NOVEL NEXT Chapter 221
Recently, scholars in the Empire studying the continent’s war have been screaming in various ways.
For starters, there have been three major wars conducted by the Empire in recent years.
It all began with a war against the Alliance of the Three Eastern Kingdoms. Following that was the war with Benito.
Finally, there was the decisive battle that determined the fate of Dedorant, Atria, and the West.
But that’s not all. Prior to that, there were also conflicts between the Empire and Nobogord.
On top of that, there were wars between the Holy Kingdom and Benito, Dedorant and DeGale, and Dedorant and Ross Tanika.
In fact, during the war between the Empire and Dedorant, even Nobogord and the Eastern Kingdom forces, who were enemies, participated.
It would be strange not to be excited about the appearance of a coalition army that could be the first and perhaps the last.
Just this was enough to overflow with work, and the amount of papers to write became immensely rich.
Every day, scholars gathered to discuss various topics, and research became very active.
But what has been driving those scholars crazy lately is something different—
“This is the past, present, and future of war!”
“If you haven’t read the Chief of Staff’s autobiography, you’re neither a scholar nor a soldier!”
“He calls it an autobiography, but we ought to call it ‘The Theory of War’!!”
One day, a book suddenly struck the entire Empire. A not-so-thick autobiography.
It didn’t flamboyantly showcase the author’s specialties like others, nor was there any self-praise present.
It simply laid out what had happened in a calm, rational, and objective tone.
What’s important is that throughout, the author left his thoughts on war.
For anyone wanting to enter the military or study the national violence that is war,
these are exquisitely sharp insights that one cannot discuss without having seen them.
“Don’t understand the act of war rationally. From the start, it pierces right to the point. Look, when we review history, there are many cases where those who boasted a certain reputation in smaller fights were utterly defeated when thrown into great wars.”
“Some might say that’s just the person’s limit, but perhaps it’s not about ability at all; it could simply be the uncertainty and irrationality that come with war. What worked in smaller conflicts doesn’t necessarily apply afterward.”
“The Chief of Staff mentioned this again, didn’t he? Until the moment of battle, prepare with affection, but from the moment of combat, you must strike down the enemy with resolve. Historically, this has been proven. Commanders who showed rigidity in their approach lost, while those who moved organically achieved great victories.”
Some oblivious scholars once remarked that this was all just basic knowledge.
They said it was merely a summary of something everyone vaguely understood, so why all the fuss?
And those who made such remarks were socially buried before even being buried in academia.
If the Chief of Staff hadn’t personally stepped in to stop them, they would have likely been beaten up by the participating soldiers.
‘Looking at the Chief of Staff’s career, it’s impossible to say this is just the basics.’
‘There’s no comparison between someone buried in books and someone who personally commanded hundreds of thousands on the battlefield.’
The Chief of Staff has experienced not one, not two, but three major wars.
He played a decisive role at the center of every battle, leading the Empire to victory.
Even if he’s only in his twenties, one can’t possibly say he’s ‘lacking experience.’
Thus, the scholars were able to have profound discussions regarding his autobiography or, rather, the Theory of War.
Then one day, the scholars received an official document dispatched by the Ministry of Education.
On a normal day, they would’ve skimmed through it, but this time, everyone had to carefully read every word.
[ The Chief of Staff of the Empire, Duke Kael Clausewitz von Neomes, is planning to convene scholars to hear their opinions on his autobiography. ]
[ The expenses for the schedule will be fully covered by the Ministry of Education, so those wishing to participate should contact the Ministry. ]
The Empire’s administration wanted to gather scholars to discuss opinions.
Normally, they would each have their own busy schedules and only a few experts would have gone.
However, this time it was different. As soon as the document was released, the scholars moved quickly.
‘This is something we absolutely must attend! There’s so much I want to ask the Chief of Staff!’
‘Even the autobiography that was modestly written has become “The Theory of War.” The Emperor himself praised him as the Empire’s genius strategist. How extraordinary must the thoughts in the Duke’s mind be?!’
