I Am Being Mistaken for a Genius Strategist

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Kael Clausewitz. The eldest son of the Duke of Bertier Empire.

The 2nd Chief of Staff of the Empire.

A person who has not allowed even a single defeat across the Empire’s borders.

A shining light and salt that brings victory to the legion soldiers every time.

A genius strategist. The savior. The liberator of DeDorrant. The conqueror of DeDorrant.

In addition, many other titles followed Kael, and recently one more was added.

“Born negotiator? No, when did I ever make threats to earn such a ridiculous title?”

“Fufufu. Well, Kael. Perhaps it’s due to the Magic Carpet Operation, going around every department and requisitioning everything from carriages to ships.”

That’s unfair! Kael clutched his head and screamed.

Hundreds of thousands of soldiers who had advanced to the west of the continent. And the massive supplies that followed.

Now that the war is over, if we keep them here any longer, the losses will be immense.

So, he poured his efforts into the Magic Carpet Operation to quickly send them back.

This person was recognized not just by the Empire’s various administrative bodies but even by the Emperor himself for its necessity.

He had the authority delegated to him and could seek cooperation as long as it didn’t contradict imperial power.

In fact, other departments also diligently committed to the Magic Carpet Operation without any complaints.

Yet, while they acted one way in front, they called him a born negotiator behind his back!

The only thing he said was, “Ah. If our soldiers go home late, where do you think that resentment will fall? They will definitely say it was because the departments didn’t cooperate!” and that was about it… Hmm.

“Still, calling someone a born negotiator is a bit much. How about we just call you a negotiator?”

“Nowadays, threats seem to be referred to as negotiations.”

At Isabel’s words, Kael scratched his cheek, feeling a bit guilty.

In fact, it was true that he had threatened them. Laying down the public sentiment of the Empire was indeed a fact.

But what could he do? If he wanted to start pulling back here, he had to return home himself.

Even if he leaves the management of conquered lands to the experts, he must oversee military-related matters himself until the end.

Isn’t that the responsibility and duty of someone who sits in a high position commanding countless soldiers?

Having gained achievements at the cost of the soldiers’ lives, he had to do at least this much.

After Kael’s active and somewhat intimidating requests for cooperation,

a huge number of horses, cattle, wagons, and carts began moving beyond the western border of the Empire.

If there were waterways available, ships were made and launched as well.

Next, Empire-flagged transport vessels and ships from the Southern Kingdom began moving along the coast.

[ Chief of Staff! A large transport unit has arrived at the western border and is waiting for orders. ]

[ This is the Ministry of Land. Chief of Staff, all the roads have been repaired, and measures have been put in place so that multiple units can move without issues. We are also prepared to quickly dispatch teams for any accidents. ]

[ From the Empire’s Maritime Ministry. A large transport fleet is waiting via the southern coast. Maritime will take care of any supplies or troops that cannot move via land. ]

Thanks to several previous wars, the Empire was perfectly prepared for this.

Things that other Kingdoms would struggle to accomplish proceeded smoothly.

Kael, due to his background, was indeed able to carry out such feats; that was not just simple humility but a fact.

As Kael was preparing to return home with Isabel,

The Empire had achieved the transport capacity figures Kael aimed for.

At last, the soldiers of the Imperial Legion could enjoy a slightly faster and more comfortable return.

“Wahahaha! We’re leaving first! You guys stay behind and suffer a bit!”

“See you later!”

Some jokingly expressed deep apologies to their fellow comrades left behind.

“Uwaaaa! This wretched land! I swear I’ll never come back!”

“Meeting here was the worst, and let’s never meet again! Hahaha!”

Some said they never wanted to come back again, no matter if this land became the Empire’s territory.

The events and various experiences they faced here would likely turn into nightmares, troubling them for quite a while.

“Thank you, Chief of Staff! Thanks to you, we are able to return comfortably!!”

“Thank you for your hard work during this time! It was an honor to fight under you, Chief of Staff!!”

Another soldier saw Kael standing there and cheered loudly.

At such times, this embarrassed Chief of Staff could only clear his throat.

“Now then.”

As the Empire’s first return procession began, Isabel turned and spoke to Kael.

“We can relax a bit and return home now. After all, as long as you’re in the Chief of Staff position, you’ll come back at least once, right? Let’s hurry.”

