I Am Being Mistaken for a Genius Strategist

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“…I just took a hit.”

While I was diligently trying to uncover King Benito’s weaknesses, I received some news through Charlua, who was attacking Atria.

It seemed that several nobles over there were sensing opportunities to collaborate with the Empire.

Next up, it turned out they were all swiftly eliminated by Dedorant.

Dedorant’s thoughts and actions were extremely quick and effective.

They swiftly dealt with the schemers before they could strike against Ivan.

Moreover, instead of taking advantage of the power vacuum created, they handed it over to Atria.

The nobles of Atria, who gladly accepted that gift, had now become perfect dogs of Dedorant.

“We’ve been too focused on Benito.”

“I apologize, Chief of Staff. The staff and the Ministry of War have been concentrating on supply lines in Dedorant and the matters regarding Benito, so it seems Atria has been neglected.”

“That just means Dedorant was that quick. It seems they were the ones who got the information first.”

As the frontline expands and deepens, the Empire’s advantages are gradually diminishing.

Just the logistics issue alone is enough of a headache, and now information is slipping through our fingers too.
What was a race to be a step ahead has now reversed entirely.

“According to Commander Paelus, he has been holed up in despair since officially becoming king.”

Could it be that he finally gathered his senses after becoming king?
I had hoped he would lose his mind forever, but if that’s the case, it’s going to be a real pain.
The fact that Dedorant made it this far could, upon reflection, be attributed to Prince Georg III.
No, now I should call him Cassius II. Regardless, it was all thanks to that man.

While he can be a bit radical and reckless, he is quick and decisive.
In fact, if I had to characterize him, it would be as someone with the opposite tendencies to mine.
The news coming from Benito reflects that character well.

“Dedorant’s 5th Legion is pulling back from the royal capital?”
“Yes, Chief of Staff.”
“Is there any possibility they might be withdrawing temporarily due to an outbreak?”
“That possibility is also being considered. I will gather more information and report back.”

After an outbreak hit, Benito’s capabilities have plummeted again.
In particular, more than half of the defensive lines that had been holding up until now are on the verge of collapsing.
In this situation, they’re likely struggling with whether to hold the ground or fall back.
Moreover, Dedorant seems to have given some direction to King Benito regarding what to do.

…No, it’s not just guidance; they must have coerced him into acting this way.
From Benito’s perspective, they can no longer resist Cassius II.
They’ve already received too much and are still receiving. What can they possibly say?

They mentioned providing troop resources, but compared to other places, they’ve been less exploited.
When Paelus surrendered, there were many Atria troops and ones from DeGale under his command.
However, there were hardly any from Benito. Even the ones that were there were only a handful who volunteered.

For reasons unknown, they seem to be receiving a better treatment compared to the other two places.
Perhaps it’s because they managed to hold on in the south and retain some of our Empire’s power?

“I thought they’d start giving up soon or lose their minds and mess things up, but seeing the situation in Atria tremble, I didn’t expect them to act swiftly.”

Just as I was worrying, I received word from DeGale.
It came through those we had dispatched to Ross Tanika, and the news was far from good.

[ Internal conflicts in DeGale intensify. Clashes between the Resistance Forces and pro-Dedorant factions are escalating.]

[ Due to Dedorant’s blatant actions, the public sentiment among the common people of DeGale is plummeting in favor of the Resistance Forces. ]

It seems they found my actions in the east quite intriguing.
They’re realizing that it’s much easier to let each other kill one another without straining themselves.

Those who join forces with the Resistance are being weeded out, while those who oppose them are being given significant support.

As a result, even among the people of DeGale, sharp conflicts have arisen due to various differences.
On one side are those who wish to reclaim the kingdom, while on the other are those for whom survival and family come first.
These two are both important yet cannot coexist.

“…This isn’t good.”

I had hoped the shock of defeat would plunge them into a state of national stupor.
However, after the rapture of the king’s accession, rather than disappearing completely, they seem to have returned to a state of awareness.
This means I have to split Benito in half and restart the Dedorant campaign as well.
Given time, both sides will suffer. And if both suffer, the one winning will suffer even more.

I’m certain of it. In the end, the Empire will be the last victor. Dedorant will ultimately be defeated.
The problem lies in what happens after. Winning this war does not equate to an end.
What good is it to win a war if the Empire is shaken? That’s no different than Dedorant winning.

