I Am Being Mistaken for a Genius Strategist

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The world begins to turn green. The world is slowly, gradually changing.

If there’s been a significant change lately, it would undoubtedly be in my surroundings.

First and foremost, our servants have perfectly prepared for the soon-to-be-born noble child.

As the due date approaches, maidens sent from the Ministry of the Palace are residing here full-time.

And I’m busy gathering all the baby items I can find.

“Kael, we don’t even know if it’s a boy or a girl yet. Is this really necessary?”

“Exactly! Since we don’t know anything, I just prepared everything!”

I’d be happy with either a son or a daughter. I just hope the baby is born healthy.

In that sense, I hurried to prepare all sorts of gifts for Mother and Father’s visit.

Handmade dolls from artisans, baby cribs, little clothes, and even socks. Everything.

Thanks to that, Bell did give me a bit of nagging. She said if I’m too overzealous, the child might dislike it.

But what can I do? No matter how much I try to pretend to be nonchalant, it’s still our baby with Bell.

If I can keep my sanity and wait until the birth, that in itself would be a miracle!

Originally, Kaya would have been included here.

In fact, after the first joint training ended, Kaya has been staying in our castle instead of her family home.

Every day, she chatted with Bell and kept her company, and she sometimes enjoyed feeling the baby’s movements.

That sight was akin to someone completely high on the drug called “baby.”

Whenever she felt even a little movement, she’d burst out with a joyful “Niece/Nephew!”

It got to the point where I casually asked her if she had any thoughts about marriage!

Of course, as soon as she heard that, Kaya replied, “No! Absolutely not! Niece/Nephew is the best!”

Anyway, just a few days ago, the official schedule for the second joint training was set, and off she went again.

As for me, I was about to decline since Bell’s due date was approaching, but Kaya was unwaveringly attending.

There was an immediate need for advice from field experts regarding the Empire’s knights and legion cavalry.

And the person with the most experience of such maneuver warfare in the Empire was, of course, our Kaya.

‘She seemed to be quite reluctant, but what could be done? With no valid excuse, she can’t back out now; she’s built too much reputation for that.’

That’s how it is for me too. Do I really want to work? I just can’t help but feel the pressure if I don’t.

Imagine someone who’s already proven their abilities on the battlefield going, “Oh, I want to take a break now!” That’d definitely raise some eyebrows in the Empire’s administration.

‘Of course, it’s not as if I can really be glued to Bell’s side the whole time.’

I’m just not going to the eastern border like Kaya, but I have a lot of work too.

Tomorrow, I have a meeting scheduled with Marquis Rael, who’s coming up to the capital.

It’ll be the first meeting between someone like me, already in the imperial family through blood ties, and someone who’ll soon have that relation.

The surface reason is to discuss last year’s operations of the southern navy.

*

“Phew.”

Taking a breath, Marquis Rael looked at his reflection in the mirror.

He appeared quite tense. Unexpectedly, a chuckle escaped him.

He himself is a Marquis of the Empire. Excluding members of the imperial family, he ranks among the top three in social status.

Although a duke has recently been created, it doesn’t change much; that’s more of a title, while this is hereditary.

There certainly is a difference in titles, but it’s only natural that they would respect each other and keep their distance.

Needless to say, he has no intention of treating that “duke” lightly.

Even if he’s the emperor’s son-in-law, just his existence alone makes him one of the Empire’s finest.

In terms of titles, there’s not much to envy, but in every other aspect, it’s on a different level.

‘When we first met, I never imagined he would become such an impressive figure.’

At that time, Kael had just wrapped up the war in the east and was heading down south.

We discussed what to do about Benito, who aimed to seize the Holy Kingdom.

At that point, I only thought he was a highly capable young man. But he has far surpassed that.

Benito fell, and following him, Atria and Dedorant also knelt.

After that, Kael’s reputation skyrocketed. He peaked after becoming the emperor’s son-in-law.

It would be hard to find anyone with such accomplishments in the history of the Empire.

To add a bit of exaggeration, it wouldn’t be wrong to say he gained popularity second only to the Great Emperor.

So, I can’t tell you how relieved I felt about it. Had he lost even a little, I would have spent sleepless nights.

And this time, there’s a sense of camaraderie in forming a bond with the imperial family.

‘…I still can’t believe it.’

Coincidentally, his second son was residing in a mansion in the capital.

His succession rights were already assured, but still, he had left the family home to avoid potential problems.

That doesn’t mean he was far from politics, having served well in the navy.

Marquis Rael felt a twinge of guilt for seeming to sacrifice for his elder brother.

