Of the three people gathered here, the tallest is undoubtedly the princess.
But even this princess is, upon close examination, nothing more than a guest in this situation.
Which means the host obligated to steer the conversation is, alas, me.
‘I’m going insane here.’
Yes. And because of that, I’m going even more insane. Didn’t something seem strange last time too?
The princess had been subtly giving Charlotte the side-eye for no apparent reason.
Of course, she was probably worried about how close the main people of Novgorod were getting to Charlotte.
After all, the relationship between the two countries is still murky and unclear.
She was definitely concerned that I’d get caught up in some unnecessary gossip.
‘First things first, I need to clear up this sense of unease.’
The Emperor might not have disclosed everything yet.
It’s not uncommon for something like this to be better off knowing fewer people.
It’s also possible he’ll give all the details after everything has progressed further.
“Charlotte.”
So, I began by addressing Charlotte.
“Yes, Prince Kael.”
“What does the Chairman of Novgorod Council plan to do?”
“She’s accepted all my recommendations outright. Now with some final preparations, it should produce the exact picture both countries are looking for.”
That’s when the princess started staring intently at the two of us.
She’s probably wondering what this whole thing is about. Her curiosity must be tickled.
I glanced directly at her and decided to explain the current situation.
“Actually, Your Highness.”
Atria — more specifically, Dedolant — is trying to sway Novgorod.
The moderate faction isn’t doing much, but some in the hardline faction are wavering.
We’re planning to exploit this by deliberately causing friction between Atria and Novgorod.
The goal is to make sure they’ll never come together.
“…I see.”
It’s strange. Normally, she’d be sparkling with intrigue and curiosity by now.
But this time, she simply nodded without any major expressions of surprise.
Does she already know? Or has the Emperor already tipped her off?
“Um, Kael.”
“Yes, Your Highness?”
“As strange as it might sound to be bringing this up now, I’m a little worried.”
“What exactly concerns you, Your Highness?”
In response to my question, she subtly glanced at Charlotte sitting in front of her before continuing.
“In case it somehow gets framed as interference in another country’s affairs — especially with such deceptive schemes — there will be nothing good for you, Kael. The Empire will likely emphasize that this was strictly your personal action.”
“I was prepared for that.”
“Even the accomplishments you’ve built up so far might get overshadowed?”
“This, too, is ultimately for the good of the Empire.”
Of course, if the north gets too chaotic, it will absolutely lead to major catastrophes.
The Empire didn’t help the eastern front out of pure goodwill or extend mercy to the south for nothing.
It was all part of the preparations to focus their strength at the western border.
And now, if war were to suddenly break out again between Novgorod and the Demon Race?
That would undoubtedly create the most headache-inducing, embarrassing situation possible.
‘I’m probably going to be completely used by the western faction too, 100%.’
I know myself well enough. My effectiveness has always depended on my allies being in a dominant position.
But if I have to deal with both Dedolant and Novgorod, that edge will disappear.
And if that happens, my own foundation might be exposed, so it’s an absolute no-go.
“You really are something else…”
The princess sighed softly, trailing off for a moment before turning to Charlotte.
“Since we’re on this topic again, Miss Charlotte.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“You’ve decided to proceed with the plan based on Kael’s advice, correct?”
“Yes.”
Being in front of the princess might be affecting her. Charlotte’s acting a bit more stiff today than usual — weirdly tense, I’d say.
“Since it’s Kael’s suggestion, there shouldn’t be any issues, but just in case things go awry, you’re willing to take full responsibility, right? Can you handle that?”
“Of course, Your Highness. I’d never think of transferring responsibility back to someone who helped me if something goes wrong.”
Hah, phew. Thankfully, both the princess and Charlotte are handling this with appropriate boundaries rather than extreme paranoia.
Still, this is what you’d expect from the daughter of the Emperor’s princess and the Chairman of the Council. Guess I don’t have much to worry about!
I was deeply concerned. Meddling in another country’s affairs like this could lead to no good.
Even if something happens, the Empire will likely deny the entire incident to preserve appearances.
In such a scenario, it’s highly probable that I, Kael, would end up wearing the dunce cap.
No matter how deeply loyal you are to the Empire, in situations like this, hesitation is natural.
After all, your sincerity and efforts might not be rewarded.
In the worst-case scenario, it could even turn into a self-imposed trap.
“I was prepared for that.”
But Kael remained resolute, answering with an unshaken tone.
“This, ultimately, is for the good of the Empire.”
A kind soul. But sometimes, a very nerve-wracking kind soul.
He seems lacking in self-awareness. His heart only brims with something different from everyone else’s.
