“Hmph.”
Upon hearing the news that Kael had an urgent report, Crown Princess and Gnaius entered the palace.
It was about Benito’s subtle movements, but honestly, this current situation is far more interesting.
“So, it’s kinda weird that the Chief of Staff, who’s willing to infiltrate enemy lines for the empire’s victory, says this.”
“It’s better than Her Highness Princess going right into the middle of the battlefield.”
“But hasn’t she been on the battlefield several times before?”
“That was different.”
So, does that mean you can’t stand her going to dangerous places now?
The Crown Princess pondered while glancing at Gnaius beside her.
He’s clearly trying hard not to smile, so it seems that’s indeed the case.
Geez, who would’ve thought? Are they already having a lover’s quarrel? Considering their personalities, they might not even realize it’s a lover’s quarrel. They’d probably just think they’re discussing their responsibilities and the dangers involved.
“Big sis, shouldn’t we stop this at least in front of His Majesty the Emperor?”
Gnaius cautiously whispered to the Crown Princess.
To this, the Crown Princess smirked and shook her head.
“Let them be.”
“Big sis?”
“Just watch. Isn’t His Majesty secretly enjoying this?”
Enjoying? Gnaius quickly turned his head to look. There sat the Emperor with an expressionless face—or so it seemed. In reality, it was an act. The father of a daughter was clearly there.
“Aah.”
I understand because I see it from the perspective of a son. Is that expression truly devoid of emotion? Or is the Emperor just pretending it isn’t there?
Considering all this, it’s evident the Emperor was definitely enjoying the moment.
“I didn’t expect His Majesty to act this way.”
“Same here. I never thought he’d approve, but here we are.”
Perhaps the Emperor finds the little quarrels of these youngsters rather adorable. After all, they’re both among his favorites, and the reasons are not trivial—it’s for the empire’s benefit.
“To think that not just Belle but even the Chief of Staff could get this way, who’d’ve thought?”
“Emotions are sneaky like that. You don’t know you have them until something triggers them, and once they do, they snowball out of control.”
“Big sis is right. That’s why human feelings are so terrifying.”
“And the Chief of Staff here, who’s managed to master his feelings to this extent, is truly remarkable.”
Perhaps the reason the Emperor trusts Kael so much is precisely because of this. He knows how to effectively manage people’s emotions and uses that well. That’s why the Emperor knows Kael will never endanger the empire while distracted by something else.
“Hmm.”
At this moment, the Crown Princess caught a subtle change in the Emperor’s demeanor.
It was time to intervene; his subtle adjustment signaled the right moment.
“Chief of Staff, Belle. That’s enough for now.”
The pair then seemed to realize what they were doing. Arguing in the main hall, no less, and in front of the Emperor!
Both Kael and Isabel immediately apologized, confessing they had committed a grave offense.
“Ho ho ho.”
Of course, the Emperor had no intention of scolding them. He only chuckled.
“The Princess’s determination is admirable. She always volunteers for dangerous missions, setting an example for the Imperial Family. Her presence boosts morale among the Imperial Legion, don’t you agree?”
“Most humbly, your Majesty.”
“And the Chief of Staff is concerned about the Princess’s safety, trying to prevent her from venturing into too much danger for the sake of all.”
“I apologize, Your Majesty Emperor.”
Having calmed them down, the Emperor directed his first question to Isabel.
“Princess, do you truly believe your presence will inspire the Southern 4th Legion to achieve greater success?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I helped press Benito forces alongside them before, and in the recent siege, I worked with two other southern legions. If I join them, it will undoubtedly boost morale which is crucial to crushing Benito’s offensive.”
It’s not misplaced confidence; Isabel’s statements are factually correct.
It’s rare for a prominent individual to join the front lines unless they’re part of a certain high-stakes battle. Often, they just make quick appearances.
But Isabel has made her presence known in almost every theater, from the north, via the east, through the south, and now, even the west. Wherever she was, victories followed. Even if she didn’t directly fight, her presence inspired triumph. That fact alone gives the troops immense strength.
This battle with Benito combines veteran soldiers with new recruits. Naturally, they can’t just pull forces from the Dedolant front. Starting on the right foot is essential, and Isabel’s presence will surely make a significant difference.
