As the year draws to a close, the war that began half a year ago rages on.
The newly established General Staff had hoped to end this war before the New Year Celebration. The councilors, led by Marquis Consroker and his faction, worked tirelessly towards this goal. Indeed, the Empire initially seemed unstoppable, its victories so resounding it seemed as if their momentum could pierce the heavens.
However, it was all a ruse—a deceptive trap laid by Dedolant. While nibbling away at the Empire’s forces, they lured the empire into miscalculating critical moments. And then, at a decisive point, dealt the Empire a crippling blow.
After that, the Empire’s grand strategy against Dedolant underwent a major overhaul. At the center of this new strategy was Kael, newly appointed Chief of Staff of the 1st Army.
Kael swiftly prepared for a war of attrition, reorganizing everything to align with this new approach. Stockpiling supplies, training the reserve forces, and reinforcing all the frontlines were high on his agenda. But that wasn’t all—his strategy also aimed to wear Dedolant down with fatigue.
“Truly, it is a remarkable thing.”
“Your Majesty?”
Caught off guard by the Emperor’s sudden remark, the Crown Princess tilted her head in confusion. Remarkable? What was the Emperor referring to?
However, the Crown Princess quickly understood as the Emperor continued.
“I’m speaking of the Chief of the Imperial Staff. It’s as if he’s a prophet, waiting patiently for this exact moment.”
Even the Emperor of the mighty empire admired Kael’s strategic prowess, his every move executed flawlessly. As the empire reeled from heavy defeats, Kael anticipated enemy maneuvers and deployed effective countermeasures. Using his reputation to boost the morale of his troops, he skillfully positioned capable individuals across all battlefronts. Moreover, through cunning deception, he kept Dedolant’s focus glued to the south.
“And now, he’s dangling an irresistible bait, ensuring the enemy can’t rest even during the winter.”
The Emperor, pointing at a map of the western frontier beyond the empire’s borders, continued.
“The Minister of War just reported. All reorganizations of the 1st Army have been completed, except for the 9th and 14th Legions, which were entirely wiped out. Now they’re entering training to enhance their combat capabilities and incorporate them into the reserves.”
“Are there specific officers assigned to lead these forces?”
“Survivors who managed to escape Dedolant’s siege have been appointed to train the reserves. This was the recommendation of the Chief of the Imperial Staff, which both the Minister of War and the General Staff fully endorsed.”
Normally, these survivors would’ve been used to rebuild the annihilated legions, as the absence of a legion was a severe blow to the empire’s authority and pride. Especially now, as Dedolant boasted about the annihilation of two of the empire’s legions, claiming no kingdom had ever wiped out an entire legion like this before—a taunt that would drive anyone within the empire to madness.
But Kael worked tirelessly to persuade the empire’s leadership otherwise. The legions would return, but not now. Instead, these surviving forces would be redeployed to the rear to contribute more constructively. Their constructive role? Assisting in the training of new reserve forces.
“A very appropriate decision. These soldiers, having directly faced Dedolant’s tactics, know their strengths and terrifying tactics better than anyone. For reserves who haven’t fought Dedolant yet, there’s no better mentor.”
The Emperor’s smile deepened, thoroughly pleased.
To be honest, Kael’s proposals weren’t groundbreaking in themselves, as many others could have thought to deploy survivors as trainers. But what truly impressed the Emperor was how quickly Kael grasped critical situations, despite his young age, as if he’d already experienced similar scenarios countless times before. Furthermore, he didn’t hesitate to voice his opinions confidently, even when it might have been easier to waver.
He possessed unwavering resolve and provided convincing logic to support his decisions—something impossible without countless calculations.
Kael’s words may be humble, but his actions speak volumes, and this very fact earns him trust. What began as admiration for a talented young man had turned into recognition of him as a latent predator waiting for the perfect moment. The eastern kingdoms, Benito in the south, and Dedolant in the west would all soon experience the wrath of this formidable predator.
Fortunate for them, Kael was born and raised within the empire, belonging to its nobility. Had he been aligned with a foreign power, the headache for the Empire would have been unimaginable. Both the Emperor and the Crown Princess were mindful of this.
“Your Majesty, the Chief of the Imperial Staff has returned.”
At this news, the Crown Princess subtly asked,
“Is it regarding the logistics support bill for Ross Tannika?”