‘Preparations to undermine King Benito’s authority are underway. The issue is that the northern regions of Benito overwhelmingly support the current king, making it impossible to sway them.’

What’s assumed to be enough to take down half of Benito seems to have been considered when Dedorant was acting chaotically.
Should they regain their sanity and show the form of war from the early days, it would become quite troublesome.

Let’s not forget that Dedorant’s fighting power has always been at a level similar to our Imperial Legion.
They’ve managed to whittle it down through various means, preventing them from displaying their full capabilities.
Expanding the battlefield. Spreading forces out everywhere. Our Empire focuses on one area.

“Commander.”
“Yes, Chief of Staff.”
“How much further is it to reach Dedorant’s royal capital?”
“If we consider the furthest advancing legion, it’ll take about ten days, marching day and night.”
“It’s either closer or farther than I thought.”

That timeframe only applies when utilizing intact roads within Dedorant.
In reality, they could sabotage the roads, or there might be defensive forces set up everywhere.
In that case, it won’t be a week, but ten weeks. No, it could even take ten months.

“Their main defensive lines are here and here. If we can just break through those…”
“However, getting there would lengthen our supply lines again. Do you think we can manage that with our current logistics capabilities?”
“If the Ministry of War helps somehow, wouldn’t it be possible?”
“Give me a hopeful answer, not one that sounds optimistic. Be cold and objective.”

Pressured by my questioning, the aide hesitates for a moment before exhaling a sigh.

“It will take several months just to capture each stronghold and defensive position. As the supply lines grow longer, the burden on logistics increases twofold. I fully understand your concerns, Chief of Staff.”

We’ve nearly resolved the captive issue, and supply lines have resumed.
The moment we split Benito in half, the armies in the central region will start to march.
That will be the beginning. A never-ending cycle of battles and continual bleeding.
There’s nothing I can do about it; unless God truly lends his aid.

“For now, let’s focus on wrapping up the Benito problem decisively.”
“The commander of the Southern 4th Legion has sent news. He claims to have significant knowledge regarding the royal family of Benito.”
“Tell him to get here immediately.”

First, I’ll extract everything I can from King Benito. I’ll shatter his authority completely.
He’s already lost elite troops, and with the plague running rampant, he must be in dire straits.
What would his reaction be if he suddenly heard, “Hey, you lack legitimacy, so God is punishing you?”
Of course, he’d claim it was just absurdity, that it’s the Empire’s cunning trick.
And our Empire would have just one thing to say: So what?

Ah, the new King of Benito has ascended, and he holds more legitimacy, claiming this is the true Benito, doesn’t he?

*

A month later, King Andrea II of Benito was faced with a most unpleasant piece of news.

[ King Andrea II is not actually the king of Benito. He lacks legitimacy. ]

[ Having someone like him become king has angered the gods, leading him to suffer defeats in all battles, and ultimately a plague has emerged that mercilessly sweeps away the innocent. ]

“Who dares speak such nonsense!”

Immediately, Andrea II was furious, causing the surrounding ministers to shrink back.
The royal capital’s defense commander, who had brought this news, quickly bowed his head.

“It seems this news is circulating from various fortresses currently blocking the Empire. They are either sending messages into the strongholds or broadcasting it openly using amplification magic, Your Majesty.”

The Empire is up to some bizarre antics again. I never even imagined something like this.
Using amplification magic in such a manner? To do this right in front of the enemy lines!

What if we targeted those devices or mages? What on earth were they thinking?
Are they sending their precious devices and mages just to pull off something as ridiculous as that?

Yet, witnessing how things are unfolding makes it hard to brush off as merely “something ridiculous.”
The content of the common reports sent from those in charge of defense in each fortress is clear.
That amplification magic is causing public sentiment to shake beyond anyone’s imagination.

[ To those fighting for Benito. To those desiring Benito’s glory. You are not wrong. Only the wrong master. A false king occupies the throne. ]

[ There is someone who was meant to be the true king. The Empire already holds that esteemed figure as the rightful king of Benito and treats him with utmost respect. ]

[ Your courage. Your loyalty. Shouldn’t all of this be dedicated to the rightful place? ]

Across Benito, wherever the Empire has seized territories, this message echoed via amplification magic.
Andrea II wished desperately for that accursed nonsense to be silenced, but how could that be an easy feat?
Today, the broadcasts in favor of Benito continue to thrive.