“Just a moment, Bel. I want to see the soldiers leave…”

“We’ve already said our goodbyes. If you take too long, won’t His Majesty the Emperor be unhappy?”

“I’ll go right away.”

No matter what else, it was not okay for the Emperor to be unhappy!

Besides, he might suddenly pile on a bunch of work! Aaaaah!

Kael shouted repeatedly that this must not happen, and he moved along with Isabel.

Before long, the two made their way back home through the teleportation circle leading to the Empire.

*

The Eastern Legion led the Imperial Legion stationed in DeDorrant to begin withdrawal.

In line with that, a Return Ceremony was held, and its scale was unprecedented.

“Waaaaah!!”

People from the capital and nearby cities gathered.

They clapped, cheered, and sprinkled flowers on the road as they returned.

Bells rang in all places honoring Runen as the liberators were welcomed.

Everyone enjoyed the pleasure of this immense glory, which would never be seen again.

And at the peak of this Return Ceremony stood the Emperor.

It had been a long time since he appeared in an official capacity outside the Imperial Palace.

Thanks to this, the citizens of the Empire realized once again how momentous this victory was.

“Welcome! Heroes of the Empire! The whole world has been waiting for you!”

The Emperor’s voice echoed across the capital through magic amplification.

Following that, the citizens of the Empire erupted in cheers once more.

“Your bravery will shine for eternity, and your glory will be written in history. Your determination will serve as an example for the future, and your sacrifices will earn praise from the gods!”

Among their achievements was also the assistance provided to the Holy Kingdom.

Thus, when the Emperor mentioned the gods, those who believed in Runen were even more delighted.

“They say that one cannot measure the loyalty and sacrifice of humans with worldly things. It is indeed difficult to fully recompense what you have endured in that distant land. However! If we remain silent, how can we call this an Empire?”

Originally, the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Welfare were set to make announcements about the rewards.

However, the Emperor decided to discuss their compensation right here.

In this glorious setting, it wouldn’t make sense not to present even the smallest gifts for them.

All those who had been on the battlefield. Those who fought against the enemy in several battles.

Even those who helped in the efforts without fighting at all.

The Emperor mentioned everyone without forgetting a single name and proclaimed that the Empire would pay the due price.

This is a promise made by the Emperor, putting his honor on the line.

It’s not some random comment to boost popularity for a brief moment.

Knowing that, ministers, soldiers, and citizens all shouted, “Long live His Majesty the Emperor!”

First, he honored the soldiers and then acknowledged those who had assisted in the process.

After that, the Emperor began to speak about the commanders on the field and the legion commanders.

“You have defeated more enemies and saved more sons of the Empire. What could be greater than that? We are simply grateful that the gods have sent you.”

“Your words are too magnanimous, Your Majesty!”

“We have only fulfilled our duties for the Empire and His Majesty!”

More detailed rewards would be discussed later.

Nonetheless, mentioning it in this way is how a proper nation functions.

Merit must be credited up front, while mistakes must be recognized behind. The opposite should never be the case.

“Where is Kael Clausewitz?”

At the Emperor’s call, Kael finally wore an expression that said it was about time.

Isabel, who was beside him, gave him a gentle nudge with a smile.

With every step he took, the applause from the soldiers and citizens grew louder.

They all knew that this person was the one who had made the greatest contributions in this war.

Although the very person would certainly wave his hand and deny it, that was the reality.

Finally arriving before the Emperor, Kael slowly knelt on one knee.

Just as he was about to wait for the Emperor’s next words, something unbelievable happened.

“Rise. At least today, I cannot bear to see you kneel.”

No enemy had ever bowed before him, yet in this moment of celebration for the hero, he could not allow him to kneel.

If their ancestors were to witness this scene, they would surely scold him greatly.

“Chief of Staff. I now give you a new command.”

“Anything, my Lord Kael Clausewitz. I shall do my utmost.”

To promise to do his best, that was a vow that must be kept.

As Kael’s ears rang with such whispers, the Emperor called for Isabel.

When his daughter approached, the father handed over his daughter’s hand to the man standing before him.

“Imperial Decree. Kael Clausewitz. As of today, you are a Duke of the Empire. And, my son-in-law.”