NOVEL NEXT Chapter 213
How did things end up like this? Ah, right, this cursed mouth of mine.
Thinking back, there was something in some ancient scripture from my past life that said,
“The mouth and tongue are the doors to disaster and worry, the axes that ruin the body.” So, it warned me to watch my mouth.
I must surely be a goldfish. Yeah, what a genius, right? Silly brat.
If I could just hold back once, instead of thinking ‘Wouldn’t this be alright?’ and messing it up every single time!
“Chief of Staff! It’s the Chief of Staff! Wooaaah!!”
“It’s an honor to meet you again!! Chief of Staff!”
“Duke! I will dedicate myself to becoming a new pillar of the Imperial Military!”
“Even though they’re inexperienced juniors now, please watch over us! Duke of Neomes!”
Yeah, yeah. I get it, kids. I understand, but could you at least scatter a bit?
At this rate, I might become the first Duke in the history of the Empire to be hoisted into the air!
A few months ago, I said something decent to commemorate the start of the Military Academy.
Yeah. That was it. Really, that was all I did. I didn’t say any weird nonsense or anything.
Afterwards, I was busy with the pirate extermination incident and then swamped with staff duties.
So why does it feel like, upon returning, this place became something like my shrine instead of the academy?
“I think I understand why the Ministry of War wanted me to revisit the academy.”
If the Imperial Family were to see this, they might say, “What a complete mess they’re making.”
Silly stuff is happening in a place that cost a fortune to build for the future of the Imperial Military.
If anyone were to think I was trying to form a private faction, that would be a disaster!
Ahh. I can hear it now. Soon, my father-in-law or sister-in-law will contact me with a stern face….
[Have you heard, my dear brother? The enthusiasm of the Military Academy Cadets is truly remarkable.]
“Yes, I have, Your Highness. I’m truly sorry to hear that…”
[Sorry? For what? In any case, the beginning is always the most important, and thanks to you, that first step has been taken quite well. I like it very much.]
…So, you’re blaming me for this, right? Yeah, it must be. It’s a roundabout way of mocking me.
So, if you could just say I should step down from the Chief of Staff position, that would be the icing on the cake—
[Speaking of which, how about if you find some time to go to the Military Academy and give occasional lectures?]
“…Your Highness? What do you mean?”
Did I just hear that wrong? What did you say? A lecture? Me?
[Don’t misunderstand. I know how busy you are better than anyone. Let’s see. You won’t need to stay as regularly as the professors. Hmmm, once a week should suffice, I think. Perhaps adjust your workload a bit?]
“That….”
[Currently, there are likely few people at the academy who respect and admire you as much as my dear brother. It will definitely help boost morale. Plus, there will be outstanding individuals studying your tactics and strategies.]
“….”
I’m just glad that the Crown Princess is my sister-in-law. Honestly, I’m really glad she’s my sister-in-law.
If that wasn’t the case, I would have just cut it off right there with the authority of the Chief of Staff saying, “I will decline.”
“Y-Your Highness the Crown Princess. My name is already being mentioned excessively at the Military Academy.”
[And what’s wrong with that, my dear brother?]
“Well, you see. I mean, strange rumors might start circulating, and…”
[Strange rumors? Starting with the battle against the northern Nobogord, the war against the three kingdoms in the east, followed by the annihilation of the Benito army in the south, and finally, the complete dismantling of Dedorant and Atria. Who would dare spread strange rumors about a young, capable loyalist who has accomplished what few could? Especially when you’re my dear brother-in-law and related to the Emperor?]
Think about it. From the perspective of serving the Empire, who would be cut off?
Kael, you? Or would you continue to fuel doubts while being among those lacking in abilities?
The Crown Princess. There was a fierce aura in her voice.
It feels like she might just hunt down anyone likely to say such strange things and wipe them out from the Empire.
I can feel it. If I stir the pot here, it’ll only end up being a nuisance for everyone else.
I’m afraid I might hear my sister-in-law say, “Is there someone spreading such strange rumors? Tell me, and I’ll wipe them all out from the Empire.”
[Anyway, I want you to think about it. It’s certainly not a demand.]
“…Yes, understood.”
[Of course, if you accept the offer, I can have some of the various tasks you’re handling transferred to other departments. I won’t throw more work on you; don’t worry about that.]
What? You’re saying you’ll reduce my workload?
“Your Highness the Crown Princess. Actually, I just thought that it wouldn’t be once a week, but even twice would be feasible.”
[Haha! Really? Then I’ll speak to the Minister of Education first. You can coordinate the following schedules with them. Thank you very much, my dear brother.]
