I Am Being Mistaken for a Genius Strategist

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At first, Charlua simply thought Kael’s scheme was meant to tarnish the social prestige of the Menwa Tribe.

After all, we are all of the same Demon Tribe. Just because they’re called the Menwa Tribe doesn’t mean they’re different.

Thus, she expected that not many would truly believe that they would dig up the great king’s tomb.

However, upon hearing the next piece of information, she found herself not only amazed but now gripped by fear.

“Is it true that the opposition is that intense?”

[ Yeah. Those who originally supported the Menwa Tribe are becoming even more radical and are burning with fury. All of this is the doing of the moderates, you know. ]

“In my opinion, that seems like a double-edged sword.”

From the perspective of the Menwa Tribe and their associates, as well as their supporters, it must feel unjust.

They had no intention or plan to get involved with the Saxon King in the first place.

Trying to shift the public outrage in Nobogord towards the moderates was, in hindsight, a colossal mistake.

“If only they had publicly apologized for touching the grave beforehand, they could have erased the label of being extreme hardliners.”

They had already launched a political offensive against the moderates, so they likely did the same this time.

However, what this resulted in was a reinforcement of the Demons’ belief in the radical nature of the opposition.

Anyone looking to maintain close relations with the Empire showed hostility towards them.

This backfired and was pushing them to the brink.

If things continue like this and their power grows, they might actually touch the Saxon King’s tomb.

Given the situation, consolidating their supporters to attack the moderates only serves as evidence of this!

Moreover, this was just the beginning of all things.

“Those who dare to disturb the king’s rest! Uuuuuu!!” “Let us protect the king’s peaceful slumber! O Demons! Protect the king!”

They were the ones who had always revered the king. Simply put, just ordinary Demons.

Gathering together, they began to protect the tomb, declaring that under no circumstances should they disturb the king’s resting place.

In response, the moderates subtly gathered a few people and began their campaign before the tomb.

The king had led the Demons with strength and gentleness, yet they called the others nothing but ignorant fools.

If things went on like this, the king’s teachings would be misinterpreted and corrupted, they claimed.

“Shut up! Foolish ones who fell for the Empire’s ploys! Die!!” “Why would we touch the king’s tomb! Who believes such nonsense!!”

Soon, supporters of the Menwa Tribe gathered on the opposite side and began to fight back.

At first, it was merely an exchange of opinions and rebuttals.

However, as time passed, emotions escalated, leading to physical clashes that soon turned into full-blown fights.

The Demons are a tough bunch. They don’t shy away from a fight.

Their battles are fierce. They don’t take any conflict lightly.

Naturally, their conflicts intensified, and damage occurred—

“The Menwa Tribe scoundrels are defiantly defiling the king’s abode!” “Part of the tomb has been damaged! The Menwa Tribe has touched the king’s grave!” “O Demons! The king’s rest has been disturbed!”

The fighters included both the Menwa Tribe and their opponents.

It was impossible to distinguish who had inflicted damage upon the king’s tomb.

It was unclear to state which side was at fault.

Indeed. If viewed rationally, it should be.

But for the Demons, the Menwa Tribe were seen as the aggressors targeting the king’s tomb.

They were already a suspicious group, having previously disturbed the lion’s resting place.

In the midst of it all, how the fight started and who was involved became unimportant.

Only one thing echoed in their minds: the Menwa Tribe had achieved their goals, even if only partially.

“One moment, Father.”

[ Ahem! ]

“…Dad.”

[ Speak. ]

Honestly, can you act your age? Charlua internally shouted, continuing her words.

“It seems a bit strange. The Menwa Tribe makes sense; however, why would the other radical factions so easily abandon the Menwa Tribe? That seems a bit odd.”

[ This dad thought so too at first. So, he dug around and managed to find some answers. Do you know what it is? ]

— nods

[ It was simple. It was a fight over livelihoods. ]

“A fight over livelihoods?”

Charlua tilted her head in confusion.

What does that mean? How does abandoning the Menwa Tribe relate to that?

Then, from the communication device, Caland burst into laughter before replying.

[ Think about it carefully. Why do you think the Menwa Tribe was so fierce yet held power within the radicals? ]

“…Demons from that region hold many key positions in the military?”

[ Exactly. They’re fiercely anti-Empire, which gives them certain privileges in the military. ]

“Nobogord borders only the Empire.”

The military inevitably had to lean towards the more radical side rather than the moderate.

After all, their reason for existence was to fight off the nation’s enemies.

[ However, our moderates have taken over the council and gained considerable influence over the military. They’ve secured almost half of the military’s key positions. The remaining half is still held by the radicals. ]

“True.”

[ The Menwa Tribe has seized around half of those key positions. Compared to other radicals, they certainly occupy a lot of important roles. ]

Having heard up to that point, Charlua finally began to see the picture.

The military positions that remained were limited. For the radicals, they had to share those positions somehow.

To maintain their tribe’s status and authority, as well as their own positions, they had to do so.

