I Am Being Mistaken for a Genius Strategist

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Beyond the Empire’s east lies a total of three kingdoms.

In order of their vast territories, they are Burgai, Kaden, and Polrand.

These places are collectively referred to as the Eastern Three Kingdoms within our Empire.

Territory, average. Population, average. Resources, average. Everything else, also average.

It can be said that they perfectly fit the title of a kingdom.

However, there is one thing. Their history is as long as that of our Empire.

What does this mean? It means they take pride in their own history.

They’ve grown wary while watching the Empire’s growth and have engaged in wars as well.

Just ten years ago, ‘the East of the Empire’ was also considered a dangerous place due to wars.

If this area hadn’t been divided into three kingdoms but was instead one single kingdom…

I can assure you that the Empire would have had quite the headache over this eastern region.

All three kingdoms despised one of them growing excessively large.

Nothing irritates more than a neighbor living right next door thriving, rather than a neighbor from afar.

Whenever one of the three kingdoms began to rise, the others would grab at their ankles.

Thanks to that, the Empire didn’t waste unnecessary resources and time in the East.

However, the words just uttered by the Crown Princess were about to turn this upside down.

“Are you saying… a union forming among the Eastern Three Kingdoms?”

“A report from the Ministry of Special Affairs. The Foreign Ministry also considers it very likely.”

“That’s…”

As mentioned, the Eastern Three Kingdoms are kingdoms where nothing stands out.

But that only holds true when viewing them individually. And right now, that’s tripled.

…No, it’s not just tripled; it would be even more. There’s such a thing as a synergy effect.

The union of the Eastern Three Kingdoms—this implies… just one thing.

“Prince Kael. What do you think?”

At that moment, the Crown Princess looked at me and asked.

Without much thought, I provided the answer.

“I believe they will show military action, Your Highness the Crown Princess.”

“And?”

“If things get even more dramatic, a war to the east may erupt.”

There’s no way these Eastern Three Kingdoms would come together saying, “Let’s get along with the Empire!”

These who’ve been keeping each other in check and grabbing at each other’s ankles have now joined forces?

This is merely them seeking allies because it’s burdensome to brawl alone.

“Exactly. As you say, it seems the Eastern Three Kingdoms are determined to not shy away from war with our Empire.”

To hear such words from no one other than the Crown Princess?

It has become almost certain that the Eastern Three Kingdoms will soon display hostilities.

Perhaps within two days at most, the Empire will also begin to move in earnest.

“Sister! Should we exert pressure on the pro-peace nobles immediately?”

“Pressure, you say?”

“Yes. Isn’t it proven that their loud cries for diplomacy are of no use? Just how much time and resources has the Empire invested in the East until now!”

As the princess mentioned, the pro-peace faction was focusing on the eastern region they believed held the greatest potential.

Since the three countries were keeping each other in check, they thought they could lessen their resentment toward the Empire if done correctly.

That was their thinking, and they supported the pro-Empire faction through various connections.

However, the result was that the three kingdoms united and were poised to draw swords against the Empire.

If this is allowed to go unchecked, the neighboring kingdoms will also show signs of unrest.

It is only natural for the Empire to take action. At the same time, we must also organize internally.

This was what the princess asserted before her elder sister, the Crown Princess.

“Tsk, tsk.”

However, the Crown Princess shook her head and clicked her tongue.

“It seems that Bel, you still have a lot to learn.”

“Sister? What do you mean…?”

The princess, looking quite flustered, didn’t know how to respond.

“Prince Kael.”

The Crown Princess turned her head to look at me, continuing her words.

“What do you think? Do you really believe we should push the pro-peace faction out of the political arena this time?”

“…”

I am the firstborn son of the Duke of Bertier Empire. A descendant of a family that has long been active in the military.

Having fought on the battlefield, I was also allied with the pro-war faction during my later bureaucratic activities.

Therefore, to others, I am undoubtedly seen as a pro-war individual.

In this situation, the Crown Princess is asking me, “What should we do about the pro-peace faction?”

‘…Is the Crown Princess affiliated with the pro-war faction?’

No. If anything, she’s closer to a neutral party.

…No, that’s wrong. She is an absolute being. There’s no real reason for her to choose.

It only looks neutral because she can pick or discard at any time.

What kind of answer should I present in front of such an absolute figure?

What can I say to satisfy this divine being?

My mind was racing, and I took only a few seconds to formulate my response.

“No, Your Highness the Crown Princess. Rather, given the current situation, I believe we absolutely should not push the pro-peace faction out.”

“Prince Kael?!”

“Hmm.”

The Crown Princess wore an intrigued expression while the princess looked at me as if I’d betrayed her.

No, Your Highness the Princess, please don’t give me that vampire glare. It’s not what you think!

“I’d like to hear more reasons. Would that be alright?”

“Yes, Your Highness the Crown Princess.”

After taking a moment to steady my breath, I unfolded the contents of my mind.

“First of all, the pro-peace faction within the Empire hasn’t completely failed.”

“Hasn’t failed? Isn’t the current situation a failure? The three kingdoms forming a union makes the safety of the east precarious!”

“It appears so. At first glance, that’s how it seems.”

Of course. If they had truly failed, things wouldn’t have escalated so suddenly.

