I Am Being Mistaken for a Genius Strategist

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After the grand strategy meeting, I didn’t head back to the frontline right away.

The Imperial Decree had been issued, stating I should take a few days to rest, citing concerns for my health from spending too much time at the battlefield.

Though it was sudden, once I understood the Emperor’s intentions, I assured my agreement.

‘Throw a few more moves, and everything will be over. Before that, he means to let me take a breather.’

Thanks to the Magical Communication Device, there were no major issues, and the fieldwork was in the capable hands of the Legion Commanders, who were far more expert than I.

For me, managing everything from the rear was a role I could easily handle.

Moreover, I needed some time to grasp the situation a bit more within Dedorant.

At that, I felt a tad awkward for being away from my family for a prolonged period.

All the struggles up to this point had ultimately been for our family and clan.

If that sense of purpose became hazy, that’s when human errors that hadn’t happened before could very well occur.

Thus, the Emperor’s kind suggestion to rest for a few days upon my return was extremely welcome.

“Father. Mother.”

The Clausewitz Family. The Duke’s domain of the Bertier Empire. It felt like ages since I had returned to my hometown.

There, my two parents and the loyal family servants were waiting to welcome me.

“Welcome back, Kael.”

“We’ve missed you tremendously.”

Even though I was a grown man, to my parents, I probably still looked like the little child from years ago.

As soon as they saw me, they rushed over to hug me, and somehow, it was strangely comforting.

“I apologize. I was so busy with work that, despite being at the estate a few times, I had no time to visit the family.”

“No, Kael. How could a parent grumble when their child serves the nation?”

“Ha ha ha. Though you put it that way, Kael, your father has been eagerly awaiting your return.”

“Ahem! I was merely curious about the situation on the frontline.”

What an honest man he is! He could just say he missed his son!

With that thought, I chuckled and led both of them into the reception room.

“I wanted to bring Kaya along, but the northern front isn’t stable yet. I couldn’t risk losing our strongest card.”

“Well said. Kaya will understand. It’s only right for the children of the Clausewitz Family to prioritize their duties.”

“You’ve heard news about Kaya, right? She was already impressive, but she has peaked in the recent Erden battle.”

Just a little while ago, she was my adorable little sister, Kaya.

But now, she had evolved into the Empire’s ultimate weapon.

With each report that came in, I couldn’t help but let out a gasp of astonishment.

Single-handedly annihilating the Knight Order.
Facing thousands of enemies without an ounce of fear.
Whether enemies dug pits or came up with plans, she smashed through them with sheer force.

The reports described bravery and strength that made her undiscernible as the same person I once knew.

‘It’s a bit disappointing that the cute little sister is fading away… but as a member of the Clausewitz Family, she should be capable of that much.’

Charlua mentioned she was heavily influenced by me.

I asked her what influence she could possibly have gained from someone who can barely wield a sword.

To which Charlua replied, “You can’t possibly be serious about that, can you?” with a serious face.

Who wouldn’t feel something when someone like me, a figure of power, is their blood relative?

Whether it’s adoration, jealousy, or something else entirely, they would surely strive harder to show they are not lacking or trailing behind.

“The war will end soon, Father.”

“Is that so?”

“Once it does, I don’t know about Kaya, but I plan to step down from the Chief of Staff position and retire.”

“I won’t meddle in your desires, but is that truly possible?”

That must be what he meant. During and after the war, both times are exceptionally important and busy.

Would they easily let go of someone like me, who has achieved plenty during this conflict?

“After all, if it’s post-war, administrative power will be necessary, and there are many out there more qualified than I am. I think I can make that case.”

“I doubt it. From what I see, simple competence may not suffice.”

“Eh?”

“Simply being competent may not be enough. Wasn’t having good character considered when selecting for the administration?”

“If it was during the war, that’s one thing, but after, it differs. Kael, at that time, capability matters, but someone with absolute prestige and undeniable accomplishments is also needed.”

“That’s….”

“It serves not just for domestic stability but also sends a message abroad. The Empire is subtly warning not to entertain foolish thoughts while such a figure remains.”

Holding a bloody cudgel and asking me not to be reckless, huh?

It’s a bit strange, but upon reflection, my father’s words do hold truth.

Appearing as a victor who desires peace is far more advantageous than looking like a bloodthirsty wolf.

“And Kael, if you were to step down the moment the war ends, you might inadvertently convey the wrong message.”

