SWNOVELXO Chapter 206
Isabelle’s pregnancy news spread across the Empire like wildfire.
She is the Crown Princess, the only Duchess. And that Duke is none other than the current Chief of Staff of the Empire.
Currently, he ranks among the closest aides to the Emperor and Crown Princess.
Not only does he wield overwhelming influence within the Empire, but he is also a military figure of immense respect, both domestically and internationally.
With the Empire’s unparalleled military might, he solidified an absolute advantage as the greatest strategist.
To add, he has led every war he was assigned to victory, making comparisons laughable.
Recently, he even started writing an autobiography, earning accolades from scholars.
Some individuals, in their foolishness, dared to nitpick, only to find themselves collectively lynched by the Legion soldiers.
Fortunately, the Chief of Staff stepped in to extinguish the flames; otherwise, it could have escalated further.
Remarkably, this Chief of Staff is only in his mid-twenties.
He is set to play a major role in the Empire for at least another 20 years, if not longer.
Just imagine how many influential positions he will hold during that time. How much experience and fame he will accumulate.
Thus, the significance of his heir becomes all the more vital, making it only natural for the Empire to be abuzz.
Of course, it wouldn’t do to cause a ruckus or impose burdens on the new mother.
Especially since she is the Crown Princess, rash movements could lead to unnecessary misunderstandings.
So, all the congratulations poured out for Kael, her partner and soon-to-be father.
Without a hint of exaggeration. Like countless arrows falling from the sun.
—Boom!
The door to the Chief of Staff’s office burst open as someone rushed in.
The aide, who was cleaning inside, jumped in surprise and turned his head.
“Who barged into the Chief of Staff’s office… Huh? Ch-Chief of Staff!”
“Shh. Be quiet.”
One could mistake this swift, stealthy movement for an intrusion.
Such was the urgency of Kael’s actions, the room’s owner.
After surveying the surroundings, he finally sighed as though relieved and sank into the chair.
“Chief of Staff?”
“I’m alive… Aide. Do you want to know something astonishing? Since this morning, I haven’t even been able to start my work because I’ve been receiving congratulations?”
The news of his impending fatherhood had turned the Empire upside down. Such a colossal celebration!
For anyone else, this would be the stuff of dreams; perhaps he should feel a tinge of envy.
However, Kael’s aide was not a foolish person who would openly display such sincerity.
He could read the room and grasp exactly what his superior wanted.
“Ah, that sounds… dreadful.”
“Congratulations. Yeah, great. Super thankful. Like, unbelievably thankful. No denying that, Aide. But it’s been what, a couple of hours? What time is it now? Oh, it’s five in the afternoon now. Wouldn’t someone go mad sitting here listening for over nine hours?”
If I don’t get some work done, I can’t go home to see my wife either. It’s driving me crazy.
Seeing Kael clutching his head in frustration, the aide forced a smile.
The world, and the people of the continent, often make one huge misunderstanding.
The Chief of Staff of the Empire. The Duke of Neomes. Kael Clausewitz. They assume he should always be extremely calm, rational, and icy.
He couldn’t possibly be human. They picture him as some meticulously crafted individual.
Perhaps he’s reached an incomprehensible level, beyond that of the common folk.
But if you spend some time with Kael, you’ll soon realize that all of that is just an illusion.
What they fear so much, thinking he might not be human at all, is merely a misunderstanding.
The revered genius strategist of the Empire is, in fact, just an utterly ordinary young man in his twenties.
He has become a legend, having never suffered a single defeat, yet he feels embarrassed by it.
Rather than basking in glory, he feels bad for appearing to hog all the credit when everyone contributed.
“Ah, if I clock out on time, I’m going to have to do some overtime. Should I just work some extra today and skip overtime?”
Look at that! Not some lofty, noble thought — he’s stuck deciding between leaving on time or doing overtime!
He’s just like us. Capable of joy, nervousness, and not considering himself anything special at all.
“Aide.”
“Yes, Chief of Staff!”
“Do you have plenty of time today?”
What the heck! How can that noble, talented war hero act this way?
Look at that cruel scene of him trying to pass off his extra work to the aide!
“Your wife is waiting at home, Chief of Staff. Please, have mercy.”
“Ah, speaking of which, I’m still newlywed.”
“Yes, Chief of Staff. It’s only been a week since the wedding. So….”
“I went back to work four days after getting married. Isn’t a week long enough?”
Demon! He’s definitely a demon! That can’t be the Chief of Staff!!
That guy asking to work overtime is absolutely not the Chief of Staff!!
“So, are you not doing overtime?”
“No. What should I start with?”
“Just kidding. Just kidding. When it’s time, I’m clocking out. I don’t need to add to the grief of getting the cold shoulder from my wife.”
As expected of our Chief of Staff. I’ll pledge my lifelong loyalty. Truly a brother to admire.
I may be older, but what does that even matter? Absolutely!
*
Another year is coming to a close. A new year is just around the corner.
