I Am Being Mistaken for a Genius Strategist

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The situation in the South was far more chaotic than I had expected.

To exaggerate a little, it felt as if the Empire had been pulled into war.

“We must immediately aid the Holy Kingdom and punish Benito!”

“That is the right thing to do! A royal family that has been excommunicated can no longer be called a royal family!”

“They have the audacity to declare war against the place where the miracle of Runen once graced us. This is an outright challenge to the order of light that has prevailed for centuries!”

Most of those insisting we must help the Holy Kingdom were followers of the light.

They were claiming that the Empire should raise its army right away to punish Benito.

If we were to remain silent, they argued, there would be no reason to have served Runen until now.

The Empire had also long believed in Runen and followed the teachings of the light.

Although not as faithful as in the early days, that strength still remained.

Thus, it was only natural to vehemently condemn Benito for daring to declare war on the Holy Kingdom.

“Please refrain from recklessness. It’s not like Benito has declared war on the Empire!”

“Other Southern Kingdoms are already mediating and trying to reconcile. Let’s wait a bit.”

Those speaking of the impracticality were individuals trading with the various kingdoms of the South.

If the Imperial Legion were to enter the South, the atmosphere would become exceedingly tense.

They cried out against deploying forces as their only means of livelihood could be cut off.

At first glance, it seemed that the arguments of the former group were much more favorable.

Benito had declared war on the Holy Kingdom, prompting excommunication.

And the Empire, alongside the Holy Kingdom, believed in Runen.

It was undoubtedly unpleasant for another nation to invade the very place where the miracle of Runen had taken place.

However, surprisingly, both arguments were maintaining a sort of delicate balance.

“Mobilizing the Imperial Legion again is quite burdensome, wouldn’t you agree?”

I nodded in agreement with the princess’s words.

As she said, the Empire had spent far too much on military expenses over the past year.

Even just the two legions that moved toward Nobogord took quite a bit.

Not to mention the Transportation Units following them and the reserves left in the rear that also needed to be prepared.

Not long after, the entire Eastern region erupted in turmoil.

Here, five legions were deployed in total. It couldn’t even be compared to the North.

The amount of taxes used there? Ugh. It’s hard to even imagine.

‘But has the Empire actually gained much from all this? Not really.’

In the past, they could compensate for losses by conquering various territories.

But now, that was not the case. They were only mobilized to maintain order within the Empire.

They did receive some compensation from Burgai, but it was hardly enough to cover the costs.

This explains why so many people were against deploying the legions again.

The East at least received a declaration of war, so that could be justified.

But the South was entirely another matter. It was a perfect example of “other people’s war.”

Pouring precious tax dollars into such a situation would certainly place a burden on anyone.

“Yet, it doesn’t seem like we’ll completely refrain from intervening. If we were going to do that, neither I nor Kael would be reassigned to the South.”

“I’m concerned. The situation in the West doesn’t seem good either; we need to shift our focus to the South.”

“What can we do? Right now, the South poses a more immediate impact on the Empire than the West.”

The southern region of the Empire thrived through maritime trade with several kingdoms in the South.

However, the scale exceeded any expectation one might have.

Just looking at the size of the cities along the coast, the importance of trade becomes clear.

The significance of the taxes collected from the South cannot be expressed in words.

In such a scenario, if the southern kingdoms were engulfed in war? It becomes excessively tiring.

Especially if the Imperial Legion gets involved, exacerbating the tensions towards the Empire? That would be a catastrophe.

It would mean enduring damages that could have been avoided.

“Haah… that damned money, money, money. Seriously… it’s driving me to neurosis.”

“I understand, Your Highness. But what can we do? From individuals to vast nations, ultimately, it all comes down to that money.”

“It’s just like before, but now I truly understand what you mean, brother. From the perspective of the coin faction, every time the Imperial Legion moves, it incurs astronomical taxes. If they had used that for other state projects, it would have been far more beneficial; it’s clear to me now.”

While saying this, the princess suddenly looked at me and tilted her head.

“Kael. Why are you smiling?”

“Ah, I’m sorry. I mean… um. This might be a little rude, but I’m just happy to see that Your Highness is continuing to grow.”

When I first stood before the Crown Princess, it was clear that she lacked several qualities compared to my sister.

She seemed not to even try to understand opposing views; she didn’t grasp why others supported those arguments.

It wasn’t that she was stubborn, narrow-minded, or simply lacked composure.

She simply hadn’t gained that level of perspective yet. She had just not experienced looking at things from a broader view.

