I Am Being Mistaken for a Genius Strategist

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I lower myself for my own sake. I can do that as many times as necessary.

However, when the honor of my family is at stake, the story changes.

I shouldn’t be belittled further, even if I’m not openly boasting about it.

Even if it leads to greater misunderstandings, I will gladly bear that burden.

In that case, the moment that noble next to the Crown Prince uttered those words, my eyes nearly rolled back in my head.

“Of course, Prince Kael is remarkable, but the pillar is equally important. Anyone can come up with that moment of wit, but holding steady is not something just anyone can do.”

In an official banquet, belittling oneself could be considered humility.

But belittling others, whether directly or indirectly, is plainly a provocative act.

Even if it’s merely a fleeting witticism anyone can conceive of.

Even if the one who executed it knows they’re lowering themselves.

‘What’s this guy thinking? Does he think being next to the Crown Prince makes him untouchable?’

Does he really believe I wouldn’t notice that subtle jab?

If he’s viewing me as just a naïve young adult who just came of age,

my eyes were on the brink of flipping out. If nobody was around, I might have grabbed him by the collar.

The reason is pretty predictable. Being next to the Crown Prince clearly marks him as a noble from the pro-imperial faction.

On the other hand, our Clausewitz family, with the Duke of Bertier Empire lineage, leans toward the anti-imperial camp.

So, this is a form of check against me. A common transaction in the political realm.

Since I’m already lowering myself, it’s fitting, right?

Yet, it’s unfortunate for that noble; I’m definitely not a kind-hearted person.

When it comes to anything related to my family, I could turn into a rabid dog.

‘I’ll give him a proper lesson. Absolutely.’

Of course, I don’t want to treat him the same way, in a dirty and disgusting manner.

Doing that would tarnish my family’s honor, so I must refrain.

Thinking back now, it’s really not that great, so let’s not blow it out of proportion.

What should I do to feel completely relieved when someone says, “Don’t hype it up too much?”

“…Ah.”

The finger foods that had been pushed aside at the banquet hall. And the boiled egg that was among them.

The moment I saw it, something flickered in my mind. An absolutely perfect scenario formed.

Indeed, whether it was original or had lots of flaws, or if it was simply all a lie,

did the people here know that? Could they shut it down immediately? Impossible.

*

“There’s nothing wrong with that person’s words.”

Kael stepped towards the center of the banquet hall, bowing slightly as if to apologize.

“As this esteemed individual stated, the strategy I devised. Oh, even calling it that makes me feel embarrassed. Really, anyone can come up with that momentary wit if they think just a little.”

At that scene, Isabelle instinctively wanted to say, “No! The Prince’s strategy was truly remarkable! Who else could come up with such wit in that moment?!”

“This has turned a bit awkward because of me. As an apology, I’d like to propose a very interesting quiz.”

A quiz? Out of the blue?

“Everyone.”

Kael raised the boiled egg that he held in his hand.

“Is there anyone here who can balance this egg on the table?”

A sudden suggestion. An unexpected question. People tilted their heads, puzzled.

Balance an egg on the table? How on earth are we supposed to do that with that round thing?

Then, a few people who loved to show off volunteered to try.

But the results were failures all around. A natural outcome.

How could you balance an egg with a curved shape on a table?

“Anyone else?”

Kael scanned the crowd briefly before abruptly walking over to someone.

It was the very noble who had subtly been keeping me in check moments ago.

“Might you know how to do this, I wonder?”

“…”

“Can’t come up with a clever idea?”

His polite tone felt more direct than any provocation.

That noble decided to put forth his best effort.

“How about Prince Kael tries it? Since he posed the question, he should know the answer.”

“That is true. Then let me show you the answer to this question.”

Holding the egg, he approached the table. All eyes were on Kael.

Everyone was pretending not to notice, but they could sense the unusual tension between the two.

Pro-imperial and anti-imperial. The rising star and the one who has been around.

Who would win this battle of pride?

“The way to balance the egg on the table is—”

—[Thud!]

“This.”

With a slight tap on the egg’s end, he created a flat surface.

And he set it upright on the table. That was it.

The spectators gasped in disbelief.

