SWNOVELXO Chapter 203
Regular meetings of minister-level officials are held.
Each department exchanges domestic and foreign news, discussing what more can be done for the Empire and the Imperial Family.
We need information that can fill any gaps that each might be missing!
This is indeed a gathering where very in-depth opinions are exchanged on such matters.
Originally, we would simply exchange greetings and get into serious discussions right after sitting down.
Given that we hold positions with little leeway, we should be moving as efficiently as possible.
However, today is different. After a bit of small talk, everyone suddenly starts glancing at me.
‘…What’s going on? Why are they acting like this?’
Is it because I’ve become a duke? But this isn’t a noble assembly.
In terms of precedence, I may be above them, but this falls under the jurisdiction of the imperial administration.
The ministers of each department are directly appointed by the Emperor, and they are treated equally to a marquis.
So there’s absolutely no reason for them to be so watchful of me right now.
I can’t take it anymore. The thirsty one digs the well; I’ll just have to ask.
If I keep staring at them, I might just explode first!
“Minister of War.”
“Ah, yes, Chief of Staff.”
“Do you have something to say? It feels like you’ve been staring at me since earlier.”
“Hahaha. Well, that’s… umm. Isn’t that only natural?”
What’s so natural about that? I don’t get a thing!
As I continued to look for an answer, the Minister of War started to speak again.
“I saw the draft that was sent to the Ministry of War two days ago, Chief of Staff.”
“The draft? You mean those notebooks?”
“That’s right.”
What? Why are they looking at something I merely jotted down for my autobiography, not even a department head?
Aren’t you all busy? Didn’t you barely arrange this meeting while you were at it?
And yet, you managed to find time to look at the notes meant just for my autobiography?
“Ahem. In fact, I also saw the draft from you, Chief of Staff.”
“You too, Minister of Education?”
That wasn’t the end of it. Other ministers nodded, saying they saw it as well.
This is ridiculous. It hasn’t even been a few months since I handed out the notebooks, and now they’re all reading it?
Why in the world have those ministers even laid eyes on those contents? It has nothing to do with them!
“The truth is, on the day we received it, we made several copies and immediately delivered the original to the Imperial Family.”
“Excuse me?”
“I apologize for acting without consultation. However, given the gravity of the matter, I judged it best to send it directly to the Imperial Family.”
“Gravity of the matter? What’s so grave about a notebook for my autobiography?”
To my rebuttal, the Minister of Internal Affairs surprisingly answered.
“Normally, the editorial department of the Ministry of Education goes through at least three checks and revisions before formally presenting something. You know, Duke of Neomes?”
“Of course, Minister.”
It’s not just about checking for typos. There may be sensitive matters concerning the Empire.
Or there might be impolite remarks that could cause trouble, so they check before a scandal erupts.
Except for the historical records made separately by the Ministry of the Palace, all other books go through that process.
“However, this case should be treated as an exception, and I propose we publish the book just as the draft is.”
“You want to publish what I scribbled in the notebooks without any revisions?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“No… I mean, those are just random thoughts, it’ll be all over the place, right? Wouldn’t it be much better with a bit of editorial polish from the experts at the Ministry of Education?”
You promised the Ministry of Education would take care of it! You said that yourself! So I jotted down everything that came to mind!
Anyway, I thought the Ministry would tidy it up, so I didn’t mind spilling everything I remembered from my past life!
Suddenly, talking this way will make my autobiography look like a pile of gibberish! What will people say when they read it?
What on earth do you want to convey with that? I don’t understand any of this! Surely there’s a specific thing to be done!
“No! Absolutely not!”
Suddenly, the Minister of Education stands up and raises their voice.
“This must be published just as it is! Otherwise, everyone reading this book will have doubts. This cannot just be something personally conjured up. It must have undergone some editing and additional input! Just like this!!”
“What do you mean by that…?”
“Anyone wishing to enter the military must read this book. Not a single addition should be attached to it. Future commentaries can come out by the dozens or hundreds, but the autobiography of the Chief of Staff must stand as it is before the world!”
Excuse me, but aren’t you the Minister of Education? Yelling like that makes you sound like a cult leader!
What are the other ministers doing? Someone stop this person! For heaven’s sake!
“The Minister of Education is right. Chief of Staff, our Ministry of War also believes it would be better to release it just as it is, based on what you have provided. You say it’s all over the place? That’s fine. You say it’s too bland? That’s good enough. Those who have gone through war never express it in an orderly or glamorous manner.”