‘I want to ask if he has any intention of writing not just an autobiography, but an outright Theory of War!’
With such expectations mounting, the gathering organized by the Ministry of Education was finally held.
And the public officials realized that they had been severely mistaken.
They thought maybe around fifty people would show up, but it turned out to be something else entirely.
“Chair! Bring me a chair here!”
“What do you mean there are no seats? Then I’ll stand and listen! Just let me get close to the Chief of Staff!”
“I’ve been waiting since morning! Let us in already!”
“Morning? Ha! I’ve been here since dawn! If you came late, keep your mouth shut!”
From one glance, one couldn’t tell whether this was a gathering of scholars or just a market filled with merchants.
At least they were somewhat polite gentlemen, or there might have been a physical altercation.
If anyone asked if there had ever been such a commotion, the Ministry personnel would confidently say no.
These people were busy with papers and research; they don’t move all at once like this.
It’s the first time so many hundreds of scholars have gathered in one place!
For the public officials, it was bewildering. But from the scholars’ perspective, it was only natural.
They weren’t just laboring over the past and merely conducting simple research or formulating hypotheses.
They had gone through real battlefields, accrued vast experiences, and witnessed firsthand the lessons of war written in the blood of both allies and enemies.
This was a golden opportunity perhaps only they could relish!
“The Duke is entering! Everyone, please rise and show your respect!!”
The fact that the person entering was at least twenty years younger than them was not important.
It didn’t matter that this person had never produced any academic achievements until now.
What filled the scholars’ minds was just one thing: the questions each had thought about from days ago.
What if he had been born just a little earlier, predicting war itself and stopping it outright?
That with a single Theory of War, one could discuss wars for the next hundred years, if not more.
Imagine who he might become as he ages, gaining maturity on top of his current greatness.
Simply being able to ask that person questions and receive answers was a tremendous event.
“Aah, everyone. It’s nice to see you. I sincerely wish to thank you for taking the valuable time to come here, despite all your busyness.”
In the meantime, he expresses gratitude for their genuine attendance.
Although soldiers usually have an underlying attitude of subtly looking down on scholars, this young man didn’t seem to share that notion.
Could it be because he’s a strategist? He genuinely appears to have a high regard for academia and a keen interest in it.
In admiration of that aspect, the scholars’ eyes sparkled.
“Then, yes. Let’s officially begin our discussion. First off, I’d like to clarify that I’m not a scholar; I’m just a humble military man, so I might be lacking in some areas.”
In addition, he shows a modesty by assuming a low position. He might say he’s lacking for not being a scholar.
The moment the cadets from the Military Academy hear those words, they’ll surely feel flames igniting within them!
One fact is clear: despite his humility, there’s no one here who truly thinks that way about him.
“I have a question for the Chief of Staff!”
“I want to ask about the content in your autobiography, no, your Theory of War!!”
Thus, the scholars’ barrage of questions began, and the Chief of Staff answered earnestly.
When asked how long he had thought about these concepts, he replied that as he reflected on that moment, it naturally came to him.
He wanted it to help his juniors who would follow in his footsteps, even just a little.
He insisted that there’s no need to call it a burdensome name like the Theory of War; just reading it would be enough.
He said he’d be fine with it disappearing when even more remarkable books come out someday.
Of course, the scholars were convinced that nothing could surpass this Theory of War.
It could be supplemented, modified, or changed; however, it could never be wrong.
There has never been a text that interprets war in such a straightforward, factual, and clear manner.
This foresight, this logical progression—it’s like a beacon for those lost in the night sea.
That is precisely what the young Chief of Staff offered to this world.
“Chief of Staff, if you have something you’d like to say here, please share a word.”
“Hm, well… let’s see.”
For a moment, Kael pondered at the words of one scholar, contemplating something before muttering.
Whether it was a thought in solitude or a heartfelt truth that spilled out unconsciously.
“I want to retire…?”
“Yes? Chief of Staff, your voice was too soft; I didn’t catch that!”
“Could you please say that again?”