I Am Being Mistaken for a Genius Strategist

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One of the perks of becoming the Chief of Staff is the freedom to use teleportation magic.

Some might call it an abuse of power, but absolutely not. What if the Inspection Office comes looking for you?

However, the best part is being able to use it without complex procedures or horrendous fees.

“Welcome, Chief of Staff. We’ve been waiting for you.”

“I hope you’ve been well, Minister of the Palace.”

And the burdensome point is that even such minor movements come with formalities.

The Chief of Staff holds a position equivalent to a minister. If the Empire is doing well, one’s status only rises.

Thanks to that, other ministers have achieved the feat of “the Minister of the Palace coming out to greet” them, which is unimaginable for them.

(By the way, the Ministry of the Palace ranks first in the Empire’s administrative hierarchy.)

“I’ve heard great news about your major victory. It was so impressive and surprising that I lost my words.”

“Hahaha. You flatter me. What did I do? It was all thanks to the commanders and soldiers under my command who acted promptly. I merely offered a bit of guidance and advice.”

“It is precisely that appropriate guidance and advice that determines victory or defeat, isn’t it? His Majesty the Emperor was so pleased with the news of Dedorant’s mass surrender that he applauded.”

Oh wow. That’s a bit… frightening. The Emperor clapped and was happy?

I remember the Princess saying he rarely expresses his emotions.

“Your Highness the Princess, I trust you have been well?”

“And the minister too? But really, was His Majesty truly that happy?”

“Well—”

“He told me directly that it wasn’t a mere ‘I’m happy.’ Bel.”

At that moment, two figures approached: the Crown Princess and the Crown Prince, Gnaius.

As I and the Princess greeted them, they reciprocated with a nod.

“We should show a bit of respect to heroes returning from the battlefield, shouldn’t we, Gnaius?”

“That goes without saying, sister. In fact, if you weren’t here, I would have bent my waist in gratitude to the Chief of Staff.”

Please don’t do that. What kind of insane noble bows to a prince like that?

Just receiving a nod feels nerve-wracking enough.

“If I could, I’d love to keep the Chief of Staff and hear everything that’s happened, but that might be difficult.”

“Yes, Your Highness the Crown Princess. I need to report directly to His Majesty first.”

“Hmm. Bel, what about you?”

“Kael. Ah, ahem. I’m planning to meet with His Majesty once I finish the Chief of Staff’s report.”

“I see. Then, Chief of Staff, may I take my brother for a moment?”

Why are you asking for permission from me, Your Highness the Crown Princess?

That question nearly spilled from my lips, but suddenly the Crown Prince gave me a look.

It seems like he’s indicating I should just agree.

“Yes, Your Highness the Crown Princess. After the report, I will come to see you directly.”

“Then we should catch up on stories shared between siblings. Let’s go, Gnaius. Bel.”

“Okay. Sister. I’ll see you later, Kael. No, Chief of Staff!”

The three of them left first, and the Minister of the Palace, who had been observing, spoke up.

“Those three truly have a deep bond, don’t they?”

“I think so too. His Majesty seems to be quite blessed.”

“Is that so?”

Well, it’s obvious. None of those three are just impressive due to their lineage; they are each doing their best in their respective positions.

And they harbor no dangerous ambitions, preventing any bloody winds from stirring.

If that isn’t a blessing for the Emperor, then what can be considered a blessing?

“I believe the Chief of Staff should also be a part of that blessing.”

Clears throat “Let’s be on our way, Minister.”

Following the Minister of the Palace, we head toward the great hall where the Emperor awaits.

Upon entering, the Emperor was engaged in hearing reports from the Minister of War.

“Chief of Staff of the Empire, Kael Clausewitz. I wish to see His Majesty.”

“Welcome, Chief of Staff. I heard you’ve returned for a moment.”

I exchanged a brief nod with the Minister of War.

Then, I immediately laid out the purpose of my visit to the Emperor without pause.

“It’s not just about defeating Dedorant; we need to erase it completely.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Given the current situation, a different approach is necessary.”

Though the history of conquest within the Empire has varied in process, the overall aftermath remains quite similar.

The royal family is not dealt with lightly. They are spared and sent to other regions.

Instead, we find suitable titles or positions for those distant branches of the royal family.

Then, we manage the surrendered territories before they naturally integrate into the Empire.

It’s a method to minimize internal resistance while not losing legitimacy.

Above all, this is a monarchy; it’s not good to simply erase the royal family.

The existence of monarchs must be shown to the subjects as sacred and inviolable.

