Finally, the Empire’s second wave of military forces have crossed the eastern border and appeared on the frontlines.
The 3rd Legion, 10th Legion, and even the 17th Legion. This is a full mobilization of the eastern border legions.
Combined with the previously dispatched legions, that makes a grand total of five legions – an army of 100,000 strong.
Of course, the 17th Legion is closer to being a reserve force for the 7th Legion.
Their main role is to cover and support the losses the 7th Legion suffered.
Regardless, there’s no denying that the Empire’s military presence in the east has become even more formidable.
“So this is the 7th Legion’s area soon.”
“That’s correct, Commander.”
The commander of the 17th Legion recalled the shocking news he had heard recently – about the elite 7th Legion being defeated and pushed back.
He had heard about fierce resistance from the enemy and that the Coalition’s casualties were also immense.
Victory and defeat in war are common, but still, it’s surprising.
And if it’s surprising to him from another legion, how must it feel for those who were actually involved?
The ones who were once the spearhead of the Empire now look disheartened – not a pretty sight.
Not just for their sake, but for the sake of the entire Empire, he needs to arrives soon.
They need a bl**d transfusion – to recover and revive the army that has already shed so much bl**d.
“I hope the 7th Legion rises up again soon and can fight a decisive battle against Burkhai.”
Defeat can be a poison that breaks a person, but sometimes it’s also a medicine that changes them.
The 17th Legion’s commander prayed that this defeat would be medicine, not poison.
And finally, as they reached the location of the 7th Legion’s camp…
“Our God has destined victory for the Empire! The 7th Legion shall once again be its spearhead!”
“WAHHH! 7th Legion! 7th Legion!”
… What is this? What’s going on here?!
From the commanders down to the lowliest soldiers, they all looked absolutely stunned.
*
The Princess’s慰问. A personal letter written by the Emperor and Crown Princess.
And of course, topped off by my special finishing touch.
The 7th Legion has truly been fully revived. All that’s left is to get what they need from the 17th Legion.
What happens afterward? Well, it depends on how much Burkhai has recovered, I suppose.
“So. You secretly threw oiled stones into the river, right?”
“Yes, that’s why it produced those strange lights for a while.”
I had to explain the whole situation to the Princess, who was very curious.
Where were you? Why did you even look at a river? She was really full of curiosity.
But once I explained honestly, she let out a dramatic gasp, clearly impressed.
“Your Highness, as you know, this is absolutely—”
“I know. We keep it a secret. Don’t worry.”
Even the Princess nodded, understanding fully.
But then she looked at me and said slyly, “Isn’t that right?”
“Your Highness?”
“But if this is the case, what kind of strategist are you? Lord Kael, aren’t you just a strategist incarnate?”
“That’s not true at all. I merely added a minor touch to the plans laid out by His Majesty the Emperor, Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess, and Her Royal Highness the Second Princess. I was nothing more than a small wind instrument.”
“Are you being genuinely modest, or are you just trying to act modest?”
Of course, it’s genuine modesty. There’s no reason to be humble here.
After all, this idea didn’t originate from me; it was borrowed from history.
But there’s no easy way to explain this. It’s from my memories of my past life! But admit it? That would definitely sound weird.
“Phew… Honestly, you’re impossible to understand.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment, Your Highness.”
“Yeah, yeah. Do whatever you want. I don’t think you’d listen to me no matter what I said.”
“Surely not, Your Highness’s words are important.”
“Then you admit you’re a strategist?”
“As I said, I’m not a strategist but a mere wind instrument…”
The Princess teased me playfully, and I responded with a joke.
Seeing each other so often and working together has certainly closed the distance between us.
And yet, it shouldn’t be like this. After all, she is the Princess, and I am the son of a noble family.
“Hem, hem!”
As if sharing my thoughts, the Princess seemed to catch her own drift and cleared her throat, stepping back.
Just as an odd atmosphere was about to settle over the space, she spoke first.
“To be honest… I’m a little worried.”
“Your Highness?”
“I mean, no matter how much the Emperor and Crown Princess’s letters helped, the soldiers of the 7th Legion were shouting for the Emperor and praising the Crown Princess. But in all that, I received too much attention.”
“What do you mean?”
“In the presence of our legitimate Crown Princess, I feel I got too much attention as the Second Princess.”
Ah, so her worry was in that direction.
It’s not entirely unfounded. Indeed, I worried about it briefly too.
Even if the heir is decided, any potential contender remains a target of suspicion.
And war, which brings chaos, also brings glory.
Success naturally raises your reputation, which can confuse those below you.
What if the Emperor begins to suspect her achievements?
Sometimes it’s due to ambition, but sometimes it’s not the person but their circumstances that lead to suspicion.
It doesn’t matter how you become a threat to the heir; the only question is whether you are.
“You’re concerned about appearing as a threat to Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess, aren’t you?”
