After the grand strategy meeting, I didn’t immediately return to the frontline.
A royal decree came down ordering me to take a few days off due to concerns for my health from being on the battlefield too long.
Though sudden, once I understood the Emperor’s intentions, I readily agreed.
‘Just a few more strategic moves and it’ll all be over. Guess this short break to catch my breath is exactly what the doctor ordered.’
No problem with the magic communication device maintaining connections, and the Legion Commanders are experts in their own right – far better at field operations than me. My role is more about coordinating everything from the back end, which can indeed be done even while on leave.
Plus, I need the time to investigate the situation within Dedolant further.
Admittedly, I’ve been away from the family estate for far too long now, which is starting to feel a little strange. All the hardships I’ve endured up to this point were, after all, for the sake of my family and the Klawitz House.
If my sense of purpose ever grows blurry, it wouldn’t be surprising if I slip up and make mistakes. Hence, the Emperor’s order to take some time off during this return was genuinely appreciated.
“Father. Mother.”
The Klawitz House. The Duke of Bertier Empire. It’s been so long since I’ve last returned to my hometown.
There, as ever, my parents and loyal family servants welcomed me warmly.
“Welcome home, Kael.”
“You’ve worked so hard these past months.”
Though fully grown, in my parents’ eyes, I’m still the little boy I once was. The moment they embraced me and patted me affectionately, it gave me strength.
“I’m sorry. Things have been so busy that even though I’ve come to the capital a few times, I haven’t had the time to visit the family estate.”
“Nonsense. Kael, how can parents complain when their child is busy with state affairs?”
“Hmph. That may be what he says, Kael, but your father was eagerly looking forward to your return.”
“Cough! I was merely curious about the battlefield situation, that’s all.”
Oh, how candid you are, Father! Just admit that you missed your son!
With a laugh, I escorted both of them to the reception room.
“I wanted to bring Kaya too, but the northern front isn’t quite stable yet. She’s the ace, our strongest card, and it’s not wise to pull her away now.”
“Good decision. Kaya will understand. As someone from the Klawitz House, duty comes first.”
“Have you heard about Kaya? She’s been performing incredibly, and her feats in the recent Erden battle have been nothing short of extraordinary.”
Not too long ago, she was still my adorable little sister. Today, she’s evolved into something akin to the empire’s ultimate weapon.
Every report that comes in leaves me marveling at her prowess, often letting out exclamations unwittingly.
She single-handedly crushes knight orders, doesn’t flinch even when faced by thousands of enemies, and disregards any traps or cunning plots thrown her way with sheer force.
The updates depict an almost unrecognizable ferocity and power compared to her previous cute image.
“Though I admit, it’s a little sad to see her innocence fade… But as someone from the Klawitz House, I suppose that’s what we must become.”
According to Charlotte, she’s been heavily influenced by me.
When I asked how the heck she could be influenced by someone who simply knows how to swing a sword, Charlotte gave me a deadpan look and asked, “Are you really asking that?”
Seriously, who in this empire wouldn’t be affected by someone as monumental as me? Whether it’s admiration, jealousy, or something else, her achievements and confidence will only continue to grow as she strives to keep up with her bloodline’s reputation.
“The war will end soon, Father.”
“Yes, it will.”
“And when it does, I intend to step down from my position as Chief of Staff and retire.”
“I won’t argue with your decision, but I question whether that’s even possible.”
Father is hinting exactly what I suspect. Both during and after the war, my role will remain important. Will the Imperial Administration simply let me walk away when I’ve made such significant contributions to the war?
“Post-war efforts will indeed require administrative skills, but there are people much more talented than me in that field within the empire. That should give enough reason for me to step back, don’t you think?”
“Hmm. I think it goes beyond mere competence.”
“What do you mean? Competence alone should cover everything, right?”
Competence should cover everything, right? Especially since character traits were likely already factored in when I was selected by the administration?
“During the war, capability might matter, but post-war it’s different, Kael. It’ll require absolute prestige and undeniable achievements, ensuring stability at home and projecting strength abroad.”
“…”
“Think of it as the empire’s subtle warning to other factions: ‘With such individuals holding the line, we trust you won’t entertain any rash ideas.’”
In simpler terms, it’s like waving a bl**d-stained club in everyone’s face and politely saying, “Don’t test us.”
