I Am Being Mistaken for a Genius Strategist

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“Long time no see, Prince Kael! Ah, should I call you that now that you hold the position of Acting Commander?”

While it’s called “Acting Commander,” in reality, it’s more of a temporary gig, which makes things a bit awkward.

The Emperor wants us to not worry about what others think and just do as we please.

But honestly, having a title comes with more pressure in my view.

Wait, did she just say “long time no see”? Your Highness the Princess? It’s barely been two weeks since we parted ways!

Anyone overhearing us might think we haven’t seen each other in two months!

“Oh. Your expression says it all.”

“Excuse me?”

“It’s clear you don’t think it’s been a long time at all!”

Oops. I found myself unconsciously fiddling with my face.

As a noble standing before a princess, just showing such an expression is already disrespectful.

But soon enough, I had to clutch my forehead and think, “I’ve been had!”

“Hehe. Just joking.”

“…Looks like I’ve been had.”

I can’t help but think that perhaps the Princess is truly a genius strategist.

For her to deceive someone like me, she definitely has that right!

“Anyway, feel free to call me however you like, Your Highness.”

“Really? Then, Kael. How about that? Let’s stick to first names.”

“…It’s fine.”

I was only discussing the position of Acting Commander.

The Princess quickly ditched the title of ‘Prince’ and opted for just my name instead.

That makes me even more worried. I shouldn’t get too close to the Princess.

Even now, I walk a strange line with the Emperor, and getting close to his daughter only makes me an even bigger sinner!

“By the way, have you heard about the schedule?”

“Yes, Your Highness. It’s the plan to visit the western region of the Empire and check on each legion, and then, to visit the border areas.”

“There’s a moving magic circle to head west, but it might be difficult to use that. It would actually be better to go to each legion instead.”

So that means we’ll need at least a two-month itinerary.

For crying out loud. In less than a year, we’ve already visited the north, east, and now we’re heading to the west.

I can’t help but worry that we might end up hitting the south as well.

“Speaking of which, Kael.”

“Yes?”

“Why is that woman coming with us?”

Following the Princess’s gaze, I turned my head and was met with a familiar face.

None other than Charlua, the only daughter of the Demon Tribe Alliance’s Chairperson.

Additionally, she was the number one exchange student from Nobogord.

Honestly, it was a bit unexpected. I didn’t expect her to be the number one exchange student.

Considering the value she represented, it seemed a bit over the top.

After all, she’s the Chairperson’s child. The only daughter, at that.

If by some chance she were to be taken hostage, it would create quite the headache for Nobogord.

What’s more, the moderates would find themselves forced to abandon their support pillar as well.

As the Empire’s child is taken hostage, the hardliners would likely attack, claiming they don’t know what might happen.

Even so, Charlua has become the number one exchange student.

And that’s exactly why she’d be accompanying the Princess and me.

“It turns out the route from the System towards the west and south is quite close. So, she’s only tagging along until that point.”

“Hah. If that’s the case, your younger sister, Kaya, could’ve come along too.”

If it were Kaya, I would’ve absolutely opposed it on my end.

At that time, I could bind her tightly with the name of escorting her.

But now, without the special circumstances of a battlefield or the weighty position of an escort,

Dealing with my younger sister, who has a somewhat rebellious streak, would be incredibly challenging.

I know I should handle her more strictly, but… damn it, that’s hard.

Since I’ve spoiled her since she was young due to our age gap, it’s become a habit.

I probably still see Kaya as a five-year-old even when she becomes an adult.

“Your Highness the Second Princess. Prince Kael.”

As if noticing me and the Princess from a distance, Charlua approaches with a smile.

What’s frightening here is the Princess’s reaction; moments ago, she was sulking, but now her face is completely devoid of that expression.

“Lady Charlua. I’ve heard the news. You’ve become Nobogord’s number one exchange student?”

“Yes, that’s right. It’s known that the Empire is a prosperous place, so I think it’s a good decision to learn something right and beneficial here and return to my homeland.”

“How admirable. That’s truly for the sake of your country.”

If I’m sensing some underlying message in that statement, could I just be imagining it?

When I think back on the Princess’s words, they could almost be interpreted as, “The hardliners opposing the Empire are bound to fail entirely. That’s not for the sake of the nation at all.”

“Yes, I agree. If holding onto stubbornness only brings loss, it’s better to let go and start anew.”

In the midst of everything, Charlua nodded in agreement, her expression remaining unchanged.

Thanks to that, the Princess found herself at a loss for words instead.

As expected of the Chairperson’s daughter leading the council. As someone from the Estania family of the moderates, she’s impressive.

“You two are heading west, I take it?”

“Yes, Lady Charlua. That’s the plan.”

“I’m headed south. There’s the Imperial Academy down there, right?”

As Charlua mentioned, there is indeed an educational institution known as the Imperial Academy in the south.

Given the name “Empire,” it’s a national academy, or rather, should I say it’s a royal academy?

Anyway, that academy is something you definitely can’t skip when talking about this world.

At first, I thought maybe I’d be entering that academy, and I had high hopes for it.

I imagined I’d be shooting a love comedy like everyone else at a place resembling a university.