“That’s exactly it. When the soldiers of the 7th Legion called me an angel and all sorts of other things, my heart sank. I absolutely have no interest in the throne, and I don’t covet my sister’s position.”
I nodded fully understanding her sentiments.
At the same time, this was an area I had already anticipated, so I decided to ease her worries.
“I believe Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess won’t worry much about this.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Because Her Royal Highness also understood that the most important thing now is managing the 7th Legion, and in order to prevent the Pro-Empire faction from gaining too much power, that Your Highness had to go.”
Surely, the Emperor and Crown Princess didn’t approve this without consideration?
There’s a reason. That’s why they allowed me to accompany the Princess.
Both must have seen that having the Princess personally console the 7th Legion was the best strategy.
Before the war ends, it must be made clear that the Anti-Empire faction cannot take over.
Politicians must not be underestimated. They don’t take actions without thorough calculation.
And this isn’t because I’m a genius or a great strategist. Just by studying the history of this world, it’s clear.
The reason the Emperor and Crown Princess trust me so much is similar.
Our territory is not far from the central system. If anything seemed amiss, the game would be over.
Plus, our Klawitz family is a Duke of the Empire.
The title of Imperial Duke is given to those who serve the Imperial Family and the Empire faithfully.
That’s why we were bestowed this title, not just a regular Duke.
If I abandoned this title of Imperial Duke, the social reputation we’ve gained so far would vanish instantly.
Lastly, to be honest, I’m somewhat distant from military matters.
No matter what, I don’t have command authority. I’m merely an advisor.
If I were truly dangerous, the restrictions would have already been imposed.
“Our job now, Your Highness, is not to worry but to fulfill their expectations. Rest assured, your presence would not displease the Crown Princess.”
“…It’s curious.”
“?”
“When you say that, all my worries seem to vanish like a lie.”
“Your Highness’s worries were minor, and your trust in the Crown Princess was deep, wasn’t it?”
At that, the Princess suddenly stared at me intently.
“Or maybe… it’s because I trust Lord Kael so much?”
“…”
“I’m serious.”
Uh… In this situation, I don’t know what to say.
As I faltered, the Princess burst into laughter.
“You’re such a strange person. Sometimes you’re so meticulously thorough it gives me chills, and other times you’re as innocent as a child. Honestly, I feel like I know you, and then I don’t. Are you acting?”
“If this were all an act, I’d be called an actor, not a strategist.”
By the way, in this world, there are plays and actors.
If my skills were good enough, I might have directed something like the Lord of the Rings of this world.
Thinking of my previous life, I remember reading novels where this kind of stuff happened.
Oh, if I had known this would happen, I would have read more books and learned to cook in my past life…
“Lord Kael!”
“Yes, Your Highness? Did you call?”
“What were you thinking about so deeply that you didn’t even respond when I called?”
That is… When the war ends, I’ll use my memories from my past life in another area…
“Oh! I see. I’m sorry, Lord Kael, that was my mistake.”
“?”
“Perhaps you were brainstorming your next strategy, weren’t you? Now that we’ve so successfully revived the 7th Legion, you must be thinking of your plans for next steps.”
“But Princess, reviving the 7th Legion was all because of you.”
“Stop teasing me. Anyone listening would think I came up with all these plans.”
Ah, d*mn it. I’m falling into her trap again. That sparkling look in her eyes. That gaze filled with eager anticipation.
I can’t tell if I’m vulnerable to such glances generally or if it’s just because it’s her.
“Your Highness, as you know, I’m not especially talented in military strategy. Truly.”
“Mmm-hmm. That’s fine. But what kind of strategy do you have in mind, Master Strategist?”
Hey, don’t put too much hope on me! High expectations can be very harmful…
High expectations… to a person… very harmful…
“Just give me a moment, Your Highness.”
“There you go! You clearly have everything planned out in your head already.”
That’s not what I was doing, though! I was just thinking about how the expectations, people, were rather harmful!
“Anyway, what’s your plan this time? Tell me! Come on, tell me!”
“Would you stop pestering me? I’ll tell you now.”
We’ve come this far. The least I can do is give the legion soldiers a little gift.
We’ve worked so hard to bring them back to life; it would be cruel to throw them right back into tough battles.
At the very least, we should secure something to keep the enemy’s attention, so they can march forward with some peace of mind.
The idea I came up with is actually very simple:
The Princess has spread news about me within the 7th Legion.
Everyone is thrilled that a genius strategist has joined their cause.
So, could Burkhai possibly not know this?
They undoubtedly must. They certainly know.
As they’ve seen the 7th Legion, which they fought so hard to suppress, once again rise with renewed vigor.
Therefore, they are undoubtedly under immense pressure and will concentrate all their forces accordingly.
And here’s the beauty of it – you don’t punch the enemy, you punch your ally!
Just kidding. But seriously, sometimes the best punch is not even to the enemy but a surprise punch… to your own ally!