It’s almost been a year since the Empire achieved a massive victory.
There have been many wounds, and there are several scars that won’t fade.
However, they seized the best opportunity to push forward.
Sacrifices were not in vain, and the survivors will live forever remembering that.
“Whew.”
A young man walks forward with a tense expression on his face.
On his chest, a distinctive nameplate sparkles.
This is the newly established place that will officially launch next year.
With the legendary conquerors of the Empire proudly as his seniors, he bears the duty of preserving their glory and sacrifices at this new cradle of learning.
The Imperial Military Academy.
Yes. This young man is one of the first cadets selected for that academy.
Today, along with him, others from various parts of the Empire are gathering.
It’s an important day, full of anticipation, as they look to ignite enthusiasm while viewing the nearly completed academy.
That’s exciting enough, but what comes next is the real deal.
‘Since everyone is a rookie, I heard the Chief of Staff is actually coming in person.’
The genius strategist born from the Empire. A hero who has never suffered a single defeat.
The Emperor’s son-in-law, and the first individual to receive the official dukedom.
The Conqueror of Dedorant. The Liberator of DeGale. Kael Clausewitz Von Neomes.
Anyone seeking to enter the military would have no choice but to know his name.
If you were to name the greatest figures in the Empire over the past few years, he would undoubtedly be in the top tier.
Perhaps he might even be just below the beloved Great Emperor by the people of the Empire.
“Welcome, first cadets of the Military Academy! Currently, the main building is still under construction, so please do not approach. Please move to the completed auditorium. Once again, I repeat: the main building is….”
Guided by the assigned personnel, they head to the auditorium.
There, hundreds of male and female students from all over the Empire were already waiting.
Among them, although a small number, there were also those from the Dedorant occupied territories.
Honestly, he couldn’t completely shake off his uneasiness about them.
Wasn’t it Dedorant that caused the Empire the most damage during the last few years of war?
If the situation there hadn’t shifted to a pro-Empire stance, he firmly believed he wouldn’t have been able to hold any good feelings toward them.
‘That just proves how incredible the Chief of Staff is. He quelled the unrest in the occupied territories in just a year and went on to promote a Pro-Empire Count of the West!’
Kael Clausewitz. He dreams of becoming just like him. He hopes to be such a figure.
Most, if not all, of the first cadets gathered in this auditorium surely have an admiration for Kael.
“This day’s agenda will be concluded swiftly as the military academy isn’t fully completed yet.”
Even though it isn’t an official event, an astounding number of prospective cadets gathered.
That itself signifies the level of interest and affection they hold for their alma mater.
Additionally, there’s anticipation surrounding the Chief of Staff, who is set to make an appearance today.
“Ah. Ah! Everyone, please focus for a moment. The Chief of Staff will be visiting this place shortly.”
I’ve heard that the Chief of Staff is quite approachable.
Perhaps that’s why he’s coming here without any formalities.
Moments later, a tremendous commotion could be heard from the back of the auditorium.
“It’s the Chief of Staff!”
“Your Excellency the Duke! Your Excellency the Duke!!”
“Wow!!”
Just as expected, everyone gathered here were fervent supporters of the Chief of Staff.
“I’ve heard immense interest in the autobiography you released recently. Is there going to be another one?”
“Is it going to be used as a textbook at the academy? The first edition flew off the shelves as soon as it came out, and now I can’t even get my hands on a copy!”
Such poor folks. With the Chief of Staff’s autobiography being out, they actually couldn’t get one?
They should have done whatever it took to get it. The difference between those who read it and those who didn’t is massive!
Rumor has it that in the military, anyone who hasn’t read the Chief of Staff’s autobiography isn’t even allowed to speak!
“Chief of Staff! Chief of Staff!!”
Even if just for once, they wish to shake his hand.
They can’t hide their excitement at finally getting to meet him.
To exaggerate just a little, one might think the Great Emperor has resurrected.
Finally making his way past the cadets, Kael stands at the podium.
He mentions that he won’t introduce himself since they all know who he is.
He won’t talk about his accomplishments either, as they surely know what he’s done.
Others might be eager to boast their name and achievements, but that man seemed completely indifferent to such things.
That very nonchalance only intensified their admiration.
The students’ eyes sparkled more brightly with greater determination.
I too. We all. Someday, in the distant future, may we become like that man.
“You will all become the first cadets of this military academy next year and potential leaders of the Empire. The path ahead will not be easy. It will be very difficult. I know that. Thus, I have come to convey something to you today.”
Clearing his throat, Kael continues.
Though his voice is calm, it carries tremendous power and authority.
“Live a life where you are not afraid of death. Respect everyone’s opinions, and ensure you are also respected in turn.”
“Love your life, perfect it, and make it beautiful. Always be ready for the day of decision.”
“Even when death comes for you, do not tremble in fear like others. Do not demean yourself, begging to live a little longer.”
“Embrace death. As if you were a hero returning home.”