It’d be nice if he considered and acted for himself a little more.
If he’s suffering because of my decisions, I would very much want to help him — though I don’t know how.
“…”
Isabel slowly turned her head, now looking at Charlotte.
Kael didn’t notice, but there was a faint chill hiding in her gaze.
And Charlotte, picking up on it immediately, became slightly tense.
“Since it’s Kael’s suggestion, there shouldn’t be any issues, but if things go sideways by even the slightest mistake on your part — or if you change your mind halfway — and Kael gets hurt because of it…”
Isabel hadn’t even realized until then, but she was genuinely prepared to unleash her full wrath to protect Kael from anything bad.
“Of course not, Your Highness. I’d never think of passing responsibility back to someone who’s helped me if things go sour.”
Charlotte, while not entirely able to read Isabel’s deeper intentions, must have sensed something and responded quickly.
As the princess said, you owe a debt of gratitude when someone helps you rather than causing trouble.
“…That’s relieving.”
Isabel replied, her tone slightly softened.
Though softened only in tone — internally, her thoughts were still in a whirlwind.
More accurately, she had no idea why she felt this way.
She was worrying about Kael far more emotionally than she usually would.
Surely, there must have been some kind of arrangement or pact between those two.
Some prelude of trust had been established.
Yet, she still blatantly issued a direct warning.
“…Miss Charlotte.”
“Yes, Your Highness?”
“So, is the reason you approached Kael today part of this same plan?”
“Ah, yes. Father — that is, the Chairman — has been informed, and currently the groundwork is underway. If it succeeds, Novgorod’s relationship with Atria — more specifically Dedolant — will be strained.”
They’re not exactly fighting over territory; they’re simply maintaining posturing for the sake of their pride.
In world politics, pride is something you can’t compromise on.
And once relations sour, they’re impossible to mend without major effort.
“Seems like a rather clever strategy.”
“Indeed? Although I came up with the details, this plan was originally proposed by Prince Kael, so you can imagine my father must have been quite impressed.”
“Surprising. Isn’t the Chairman supposed to be a seasoned veteran?”
“He’s old school, yes, but not everyone can come up with ideas this sharp. Proposing it with no hesitation, as if he’d already thought of it beforehand — that’s even harder.”
Charlotte’s face was brimming with genuine admiration.
And Isabel inexplicably felt as if she was being complimented.
For some reason, watching Charlotte admire Kael lifted the corners of her own mouth.
“Both Chairman and Miss Charlotte seem deeply impressed with Kael’s strategies, isn’t that right?”
“Not just me! Your Highness, it turns out there are even those within Novgorod studying Kael’s tactics and strategies! Oh, don’t misunderstand. They’re simply fascinated with him out of curiosity and respect!”
Respect? That word came out of nowhere.
Both Isabel and Kael let out a “huh?!” expression at that.
“Perhaps this might sound strange to you, but in fact, it only makes sense! Since they’re Demon Race members, it’s all the more natural to react this way. The one showing incredible prowess in battle; the one who secures your victory even before the fight begins; the one who writes a new chapter in history wherever he goes — how could they not respect him?!”
Charlotte was so excited her face turned red.
Just as Kael tried stepping in to calm her down…
“The Demon Race seems to know their stuff. And so do you, Charlotte.”
Isabel was now visibly satisfied, even breaking into a beaming grin as she continued.
“Is the group admiring Kael functioning as some kind of academic society?”
“Yes, it began with the psychological games using mist against Novgorod. Then there were the deception strategies in the eastern front, and finally the perfect capture in the south!”
“I was there during the eastern part too, so I understand why you’re impressed. To be honest, just thinking about Kael’s plan back then still makes my heart race!”
“Right?! Your Highness can relate too! I envy you so much! To be able to witness it first-hand like that!”
Hey, over there! Kael’s trying to squeeze into the excited girl talk but…
Both women had long surpassed any normal level of excitement.
“By the way, do they really predict global events?”
“Yes! You know about the big event happening in the east, right?”
“Of course.”
“Kael foretold it before it even happened! He said something would come up!”
“Incredible! Is that true?!”
“It wasn’t a prophecy! Some thing* had to happen! Stop this nonsense!!”
Kael was secretly thanking the heavens that his sister Kaya wasn’t around.
If their family knights were here training with her, she’d undoubtedly be joining this conversation — and probably with even more enthusiastic fervor!
“Will he ever get to the point where he changes the direction of the wind at will, or maybe even summon it?”
“Or maybe strum a lute and scare the enemies off!”
“…”
Poor Kael, struggling to wedge himself between the two girls…
…but once again, his attempts were laughably brushed aside.
