I Am Being Mistaken for a Genius Strategist

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The cool breeze has now grown sharply cold.

The season is drawing near when all the leaves have fallen, and we find ourselves waiting for the snow to arrive.

The great fervor born from a tremendous victory, and the lingering hostility still present.

All these things have gradually faded, and much has now disappeared over time.

Ah, of course, what’s faded is solely related to the heat of war.

Conversely, the passion concerning me knows no bounds and continues to blaze.

No, it wouldn’t suffice to say it merely burns. Exploding would be a better description, perhaps?

The reason for this, of course, is that fellow who recently came out with my autobiography.

“Did a mere twenty-something write this? Not a seasoned veteran battle-hardened for decades? Nonsense!”

“This isn’t an autobiography. It’s a concise compilation of all the war records thus far, while also outlining the essentials that must be adhered to on future battlefields. It’s a book that anyone wishing to enter the military must read, a veritable scripture.”

Thinking back, such reactions were, in some ways, to be expected.

After all, it was filled with well-known excerpts attributed to extremely famous figures.

Beyond that, there were many overlaps with the experiences and actions I had undergone on the battlefield.

Thus, I wrote it with the mindset of, ‘If I present it this way, I won’t at least be ridiculed, right?’

Saying something like, “I was the best!” in an autobiography while being hailed as a genius strategist would just be too ridiculous.

It was certainly a haphazard attempt at appearing more impressive.

But…but I feel this has crossed a line.

Anyone who looks at this might think there are no books on tactical strategies in this world.

This isn’t an era of wielding stone axes; it’s a world brimming with exceedingly sophisticated weaponry, armor, and magic.

What I presented can only be regarded as the most basic principles that must exist in such a world.

“I can’t believe it. The Ministry of War, the Chief of Staff, and the Ministry of Education must have surely aided in this!”

“No matter how great the individual, this seems overly exaggerated. Everyone praises it, but when you look again, aren’t these just the most basic of basics?”

Yeah. They should definitely be suspicious like this. Good, good. Let them talk as they please.

The value of my name had soared to such heights that it was getting frightening.

If this reputation is somewhat tarnished, there might be less scrutiny later on!

“The Imperial Government officially states. The Ministry of Education has had no involvement in addressing any queries currently presented. This applies equally to the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Education, and the Chief of Staff.”

“Unfounded accusations and gossip will be strictly punished in consultation with the Ministry of Justice.”

Excuse me? It’s just a rant by some conspiracy-loving chatterboxes.

Of all places, the Imperial Government should refrain from getting genuinely involved!

“Those bastards dared to insult our Chief of Staff!”

“Bring them in! Stamp them down! Just kill them!”

“The reason we could return safely in one piece, and the reason we cared for the severely wounded, and why no kingdom will ever raise its head before us again is all thanks to the Chief of Staff! What do those who have never even seen the front line know?!”

“Kill them!”

“You call it a legitimate questioning as a scholar? Then why have you been silent until now, only to start whining after the Chief of Staff’s autobiography was released?!”

“Burn them!”

“This is nothing but the essentials! Yet why has no one presented this until now? Either you didn’t know those basics, or you knew and just let it slide!”

The fury of the legion soldiers who fought alongside me had grown so immense that I struggled to quell it.

To them, insulting me likely felt like an insult to themselves.

Had I not stepped in, the legion soldiers might have truly risen up.

It was a close call where the great veterans of the Empire could have been suppressed by force.

“It was really chaotic. Wasn’t it, brother-in-law?”

“I apologize, Your Highness…”

The disaster didn’t solely befall me; it also affected my sister-in-law, the Crown Princess.

The internal stability that had been going smoothly since the war suddenly showed signs of trembling.

This disruption wasn’t over the treatment of returning soldiers or the wounded.

Rather, it stemmed from some individuals suddenly questioning my autobiography.

Thanks to this, my sister-in-law and I both had to advance together before the returning soldiers.

While I understood their frustration, I also cautioned that this could lead to greater chaos.

It’s better for them to see the content and lower their heads than to stifle criticism through threats.

“There was a hint of exaggeration to it. It felt like I was dealing with those who spoke disloyally of the Great Emperor.”

“I’m truly sorry, Your Highness. This matter is entirely…”

“Honestly, I’m not pleased either. These folks itching to criticize for no reason are the majority. It’s utterly absurd. No matter the freedoms in academia, how could anyone dispute something that’s already perfect? In my eyes, they weren’t scholars but merely people itching to be criticized.”

“…”

“Not good, sister-in-law. Please don’t give me such a look.”

“A look of someone just slightly above you! Please don’t!”

“When did you even come up with this concept, organize it, and establish it to this level?”

“Please don’t say that. I merely detailed and emphasized the basics that anyone leading soldiers should have.”

“Most don’t write content while downplaying their contributions like you, brother-in-law. Hardly anyone does that.”

Discussing war literature often involved many arduous writings.