So he was looking for a good place to marry him off, searching for a suitable daughter-in-law.

But suddenly, that son got invited to the imperial palace, and things started to unfold rapidly.

This is a political marriage. Of course, the Marquis wouldn’t be oblivious to that.

Not too outstanding, yet not too ordinary, one who has no choice but to pledge loyalty to the Empire but holds little power.

In that context, his second son turns out to be the partner of the Crown Princess, scoring high points as a consort.

‘Thinking back to our last conversation through the communication tube, he seemed to have feelings for the Crown Princess.’

Though the situation came on a bit suddenly, his second son seemed to look quite pleased.

It wasn’t because he was becoming engaged to the next emperor’s consort, but because he had his loyalty recognized.

As a consort, all he had is obligation and no rights or authority whatsoever.

Despite knowing that, seeing him so happy about it is indeed a wonderful thing.

“Your Excellency the Marquis. Just now, His Excellency the Duke of Neomes has arrived.”

It seems I’ll be seeing him soon. Is it the first time since the wedding?

What should I start with? Ask about how his wife has been? When the baby is due?

Or perhaps about how much quieter the southern sea has become since the pirate eradication last year?

Should I inquire about how newly recruited pirates from the navy have been adapting?

Or how it feels to become the emperor’s son-in-law, and how his in-laws are handling everything?

There’s no shortage of subjects that would make my heart race. Should I quickly ask about the most pressing questions first?

“Marquis Rael.”

As the door opened and Kael entered, Marquis Rael greeted him warmly.

“It’s been a while. Your Excellency the Duke of Neomes.”

“Indeed. I believe we haven’t seen each other since the wedding.”

“When you came down to the south last year about the eradication of pirates, I was unfortunately away from my territory due to personal reasons. I worry about how my eldest son managed.”

“You need not worry. He treated everyone so well that we hardly felt your absence.”

“Thank goodness. Marquis Rael, breaking into a big smile, shared a bit more small talk.

How things have been lately, if anything significant was happening in the duchy, how the Clausewitz family was faring.

I heard there was a first joint training in the north recently; I wonder if that went well.

“…Speaking of which, there will be joint training with other kingdoms on the southern coast this winter.”

“I came for that very reason. Unlike the previous two locations, the south will involve operations for both the army and navy, so I’ll need a lot of cooperation from you, Marquis Rael.”

“To assist the Empire is a duty that’s too much to ask. I’m merely cautious not to tarnish the name of nobility that I must uphold.”

Naturally, substantial funds will be involved in the joint training.

But there are also gains to be made. For example, the rise in pirate attacks would likely diminish from now on.

The more maritime trade thrives, the more beneficial it will be for everyone, and of course, the empire’s south stands to gain the most.

“The details regarding the joint training will be discussed further in the Ministry of War and amongst the staff, and I will forward specific schedules. If there are any issues, do feel free to contact me directly.”

“I’m only thankful for your Excellency’s thoughtfulness.”

The surface reason—the discussions about the southern joint training—seemed to be wrapping up.

Normally, we would have spoken more on that topic, but this time was different.

“And I’ve heard the news. Although not officially announced yet… your second son, it seems, will be my brother-in-law.”

“Yes, that seems to be the case.”

Had it been anyone else, they likely would have offered congratulations, but Kael did not.

Looking at Marquis Rael, it was clear he sought advice from an experienced perspective rather than just hollow politeness.

“I believe it is both a joy and a source of bewilderment for you.”

“It would be a lie if I said otherwise. After all, Your Highness the Crown Princess is someone who will likely ascend the throne one day.”

“Just to mention, my father shared the same sentiments as you, Marquis. Just having the imperial princess as my daughter-in-law is daunting, and since Your Highness is the Crown Princess, I feel even more cautious about what I should say.”

Cael scratched his cheek thoughtfully before continuing.

“As you know, Your Highness the Crown Princess loves this Empire more than anyone else. She not only shows a cool and resolute demeanor but also overflows with compassion.”

“I’ve seen hints of those traits a few times.”

“There’s no great reason for concern. If your son is wise, he will handle it well. After all, I assume Your Highness has noticed that quality in him by now and has exchanged thoughts several times?”

With that reminder, Marquis Rael started to feel a bit more at ease.

It wasn’t the first meeting between the two of them. It had been a while, but they had crossed paths before.

When the noble lady of the imperial family had once come down to the south.

At that time, the spirited youth had just embarked on his journey in the navy and was then a junior officer.

The one who had escorted her was none other than Marquis Rael’s second son.