I Am Being Mistaken for a Genius Strategist

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As soon as I began my tale, Charlua’s expression brightened.

She seemed delighted to have sought my advice. Truly, it was an exceptional scheme.

Unable to conceal her excitement, she decided to stand up first. From the look of her, it seemed she wanted to rush and deliver this to Nobogord immediately.

“Prince Kael.”

As I prepared to bid farewell today and leave, the Princess followed closely beside me.

Walking in step with me, she hesitated for a moment before continuing to speak.

“Is that really true?”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s said that people believe bigger lies more than smaller ones.”

Ah, that. I shrugged my shoulders and replied.

“I wouldn’t know.”

“…Eh?”

“I don’t know. How could I possibly know? There’s a saying that while you can understand the depths of water, you can’t fathom the depths of a person’s heart. Only the omniscient being above us can have such certainty.”

“So, are you saying you lied to me, Charlua?”

I shook my head at the Princess’s words. A lie? How hurtful!

“What I mean to say is, while we can’t be sure of a person’s heart, we can certainly lead them. The heart is just that—hard to understand, yet so easily shaken.”

“…Now that you mention it, your expression did change a bit when it came to the part about the Menwa Tribe excavating tombs. Were you already formulating this scheme back then?”

“Ha ha ha. Well, who knows?”

That was just a thought that it was something beyond imagination as a matter of principle.

Even by world standards, disturbing the rest of the dead is rightly condemned.

It’s not like it was a traitor’s grave; digging into the tomb of someone who had contributed to Nobogord was clearly crossing the line.

In that moment, I was certain the Menwa Tribe had far surpassed acceptable boundaries.

I wasn’t well-informed about the internal situation in Nobogord.

I understood that recklessly intervening could backfire on me.

However, if I allowed them to operate freely any longer, it would benefit the Empire in no way.

“That means it wouldn’t benefit our family either.”

Loyalty to the Empire? Of course. I am indeed a noble belonging to this Empire.

Additionally, I have a deep affection for my family and our household as well.
If I see something that might harm either of them, I will antagonize it, no matter what.

Right now, the Menwa Tribe operating in Nobogord is precisely that.

It is unnecessary. It’s a bane in itself. Thus, it must be eradicated. That thought brings me peace.

For the Empire. For my family and our household. That’s all there is to it.

Of course, I can’t do it directly, and the Empire mustn’t reach out either.

The Empire has already deployed forces across the entire East, raising much suspicion among each nation.

If we were to use force here, there’s a possibility that they might unite against us.

“Sometimes, Prince Kael, I find you very intriguing.”

“What do you mean?”

“How should I put it? It’s like your way of thinking is different? Simply exceptional, outstanding, or maybe even genius falls short. It feels completely different—your perspective on the world.”

“Ah ha ha ha. Is that so?”

This Princess has a sharper side than I expected.

But the memories of my past life, or anything of the sort, are something I could never even imagine.

Is it discovered?! There’s no reason to feel nervous whatsoever.

“What if you do this and Nobogord doesn’t show any significant reaction?”

“Then the upper echelons of the Empire will gather for discussions. After all, having established a treaty with Nobogord, if the radicals go on a rampage, stability in the North will be hard to maintain.”

“…Is war looming again?”

“If things spiral out of control, that likelihood is high.”

If the borders to the West and South had been calm, the Empire might have had a more leisurely approach.

But that isn’t the case. My father has been particularly concerned about those two regions.

If a retired individual feels this way, the current leaders of the Empire must feel even more anxious.

“Nevertheless, I expect Nobogord will act in accordance with my thoughts.”

“Why do you think so?”

“Because their hearts will lean in that direction.”

The Princess stared silently at me, indicating she needed a bit more detail.

It seemed our conversation would take longer if we kept moving.

So, I made my way to the annex and took a seat, continuing the discussion with the Princess.

“Nobogord is currently under the control of the moderates. However, that’s just in terms of the council and general political matters; if you’re asking if the overall sentiment of Nobogord leans towards the moderates, that doesn’t seem to be the case.”

“Why are you so certain?”

“If that were the case, once the Menwa Tribe made their move, internal unrest would have erupted fiercely in Nobogord. Moreover, the voice of the moderates would have had to be much louder than it is now.”

But Nobogord remains relatively quiet. This means the atmosphere hasn’t boiled over.

That indicates that everyone is still uncertain about the peaceful atmosphere with the Empire.

The reason the moderates haven’t directed their fury towards the radicals is that their own cause and justification are still not strong enough.

“Yet, that doesn’t mean the radicals will openly welcome this event. It must be maintained at a manageable level as a political clash, not an outright war.”

“The radicals see the Menwa Tribe as a burden?”

“Yes. For them, the Menwa Tribe may be those they’d like to use appropriately and dispose of before they become a burden. Even if that’s not the case, they would want to at least diminish their power.”

“Ugh….”

After pondering for a moment, the Princess nodded her head.

