I Am Being Mistaken for a Genius Strategist

---

After leaving the Imperial Palace, I returned to the estate with Alexei.

On the way, Alexei didn’t bother to converse with me at all.

He likely noticed the change in my expression since meeting the Crown Princess.

As a loyal attendant, he was doing an excellent job of maintaining his position.

He even drove the carriage with extreme caution. It was quite evident.

‘When we get back, I should give him a salary raise.’

I silently expressed my gratitude to Alexei once more.

Leaning against the carriage window, I reflected on the conversation we just had.

“I will become the perfect Emperor, so you strive to become the genius advisor they speak of. Ah, this is not a command, but a suggestion. You needn’t feel too burdened.”

Like a joke shared with an old friend, the Crown Princess maintained her smile.

Though the sight felt comfortable, it also radiated an aura that was difficult to approach.

“In the process of building an Empire where no one can treat each other carelessly due to our ambitions, shall we work together? Prince Kael.”

I quietly gazed at the hand the Crown Princess personally extended to me.

It was white and slender. Yet, it was a hand that would never waver.

‘Though she says it’s not a leash, and not to be lured by bait, that’s how it appears to me, Your Highness the Crown Princess. Indeed, you’re quite a frightening person.’

My contemplation didn’t last long. I struggled with quite a few thoughts and conflicts.

But in the end, my answer was predetermined from the start.

I had already achieved much. It was too late to retract now.

Above all, that ambition had a way of tickling a person’s heart without them even realizing it.

My heart didn’t race like a film or drama from my past life.

I wasn’t anyone who would kneel and proclaim, “I shall serve you with all my loyalty!” or be deeply moved by visits from great officials.

The direction of my conflict merely tilted more towards what the Crown Princess had mentioned.

“Empire. Clausewitz Family. And my name.”

Right. Unless one is truly an enlightened person, who wouldn’t harbor such desires?

Even those who aren’t blinded by a craving for attention from others still have some desire to leave their mark on this world.

Building a family, at the very least, is also a way of leaving one’s legacy.

‘What an impressive yet dangerous individual.’

Isabelle, the Second Princess, and Gnaius, the Crown Prince. Both of them were exceptional individuals.

Elites who had received special education in the Imperial Family since childhood.

It was no wonder that they were reputed to be the best bloodline in the Empire.

However, compared to the Crown Princess… I’m sorry to say, but they simply don’t measure up.

To be fair, she had been chosen as the next Emperor at a very young age.

I heard she had mastered everything from imperial studies to political science, business, linguistics, and the humanities.

From discussing politics to winning people’s hearts, she truly is a master among masters.

I understand now why capable individuals are often captivated when they meet a remarkable leader.

Experiencing it firsthand, I can grasp their sentiments.

‘Be careful. It’s precisely individuals like the Crown Princess that are the most fearsome in the world.’

The words the Crown Princess spoke to me were sincere. The expectations she held for me were also genuine.

Precisely because everything was so real, I must be even more cautious.

While discussing ambition, one can glean from the aspects the Crown Princess pointed out.

Mentioning the family or name highlights the line I must maintain as both a minister and a noble.

If I were to harbor any other intentions, the Crown Princess would view me not as a minister, but as an enemy.

I understand well. Those at the highest echelons are always wary of those who approach them.

The ambitions the Crown Princess has for me ultimately mean to not be a threat to the Empire.

Her words evoke simultaneous feelings of expectation and vigilance. It’s frightening, yet I don’t feel wronged.

In fact, her revealing that sentiment is quite a sign of goodwill towards me.

How often would someone of her stature expose their true feelings?

“I’ve heard there will be a second army heading towards the Eastern Front.”
“Indeed. Are you thinking of going again?”
“Yes. I want to see how far I can go. Your Highness the Crown Princess.”

I’m curious about the news from the Pavilion Front and would love to hear about the tripartite alliance.

I could hear it from others, but nothing beats seeing it with my own eyes and hearing it with my own ears.

“The second army isn’t just about the combat portion at the Pavilion Front, Prince Kael. Though limited, there will also be decisions on the tripartite alliance and other various matters.”
“…That sounds to me like I’ve been granted the authority to act immediately if diplomatic changes occur.”

At my question, the Crown Princess merely smiled silently in response.

She’s expecting something. No, she’s confident.

She anticipates that changes will occur within that tripartite alliance.