Some sought to portray themselves as significant, wanting to be seen as impressive.

Otherwise, the complexity of war necessitated heavy explanations.

Basics were glossed over while tough concepts were presented.

“You announced you were writing an autobiography but ended up writing the very essence of military theory.”

“I did indeed write an autobiography… but you wouldn’t believe that, would you?”

“If you had a conscience, you shouldn’t say such things. Even I, after reading your military theory. Ah, autobiography? Whatever it is. It made me question who exactly you are.”

“Honestly, is this true?”

“Am I perhaps acting normally, smiling and chatting? Is this all just an act?”

“Am I perhaps equipped with wisdom no one dares to follow and peering into the future?”

My sister-in-law continued her questioning, and I shook my head vigorously, denying each and every assertion.

If only I could say, “I borrowed memories from a past life.”

But I’d probably receive a response like, “Ah, I see you’re dodging like that.”

“My brother-in-law says so, then I suppose I ought to believe it.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

“It’s about time to head back. Bel is waiting at the Duchy.”

“Huh? I found myself looking at her without realizing. What a strange thing. She’s so easily allowing me to leave.”

“Usually, she would say something like, ‘Let’s discuss our agenda first before parting ways.’”

“What are you doing? Hurry and go. If you want to work more, speak now. I’ll detain you immediately.”

“Ah, no! I’ll take my leave right away!”

I offered a hasty goodbye, and my sister-in-law smiled, saying, “That’s right. You should.”

“Oh, brother-in-law.”

“Yes, Your Highness the Crown Princess.”

“Congratulations.”

“…What?”

“Out of the blue, congratulations? Is it because my autobiography is receiving acclaim?”

Or is she teasing me for having too much work success?

As I pondered with a tilt of my head, my sister-in-law left me with an even more cryptic remark.

“When you go back, you’ll understand. Be sure to contact me later.”

*

“Brother!”

“Kaya?”

Having entered my territory now under the direct control of the Neomes Imperial Family. No, the Duchy of Neomes.

Pressing into my home, I am greeted by Kaya, who ought to be in the Duke of Bertier Empire.

“What’s happening? What brings you here?”

“You’ve worked hard today too! Ah, and! This!”

“…Huh?”

What Kaya presented before me was nothing less than my autobiography, or rather, my military theory.

Why is the first edition, which had long since sold out and is hard to obtain, in Kaya’s hands?

“I worked hard to get you to sign this.”

“No…”

“Hurry and sign it! Just write, ‘To my beloved little sister, Kaya!’ on it!”

“Oh boy, my head…”

Now I’ve become the situation where my own younger sister is asking for my signature.

In disbelief, I chuckled, then sensed something odd.

“But, Kaya, why are you here?”

“Ah, new sister-in-law asked for some help, so I rushed over.”

“Bel did? To you?”

If it’s for help, wouldn’t it only be regarding matters of the battlefield?

As I pondered what kind of event this could be, a bomb dropped right on my head.

“My new sister-in-law is dealing with morning sickness.”

“…What?”

“Brother, you’re going to be a father. I’m going to be an aunt!”

Upon hearing those words, I dashed toward Bel’s room without a moment’s hesitation.

Behind me, Kaya called, ‘Watch out! Go slow!’ but I couldn’t hold back.

Ah, this was it. Why sister-in-law and the Crown Princess suddenly congratulated me was this reason.

“Bel!”

“Kael? You’re here?”

Normally, she would have come out to greet me.

But today, she sat comfortably in her chair.

“I’m sorry. I was going to come out to meet you, but Kaya stopped me…”

“You did well! That’s exactly how it should be!”

Clutching my wildly pounding heart, I sat cautiously before Bel.

I worried that if she or the small life within her got startled by my presence.

“I heard from Kaya. It seems we’re going to have a child.”

“Yes. I’ve been feeling a bit strange since this afternoon. When Kaya said she wanted to come, I asked her to stay with me. But then, as I spoke, she suddenly brought a doctor with her?”

“I’ve studied a bit in preparation for having a nephew! If my new sister-in-law is dealing with morning sickness, I’ll call a doctor right away!”

“Thank you very much. Anyway, I originally planned to deliver the news right away, but I heard you were busy. So only the Imperial Palace and Kael’s family have been informed.”

I see. I nodded reflexively, then embraced Bel.

When she placed my hand on her tummy, I felt overwhelmed with fear.

What if the strange touch startled that little life?

“Our child will be making an appearance around the end of next summer.”

Next summer, or perhaps early autumn. That’s when our child will arrive.

My child with Bel. The precious gift of the two of us…

‘…Should I just unify the continent in a year flat?’

Our child shouldn’t suffer as I did.

Of course, one year would be tough. But if we start working hard from now,

Before our child reaches adulthood, there won’t be any threats left—

“Kael.”

“Ah, yes. Bel, did you call?”

“Calm down. There was a killer intent in your face just now.”