“I now understand why bigger lies are more readily believed.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Smaller lies might spread a little and then die down. But bigger lies always weave in various vested interests of different forces. They will embellish that lie and increase its scale until it appears true, wouldn’t you agree?”

Finally, she has seen through the essence. I smiled, conveying my agreement.

Just as she said, what is true or false isn’t particularly important.

What matters is how much more attention can be drawn and how much firepower can be unleashed.

With that, the line between truth and lies can blur in an instant.

“For the Empire, you are capable of pulling off such schemes.”

“Ha ha ha. Were you disappointed that it isn’t so virtuous?”

I had wondered what she would say if such a matter was brought up.

What’s labeled as advice and planning is essentially ruthless black propaganda, after all.

And even if the Princess expressed disappointment, I would be more than willing to accept it.

“No.”

However, she shook her head and smiled instead.

“I was rather amazed. Ah, this person truly gives their all for the Empire. I could feel that.”

That’s naturally the way it should be. Unless I were some kind of hero or champion.

I’m merely a noble of the Empire. So, I think, speak, and act solely for the Empire.

Even if the process is deemed unvirtuous by other nations, I don’t mind.
This world is no walk in the park, after all.

And days later, the Princess and I came upon a beaming Charlua.

*

– Proud brethren! We will never be dogs of the Empire! –

Not long ago, uttering such words had nods of agreement from surprisingly many people.

That’s because they were the Menwa Tribe, holding a significant position within the Nobogord army.

Though their methods were abrasive, it was clear they had no desire to bow to the Empire.

With various overlapping sentiments, many demons echoed this idea.

The Menwa Tribe wasn’t merely acting out of rebellious sentiment against the Empire.

They also aimed to solidify their status by continually provoking the pride of the demon race.

They understood that peaceful posturing wouldn’t yield significant results.

Additionally, it was a means to retain their influence in the army.

They were also digging into the tombs of historical figures classified as moderates for this very reason.

While deemed radical and out of line, it also served to make their presence felt.

Consequently, demons harboring resentment towards the Empire would increasingly support the Menwa Tribe.

With the political landscape in the hands of the moderates, they had to maintain support from the common demons.

“Now, the Menwa Tribe is targeting the grave of King Saxon!”

Until one day, suddenly a nonsensical rumor began to spread.

At first, I thought little of it. It sounded too absurd and nonsensical.

Why would they touch the grave of King Saxon? He is the most prestigious figure in demon history!

Moreover, he was the hero who unified the tribes with his formidable power!

Such thoughts would never cross the minds of demons. This is a given.

It is a more unimaginable act than a child insulting their parent.

Thus, I assumed the Menwa Tribe would feel the same way the other demons did.

It’s simply too obvious. What demon could possibly dare think that way?

“Those Menwa Tribe scoundrels are trying to unearth the king’s grave!!”

“Their visits to his resting place are increasing! What does this mean?!”

Something feels off. Things are starting to go awry.

To disturb the king’s resting place? As radical as they are, could they really do that?

And to visit the place where the king lies? When have we ever done that?!

Realizing that something was as wrong as it could get, they hastily began to rectify the situation.

Think practically. Which demon would dare disturb the king’s tomb?

That’s common sense. No, it’s just logic. Just as the heavens are the heavens and the earth is the earth!

The king, embodying the pride of the demons; why would we do such a thing?!

Some of them nodded, affirming the reasoning.

Others took a neutral stance, thinking that it could indeed happen.
However, the rest reacted even more intensely.

“Those who disturbed a grave once will find it easier to do it again!”

“Outrageous! Now it’s the king’s turn?!”

“Those caught scoundrels will make excuses for themselves! The king’s amicable relations with the Empire surely stirred up their resentment!”

Provocative rumors fired up the masses, which intensified further.

The increasingly agitated crowd surged, and eventually, the rumor morphs into ‘truth.’

Whether or not they respect the king is of no importance now.

What’s emphasized is solely one thing: that they have a history of disturbing graves.

At this point, the moderates decided to pour oil on the fire.

– Disliking the Empire. Opposing collaboration with it. I can understand that. –

– However, as demons, as Nobogord, we must not treat the king so recklessly. –

It sounded like an accusation that the Menwa Tribe had indeed engaged in such activities.

Of course, the Menwa Tribe jumped up in protest, but there was no mercy for those who touched the sacred ground.

The faction supporting the radicals pressed hard, as if ready to devour them whole.

With eerie warnings suggesting that they too might be in league with the Menwa Tribe.

Which radical would dare speak up saying, “The Menwa Tribe is innocent”?

Could they maintain a friendly bond with the Empire? That’s possible.

Would they bow their heads to the Empire? They would be labeled cowards.

But to disturb the king?! That’s not something that can be simply explained away as treachery or betrayal.

In the end, the first to call for punishment against the Menwa Tribe were their fellow radicals.

After all, they too had unconsciously viewed the Menwa Tribe as a burden.

Annoying pests whom they wished would just vanish someday.
In the midst of this debacle, they resolved to deal with it coldly.

It all started as a tiny spark. Yet it swiftly grew into a colossal inferno.