis' hands, recognizing the brand as one of the best and most delicious brands on Odin, wondering if the latter was on his way to a date. It was, technically, after office hours after all, despite the fact that working for Prince Lohengramm resulted in them working all sort of odd hours. However, Muller had never heard any rumours of Fleet Admiral Kircheis having a girlfriend, unlike High Admiral Reuenthal, who changed girlfriends almost weekly.
Kircheis smiled when he caught the direction of Muller's gaze. "It's not a problem, Admiral Muller. In any case, I suspect we're both going to the same place." That tore Muller's gaze from the box.
"You are heading back to the Ministry of War, Fleet Admiral Kircheis?" Muller did not stop his surprise from showing.
Kircheis said lightly, "I have to get this delicious cake to Prince Lohengramm before it goes stale." He ended with a smile that was meant to put Muller at ease. Muller barely kept himself from reacting. Alright, technically, he knew that Prince Lohengramm was only human, with his own likes and dislikes. However, he had never once pictured Prince Lohengramm, war genius of a man that he was, having a sweet tooth, a stereotypically feminine trait.
Doesn't Prince Lohengramm have cooks who can make cake? Or others to run this kind of errand? The thought of Fleet Admiral Kircheis, highest-ranking man in the military save for Prince Lohengramm, whom he considered a comrade-in-arms, having to go out to buy cake…was just…
Some of those thoughts must have shown on Muller's face, as Kircheis was startled into a slight laughter when he caught the look of indignation on his fellow comrade. Then he explained earnestly, "It's not what you think, Admiral Muller. You could say it's something of a childhood ritual. Prince Lohengramm's favourites are, of course, cakes baked by Countess Grunewald. When that's difficult to get however, it's up to me to satisfy his cravings." He smiled gently at Muller, willing the latter to understand. Muller was an important vassal to Reinhard, and a fellow comrade; Kircheis did not want him to have any misunderstandings about Reinhard.
And Muller did. He felt ashamed at misinterpreting Fleet Admiral Kircheis' gesture. How easy it was to forget, dazzled by the brilliance and charisma of the golden-haired man, that this man had not had the best childhood and the most balanced upbringing. Muller thought back to what he knew of Prince Lohengramm's history. His mother had died since he was very young, his father had sold his elder sister to be the Emperor's concubine before drinking himself to death. Prince Lohengramm had then enrolled in the Junior Imperial Military Academy at the tender age of ten, was off to the frontlines by the age of fifteen…And now, at twenty-one, Prime Minister and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Armed Forces of the Galactic Empire. An age when almost anyone else would still be considered a child, barely coming into adulthood.
And Prince Lohengramm had achieved all that on his own, with only the help of this red-haired man before him. What right did Muller have to judge the careful consideration that Fleet Admiral Kircheis showed Prince Lohengramm? Muller could only begin to guess at the depths of the bond between the two. Prince Lohengramm has the weight of the universe on his shoulders. It should not only be Fleet Admiral Kircheis' responsibility…As his loyal vassals, shouldn't we show more consideration to our liege lord?
Muller shook his head mentally. He could just picture all his fellow officers scratching their heads in bemusement if he went to them with that suggestion. As subordinates, the best that they could do was to perform well in their assigned tasks, Muller concluded. Luckily, Fleet Admiral Kircheis is there to pick up the slack. Who else would look after Prince Lohengramm's well-being? It was then that it really hit Muller – how irreplaceable Fleet Admiral Kircheis was, not only to Prince Lohengramm, but also those in his camp. For everyone was bound by one single glue – Prince Lohengramm. Without the prince, there would not be a Lohengramm camp. If Prince Lohengramm is the liege lord that we serve and follow, then Fleet Admiral Kircheis would be the perfect loyal subordinate that we should strive to be.
"I understand, Fleet Admiral Kircheis. And I apologize for my thoughtlessness." Muller finally said, chastened.
Kircheis shook his head at Muller's apology. "There's no need to apologize for such a matter, Admiral Muller…Speaking of apologies, it's me who owe you one for taking away your chance for battle this time." Kircheis deftly changed the subject with a semi-serious joke.
Muller blinked, then considered Fleet Admiral Kircheis' words carefully. Having once served under the Fleet Admiral, he knew that the Fleet Admiral was always carefully upholding Prince Lohengramm's image. If one looked at the issue from a harsh viewpoint, one could consider Prince Lohengramm to be fickle-minded in ordering, then cancelling the dispatch. Muller realized that under Fleet Admiral Kircheis' words was a hidden worry about discontent towards Prince Lohengramm. Hastily, Muller tried to set Fleet Admiral Kircheis' mind at ease. "I'm a military man, I go where I'm ordered. And I serve and obey Prince Lohengramm, Fleet Admiral." And Muller knew that the red-haired man would understand his unstated reassurance.
Reinhard has a sweet tooth. It's canon, and very apparent in the Gaiden series. Considering that only males fight on the frontlines in the Imperial Armed Forces, I'm guessing that the military officers have set stereotypes about masculine and feminine traits. And of course, having a sweet tooth would fall into the latter. However, now that Reinhard is the most powerful man in the military, there's no need to hide it any more...