I Am Being Mistaken for a Genius Strategist

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The three-year-long war has concluded as victoriously as it ever has for the Empire.

The legions that had set out from across the Empire have now returned to their respective posts, with more than half already back home.

Those still lingering in the Dedorant region, aside from those who have a bit more to return to, remain.

Thus, it was only natural that numerous events arose to honor and celebrate the victors.

The entirety of the Empire was intoxicated by the granders of the Empire that had become even more monumental and the glory that was unmatched by anyone.

In such a situation, anything that could further boost national pride was bound to gain popularity.

Everyone understood that they should row when the water rises, leading to an increasing number of spectators.

Especially gaining the most popularity were various plays.

This was more than just a stage where a dozen individuals would perform.

They needed to express the Empire’s war, struggles, and victories.

Consequently, large-scale performances involved mobilizing numerous participants.

“We cannot abandon those writhing in pain in the west, yearning for the Empire’s salvation! To the Empire, we march forth! Drive out the forces of evil seeking to disrupt order!”

“Hehehe! Come forth, Empire! We are fully prepared to bind you already!”

“It was a trap! Our legion has lost two divisions to the wicked Dedorant sorcery!”

“Hold your ground! For our comrades behind! Even if we must die here today!”

The children sparkled with wide eyes, and even the women and the elderly became deeply engrossed.

Had the Empire recently achieved such a substantial victory and even captured territories?

While there had been significant battles in the east and south, order still maintained itself there.

If one were to ask if it was burdensome to employ that as a subject for a play, the answer would be that it was not.

However, the situation was different in the west. Those two kingdoms had completely vanished from the map.

Since the previous order no longer existed, there were no issues with depicting it as such.

On the contrary, it would reflect positively to emphasize that it was a legitimate victory for the Empire.

As the Empire became filled with trends related to the war in the west, a new theme began to subtly seep in.

“Enough with the futile battles. Surrendering would be the right choice!”

Like those blinded by accomplishments. As if no choice remained except to fight.

Thus, the portrayal of the Dedorant soldiers shifted at some point.

To be precise, it could be said that the characters of Dedorant had split into two groups.

One group remained zealously fanatic, much like before.

They were the wicked ones who slaughtered the surrendered and tormented the residents of the occupied territories.

The other group, although fighting against the Empire, understood honor.

They protested against the unjust orders from above and experienced anguish.

At first, the people of the Empire found it hard to accept that.

Until then, Dedorant meant that both kings and children were considered bad.

So it was understandable that such portrayals were made in their propaganda.

In the midst of that, a completely new play appeared in the Empire.

[ The New Year’s Miracle ]

A miracle happening suddenly on a battlefield flooded with blood and death? What an absurd thing to say.

The citizens of the Empire, and even some soldiers who participated, expressed doubts.

However, upon examining closely, there was an additional phrase beneath the play’s introduction.

[ This play is based on a true story. ]

Inserting such a detail signified that it was hard to believe.

Yet, as it claimed to be based on true events, it meant that it had indeed occurred.

The citizens of the Empire became curious about that aspect and awaited the play.

And finally, the unveiled New Year’s Miracle was shocking.

“Attack! Let us repay our allies’ debt!”

“Stop them! If we fall, the Dedorant forces are in danger! We must endure at all costs!”

Unlike before, the Dedorant were not depicted as horrific and ruthless villains.

Rather, they merely engaged in battle while doing their utmost in accordance with their duties.

Of course, this didn’t mean that Dedorant was portrayed as genuinely good.

“You want to retreat!? Fool! You ought to die there! You must resist even if you perish!”

Dedorant command members, safely residing in command, pushed those on the front lines to the brink of doom.

Witnessing the calamity, some cursed, while others pitied the Dedorant struggling furiously.

“The Chief of Staff of the Empire has proposed a ceasefire to you. Hasn’t New Year just passed? Though it may have been a while since the holiday, the Chief of Staff personally conveyed that it is fitting to rest for a few days together, even if belated.”

“It’s the Chief of Staff!”
“Truly the Empire’s greatest strategist!”
“I want to be like Kael!”

Though only mentioning the name led to cheers from the children.

He has already made his name well-known in the north, east, and south.

At merely twenty, he holds a position leading hundreds of thousands, demonstrating extraordinary capability.

Furthermore, he garners the Emperor’s favor and has promised a future with the princess.

It’s no surprise that children’s eyes sparkle at the mere mention of Kael’s name.

However, others questioned why it was Kael who issued such orders.

