Mitsuba is becoming a true Machiavellian! (To my understanding)
What many people don't realise about Machiavelli (To my understanding): Is that he only advocated a ruler should do immortal things to consolidate unchecked power, in very specific circumstances, likely temporarily and for the good of everyone! He lived in Italy at a time when it was divided into dozens of republics and monarchies, and was often the battlefield for foreign or internal groups vying for power. Having worked as a government official in diplomacy and military affairs for decades, he saw first hand that those with power and influence hide their true intentions, and didn't care if innocent citizens or soldiers were killed or ruined in the process. He hoped that during times of internal crises and foreign threats, someone could not only unify the country, but act in a altruistic way that would benefit everyone.
Considering the overt parallels to the French Revolution, you could argue Mitsuba is becoming her world's equivalent to Napoleon (he started as an artillery officer as well). To his credit, The governments of the early French Republic were deeply divided, corrupt and inept as when the country was a monarchy; leading to a terrible economy, internal revolts and doomed wars of conquest or conflict with neighbouring states - Little changed since toppling the monarchy, and in some ways worse. I won't say what happened next, since that would basically be indirect spoilers you can research on your own, but I do hope Mitsuba and her country end up in a better state than our reality.