I Am Being Mistaken for a Genius Strategist

---

A little while ago, the distribution center was a chaotic hubbub filled with noise.

But now, all that fills the air are the sounds of distribution and the clinking of meals.

Both the Imperial soldiers and the former residents of Dedorant, everyone gathered here.

And it’s no wonder, given the sudden arrival of an immense figure.

“Hmmm. If we added a bit more meat, this would actually be quite nutritious. Though, the seasoning is rather bland—I might as well suggest they use a bit more salt.”

“W-we would be exceedingly grateful if you could do that.”

From the perspective of the Imperial Army, their Chief of Staff has arrived. To the residents, the conqueror of this land has made an appearance.

Anyone would naturally be tense and anxious. This isn’t a matter of good or evil.

“Now, now. Please, make yourselves comfortable. If someone walked in, they might think I’ve come to gobble you up.”

Only after Kael’s words did conversation start to flow, but even then, it was minimal compared to usual.

As everyone fidgeted with their utensils, it was only natural that attention was focused on this one man.

“Uh, Chief of Staff, Your Excellency. What brings you here?”

“I’d love to say I’m here for a visit, but that’s just not the case. Naturally, I’m here to work.”

“Ouch, hot!” As Kael blew on his soup, he turned to Paelus, continuing his speech.

“I hear the situation in the occupied territories is slowly improving. Your role as an aide has been quite significant.”

“I’ve merely done what I can to help the residents, anything at all.”

“That’s a commendable attitude. If anyone dares to call you a traitor, please let me know. It wouldn’t be difficult to take care of such nonsense, even after the war.”

It was hard to tell if he was joking or serious.

It seemed too heavy a topic for mere jest at a distribution center, yet that chilling grin from Kael was frankly terrifying.

“However, I have recently received several reports that are quite concerning. Now that the residents’ vigilance against the Empire has softened, it seems they have started to quarrel among themselves. Is that right?”

“Th-that is…”

Just answer me that. Is it true or not? At Kael’s inquiry, Paelus nodded.

A momentary discomfort crossed Kael’s face before vanishing.

Seeing that made Paelus feel like he was the one who had incited the conflict.

“No. Why would they do that when tough times are barely behind us?”

“From what I gather, it seems the general residents blame the defeated soldiers, while the soldiers are puzzled by the residents who seem relieved to have the Imperial Army here.”

“So, while receiving the rations provided by the Empire, they’re behaving that way. Quite a shame.”

Kael’s tone wasn’t very pleasant, causing Paelus to swallow hard.

He knew well how hard this man before him was working for the stabilization of the occupied territories.

How he had pushed forward despite internal opposition within the Empire to get to this point.

Relief plans for the stabilization of occupied territories were something previous states had also done.

But even then, it was mostly just enough to keep people from starving. Barely sufficient to build a roof over their heads.

That’s natural. The first priority is always one’s own country, and no one would dare say otherwise.

Yet, Kael had truly done his utmost for Dedorant and Atria.

Just look at the food being distributed here. The answer reveals itself.

It’s not just a potato smaller than an egg, floating in something indistinguishable between water and soup.

The soup is thick, filled with mashed potatoes, mushrooms, and even substantial chunks of meat.

It’s not watery at all; in fact, it’s quite rich, and above all, it has been well salted.

“With this kind of meal, our Dedorant Army is getting better fare than we did during the hardest times. It’s proof the Empire is truly paying attention to this place.”

What’s even more impressive is that this isn’t a special meal. It’s just the regular fare.

Every Friday, they may not get a feast, but at least they get chicken or pork.

The Empire has hundreds of such distribution centers, not just one or two.

How much money must that cost? How anxious must those managing the Empire’s taxes be?

Even so, Kael insisted that for the sake of stability in the occupied territories, they needed to fill stomachs first.

The Ministry of War and the general staff agreed, finally securing the Ministry of Finance’s consent.

Kael Clausewitz. Conqueror of Dedorant. But simultaneously, the savior of its residents.

Had the war not ended, at least half of them would have starved to death by now.

Nevertheless, despite that effort, chaos keeps erupting. This is absolutely not good.