“It seems it is. Despite having the backing of both the Minister of War and the General Staff, he wishes to personally sway the council and the Treasury, indicating this matter’s importance.”
After a brief moment of contemplation, the Crown Princess stood up.
“Your Majesty, I shall personally go to greet the Chief of the Imperial Staff.”
“Ah.”
“It’s only natural. He’s the one who helped restore the battlefield and now restrains the enemy’s throat. My presence wouldn’t seem out of place.”
“Is that all?”
Is there more she wishes to say? A hidden question lingered in the Emperor’s gaze.
Naturally, the Crown Princess sensed the curiosity and added another point,
“I would like to discuss the logistics support bill for Ross Tannika in detail. I’d like to understand how far and to what extent we plan to support them.”
“And?”
At the Emperor’s retort, the Crown Princess paused, silently looking at her father.
She tried her best, studying diligently in various matters, yet she still remained under his control. Lowering her head in acknowledgment,
“…I wish to confirm something.”
“What might that be?”
“If the Chief of the Imperial Staff were to one day align with forces outside the imperial family, to what extent would we need to revise our current plans and calculations?”
A man of legendary status in imperial history—if he were to align with an outside faction, what would the repercussions be? His loyalty was unwavering, but politics was never simple. Thus, the Crown Princess being cautious was only natural.
She had been somewhat relaxed earlier, seeing the cordial relationship between Kael and Isabel. The imperial family had been subtly—and not so subtly—supporting their bond. Observing this, things seemed in order.
But looking now, she saw no hint of deeper intentions beyond friendship or camaraderie. In the position of someone preparing for all eventualities, she couldn’t help but feel uneasy.
A few months had passed, and the mood within the empire, despite gearing up for total war, remained surprisingly good. There was no sense that the nation’s spirit was being drained. The Treasury had clearly been adjusting budgets to maintain domestic stability.
“…Even if the Treasury kills me, it would be justifiable.”
They say the Treasury has gone through hell since I started planning for a prolonged war. It’s been rumored the Minister hasn’t slept properly for weeks, spending every night there. They say if anyone attacks in the dead of night, they might suspect it’s someone from the Treasury.
“Chief of the Imperial Staff.”
“Your Highness Crown Princess?”
What? Why are you here? Startled, I bowed my head quickly.
Since I’m part of the imperial family, I thought it only natural to report my return upon arrival. Both the Emperor and Crown Princess were busy, so I assumed I’d meet them during my official briefing later. But if the Crown Princess has bothered to greet me personally, perhaps something is up.
“I heard you’ve returned.”
“I am sure our frontline soldiers have suffered far more.”
“How could I not understand the burden of someone shouldering responsibility? Let us walk for a while. I have something I wish to discuss.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Something’s definitely up. What is it? It’s likely about the logistics support bill, right?
Here we are, tightening our belts to send supplies to the frontlines. Diverting those to Ross Tannika would just make their lives easier! Are they worried about this?
“The logistics support bill for Ross Tannika. I hear you plan to attend the council to convince the legislators.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Take heart. By the way, I fully support you. If we can’t provide troops, we must supply them with materials to help them fight Dedolant without surrendering. It’s only fair to uphold the Empire’s honor.”
Phew. That was expected, wasn’t it?
Surely, someone of the Crown Princess’s status wouldn’t concern herself merely with cost-effectiveness.
Afterward, the Crown Princess and I discussed the current situation in more detail—the plan to lay low until winter, the strategy of reinforcing Ross Tannika to create a four-front battle against Dedolant.
“By the way, I heard you reassigned Belle to the southern battlefield.”
“Ah, Your Highness. It’s likely more effective to divert Dedolant’s attention this way. With the Emperor’s approval, I made the decision.”
“I see. For a moment, I worried there might have been some friction between the two of you.”
Friction? Ridiculous.
I’m a noble of the Empire, and she’s the daughter of the Emperor. If I want to stay alive, I better conduct myself with great care.
“There will be no such issues.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, we shared tea and had a pleasant conversation before parting.”
“Hmm…”
Please don’t have the slightest suspicion about her. Absolutely, she is in no way a threat to the throne. Neither the Princess nor I have conspired or plotted against anyone!
“…I understand your commitment. Work hard at the council, and take some rest while you’re back.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
“Fortunate.”
Fortunate? What was fortunate about all this?
I wanted to ask, but held back. The Crown Princess was smiling brightly.
