I Was Reborn and Became the New Emperor of the First Galactic Empire

*San-Mormero, After the Great Oldenburg Revolution*

Walter sat in his office, once the throne room of the former king, poring over documents and reports from his new advisors. The new Chancellor sat in silence, his jaw dropping at the revelations within the papers. Over the course of King Leopold's reign, approximately 500,000 gold coins had been pilfered from the state treasury. A deeply corrupt bureaucracy had flourished, forging royal decrees with impunity. Most astonishingly, the king had turned a blind eye to this, his rule remaining stable for forty years. The figures nearly knocked Walter off his chair, and he realized the nation desperately needed reforms to chart its course. During his covert visit to Andora to assess the situation and the lives of its inhabitants under unknown conquerors, he had learned of a concept called "assignment" and banking. He saw great potential in these for addressing economic recession or stagnation.

The execution of the royal family was incomplete, as the whereabouts of Princess Janet and Prince Eugene remained unknown. Walter vividly recalled that both had marched to war against the new state formed in Andora. He was also preoccupied with understanding the governance, political structure, and military might of this emerging power. It was undeniable that their army was formidable, having first crushed Princess Janet's 75,000-strong force and then Prince Eugene's 150,000, which included Holy Knights tasked with his protection. Walter resolved to consult the Church for insights.

Traveling by carriage with an escort to the grand cathedral, where ceremonies honoring the God of Creation and festivals were held, Walter sought Archbishop Gregor, who had played a key role in creating the Holy Knights and had trained nearly 100 of them. Twenty-five minutes later, he arrived to find many people praying for a hopeful future after the recent revolution and the loss of 200,000 soldiers to a ruthless enemy. Stepping out of the carriage, Walter approached the cathedral, only to be halted by two Holy Knights.

"Halt! State your name and purpose for visiting the cathedral," one demanded.

"It's rather foolish to ask," Walter sighed. "I am Walter Göehart, the first Chancellor of the People's Republic of Oldenburg. I urgently need to speak with Archbishop Gregor regarding state matters."

"Wait here. I'll inform the Archbishop," the knight replied, turning and striding swiftly into the cathedral. After a minute, Walter saw Gregor approaching.

"Chancellor, a pleasure to see you! What brings you to our Lord's sanctuary?" Gregor greeted.

"Archbishop Gregor, I have urgent questions requiring your immediate attention."

"Hm, very well! Come in and make yourself at home."

"Thank you."

Walter and Gregor walked through the magnificent cathedral, a 300-year-old treasure of Oldenburg and its people. Here, orphans were raised and trained as Holy Knights, though those without sensitivity to the Force became monks or priests to spread the Church's influence. The Archbishop and Chancellor entered a room where tea awaited to ease their discussion. Walter sat, as did Gregor, who began his customary prayer before Walter could speak.

"O Great Creator, we thank Thee for the light of the sun and the warmth of the earth," Gregor intoned, reciting a few more prayers. Walter, though a believer, found the Archbishop's fervent piety unfamiliar, as he was not deeply religious himself.

"Ahem, Lord Gregor," Walter began. "I recall you were involved in creating the Holy Knights. Could you elaborate on their purpose?"

"They are not mere objects to be crafted," Gregor replied. "The Holy Knights are the shield and sword of our Great Creator. Their primary mission is to eradicate vile and dangerous heretics whose cursed beliefs poison the minds of the young."

"But who are these heretics? Are they so dangerous that only Holy Knights can confront them?"

"Oh, Chancellor Walter," Gregor sighed. "Centuries ago, a war raged between the Dark and Light Sides, lasting 200 years. The Light Side, embodied by the Holy Knights, emerged victorious. The Dark Side corrupts those sensitive to the Force, using it against humanity for their own gain. We must find and destroy them before they grow too powerful. The Dark Side has a figure known as the Lord of the Dark Knights, the most potent of their followers. It would take 2,000 Holy Knights—or a Hero—to defeat him."

"Two thousand Holy Knights? That's an entire army! And no Hero has been summoned in 500 years!" Walter exclaimed.

"I understand your shock, but our scriptures state: 'Should a follower of the wicked side arise, calamity will befall humanity, plunging it into chaos and villainy. The Lord, in mercy, sent His angels to share their power to oppose evil.'"

"So the Holy Knights wield power granted by angels?"

"Not quite. Those with such power are not angels but chosen defenders against the Dark Side."

"But reports indicate 600 Holy Knights accompanied Prince Eugene, and none returned."

"What?" Gregor gasped, stunned. "All 600 Holy Knights perished?"

"Sadly, yes. But was it a Dark Knight?"