Should Kael suffer any political backlash from this, it could lead to changes.

The Empire, which has treated them humanely until now, could change at any moment.

If that happens, will they be able to resist properly? It would be outright impossible.

The only path left would be to beg for mercy from the Empire. There are no other options.

This is why Paelus felt every day was like walking on thin ice.

“I apologize. This is all my responsibility for advising on the occupied territories…”

“Paelus, aide.”

“Yes, Your Excellency.”

“I’ve received direct concerns from the Ministry of Finance about the disturbances occurring in the occupied territories.”

“….”

“Do you understand what that means?”

It basically means it’s no fun when they’re putting money into stabilization efforts and the atmosphere is like this.
To pressure Kael suggests there may be changes to the policies for the occupied territories.

“No matter how great my authority is, there are limits to what I can do. If this continues, the Empire’s leadership will likely make a decision. If I were to receive an order from above, I’d have no choice but to trade in carrots for a stick.”

“…I understand.”

“In that sense, I have just put forth your name to Her Majesty the Emperor.”

…Huh? Paelus shot his head up, staring at the Kael seated before him.

Did that man just say what I think he said? Did I mishear? Surely, I must have.

Why on earth is he suddenly recommending someone who has surrendered to the Emperor—

“I can understand the emotions of the residents here. Just half a year ago, we were embroiled in fierce battle. Now, they have no choice but to kneel and beg for food to survive.”

“That’s not true, Your Excellency. The residents highly praise the mercy of the Empire…”

“There are those who feel differently, aren’t there? The Empire intends to embrace even those people and move forward, so I’ve decided to try a different approach.”

Ultimately, the residents are plagued by insecurity. Kael opened the dialogue.

No matter how well the Empire treats them, they are still the occupying forces, and this place is still an occupied territory.

While Paelus and the command staff, along with the soldiers, are here, their influence is virtually non-existent.

Thus, they remain wary as if they were lost dogs, fearing the Empire might have other plans.

“Her Majesty the Emperor wishes to formally grant Paelus the title and the first territory of the newly established West within the occupied Dedorant territories.”

“Thus, providing greater reassurance to the residents and giving them back hope that they can return to living normally, rather than just surviving on scraps.”

I completely don’t understand what’s going on.

Suddenly it’s about titles and territories. I’m being entrusted not just as an aide but with the Dedorant occupied territory itself. No, the newly established western territory of the Empire.

In the process, Paelus suddenly had a strong gut feeling.

“Chief of Staff, Your Excellency.”

“Speak.”

“Is all of this… really something you’ve orchestrated?”

“I simply recommended you to Her Majesty the Emperor. That’s all.”

Isn’t that essentially the same? The words rise in his throat.

Why? Why does this man trust me—who was his enemy—so much?

Curiosity bubbled up until his lips only flapped, prompting Kael to chuckle softly.

“From your expression, I think I can guess what you want to say. Someone who can endure humiliation for the soldiers, yet remains undeniably capable. I personally made you surrender, so who else would take care of you if I didn’t?”

“….”

“I genuinely want stability here, in the western part of the Empire. I desire integration, not occupation. And the one who can best achieve this is you.”

As a figure who didn’t thrive on madness but through rationality, he had shone in this war.

If he is recognized even by the Imperial Army and becomes an ally, that would be acceptable.

Above all, he holds the credibility to persuade the residents without any issue.

That’s why he endorsed him. Kael continued, polishing off his bowl.

“Soon, a formal envoy will come. Before that, congratulations in advance, Count.”

*

Damn it. I’ve worked so hard to stabilize the occupied territories.

Why does chaos erupt out of nowhere? This only increases my workload!

I can’t stand it. I need to quickly recruit even better talent to fill in the gaps.

That way, they can handle things without me!

“Your Majesty the Emperor. I have someone I wish to strongly recommend for bringing the former Dedorant territories into the Empire’s fold.”

Now, Paelus the commander? He surrendered for the sake of the people of Dedorant.

So, working tirelessly for those people wouldn’t be too bad, right?

I don’t need them to do it for me. Just help wrap it up a little faster.