Chapter 822: 419 If It Were Me…

"Red wine eel, confit duck leg, apple pie, onion soup, stewed potatoes… hmm… and two more portions of caramel custard!"

Calling the waiter waiting outside, she recited a long list of dishes as if listing family heirlooms, then handed the menu to Li Ang with a smiling face:

"Though the names sound ordinary, these dishes from this restaurant are all exceptionally good—I strongly recommend you try them… Is there anything else you're particularly interested in?"

"No need."

After glancing at the prices written in ornate script on the menu, Li Ang, his teeth aching, shook his head:

"You've already ordered enough—let's just stick with these… By the way, what's going on today? Why did you suddenly invite me to dinner?"

"Of course it's because I miss you~"

Hearing Li Ang's question, Princess Veronika blinked, leaned slightly forward in her seat, her full chest gently pressing against the table, then propped her cheek on her hand with a twinkling smile:

"That's how young lovers in the throes of passion are—always wanting to be glued together, and I'm no different~"

"…"

Slightly leaning back and sinking into his chair, Li Ang rubbed his temple:

"Can't you just speak seriously for once…?"

"Alright~"

Upon hearing Li Ang's request, Princess Veronika's bright smile faded slightly; her elegant spine straightened instantly, her swan-like neck lifted, and she spoke with solemn dignity:

"Prince, by my authority as First Princess Veronika, I command you: do not compete with me for my favorite red wine eel, and when the apple pie arrives, you must slice it into small pieces yourself, then feed me one bite at a time with your fork. Understood?"

"…"

Never mind what I said…

Having no way to deal with the capricious princess, knowing further argument would only invite more teasing, Li Ang changed the subject:

"What are you going to do about the military? So many oppose you—even openly storming the Prime Minister's residence and throwing stones at you. Are you still going to push through that selection and elimination order?"

Hearing Li Ang's question, Princess Veronika paused, then extinguished the amusement in her eyes and gave a soft hum:

"I'll push it forward, of course—why not do what's right? The ranks of Colonel, Commandant, and Sergeant aren't enough. Once this round of selection ends, I'll even target the General level!"

The kingdom's military has been rotten for too long. Simply replacing mid- and lower-ranking officers won't change the situation. If we don't seize this opportunity to purge and bring in fresh, energetic blood, no matter how much I or the Minister of Defense restructure, it'll all be superficial patchwork."

Still planning to go higher?

Watching the strange gleam in her eyes, Li Ang fell silent, pondering her words.

The kingdom's military hierarchy was complex, but broadly speaking, like the civil bureaucracy's Minister, Administrator, Clerk, Assistant, and Clerk-Tier, it could be divided into five levels: Marshal, General, Colonel, Commandant, and Sergeant.

If the Marshal was the head of the military and the General its bones, then the Colonel, Commandant, and Sergeant were its flesh, sinew, skin, and nerves.

The princess's plan to purge the hereditary lower three ranks through Parliament was tantamount to stripping tendons and peeling skin—the entrenched interests in the military would inevitably react, and perhaps even tacitly approved the sergeants' storming of the Prime Minister's residence.

"Are you sure you can push it through?"

Intrigued by her answer, Li Ang, despite his growling stomach, asked curiously:

"The Parliament wants to curb noble power, but your selection order is essentially cutting at the root of the nobility—they'll fight back to the death. Will the Prime Minister and the Lower House stand with you?"

"No, they won't. Most Lower House deputies are profit-driven; they have neither the intention nor the capacity to interfere in the military. On issues with no direct benefit, they'll side with whoever offers the better deal."

After answering Li Ang's question, Princess Veronika asked curiously in return:

"Li Ang, are you interested in political exchanges like this?"

"Not really interested—just since we're talking about it, I thought I'd ask."

Is that so?

Observing Li Ang's expression, Princess Veronika's eyebrows lifted slightly.

You thought you'd avoid more teasing by switching to a serious topic, forcing me to take it seriously too? You've got it all wrong.

"Fine. Since we still have to wait a while before eating, I'll take the chance to explain."

Sensing Li Ang's intent, Princess Veronika winked mischievously, then lowered her head, her eyes glistening as if on the verge of tears:

"Thanks to my dear Prince, the military is temporarily under my control—so naturally, I must seize this chance to accomplish something meaningful.

That way, if I fail to charm some little man and he suddenly changes his mind and abandons me, at least I'll still have a brand-new military to show for it—not all for nothing after being tormented by him for so many days~"

"…"

Hearing her words, Li Ang's lips twitched; he pointed at his own chest:

"I… tormented you? Before you say that, can you at least check your conscience?"

"I'll try."

At her words, Princess Veronika blinked, pressed her fingers lightly against her chest, causing a gentle ripple of flesh, then sighed softly:

"Too thick. Can't feel it."

"…"

"You're staring at me like that—trying to help me find my conscience?"

"I'm not looking!"

"Oh~"

Watching Li Ang, who blushed and shut his eyes, unsure where to look, Princess Veronika couldn't help but chuckle. But to avoid provoking his anger, she stopped teasing and sat up straight, speaking seriously:

"In any case, I will push through the selection order.

Of the kingdom's thirty-seven Generals, thirty-one are nobles; over half of the Colonels are nobles too. To them, military regulations are less binding than their lord's personal orders.

Only by replacing most of these people can I ensure military orders flow smoothly—only then will I truly control the military, and use that leverage to force the Lower House and other noble-dominated departments to concede… Li Ang, what do you think?"

"I think… it's good."

A vague sense told him she wasn't asking about policy—she was asking how he felt about her "conscience." Li Ang forced a serious face and tried to steer the conversation back:

"Power grows from the barrel of a gun. Securing the military first before pushing other reforms is indeed the most stable choice."

Huh?

After tasting his remark, Princess Veronika's beautiful eyes flickered, then she nodded:

"That's a… hmm… insightful point. My first meeting with the Minister of Defense was also motivated by this consideration… Li Ang, if you were in my place, what would you do?"

What would I do?

Watching Princess Veronika lean forward slightly, her eyes bright with anticipation, Li Ang glanced instinctively at her conscience, then smirked:

"I'd gather a squad of guards, storm the palace, force your father to hand over the throne immediately, and hang anyone who objects… Oh, and I'd ship your brother across the sea and marry him off to a whole nest of monkeys!"

"…"