"No… not just a Dark Knight. Could it be the Lord of the Dark Knights?" Gregor said, fear creeping into his voice.

"The Lord? But we don't have enough knights in the capital…"

"A grave threat looms over our world. We must summon a mighty Hero at once!"

"What? He won't have time to grow strong enough to face him!" Walter protested.

"We'll sacrifice 100 Holy Knights to imbue him with their strength, making him powerful immediately! He must join us to confront the Lord of the Dark Knights!"

"Damn… what dark times," Walter muttered angrily. He stood and rushed to his carriage, ordering Gregor to bring 100 Holy Knights to the Castle to enhance the Hero's summoning.

Soon, Walter stood before a drawn magical circle, holding a scroll for the summoning incantation. Gregor arrived with 100 Holy Knights, ready to sacrifice themselves for humanity's sake, raised from childhood to protect the weak.

"Well, Archbishop, it's time to begin the Hero's summoning," Walter declared.

"Indeed. Knights, stand around the magical circle and offer your life force!" Gregor pointed to the ritual site, and the knights complied without hesitation, channeling their life energy into the circle as Walter recited the incantation.

"Dómine, exáudi vocare servos tuos, et ostendam vobis bonae voluntatis! Da nobis bellum, quod nisi hoc peccatum mundi, ex iniquitate maledictus et odio te. Da nobis vires inimicos tuos perdat, et servire te cum anima nostra et vita!" (O Lord, hear the call of Thy servants and show Thy goodwill! Grant us a warrior to save this sinful world from cursed and hated impurity. Grant us strength to destroy Thy enemies and serve Thee with our souls and lives!)

The circle began to gather magical and life energy into a single focal point, forming a human body and transferring a soul into it, imbued with the necessary power. After a minute, a blinding light forced everyone in the room to shield their eyes, uncertain if the ritual was correct. The light faded, and all gazed at the circle, where a youth of about 18 stood—the Hero! A classic scene from heroic tales. Walter could scarcely believe it; they had truly summoned a great Hero to protect them from the Lord of the Dark Knights. The Hero opened his eyes, looking around in bewilderment.

"What? Where am I? Why aren't I at home?" the Hero panicked.

"O great Hero! You were summoned to save our humanity! A dire threat from the Lord of the Dark Knights looms over our nation, and we've suffered immense losses," Walter explained.

"What? This is nonsense… How could I end up here? It's impossible," the Hero stammered.

"All is possible, Lord Hero! I am Walter Göehart, first Chancellor of the People's Republic of Oldenburg. Lend us your strength to fight this terrible enemy."

"My name is Takiyomi Ishihisa," the Hero replied.

"Lord Takiyomi! I know you're disoriented and unaware of your surroundings, but you've been summoned with immense power!"

"I guess I'm really not in my world… Who's attacking you?" Takiyomi asked.

"We're at war with an enemy that mercilessly seized our cities and villages! Our army lost over 200,000 men."

"Only 200,000? That's a bit low for summoning me. Do you even know the enemy's strength?" Takiyomi said, justifiably skeptical, as in clichéd tales, kings often claimed millions lost and populations suffering under demon lords.

"I saw massive machines that marched and unleashed explosive magic impervious to arrows or our magic! Their soldiers wear white armor and kill from afar!" Walter described.

"Sounds like they have firearms… That's a problem," Takiyomi mused.

"Hero! You know what they are?"

"Possibly, but I can't be certain. I'll need equipment."

"Armor and everything else will be provided! For now, adjust to your new power."

Suddenly, a sweating, exhausted soldier burst into the room, struggling to catch his breath. Walter sensed an ill omen.

"Chancellor! Chancellor! Disaster! An enemy army with an unknown flag is on a hill near the capital! Likely the Andoran invaders!" the soldier gasped.

"Oh no! They're here… Our fate now rests in our hands," Gregor said, turning to Walter. The Chancellor realized it was time to prepare for battle or negotiate favorable surrender terms.

"Sound the alarm! Mobilize the entire army and prepare defenses! Lord Hero, your role in this battle will determine our survival!" Walter dramatized, hoping to spur the Hero to fight. If the Hero refused, it would spell doom, and Walter's head would roll.

"I understand. I'll do what I can, but I need time to adapt to this power," Takiyomi replied.

The Chancellor, Archbishop, and Hero left the room, heading to prepare for a long and grueling siege.