But if the Menwa Tribe occupied half of those positions, they would undoubtedly feel uneasy.

“Are you saying the ‘livelihoods’ are…”

[ From the radicals’ standpoint, it’s a matter of calculations. They must take away the Menwa Tribe’s share. They need to suppress their power to maintain their own livelihood. ]

It goes without saying that positions are determined. Once someone occupies a position, it can remain for several years, or even over a decade.

If a single tribe monopolizes such a position, dissatisfaction is bound to arise.

For the radicals, this was an opportunity to push them out and reclaim their livelihoods.

“…Ha. Seriously. When they call out the moderates for playing dirty political games, where were they looking at? The radical politicians are pulling some pretty disgusting tricks too.”

[ Originally, patriotic sentiments work like that. It’s not easy to sacrifice without any reward. There’s a gain to be had and once the cost-benefit analysis has been made, they act. ]

Having heard that, everything clicked for Charlua.

No matter how ingenious the schemes were, how could things move so quickly?

While it’s understandable that the Demons of Nobogord revere the king and become agitated by this,

why were the radicals rolling up their sleeves and pressuring the Menwa Tribe?

‘So this was it. What Prince Kael aimed for was not merely some rumors.’

At first, she thought he was simply trying to stir chaos within Nobogord with lies.

But that wasn’t the case. Kael merely gave them a pretext to act.

In doing so, he whispered notions of ‘gain and loss’ into their ears.

Ordinarily, it would be hard to resist such a temptation.

This was truly Kael’s unique talent, which he had been showcasing all along.

It’s not about instilling fear through massive flames.

Instead, it’s about showing sparks from afar to stimulate their imagination or provoke them to act on their own.

“…Dad.”

[ Speak. ]

“I want to stay in the Empire a bit longer.”

[ Hmm? Wasn’t it your plan to stay longer in the Empire anyway? ]

“Not just that, I want to stay significantly longer.”

This was something that would require much more effort and intricate predictions.

The individual capable of conjuring such thoughts in an instant was right beside her.

I want to learn. I want to know. Even just a little.

“Please, let it be a full study abroad experience.”

[ …Study abroad in the Empire? ]

“Yes. Doesn’t it sound good? The moderates should take the lead and send me to the Empire for study, practically as a hostages. Honestly, no one would easily take the initiative to do such a thing. If the chairperson’s daughter leads, it will surely yield a positive response.”

Hearing that, Caland on the other side of the communication device appeared to ponder for a moment.

In reality, there had been discussions about such matters within Nobogord before.

To receive various support and assistance from the Empire, sending the children of influential families for education was one option.

It would essentially become a form of hostages, ensuring the Empire would likely be satisfied with such arrangements.

The problem was that there was still apprehension toward the Empire, so the question remained: who would go first?

If the chairperson’s only daughter stepped forward, it would certainly be politically advantageous.

[ …You seem reluctant. If any issues arise between the two nations— ]

“You’ll ensure that there won’t be any, won’t you, Dad?”

[ Ahem. ]

Also, there’s another person in the Empire who wouldn’t want such things to happen.

A certain man who manipulated events to have our Demon Tribe take care of the Menwa Tribe.

He’s likely hoping for stability beyond the northern borders, which is why he would have given such advice.

Charlua kept those last words to herself.

[ By the way, Charlua. Has that Prince Kael requested anything specific? ]

“What do you mean?”

[ I can’t help but think he would have felt it too precious to let such an excellent scheme go for merely a piece of advice. ]

“Oh, that.”

Suppressing a chuckle, Charlua continued,

“He already collected it.”

[ Collected? ]

Caland asked, bewildered.

When did we owe a fee? Charlau thought.

And immediately, she recalled the conversation with Kael that had taken place just a few hours earlier.

“As for the fee for the advice? That’s strange. You already paid that last time.” “Paid? What do you mean?” “I mean the arrow I received from Nobogord. That counts as payment.”

*

“…Study abroad?”

“Yes. Prince Kael. That’s how it turned out.”

I silently gazed at her as she spoke.

Though it’s termed as studying abroad, it’s essentially a form of sending a hostage by Nobogord.

She cannot be unaware of this, but her expression is far too bright, raising my suspicions.

I hope she isn’t harboring some strange intentions.

I just helped stabilize things within Nobogord, and this cannot happen.

“Well, anyway, congratulations on staying in the Empire.”

“Thank you. But where are you off to? You seem unusually busy all of a sudden.”

Yes. I am headed somewhere. Somewhere quite far.

I scratched my cheek, recalling what had occurred just a few days ago.

“Kael Clausewitz. I must accompany the Second Princess to the western part of the Empire.” “As before in the East, I expect you to visit the legions stationed in the West to give them a boost.”

It was none other than the Emperor of the Empire who suddenly summoned the Princess and me, saying those words.

Caught off guard and unable to respond, the Emperor suddenly burst into laughter as he looked at us.

Then, with a serious expression on his face, he called me close.

“Prince Kael.” “You shall covertly survey beyond the borders of the western Empire.”