Although a strange analogy, when you think about it, Father’s point aligns. It’s better to be seen as a peaceful victor than a bloodthirsty wolf.
“And besides, Kael, retiring immediately after the war might send an unintended message.”
“It could imply that the Empire is wary of its successful individuals…”
“Exactly. You’re in perfect health, and you’ve made no significant mistakes during the war. Therefore, your abrupt retreat would be considered highly inappropriate.”
Ugh. Though not exactly encouraging words, they’re dead on. Personally, I want to take a break, but you’re right—if I simply step down, it would cause exactly the issues Father predicted.
Besides, the war’s end doesn’t signify the end of everything. To prevent chaos, it’s beneficial for the individuals who’ve been making decisions to stick around.
The only problem is, this probably isn’t beneficial for my mental health…
“Our eldest son seems stressed.”
“Not at all, Mother. It’s just a bit stressful, but with everyone else’s efforts, I’m coping just fine.”
Thank goodness I was born into the Empire! Thanks to this amazing roster of talents, I’ve dodged all the proverbial ‘crapshoots’ that most people inevitably experience at least once in their careers.
Sure, I’ve made minor mistakes, but nothing I can’t handle.
“By the way, Kael.”
“Yes, Mother.”
“Didn’t the Second Princess come along?”
“Huh?”
Why the sudden talk of the Princess?
No further questioning was needed, though. I already know how both she and I feel about each other after all these years.
It’s simply situational factors delaying any aggressive moves from either side.
“The Princess has stayed behind on the field in my absence, closely monitoring the situation.”
“Ah, the Princess clearly cares about you, Kael. It seems she’s been stepping up to ensure you wouldn’t feel burdened during your absence.”
“Indeed, before returning to the capital, she insisted I take a few days’ rest.”
Funny how she seems more exhausted than me—probably thanks to my insane childhood stamina training.
“So, have you spoken much with the Princess?”
“Yes.”
“And?”
“Uh… Well, once the war ends, we’ll…”
“Let me be frank, Kael. High society already views your union with the Princess as a foregone conclusion.”
While my father excels in military and warfare updates, Mother dominates the social scene.
Of course, being the wife of a Marquis and a Lady in the Klawitz House, she has access to those circles.
“You must focus on your duties, but it’s also important to manage appearances in high society. Make sure to be seen with the Princess, Kael, to avoid rumors.”
“Yes, she’s right. Though somewhat premature, after the war, you should escort the Princess through the territory you’ve been granted in Neomes. I’m sure the Imperial Family would appreciate that.”
As we near the end of the war, discussions about the future naturally arise.
Yet, even the post-war plans are no walk in the park. They’re almost as daunting as the war itself.
“Father, how’s the situation in Neomes?”
“Ever since you started focusing on the Dedolant front, the Imperial Family sent a separate overseer to manage the area. I hear they’re doing a thorough job thanks to the Crown Princess’s close attention.”
While greatly respectful, it’s rather intimidating to receive such thorough management. Knowing this, how could I not feel obligated to return and work right away?
Could this all be the Crown Princess’s plot to keep me busy?
“Ah, speaking of which…”
After placing his teacup down, father continued.
“Lord Consrocker visited recently.”
“Consrocker? Ohhhh.”
Not adversaries, but hardly allies either. The Consrocker faction isn’t typically known for producing military personnel, hence little overlap.
However, one of their own, Mesok, was a Staff Officer back in my previous office. His faction’s strategic missteps led to a catastrophic loss of two Imperial Legions.
Due to this blunder, the General Staff underwent a total reorganization and the War Ministry was in shambles. Especially hard hit were the many officers aligned with Consrocker’s faction.
“Why would he come now?”
“Hmm? Don’t you know why?”
“What?”
“…??”
After a moment of blinking, Father explained.
“Weren’t you hiring displaced officers from the Consrocker faction, even after their blunders?”
“Yes, the very same staff who made significant errors, and yet, I took them on without harboring any resentment.”
“You not only took on their people but allowed them a degree of recovery from their previous disgrace. Because of this, the Consrocker faction sees you as their savior.”
“…”
I was actually just hiring based on their capabilities, disregarding family lineage or factional affiliations. If I had to carry the burden alone, that wouldn’t seem fair now, would it?!