I can’t fathom what the ministers gathered here are talking about.
It’s an autobiography. Isn’t this a book? Then shouldn’t I at least go through an edit once?
If I write all carelessly, you’re supposed to refine it into elegant phrases and such, right?
“No, no… dear ministers. I really don’t understand right now. Why on earth are you all suddenly so agitated?”
“Of course we would have to be agitated when the Chief of Staff is the one saying that!”
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also seen the various drafts. Eight specific questions particularly caught my attention. It doesn’t just focus on military force projection but also touches on various exit strategies and international support insights. I’m itching to delve deeper into that matter with you.”
Aaaah! Damn it! Stop it! I’m just throwing in what I heard and saw from my past life like a shameless dealer!
Even the officers amongst the top heads of the imperial administration shouldn’t look like children with sparkling eyes!
“Umm. It seems we’re getting a bit too heated, so let’s take a break. Chief of Staff? Let’s step outside for some fresh air.”
Luckily, our Minister of Finance seemed unaffected by the strange heat.
In fact, among the ministers, they are well-respected, and in the order of administration, they come right after the Ministry of the Palace.
Such a person wouldn’t be easily swayed by my random scrawlings.
“It seems the ministers have gotten a bit more excited than expected, Chief of Staff.”
“I’m baffled. I thought I was just writing whatever came to mind and didn’t expect it to be received like this.”
“Given your position, it’s only natural. The youngest Chief of Staff, the first official duke. A person who has won victories across all borders of the Empire in their 20s. If it’s something written by such a figure, even if it’s a scribble, wouldn’t it be regarded as significant?”
“I can only hope that’s not the case.”
Good grief. I’m just doodling, and now they want to study this seriously?
I know I’m not the serious type; I’m pretty carefree, actually.
Just thinking that my random scribbles could be recorded in the annals of the Empire history sends chills down my spine.
“So then, Chief of Staff.”
“Yes, Minister of Finance.”
“Among those eight questions, there was one that particularly impressed me — did you accurately analyze the costs and risks associated with mobilizing military force?”
“Yes? Ah, yes.”
“I’d like to have a more in-depth discussion with you about that part. Please come to the Ministry of Finance sometime. Let’s see what answers we can derive for our junior colleagues.”
……
Th-this! You demon! Are you still on about military expenditure?
That can wait for someone else! Why does it have to be me, of all people, when we have the Ministry of War?
A few moments later
“It seems you’re looking quite uncomfortable, son-in-law.”
“I apologize, Your Majesty.”
This was a trip to the Imperial Palace to submit regular reports regarding the occupied territories in the west.
I tried my utmost to appear nonchalant, but it seems that my father-in-law saw right through it.
“What can be done? It’s natural for a person to call someone superior a prophet when they see them excel. And every writing of that prophet will become scripture.”
“Your grace, please refrain…”
“This is a judgment made from an entirely objective standpoint. With their recognition, how can you be embarrassed, son-in-law?”
That’s right, it’s not a concept I genuinely created.
I have nothing to worry about copyright issues, but I’m not someone without a conscience.
I’m not fond of flaunting someone else’s achievements and getting all high and mighty.
“Here, take this.”
“…”
My father-in-law returns the notebooks I had originally passed to the Ministry of War.
Why on earth is that coming out from the Emperor’s hands? My head is spinning.
“If it were up to me, I’d cherish it as a royal treasure, and make sure the Crown Princess and even the upcoming successors have it close by from a young age, so they can read and re-read it.”
“Your Majesty, please…”
“However, ultimately, this is a position of ruling and governing. And what you’ve created is meant for those who would support the emperor and march to the battlefield. Thus, it would certainly be more useful for others.”
My father-in-law, after returning the notebooks, pats my shoulder a few times and continues speaking.
“I sincerely hope that one day my grandchildren and heirs will be able to demonstrate even greater insight through your wisdom, son-in-law.”
Hearing my father-in-law’s words gives me a peculiar feeling.
It’s as if the future of our yet-to-be-born children is already set.
Certainly, if they’re born into the Clausewitz Family, it’s only natural they would enter military service.
But with me around, it seems they’ll end up leaning towards a more martial approach.
I’m sorry, my children. And my descendants. I feel like I’ve only burdened you needlessly by being so audacious.
“Alright then. Shall we return to the reports? Chief of Staff.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”