And now, that was gradually being filled in.

“Hm. That’s true. I can definitely feel that I’ve changed since I’ve been following you around and experiencing various things.”

“How can that be credited to me? It’s all you, Your Highness…”

She covered my lips with her hand again.

“I sometimes wonder. Is that intentional?”

“Uwa?”

“Your humility, Kael. Even when there’s no need to be humble. It feels as if you say it just to poke at those listening.”

After releasing her hand, the princess gazed at me and continued speaking.

“You need to be more positive and hold yourself in higher regard.”

“Th-that’s too much flattery. I’m merely….”

“Shhh!”

*

“I present myself before the princess.”

“It’s nice to see you, Marquis Rael. I trust you have been well?”

“I’ve been the same as always, haha.”

Although I can’t say exactly why this time, they say this man is the richest in the southern Empire, Marquis Rael.

He is classified as a neutral faction, neither pro’s nor con’s.

However, from the conversation I overheard with the princess, it seemed they knew each other quite well.

“Kael, this is Marquis Rael. Marquis Rael? This is the famed strategist.”

“Oh, I’ve heard much about you. Your exploits in the Eastern region have been quite impressive.”

The marquis approached with outstretched hand for a handshake.

As I politely accepted his hand, he let out a hearty laugh.

He exuded a boisterousness worthy of a southerner.

“I’m glad to meet you. Indeed, I’ve been troubled by both Benito and the Holy Kingdom; it seems His Majesty has sent an appropriate figure!”

“Hahaha. To be called a figure by you, Marquis, I am undoubtedly lacking.”

“You’re a youthful lad yet so humble for your age. I wish my son could be like you.”

In the brief bright atmosphere, I exchanged various conversations with the marquis.

But soon we returned to the main topic, and the mood shifted instantly.

“The situation has grown truly peculiar. Your Highness, I think I understand why His Majesty sent you here.”

“You mean to rally the troops as a precaution, correct?”

“That’s likely the case. The way you conducted yourself in the Eastern region has already spread to every legion of the Empire. Even though a battlefield lies right before us, you’re personally visiting the troops to cheer them on. What could be more heartening to the soldiers?”

Let’s not forget. This is not a democratic society but a clear monarchy. Or rather, an imperial rule.

When nobles show kindness while passing by, many react with awe and gratitude.

Let alone when one of the most noble ladies in the world, the princess, personally visits the legions?

Right before the battlefield. With her fair hands, she soothes them and encourages them?

Without going far, the once-dwindling morale of the 7th Legion surged back to life instantly.

“But… will the Imperial Legion really march out? I’ve heard there are many problems.”

“The various kingdoms of the South won’t be too pleased. Likewise, the southern nobility of the Empire doesn’t seem too eager either, considering they’ve tried to minimize interference for pro-imperial sentiments until now.”

“Moreover, the Holy Kingdom hasn’t shown any intent to instruct the Empire to punish Benito.”

“On that part, there are various political factors at play which may explain that… Still, I’ve heard discussions continue on that matter within the system.”

The Empire likely faces numerous worries as well. Similar obstacles as seen in the West.

If they engage, there’s so much they risk losing right away.

Yet, if they don’t intervene, there’s still the potential to lose something looming in the forefront.

What distinguishes this case is that the South has a reason for the Empire to intervene.

That being the excommunication of Benito. More precisely, the excommunication of the king by the church.

With no rightful ruler, they can take action to prevent chaos.

The problem is that the Imperial Legion must pass through at least one other kingdom to reach Benito.

No nation allows foreign armies to roam freely within its territory.

It’s not about whether they trust the other side. It’s a matter of pride.

If their countrymen begin to lose trust in their leadership, it becomes all the more critical.

“…And there are kingdoms that haven’t exhibited any military action despite Benito’s excommunication; they can’t just carelessly abandon their borders.”

“You’ve made a keen observation, Prince Kael. Precisely, that’s the reason they cannot move recklessly even with an excommunication justification.”

The situation in the West is troubling, but to be caught up in the South?

While reflecting on my contemplations continuously, I soon presented the conclusion reached after numerous meetings with the princess, the marquis, various legion commanders, and nobles to the system.

[ Request for the Deployment of the Eastern Legion ]

[ Additional Support Required in the Southern Region ]

There were opposing views, and some argued for more caution.

However, one crucial factor led to this conclusion.

If the Holy Kingdom falls into the grasp of another kingdom, nothing could be more tiring than that.