Chapter 14
Chapter 14
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 14
Chapter Title: Uncertain Hearts
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The banquet held at Marquis Robegon's capital mansion had finally drawn to a close.
All the attendees wore smiles as they exchanged farewells.
"…."
But among them, only the 1st Prince, Gnaeus, couldn't bring himself to do the same.
He barely managed to acknowledge the others' greetings with a mere nod.
The nobles, sensing something was amiss from the scene, kept their distance.
Even a good-natured prince was best avoided when his mood was foul.
"Haa."
Even after boarding his carriage, the prince's expression didn't soften.
"Your Highness. Do you remember the day the imperial legion, which included Her Highness the Princess and myself, entered the capital?"
The prince's ear still echoed with the conversation he'd had with Kael earlier.
"As Your Highness said, thanks to my strategy, the imperial legion returned without any major battles. Morale was high, but honestly, it was a stretch to claim 'We won!' outright."
"Yet the imperial citizens showered the returning legion with praise and cheers. Crowds even gathered to sing songs—ones mocking Norobogord without restraint."
"It felt just like we'd fought a massive battle and claimed a great victory. Perhaps they wanted to believe we'd achieved that level of triumph, Your Highness."
Thinking back, it really had been that way. The entire capital was buzzing with excitement.
It wasn't because there'd been 'no casualties.'
Whether there were casualties or not, it was because they'd 'won' in the end.
That's right. The empire had fought countless wars and battles numbering dozens of times more.
Of course, there had been defeats in individual battles. But every war had ended in victory for the empire.
They usually won when they clashed. Even if they lost, they'd soon repay it with a victory report.
One could hold out against the imperial army for a time, gain the upper hand, even win.
But ultimate victory was something they never handed over to the enemy.
Our empire was a sun that had never waned. That was the mindset of the current imperial citizens.
"So I ask you, Your Highness. If, before such imperial citizens, you declare that 'We must stop the wars now,' and the opposition brings up 'past glories,' saying that the moment the empire retreats, all the enemies crushed by those glories will rise up—what then?"
Only after hearing that did he finally realize his own shortcomings.
In the end, it was people's hearts that decided everything—and he'd never considered that at all.
'My chest feels so tight.'
It wasn't just because the opposition could turn the Dove Faction's attacks against them.
Kael had seen this far ahead from the start. And he'd graciously explained it, as if saying he could effortlessly counter any assault they made.
"Finally, Your Highness, there's a fatal flaw in your words. Who can be sure that if our empire extends a hand, they'll take it?"
"Don't assume it'll happen just because you weigh the gains and losses, Your Highness. The most crucial factor deciding any matter is ultimately people. Nothing but people themselves."
Just as the imperial citizens couldn't abandon their past—and still shining—glories.
The moment they did, the foundation of their belief that the empire held superiority, their pride, would crumble.
Similarly, the enemy might prefer a tense standoff over joining hands with the empire.
They'd suffered so much already. Grabbing the olive branch would only confirm their inferiority.
Their pride in 'We're holding our own against the empire and living well' would shatter.
It wasn't about profit and loss. Emotions would inevitably override reason.
"…Still…."
But surrendering without even trying felt wrong. It made him incredibly frustrated.
He wanted to check for himself, see with his own eyes if the citizens would really react that way.
Who knows? They might show interest in better food and lives now.
Yeah. People's hearts are unknowable, just as Kael said. So maybe the citizens….
'The timing couldn't be worse.'
Right after a clear win over Norobogord, with everyone thinking 'As expected, those demon scum can't stand up to our strength!'
If he pushed 'The empire needs to pursue dialogue now,' who would take it seriously?
"Young Lord Kael. Just how far ahead do you see?"
It was a shame. He absolutely needed to pull that man to their side.
The prince could only smack his lips in mounting regret.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ "Young Lord Kael."
The princess ahead suddenly called my name and stopped in her tracks.
I nearly bumped into her. Princess, you can't just halt like that out of nowhere!
"Were you seeing that far ahead too?"
"Your Highness?"
"I'll be honest. For a moment, I wavered. My brother, the 1st Prince. I thought the Dove Faction were just cowards, but they weren't. They had their own reasons, justifications, and vision for the future."
Was it because even she, a staunch supporter of the Hawk Faction and the military, had wavered?
The princess's eyes brimmed with tears, her frustration evident.
She was so pure. Actually, that wasn't a bad thing. It was a good quality.
It meant she could listen to those who opposed her views.
"I pulled myself together eventually, but I'd already dipped my toe in too deep. Without you, Young Lord Kael, I might have been persuaded."
"It's fine, Your Highness. If anything, it shows you're ready to hear out others' opinions."
"…Not that I'm just a fool with thin ears?"
"If you truly had thin ears, you wouldn't have made it this far."
Of course not. Anyone could claim faction loyalty.
Nobles aren't fools. Military folk aren't oblivious to politics either.
If the princess had any real flaws, would they back her?
"What impressed me most was how you held your ground against the prince, presenting counterarguments to the end."
"…Hearing a genius say that is a bit comforting."
How many times do I have to say I'm not a genius?
I'm just a guy spouting whatever pops into my head.
"Young Lord Kael. Do you really think it'll play out like you said?"
"You mean if it follows my words."
"If the imperial citizens react that way."
"I don't know."
"…Pardon?"
The surprised princess blinked at me.
Her eyes screamed, Did I hear that right?
"You don't… know? What does that mean?"
"Exactly what I said. Economic reasons versus matters of pride—how the citizens will react between those, my answer is 'I don't know.' Princess."
"B-But just earlier, you spoke with such conviction!"
I shook my head. How could anyone be certain about people's hearts?
Even a ten-foot-deep pond is clearer than a one-foot-deep human heart.
It was just a prediction, a basis to pressure the prince.
"That's why… when discussing people's hearts, nothing is certain."
"They can doubt even in perfectly obvious situations, or blindly trust when suspicion is warranted. That's what human hearts are like."
"And with just that, you confronted my brother, bending him to your will in one go?"
Then the princess stared at me intently.
I was about to ask why when her next words came faster.
"You used that same psychology against Norobogord too. Reading the enemies under pressure in various scenarios to extract maximum gain. A stratagem for that."
"W-Well… yeah, you could say it's similar."
Similar? I don't know. Back then, I just recalled a memory from my past life and mimicked it as closely as possible.
No genius stratagem, no insight into minds.
"The Dove Faction will probably move within days."
"Likely. This situation—a victory without battle—is perfect to frame as the start of change. The citizens will find it persuasive."
"Just play along, Your Highness. Sometimes psychological factors pack far more punch than practical ones."
The princess nodded, agreeing it was wise.
"Young Lord Kael. One thing I want to ask."
"Please do."
"You agree with my brother's conclusion in principle, yet you're checking the Dove Faction. Why?"
What a natural question. Obviously for my family's sake.
Bertier Imperial County had only pushed into the military so far. Now the Doves gaining power?
That would mean showing our declining influence to my parents.
"That's—"
Of course, saying it straight would be awkward.
So I gave an answer fitting my current image.
"His Highness the Prince's plan is premature. Ideals can wait until reality is solidified."
"…Suppose, Young Lord Kael. If your words prove right again this time. You might have to come with me somewhere for a bit."
"Pardon?"
What was this? Go where? At least tell me the destination!
"Your Highness? Princess?"
Ah. Did I overstep? I helped her because the Hawks were better for my family than the Doves.
If this is how it turns out, it's worrying!