“It could be perceived that the Empire is wary of those who have made significant contributions.”

“Exactly. There’s no serious health issue, and you didn’t make any glaring mistakes in the war. Hence, your retirement from frontline duty is even less of an option.”

Ugh, that’s not music to my ears, but I can’t deny it makes sense.

Personally, I would like to rest soon, but if I really do that, it would unfold just as my father warned.

Moreover, the end of the war doesn’t mean everything is finished.

It’s beneficial that those who have been making decisions up to this point remain to prevent chaos.

But that doesn’t bode well for my mental health; therein lies the problem.

“Our eldest son seems to be struggling quite a bit.”

“No, mother. I’m just feeling a bit pressured, but everything’s okay since others are taking care of the heavy lifting.”

I felt fortunate to have been born in the Empire. I was able to enjoy this splendid pool of talent.

Others are said to experience at least one calamity, yet I haven’t encountered any.

There were minor mistakes, but they were all within my capacity to cover.

“By the way, Kael.”

“Yes, Mother?”

“Isn’t the Second Princess not accompanying you?”

“…Huh?”

Why, all of a sudden, is there talk about the Princess? I thought this but didn’t dwell on it further.

Both the Princess and I knew each other’s hearts quite well by now.

However, given the situation, no more proactive movements were possible.

“The Princess has remained at the site, keeping an eye on things while I was away.”

“Is that so? The Princess must think highly of our Kael. She seems to be stepping up so as not to burden you too much.”

“Indeed, she even urged me to rest for a few days upon my return. And with the Imperial Decree, it looks like I’ll be staying for a while.”

Ironically, the Princess looked more fatigued than I did; It felt like a trap.

Meanwhile, I, thanks to rigorous training from a young age, wouldn’t suffer from exertion.

“How many conversations have you had with the Princess?”

“Quite a few.”

“And?”

“Um, well. First, once the war is over, we….”

“I’ll say it upfront, Kael. It seems everyone in high society already believes you and the Princess are destined to be together.”

My father excels in military affairs and news from the Ministry of War, while my mother is well-versed in high society.

As the daughter of a Count and now the Duchess, it makes sense.

“Focusing on your duties is, of course, the right thing. Yet, high society is also vital, so be sure to show yourself with the Princess; it’ll prevent any strange rumors from circulating.”

“Your mother speaks true. Although it may seem premature, once the war ends, you should be seen escorting the Princess around your granted Neomes region. The Imperial Family will surely look favorably upon it.”

As the war drew near its end, discussions about the future gradually began.

However, what came next was just as chaotic. It was a rather difficult matter.

“Father, how is the Neomes region faring?”

“Since you started operating from the Dedorant frontline, the Imperial Family has been sending someone to manage it separately. They say it’s been handled more rigorously than before, and I’ve heard that the Crown Princess has been paying considerable attention to it.”

“I see.”

While I was truly grateful, it also felt daunting. How could I not work when they were taking such good care of things?

I felt an urge to return and work immediately, but could this be the Crown Princess’s scheme?

“Oh, that reminds me.”

As my father set down his teacup, he continued with something else.

“Marquis of Consloker visited personally.”

“The Marquis of Consloker… Ah.”

Though not opposing our clan, he was among the party of the Imperial faction.

Yet, he was not from a lineage that produced military personnel either, making it a place with no connection.

On top of that, Commander Mesok of the previous General Staff is the fifth son of the Marquis of Consloker.

Due to their blunder at the time, two Imperial Legions met tremendous defeat.

Because of that, the entire General Staff was restructured, and the Ministry of War felt like a mourning house.

Especially the faction of the Marquis of Consloker that had many members in the Legion staff faced a direct hit.

“However, why would he suddenly come?”

“Huh? Isn’t that something you know better?”

“Eh?”

“…??”

For a moment, my father blinked in confusion.

He asked if I wasn’t utilizing the staff members from the faction of the Marquis of Consloker who had been pushed down to lowly positions for quite some time.

Despite having taken charge of laborious cleanup due to their blunder, I held no hard feelings whatsoever.

Instead, I brought in those people little by little, allowing them some level of recovery, though not to the extent it once was.

Thanks to that, those from the Marquis of Consloker viewed me as the one who extended a hand of salvation.

“…Uh. Well…”

I merely needed more workers. I chose those with skills just idling around.

Isn’t it unfair for just me to work? I picked them without regard to their backgrounds or factions?!