“The very reason the three kingdoms are moving so suddenly must be rooted in something. For instance, to suppress the pro-Empire factions that are gradually rising within.”

“The anti-Empire factions have gotten anxious and forged an alliance?”

“It’s not impossible, as the anti-Empire factions still have more power than pro-Empire factions in the three kingdoms.”

I find it quite familiar, having seen this scenario often in my past life.

The easiest way to squash an opponent in politics is to create an external enemy.

Then, claiming there’s a coalition between that external enemy and your political rival.

In turn, public sentiment naturally becomes disunited and falls apart in an instant.

“To ignite another war with the Empire just to deal with a pro-Empire faction that has just begun to rise? Hmm… Prince Kael, don’t you think you’re underestimating the leadership of the three kingdoms?”

“I would rather hope my expectations are wrong. I hope their leadership is smarter than I predict.”

“What’s your reasoning?”

“Those in power cannot tolerate losing their source of power more than they can bear losing their nation. Even if the future is visible before them, they can’t help but fear immediate public disapproval.”

The Crown Princess nodded silently.

Only the sound of her fingers tapping the table echoed in my ears.

“And, the pro-peace faction must also remain for the next phase.”

“For the next phase?”

“Even amidst such situations, we need to keep forces that seek dialogue over war. This fosters an image in the hearts of other kingdoms that ‘the Empire always keeps a window open for more peaceful methods.’ If we successfully navigate this eastern crisis, it can benefit the Empire in many ways.”

With my response, the Crown Princess smiled, as if to say, ‘Moreover, the Empire can maintain that they left room for dialogue with the Eastern Three Kingdoms, right?’

As expected, she is sharp. It seems she had grasped that part along with everything I mentioned.

“Indeed. Prince Kael, your words are correct. It is surprising how you’ve understood all of it.”

“I’m honored, Your Highness.”

“Didn’t you mention you’re only twenty-one? It’s truly fascinating how you don’t even seem that age.”

By that logic, Your Highness the Crown Princess, you’re only twenty-four, and you’re witnessing the same things I am.

Even more so, it’s quite terrifying considering you have none of the memories or experiences from a past life.

I’m merely babbling to navigate this situation!

“Ah, ah…”

At that moment, the princess, who had been silently listening, sighed.

She then bowed her head deeply, offering her apology to the Crown Princess.

“I-I’m sorry, sister. I’m so sorry! Your Highness the Crown Princess, I’m so lacking that I don’t understand such grand politics…”

“It’s natural not to know, Bel. Rather, that man beside you is strikingly exceptional. You’ve reeled in quite the catch, heh heh heh.”

“…?”

What do you mean by catch? What does that even mean?

“Now, shall we move on to the next topic?”

As the Crown Princess gestured, maids appeared from somewhere to tidy the table.

It happened so swiftly that I would only understand what occurred later.

Indeed, the palace maids are no joke. They must not be lying when they say they can also provide guard duty!

“Take a look at this, Prince Kael. Do you know what it is?”

“…If I may venture a humble opinion, it appears to be a map of the Empire’s eastern borders and the adjacent territories of the three kingdoms.”

“You’re correct. Yes, it’s a detailed map of that terrain.”

As expected of the Empire. A tactical map like this? It’s practically akin to a modern map if I may exaggerate!

“Their confidence in defying the Empire’s mood. While they have multiple paths toward our Empire, our paths toward them are limited. If just one of those pathways is seized, it’s as if their leash is cut off.”

The Crown Princess pointed to one specific location on the map.

“This area, which we call the Pavilion, is where we plan to station elite troops to maintain defense. Soon, the Ministry of War and the military will relay operation plans.”

“I see.”

“And I would like you to accompany me to this location, Prince Kael.”

“Me…?”

I anticipated it wouldn’t be ordinary business, but… to serve in a war again.

Moreover, this is by the command of none other than the Crown Princess.

“I’d like to borrow your cleverness once more. Can you assist?”

“Your Highness the Crown Princess, I am always ready to stand for the Empire. However—”

“You needn’t worry about your age or experience. I promise you that.”

Damn, this is a big deal. This is a poisoned chalice. Isn’t this an expectation of someone just under the Emperor?

If all goes well, that’d be fortunate, but if I make a slight misstep, it won’t just end in tarnishing our family’s honor.

“I will do my utmost, Your Highness.”

Of course, it’s out of the question to simply run away saying, “Nah, I’m not going to do that.”

Especially when it’s a request, or rather a command, from the Crown Princess herself.

If I can manage to shine just a bit, our family may soar to great heights.

“That’s a willing answer. Now let me ask, if you are present at this location, how do you think you should act?”

“If I were here, I would…”

The critical chokepoints of the Imperial Army. Definite firm positions to maintain.

Beside those relatively easy-to-block paths is a mountain range.

‘Mountain. A mountain, huh.’

Having settled my thoughts, I pointed at a location spread out on the map.

“I would like to utilize this place, Your Highness the Crown Princess.”

As I pointed to the mountain adjacent to the path, the Crown Princess made a peculiar expression.

Amidst all this, they were expecting something more tactical; I guess it was surprising I offered such a beginner-level answer.

But, I have absolutely no worries, Your Highness the Crown Princess.

I am not just a hiking enthusiast who only knows about mountains!