So that’s how it worked? If it could be done like that, anyone could do it!

They expected a clever and brilliant answer, and all he did was that!

“Is that all?”

“Yes, that’s it.”

“Prince Kael, this is almost child’s play—”

“It looks easy, doesn’t it? It seems like anyone can do it. Yes, that’s right. It’s easy. Anyone can do it.”

After stepping back from the table, Kael pointed at the egg as he continued.

“You see, from this distance, after already knowing the answer.”

As he spoke, the murmurs among the people gradually quieted.

They were beginning to understand what Kael was after with those words and actions.

“It’s the same for everything. What looks easy. What seems like something anyone can do. That’s only because we already know the answer. If it’s easy from that point onward, then isn’t that person lacking?”

Anyone can come up with a wit, huh? Would you have been able to if you were there?

Rehashing what had already passed while being unable to balance even one single egg.

Considering how someone demonstrated, declaring it trivial, what’s your own level then?

With a bright smile, Kael finished peeling the egg and took a bite.

*

You say he isn’t a schemer—just someone lucky!

Then what’s this? A slight action mixed with some words to crush the opponent?

While internally exclaiming in astonishment, Isabelle barely maintained her composure.

Now, as the host of the banquet, it was urgent to quickly restore order to the chaotic scene.

“Now, now! That was truly an interesting quiz, Prince Kael. Thanks to you, the atmosphere of the banquet has improved!”

Did it really improve? Who knows? But it surely felt refreshing.

Damn pro-imperial nobles. Anyone would think they’re the only ones using their brains!

Responding to Isabelle’s remarks, the gathered people began to chatter once again.

Yet, they all cast furtive glances at one particular spot.

No need to mention, that was where Kael, wearing a friendly smile, stood.

“Izabelle.”

When I turned my head, the Crown Prince was calling me.

Under normal circumstances, I would’ve ignored him and said, “Yeah, I’m not going.”

But this time, Isabelle followed her brother without a word.

Soon, the two of them stood on the balcony, enjoying the outside air for a moment.

“Do it quickly. The host shouldn’t leave their seat for too long.”

“Yeah, that’s true.”

The Crown Prince momentarily fidgeted with the cigarette in his hand before finally setting it aside.

“That young man from earlier.”

“Prince Kael.”

“Right, that Prince Kael. He’s the firstborn of the Duke of Bertier Empire.”

Isabelle nodded at his confirmation instead of responding verbally.

With that acknowledgment, the Crown Prince felt another strong urge to smoke.

“I’ve never heard of such an individual in the Clausewitz family.”

“Well, neither have I. He just suddenly appeared this time.”

Thinking of the egg incident moments ago, the Crown Prince shivered, not from the memory of his quick wit but from the hidden intent behind it.

‘The one who was lowering himself suddenly emitted an atmosphere that could kill anyone.’

Today’s pawn was unlucky. He likely thought I was just some kid he could handle.

But he was mistaken. The opponent was far deeper than expected.

So young, inappropriately so, without any notable rumors surrounding him.

“Should we manage our people? They came to the banquet and ruined the atmosphere, and then they ended up sulking after failing miserably?”

“…I was just thinking of that.”

The two siblings leaned against the railing, sharing similar thoughts.

Even if Kael singled one out, it might have been words aimed at everyone.

To know what the right answer is and then to look back at an already passed situation vs. being completely in the dark at the time, it’s a sky and earth difference.

While I willingly achieve what you couldn’t, if you really think you can take me lightly, you should back off quickly.

‘Looks like I’ve poked a rather terrifying fellow.’

‘Looks like I need to tell my sister one more thing.’

*

After showcasing Kael’s egg trick, the greetings coming my way increased.

Everyone realized: Ah, don’t take that kid lightly just because he’s young.

He may wear a friendly smile, but when provoked, he’s definitely a whirlwind of madness!

Honestly, it’s bothersome and tiring, but thinking it’s all for my family gives me strength.

So why provoke someone who’s just minding their own business and create this fiasco?

‘I promised I wouldn’t show off anymore, but I guess I can’t help it.’

It felt like becoming a grandmother pulling out a hellfire sword.

And just as I expected, starting the next day, invitations began to flood in from all directions.