“Phew.”
Cold sweat trickles down my back. Honestly, I almost soiled myself back there.
If the Demon Race bastards had moved just a little differently, we’d have been royally screwed.
Somewhere out there, Lady Luck must be whispering, “This time was an exception!”
‘I must be dreaming. This whole otherworld life thing is absolutely bananas!’
To be honest, it was half a shot in the dark, thinking, “What if this weird idea might work?”
First off, here we weren’t by a river; there was no current or wind to help us.
That’s why we needed people and horses—both extremely precious resources.
If even one of those factors had gone wrong, I would’ve been the guy marked for execution for sure.
But the tiny kite—yeah, okay, let’s call it a kite rather than a ball—I launched, actually pulled through for us.
On the other side, the Nobogorod army, their morale already sunk to rock bottom and now receiving retreat orders, didn’t feel like engaging directly under the fog. They chose to provoke rather than fight head-on.
The fact that they never left their encampment and only shot arrows from afar was proof enough of that.
At the same time, I’d positioned myself with the scouts who’d been tirelessly roaming around the area. Even amid the thick fog, those fellows were able to fairly accurately gauge the distance to Nobogorod’s camp by recalling the terrain they’d previously checked.
Thanks to them, we were able to get just close enough to spook the Demon Race guys.
‘Then things aligned way too perfectly—almost suspiciously…’
Our message basically said, “We’re a mess, and you should scram quietly before we both make it worse.”
After letting fly with a storm of arrows, they didn’t stick around to see if their shots had hit; they just fled. Meanwhile, by the time our supply wagons came in sight, I realized lunch had turned into dinner, and wow—didn’t they bring enough arrows!
‘Sure, the arrows were great, but the real key was how I basically trolled them!’
The War Minister ordered us to chase after the retreating Nobogorod forces—but only enough to keep them in check. It wasn’t about winning through battle; it was about asserting the Empire’s dominance without inciting further trouble.
And I pulled this off by making sure to tidy up after myself with a note and the arrows I “kindly borrowed.” I imagine the Nobogorod side must’ve gone ballistic finding that note.
“Hmph hahaha… pfft… phew.”
When the adrenaline wore off, that same bone-chilling fear came creeping back. Yeah, if things had gone sideways… well, that wouldn’t have been pretty. What if they’d charged out? Or if they’d used magic instead of arrows? Or if we’d miscalculated the distance? One wrong move, and we’d either get chased down, taken prisoner, or murdered. Pick your poison.
‘Ah, now I understand why protagonists in novels always promise themselves never to overstep… repeatedly.’
Acting all bold? That’s only possible if you’re a munchkin character or have a status screen. I’ve got neither, so laying low is the smart move. This time I got lucky, but there’s no guarantee that’ll keep happening.
…Hmm, still, just in case?
“Status screen?”
I muttered low under my breath, but no translucent window popped up before my eyes.
“…Stat window?”
“Ah, info window?”
“Um… infobox?”
As expected, nothing happened. Figures—it would’ve shown up by now if it was going to. All I have right now are memories from my past life. No fancy status panels for me. I reminded myself:
‘No more overstepping. Seriously.’
With that thought, as the fog finally began to lift, I made my way back to our camp.
“WhoaAAAAaaah!”
The soldiers greeted me with boisterous cheers as soon as I arrived.
“Nobogorod just gifted arrows to our Empire!”
“Even the Demon Race bid us farewell with a little present! Hahaha!”
Armies, no matter the era, can’t help but maintain a touch of immaturity—it’s what ties everyone together in brotherhood. When I look at their reactions now, the way they’re celebrating, it’s clear that my trolling was far more satisfying for them than an actual battlefield victory.
“…”
The high you get from being cheered on by hundreds of thousands of men… yeah, it’s almost as potent as a drug. And right now, the imperial army, numbering in the thousands, is roaring in celebration. It was… impossible not to have my cautious resolve waver.
“You seem cheerful, Your Highness.”
“Indeed, quite so. Sir Lail.”
Answering the disguised member of my guard with a smile, Isabel gazed ahead. From afar, a man being cheered on as though he’d secured an epic victory caught her eye.