“No, this is all for the sake of the Empire’s future, so it’s only natural that I should help!”
Don’t call me a coward! The difference between whether I work overtime today or not is crucial.
There’s a pregnant woman at home alone! If this goes on, we’ll be having twins in the future.
Since the war is over, my workload should be decreasing, but why can’t it seem to?
“Starting next week, I have to devote myself again to rebuilding the legions like a madman.”
If I can reduce my tasks by doing the lectures in this situation, then that would be the best outcome.
And this decision was formalized as an official order a few days later.
– Special Lecture by the Chief of Staff of the Empire –
I heard that once this plan was set, the cadets rushed in like they were possessed.
This is a must-attend lecture! If it’s first come, first served, I’ll kill the one in front of me, and if it’s a draw, I’ll kill the one who gets picked! …they even say such strange things!
Hey, kids. You’re really not thinking of doing that, right? Right? That was just a joke, wasn’t it?
Anyway, in a situation like this, there should be no one who gets to hear while others do not.
With the way things were going, it felt like the Military Academy would split in half and start brawling.
So I decided to take the whole auditorium for a lecture addressing all the cadets.
‘…How did I end up here again?’
Taking a deep breath, I stepped onto the podium, and all the cadets rose to their feet in unison.
I thought about just saying, “Please, just sit down already,” but these aren’t regular students.
They are juniors who will eventually join the Imperial Military after four years here.
So, after nodding to indicate I was ready on the podium, a senior cadet opened their mouth.
“Stand at attention! Salute to the Chief of Staff!”
The salute erupted with explosive precision. The atmosphere was overwhelming for a moment.
I don’t lack experience. I’ve been on the battlefield, that much is certain.
Still, the enthusiasm and determination shown by the cadets were incredibly impressive.
“Everyone, take your seats.”
“Seated!!”
Sitting down was as seamless as can be. I like it.
“First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to the troops for being willing to attend this sudden lecture amidst your academic and training distractions.”
Of course, this is not a mandatory lecture. Furthermore, it doesn’t count for grades.
Simply put, the cadets are sneaking some time from their breaks to attend this lecture.
Despite that, not a single one is missing, so I should definitely express my thanks.
“There must be many who have high expectations of me. However, let me clarify that I am not a particularly remarkable person. You may think that based on my achievements, but if you look at the process, you will all surely be able to achieve it someday too.”
I merely used what I learned from somewhere else.
That luck played a significant role in it turning out well for me, was simply a result of favorable opportunities.
“Now then. Before we move on to the lecture, do any cadets have questions for me?”
As soon as I said that, hundreds of hands shot up in unison.
Did I say something I shouldn’t have? But still, once the lecture starts, questions have to be accepted.
Overcoming the gazes pleading for me to pick them, I selected a few from the crowd.
“I-I’m Cadet Rick Harrison from the Imperial Military Academy, Class One!”
“Cadet Rick, what would you like to ask?”
“I’ve heard you’ve utilized various strategies and tactics through many wars. So, during preparation and execution, what do you believe is the most important aspect?”
That’s an important point. It seems he wants to ask how to properly strike strategies and use tactics and strategies effectively.
I could easily answer with something like ‘pay attention to the enemy’ or ‘prepare thoroughly on our side.’
But if I said that, wouldn’t it come off as if I’m just bragging about myself?
Right now, wouldn’t it be better to offer a different answer?
“From the military conflict with the northern Nobogord, to the war against the eastern three-kingdom alliance, the battles in the south with Benito, and finally, to Dedorant and Atria. As you all know, I’ve been present at every battlefield.”
“Some may say my strategies were outstanding while others claim my tactics and strategies were shining with brilliance. But all of those can fall apart at the most critical moments.”
“I simply did my best within my abilities and waited. For divine guidance, from heaven. I earnestly hoped that everything would go according to my wishes.”
Sure, as it goes for human endeavors, everything in this world operates that way.
“Plans, tactics, and strategies. In the end, it’s all in the hands of the divine. A person can only do their best; no matter the situation, all we can do is focus on our duties, and the rest will be left to the heavens. This is what I want to convey as the first lesson to you all.”
So basically, I’m just a super lucky guy, my junior cadets.
Got it? Please don’t give me those god-like looks expecting some masterful strategies!
*
A while later, an unforgettable lesson was etched among the Military Academy cadets.
– Do your utmost. As mentioned in the Chief of Staff’s war theories, prepare thoroughly from beginning to end. Only those who have given their all may also receive divine selection. –
– Right. Just like that man, Prince Kael Clausewitz von Neomes! –