Did he suddenly propose a ceasefire just when they were supposed to attack Dedorant?

Considering it is based on true events, it must have indeed happened.

“Is it possible that the Chief of Staff was trying to deceive Dedorant with such a proposal?”
“No way, we can’t assume that. No matter what, the Chief of Staff wouldn’t stoop that low.”
“Oh! How dare you! Such trickery is only something the wicked Dedorant commanders would use!”

In any case, Dedorant agreed to the ceasefire proposed by Kael.

And the subsequent scenes were nothing short of shocking for all citizens of the Empire.

“Though it may be a delayed New Year’s holiday, it’s somewhat unreasonable to have nothing to eat.”

“…I will gratefully accept it. The Empire’s mercy will be praised by everyone.”

At long last, after a bitter struggle, they received a brief respite, yet they were gifted food by the Empire just before collapsing.

Dedorant accepted that not as a ration to be saved for battle but embraced the goodwill as goodwill.

Thus began a somewhat late yet more splendid celebration than ever—

“Since we’re in a ceasefire, how about a game of soccer?”

“Did the Empire propose to play soccer? Ha! Alright! Let’s give it a shot!”

The youth of both nations, instead of wielding spears or swords, gathered with a ball.

Maybe someone might have come out armed in case, but that didn’t happen.

It was expected, as the attire of this Dedorant was not that of crazed lunatics.

They were people donning outfits that reflected reason, doing only their best!

Thus, an unbelievable match unfolded. Following a draw—

“Not bad, Dedorant folks! Thanks for the fun!”

“Empire guys, you can kick a ball! You’ve done well!”

A sight that was simply unbelievable on a battlefield unfolded peacefully.

Although a play, everyone was left speechless at that beautiful scene.

However, such peace didn’t last long.

“Those disgusting traitors! They should have attacked the Empire instead of feigning compliance with the ceasefire!”

“They’re betrayers! Such fools! If we had been there, we would have toppled the Empire!”

Having been the first to flee to the safest place, they looked upon the Dedorant nobility with disgust.

The spectators hurled insults at them.

“Ugh! Those aren’t even nobility! They aren’t worth the dirt under our Empire’s nobles’ nails!”
“The Dedorant soldiers are pitiful! They fought tirelessly, nearly to the brink of starvation, to let those escape!”

The beautiful ceasefire proposed by the Empire, and the rational Dedorant commanders who agreed.

Despite facing each other as enemies who had fought battles where death was commonplace, they were ultimately soldiers of the same kind.

As the tensions peaked over such matters, the Dedorant commander emerged to deliver a soliloquy.

“I surrender. Though this will be my greatest shame in life, it will be the best choice for my soldiers’ lives!”

Watching the play, the citizens of the Empire contemplated numerous thoughts.

Not all Dedorant were evil and crazed.

Like the Empire’s legion commanders, they had merely done their best from their positions.

In that worst moment, they chose to surrender to save their soldiers’ lives.

Although the feelings of aversion toward Dedorant ran deep, there was also the thought that mindlessly hating them wasn’t the answer.

That wasn’t where it ended. Actual testimonies from the soldiers who were there began to emerge.

The Empire’s newspapers announced that the “New Year’s Miracle” was real.

What they aimed to convey to the Empire gradually became clearer.

The remnants of the Dedorant leadership, now reduced to ashes, are undoubtedly scoundrels.

Those who fought beneath them were neither virtuous nor commendable in the least.

However, they were both perpetrators and victims. They should at least be given a chance to seek forgiveness.

We mustn’t become deranged madmen, consumed by insanity, like the Dedorant!

*

As a result of diligently focusing on plays and newspapers, the outcome was quite favorable.

I nodded in satisfaction as I flipped through the papers, scrutinizing the articles.

The hostility towards the People of the Dedorant Kingdom significantly diminished.

While not completely absent, enough positive views emerged to be considered.

In response, the assembly announced a new budget proposal for the reconstruction of the west.

Fortunately, the massive backlash worried about from above did not surface.

“That it was based on true events. Well, it was based on a bit of reality. Of course, they added a touch of seasoning.”

If Paelus were to see himself in that play, he would have let out a hollow laugh.

Because he never made such comments. Those lines were crafted just by the playwrights.

But what does it matter? As long as they capture the hearts of the people, that’s sufficient.

After all, to sway people’s hearts, this is the best approach.

Trying to argue persuasively for a hundred days would only increase their resistance.

What’s necessary to persuade hearts is not logic, but emotion.