He still looked visibly uncomfortable, but that awkwardness would soon fade.
‘Undoubtedly, within a few years, he will be one of the Empire’s most important figures.’
He had claimed, after all, that this was his first time serving in the army as an adult.
‘How could this be his first time?’
With just two strokes, he’d electrified the morale of our troops, even exceeding their peak enthusiasm.
He hadn’t overthought anything. Every moment, he effortlessly provided just the right strategy.
And everything he did clicked impeccably. It was breathtaking to everyone who witnessed it.
“Such a national treasure, that man.”
When Kael requested advice, others tilted their heads in puzzlement.
But only Isabel didn’t hide her excitement, her eyes twinkling with anticipation.
Even now, she recalls with vivid clarity the day a falling star devastated our morale.
When all the Empire’s generals felt stumped and helpless, Kael flipped that situation in a single stroke.
So, naturally this time, she was confident of what he’d manage next.
‘What other remarkable wisdom do you intend to unveil, Lord Kael?’
The Klauitz family has long been known for churning out brilliant military figures.
Considering he was the eldest son of such a clan, expectations were sky-high—but seeing an outlandish yet effective strategy born right before her eyes only increased her admiration.
Thus, she took the unusual step of revealing her true identity to Kael.
Could he surprise them again with his sharp wit?
‘No doubt he will, Lord Kael. Right?’
Perhaps, no—certainly, he must already have everything planned out in his head.
Certainly, alongside the first move that knocked down the enemy’s morale with one kite, he must have had the next plan in the pipeline!
And as predicted, Kael, after briefly stroking his chin, asked:
“By any chance, could I borrow some hay or straw?”
After Kael left, the command post buzzed with a mix of anticipation and concern.
If all went well, it would be the best outcome, but variables remained—what if Nobogorod rearranged its forces, or if they chose magic instead of arrows?
Even the fog, acting indiscriminately for both sides, was a concern.
Had Kael’s next words not come, someone might have intervened.
“My humble self will accompany the operation, Commander.”
By putting himself forward, he demonstrated he was ready to take responsibility.
Isabel found this particularly endearing—it wasn’t just about following through on his own strategy but about accountability.
Though secretly, Kael had hoped to secure at least some leniency by volunteering for the riskiest parts.
In any case:
“All is done. Now our army will return.”
“…Are you feeling disappointed?”
It seemed Sir Lail detected a hint of sadness in Isabel’s eyes.
After all, the princess of the Empire joining the army on campaign was rare.
She herself had fought hard for this chance, swearing that she wouldn’t hinder the operation.
And yet, she hadn’t experienced any real combat during this expedition.
“Would I not be disappointed? That would be a lie.”
“…”
“But it’s alright. Honestly, this way is better… far better! A hundred times better than having numerous young soldiers of the Empire injured or dying, correct?”
“Your Highness’s words are beyond reproach.”
Yes. And didn’t they uncover someone truly remarkable amid this trip?
Isabel remembered her conversation before joining the army.
“Leave it to me, sis. I’ll help.”
“Huh?”
“To persuade His Majesty to let you join the army, I’ll support you, Belle.”
Her elder sister, more commonly addressed as Crown Princess, had approached quietly.
Isabel tilted her head, confused.
“Even though I’m allowed, why the sudden offer, sis?”
“Could you go on this mission for me and keep an eye out for promising young talent?”
Recent border skirmishes had everyone on edge.
The Empire’s prestige and power were still unmatched.
But brilliant individuals were always in demand.
Since they needed them anyway, she decided to task her trustworthy younger sister with the job.
“Alright. But if I can’t find anyone, no complaints?”
“Stop worrying like an idiot. Finding even one outstanding person would be a great gain.”
When they returned, she’d recount the story to her sister immediately.
She imagined her sister would gleefully prod for more details.
Isabel smiled as she watched Kael awkwardly waving from afar.
‘What is that?’
Something about the cheers suddenly felt… spine-tingling.
Almost felt like someone was watching me, licking their lips in anticipation. Nah, just my imagination, right?