*The Army of Emperor Andrey Sidious*

Here we are, at their capital! Time to settle accounts, kingdom! My 100,000-strong clone army is ready to deliver a thrashing. Upon reaching the high hill overlooking the city, I ordered the setup of a camp, field hospital, headquarters, and mobile kitchen. Supplies and ammunition were unloaded from the Juggernaut, while clone sappers dug tank trenches for the AT-TEs to fire on the enemy gates, allowing my infantry to breach. I awaited the arrival of SPMA artillery and a few AT-STs. In addition to those from the previous battle, I ordered more from the factory, leaving some as reinforcements for Andora's garrison. The AT-AT stood idle on the road. The TIE bomber, stationed at camp, rested on a small platform for bomb preparation. As I strategized, Major Fox approached.

"Your Majesty, our long-range scopes spotted a massive number of people on the walls. A carriage with what's likely their state flag exited the gates, possibly envoys," Fox reported.

"Good. How many forces guard the walls?"

"Roughly 200,000 to 300,000, if I'm not mistaken."

"Damn… It's the capital; they won't surrender easily. That's a huge number. Very well, we'll bomb, shoot, and cut them down to the last man."

"Yes, sir! The SPMAs will arrive soon. What of the envoys?"

"Receive them. It's not an emperor's way to kill envoys during talks," I chuckled. "If negotiations fail, as expected, we'll obliterate them with our TIE bomber, leaving nothing but ashes."

"As you command, Your Majesty."

Five minutes later, the carriage and its escort arrived. Clone soldiers surrounded it, wary of a trap like a mass-destruction bomb, but their caution was unnecessary. A man in elegant diplomatic attire stepped out.

"I am Walter Göehart, first Chancellor of the People's Republic of Oldenburg," he proclaimed. "I've come to negotiate with the leader of this army and state!"

"Greetings, diplomats! I am the commander of this army and the first Emperor of the First Galactic Empire," I replied.

"So, you're an emperor with a monarchy…" Walter said, slightly disappointed.

"Indeed, I am the Emperor, and you will address me as 'Your Majesty'!" I commanded sternly.

"Ahem, Your Majesty. May I know the terms for our honorable surrender?" Walter asked.

"I'm open to negotiations, but your escort stays here!" Walter signaled his guards to obey the enemy soldiers and avoid trouble. The Emperor and Chancellor entered the imperial tent, where Walter saw opulent furniture, gilded fabrics, vigilant guards, and servants offering food—a fitting setup for a monarch.

Walter sat at the table, as did the Emperor. A butler brought tea and cake for each. The Emperor regarded Walter with faint disdain, as if the Chancellor dared waste his time. Walter began the talks.

"Your Majesty, our state recently underwent a coup. The monarchy and aristocracy are gone, replaced by a people's republic with popular rule."

"Oh, I didn't expect such events. Was this due to my actions?" I asked, intrigued.

"Partially, one could say. The people grew weary of monarchy and demanded self-governance."

"I see. A ruler who ignores his people is unworthy of the title," I said sagely, as if a wise sage who'd lived eons by a river.

"What are the terms for our peaceful surrender? I hope for a peaceful resolution."

"Hm… I have some conditions," I replied.

"I'm listening."

Andrey Sidious listed his terms for surrender, which Walter found utterly unacceptable for the republic's situation. The conditions were:

1. The Republic must surrender all weapons, open its gates, and allow the First Galactic Empire's army to enter the city.

2. The Republic's government must fully cooperate with the new regime and adopt all laws of the First Galactic Empire.

3. In case of civilian resistance, the Republic's government must assist the Imperial Army.

4. All state secrets and wealth must be surrendered to the First Galactic Empire.

5. The Republic will join the First Galactic Empire as the Oldenburg Sector.

6. All existing government bodies, including law enforcement, ministries, and covert units, must be disbanded.

Walter, hearing these tyrannical terms, seethed but concealed his anger, aware of his precarious position—one misstep could cost him his head.

"Well, Your Majesty, unfortunately, our people won't accept these terms and will likely resist," Walter said somberly.

"I understand your sentiment. I'll give you and your people time to consider. We'll provide the terms in writing, and you'll return to your city to present them to your citizens."

"Very well, I'll head back to the city."

"If your people refuse, we'll meet on the battlefield."

"Agreed."

Walter departed, returning to the city by carriage. The Emperor stepped out of the tent, where Lord Vader approached.

"Master, are you sure they'll agree?" Vader asked.

"No, I deliberately set those terms. We must demonstrate the might of our Empire and the strength of our army!" I replied.

"As you say, Master," Vader responded, his breathing heavy.

The powder keg teeters on the edge of ignition, ready to spark a new war! Soon, the Empire will seize another nation in its iron grip, but that won't suffice! For Andrey Sidious craves the ENTIRE WORLD!