But now that I see it, the Imperial Academy isn’t some fundamental educational institution like in my past life.

It’s a place you can go or not go. More like a gateway for commoners than nobles.

Though there are some nobles’ children, not many come from the major noble families, surprisingly.

They say they refrain from forming factions because it gives off a wrong impression, or something like that.

Above all, I had to live up to the powerful hope of the House of Sunghoon.

Thus, I ended up missing the enrollment season due to military training and various exams.

“I still remember. The moment I bid farewell to my academy life, saying goodbye with sorrow.”

In conclusion, it turned out to be for the best that I didn’t enroll.

Otherwise, it would have been practically impossible for me to stand out this much.

Well… I wouldn’t have heard of being called a genius or strategist, though.

“I’m really looking forward to it. The Empire is renowned for its academic advancements, right?”

“Yes indeed. Many esteemed scholars have been produced here over time.”

“I feel a bit embarrassed. Nobogord is still lacking in that regard… ”

Once again, she used self-deprecating words, and the Princess no longer showed any hostility.

Instead, she said, “But still, Nobogord has its own unique culture.”

Seeing it now, if the Princess is a flame, then Charlua would be water, wouldn’t she?

For a while, the Princess and Charlua continued chatting amiably.

I merely added the occasional affirming comment and engaged in the conversation whenever questions came my way.

“…I see. Your Majesty the Emperor appointed Prince Kael to the position of Acting Commander.”

“Yes. While it’s a temporary position, being directly appointed by the Imperial Family means he can voice his opinions from any region or legion now.”

“That’s impressive, Prince Kael. I’ve studied a bit about the Empire, and it’s rare to find someone so young receiving even a temporary position from the Emperor.”

“Hahaha. That’s—”

Just as I was about to say, “I was lucky!” the Princess suddenly covers my mouth.

Her soft skin pressed against my lips, and an intoxicating scent wafted up my nose.

I was taken aback and stammered for a moment, and the Princess answered instead of me.

“If it were Kael, he would definitely say it was luck! But in my eyes, that’s not the case at all. It’s because you have the talent and skill that luck follows you.”

“But that’s not it, Your Highness,” I tried to respond, but then Charlua chimed in, effectively sealing my mouth again.

“Uhmm. I think so too. There’s an old saying in Nobogord: ‘God extends a hand to those who do their best. Foolish ones call that luck.'”

“Oh my! That’s a saying that fits you perfectly, Kael. Look at that, Kael. Saying that everything you’ve accomplished is merely luck makes no sense at all!”

“Your Highness’s words are spot on, Prince Kael. If that was all luck, then we Nobogordians, as well as the three kingdoms beyond the east, would all lack fortune, and that would be even more humiliating.”

“….”

I could only gaze at the two women, stunned.

What’s happening? Why are they in such perfect sync? Whatever strange vibe they had moments ago has vanished!

*

“Well. I should take my leave now.”

Three days after departing from the System, Charlua bid her farewell.

Naturally, as the paths toward the west and south diverge from here, it was to be expected.

“I hope we meet again, both of you. Especially you, Prince Kael?”

“Yes?”

“I have so many questions to ask you and so much I want to learn. So I hope we can spend more time together next time. Is that possible?”

It was such a specific farewell that I found it difficult to respond clearly.

As Charlua finished talking to the Princess, she began to head towards the southern part of the Empire.

“She’s a surprisingly good Demon.”

Once Charlua completely disappeared from sight, the Princess spoke with a smile.

But why did that smile seem so eerie to me?

“However, I don’t think there’s any reason for you to engage with her, Kael.”

“….”

“You can treat her just fine when you meet her again. Understood?”

“Uh, if I may ask… why?”

“She’s from Nobogord’s Demon Tribe. While not a clear enemy, she’s not necessarily a reliable ally either. So I’d prefer if you followed my advice. Can you do that, Kael?”

Excuse me, Your Highness. Are those laser beams shooting from your eyes?

Feeling overwhelmed by that intense pressure, I found myself nodding instinctively.

And in an instant, the Princess returned to her bright smile as if nothing had happened.

That expression was so lovely that I almost completely forgot that creepy feeling.

*

One month later. Kael and Isabelle finally reached the border of the Empire’s western region.

During the journey, they visited several legions stationed in the west.

While the Princess was diligently focused on her duties, Kael prepared to fulfill his own responsibilities.

“Welcome, Prince Kael. We’ve been waiting for you.”

The Legion Commander of the Empire’s First Legion, stationed at the western border, bowed respectfully to greet me.

Up until now, I had merely been the son of a Duke. But now, I hold the title of Acting Commander.

While it’s a temporary post, it was appointed directly by the Emperor.

This means not only am I involved in military affairs, but I’m also serving as the Imperial Family’s eyes and ears.

Thus, it’s only natural for the Legion Commander to show proper respect.

“Here’s the report on the various kingdoms that have come into the west.”

Kael began reviewing several documents presented by the Legion Commander.

He soon scratched his head in frustration, feeling a headache coming on.

[ DeGale. Inquiring about participation in the Empire’s western front. ]