Such that the frontlines or the political situation itself could be turned upside down.

If that happens, the situation is likely to unfold rapidly.

That’s why a ridiculous authority of prior actions followed by reporting was granted, at least partially.

“Do you perceive that? Well, being the one leading the winds of change, you might indeed feel it that way.”

Even so, I didn’t intend to play that card.

Thus, my remarkably impressive second meeting with the Crown Princess came to a close.

Along with the news that I would soon be re-assigned after a short break at the estate.

“Master! We’ve arrived!”
“Ah. Thanks for your hard work, Alexei. I arrived comfortably thanks to you.”
“Fufufu. After all, I am the best carriage driver of the Duke’s house.”
“I’ll raise your salary, so look forward to it.”
“Ah. If you’re raising it just for me driving the carriage, I might…”

For a while, I exchanged playful banter with Alexei.

However, I then realized something was off about his expression compared to usual.

“Spill it.”
“Master?”
“You have something to say. It’s all over your face.”

At my words, he shook his head vigorously, denying it wasn’t him.

But who does he think he’s kidding? I’ve known him long enough.

I know as much about him as he knows about me.

“Come on, tell me. Is something bothering you?”
“Well, it’s… um.”

After a brief hesitation, Alexei finally continues.

“Unlike last time, your expression seems a bit off, Master.”
“Last time?”
“Yes. When we first met the Crown Princess. You weren’t wearing the expression you have now.”

Back then, I was stunned and had a lot going on.

But, I know Alexei would see right through me if I tried to brush it off.

I considered throwing out some vague excuse, but being honest about my feelings right now is the best course.

“The truth is, facing her directly made me a bit anxious. Frightening, if you will.”
“The Crown Princess… you mean?”
“It’s not that her words and actions are coarse. It’s just that she has all the qualities she should as a ruler. She knows precisely how to handle people.”

While she would undoubtedly make a good Emperor, I’m not so sure about her as a good boss.

It’s a tough gig. The position of an Emperor requires one to burn not only their ministers but also themselves.

For the sake of this Empire, they may issue false promises or break commitments.

Looking back on my memories from my past life, it’s not hard to find examples of this.

Some split up due to differing visions, others got discarded like used fodder.

And some have been discussed a thousand times over, arguing about life and death.

“I know you mentioned ambition to me, but you know, Alexei. My family means everything to me. If it came down to it, I could give up the position of heir for their sake.”
“Oh no! You mustn’t say that lightly! That position you hold, Master, is not something to easily give up!”
“I’m just saying that hypothetically.”

Suddenly, I found myself missing the Second Princess.

Though she may have had her shortcomings compared to the Crown Princess, at least her heart was transparent.

Above all, her eyes sparkled with excitement, and that cuteness was hard to forget.

“Then… are you planning to distance yourself from the Crown Princess…?”
“What nonsense are you talking about? She’s the Crown Princess, and I’m a noble of this Empire. I mustn’t forget the basics. I have an obligation to pledge my loyalty.”

Seeing the perfect exemplar of a ruler in the Crown Princess reminded me of our dear friend ‘Chyo.’

Yet, there are a few major differences. The Crown Princess can never be compared to Zhao Ziyang.

Still, the resemblance is there. There’s no need to hear allegations of tyranny, and there’s no need to wield absolute power.

The Crown Princess is simply fulfilling her responsibilities as the Crown Princess of this Empire.

And I, as a nobleman—the eldest son of the Clausewitz Family, and the next Duke—am duty-bound to do what I must.

‘Even if I’m not a real strategist, I can still manage this much.’

Once more, I offer a deep bow of respect to the memories of my past life.

What would have become of me without them? What a thought.

“Phew. This is tough, really tough.”
“Y-Yeah! Even just hearing this much is making my head spin.”

Just then, while I was playfully teasing Alexei and he exaggerated his response, a servant who had been waiting inside the estate rushed over.

“Oh, you’ve arrived, Master.”
“Yeah. What’s up?”
“Well, a direct contact from Duke has just arrived from our territory.”
“Here at the estate? From Father??”
“Yes, Master.”

What’s going on? Is something happening at the main house?

Oh. Could it be that Father is sending his regards because he heard I returned to the estate?

Considering various possibilities, I entered the estate to check Father’s message.

[ Kael. If you receive this message, hurry over to the Ministry of War. ]
[ Go there. Go, and please send your younger brother home! Please! ]