“Chief of Staff, what are your thoughts?”
“The Princess’s assessment is valid, but it’s unnecessary for her to be on the front lines…”
Kael abruptly stopped mid-sentence, finally understanding the Emperor’s intent.
He realized how overly sensitive he’d been about Isabel’s choices without realizing it. A protective instinct had kicked in when she volunteered for dangerous missions, leading him to overreact a bit.
The Emperor had given him time to compose himself.
“…If maximum precautions are taken, it should be fine for the sake of the 4th Legion.”
“With the Chief of Staff’s acknowledgment, Second Princess, you may accompany them, provided it does not hinder the 4th Legion’s operations. However, any unnecessary maneuvers that lead to combat losses will be your responsibility.”
This time it was Isabel’s own judgment, approved by both the Emperor and Kael, and thus came with corresponding responsibility, to which Isabel nodded.
*
“What exactly are you up to?”
After the meeting with the Emperor, I immediately questioned the Princess.
After warning me not to take unnecessary risks, how could she just do it herself and expect me to sit back and watch?
“It’s not like I enjoy putting myself in danger, Kael. It’s all to end this war sooner.”
“But—”
“My situation is different from yours. There were others who could’ve been sent to Dugal, and for the rear meeting with Dedolant, a representative would have sufficed. This is different. The 4th Legion is taking on a high-risk battle involving reserves and new recruits. Wouldn’t you agree they need me?”
Fine, I’ll admit it. The Princess’s reasoning is flawless, even if I don’t like it. If the eastern legions have strong faith in my sister Kaya, the southern legions place their trust in the Princess. Her presence will make a substantial impact.
“And Kael, I’ve been on the front lines before, many times. I’ll be fine. I’m not going to wield a sword in the front lines. I’ll just boost morale and step back.”
“…The Princess speaks truth.”
Yeah. It’s not about her being on the frontlines per se. It’s this new closeness that makes my worries grow. It’s uncomfortable to imagine her being somewhere without me.
‘At this point, there’s only one way to ease this anxiety.’
Fortunately, the Dedolant front needs at least a month of rest.
I’ve already left instructions with the 1st Army Commander and their staff. They’ll figure things out.
“Very well. I’ll go with you.”
“Wait, Kael is going too? What about Dedolant?”
“Anyway, we need to pause the offensive there for about a month.”
“But isn’t it risky for the Chief of Staff to be gone for a long time?”
“My responsibilities don’t stop at Dedolant. Benito is also part of that. If Dedolant remains quiet, I can observe other areas without issue.”
I’m going with you. If the Princess sees it as a repeated scenario, like when she followed me to meet the Paelus Commander, she would know she can’t deny me now.
“I can handle it on my own.”
“I trust the Princess’s capabilities, but I just want to go along.”
“Lies.”
“Yes, it could be a lie.”
Thus, after quarreling in front of the Emperor and the Imperial Family, I accompanied the Princess to the southern front.
“Wait, what do you mean their offensive has been crushed?”
The shocking news of Benito faltering awaited us.
“Exactly as you’ve heard, Chief of Staff. Princess. We at the 4th Legion estimate that at least 60% of Benito’s attacking capabilities have been lost.”
Was it the 4th Legion that crushed Benito before we even arrived?
Maybe the enemy got overconfident after a few victories and fell into some kind of trap?
Even they should have considered the possibility of deception, unless they’re complete fools.
“How did this happen? I heard Benito’s attacks were quite fierce.”
“Allow me to explain, Your Highness Princess.”
Hearing the 4th Legion Commander’s explanation, the Princess and I couldn’t help but sigh.
“A sudden outbreak of an epidemic has taken hold inside Benito.”
“Epidemic?”
“Yes. It appears that due to a large number of people staying within the castle for too long, the situation escalated. When we noticed the unusual silence, further investigation revealed an even more severe spread of the illness than previously thought.”
The beginning of our strategy to undermine their counter-offensive. I intended to resolve it through combat, but the epidemic worked in our favor.
As I listened to the ongoing report, I momentarily looked up at the sky.
Of course. No matter how skillful or what your state screen says, the ultimate trump card is always luck.