Even with enemies, not treating royals lightly reinforces the absolute dignity of the Imperial Family.

But Dedorant is different. They have crossed that line.

“This time, we must completely obliterate the entire royal family of Dedorant. They’ve caused significant harm to the Empire. Above all, those who dared to dream of establishing another Empire must face thorough retribution.”

“Only then will another delusional Dedorant not emerge in the future. At least for 10 years, no, 20 years, the world must remain quiet. It seems the Chief of Staff wishes to convey that.”

“That’s exactly as Your Majesty has said.”

Currently, the Empire has gone through numerous large and small conflicts and wars over several years.

Though it’s not at a tipping point, the accumulated damage is indisputable.

Enormous taxes have been levied, and resources expended for war are vast.

Most importantly, the ongoing loss of life is far from trivial.

To perfectly recover all of this and strengthen the Empire even further.

No matter how short the time, there should be no large-scale wars for at least 10 years.

“The Empire has already displayed its strength across the continent. It seems the Chief of Staff has a differing opinion.”

“That is exactly why we must be even more thorough. Your Majesty.”

“I understand your intention. In fact, I also agree with the Chief of Staff. Isn’t it the nature of rulers to move when there’s even a hint of opportunity?”

Both I and the Emperor are not merely discussing pointing swords at the Empire.

It also means there must not be conflicts among other kingdoms, separate from the Empire.

Challenging the order the Empire has declared by throwing mud on it is outright defiance.

“The claim of the Deo Ethnicity began with Dedorant. Unless that’s completely erased, someone with another delusion will surely arise.”

“The erasure of the Dedorant royal family is settled, then. We will discuss that with others. The Chief of Staff only needs to focus on what you must do.”

“Thank you for your consideration, Your Majesty.”

The implication being they’ll handle the aftermath; I was asked to crush Dedorant.

Moved by the Emperor’s thoughtful disposition, I inclined my head in appreciation.

*

The Crown Princess, Gnaius, and Isabelle sat together for a long-awaited chat.

“I’ve heard you made quite a good impression in the south.”

“Since the Chief of Staff nearly flattened Benito and rescued the Holy Kingdom, the atmosphere was already very favorable. I had nothing special to do, sister.”

“Don’t say that. Isn’t it absurd for the east to question the might of the Empire when they’ve witnessed both its majesty and mercy?”

Suddenly, the two who were laughing turned their gazes toward Isabelle.

She, quietly sipping her tea, felt their gazes and opened her mouth.

“…Why are both of you looking at me like that?”

“Now that I think about it, you did come with the Chief of Staff.”

“Yes, sister. I did come with him.”

“But looking at it again, it feels like something peculiar is flowing between you two.”

“Your sister is right.”

Coughing slightly, Isabelle’s face was met with a playful smile from the Crown Princess.

She resembles the Emperor not just in capabilities but also in personality and speech.

But when facing her younger siblings, she unknowingly becomes somewhat gentle and playful.

“Your battlefield heart is quite admirable.”

“Ah, don’t! The soldiers are fighting hard, and for us up here to be saying strange things is also not a pleasant situation, is it, sister?”

“You’re right, Bel. Indeed, there’s nothing good about such gossip circulating.”

But one must say what needs to be said.

“Once the war is over, I intend to grant the Chief of Staff a dukedom title.”

“Pfft! Cough! Cough!”

Gnaius clicked his tongue and pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket.

Had it been under normal circumstances, Isabelle would have said, “No thanks!” but this time, she had no choice.

“Wh-what do you mean suddenly? Sister?”

“I mean exactly that. The Chief of Staff will become a Duke and hold a title.”

“Is that even possible?! How can a title…?”

“A direct title can be granted. Above all, it needs to be so that His Majesty the Emperor’s dignity is upheld.”

“Historically, direct descendants have been granted dukedom titles through single titles.”

Um, well, uh. Isabelle was flustered, not knowing what to do.

Noticing her slight worry, the Crown Princess spoke in a gentle voice.

“Or, if it’s unpleasant to be connected to the Chief of Staff—”

“Ah, no. It’s not that I dislike it. I, I don’t have feelings for Kael. I mean, the Chief of Staff, but this might be premature. Yes! Isn’t it a bit too early to discuss this? So…”

So? So, what?

The Crown Princess and Gnaius looked at Isabelle with mischievous smiles.

“Ugh! D-Don’t tease me! Don’t look at me like that!”

“Hahahaha!”

“Hahaha!”

With Isabelle whining and her older sibling and brother busy teasing her.