Chapter 6
Chapter 6
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 6
Chapter Title: Praised as a Strategist
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After confirming that the Norobogord forces had retreated, we set off on our return journey.
As far as I could remember, there had only been a few skirmishes with small units—no proper battles at all.
The enemy hadn't suffered devastating losses leading to surrender or retreat. It had just fizzled out, plain and simple.
Yet, for some inexplicable reason, the soldiers were buzzing with excitement, as if they'd won a grand victory.
"Blood gushing, blood gushing, what kind of dog's death is this! Blood gushing, blood gushing, what kind of dog's death is this!!"
Soldiers everywhere were belting out the song with gusto—something oddly unsettling.
I'd been shocked and curious about what it was, but it turned out to be a military tune.
'What is this? It's not like the Imperial Army anthem my father taught me...'
My father, a military man, had drilled it into me relentlessly, so I knew it by heart.
It was about standing at the vanguard for the greater good, fighting for the Empire's glory.
That kind of thing. But what the soldiers were singing was completely different.
...Whatever. As long as the soldiers were belting it out with spirit on their own, it was fine.
The soldiers nearby said it was surprisingly good for boosting morale.
If it weren't for that damn Imperial Army Tiger Division, I could've brushed it off as just any old anthem.
"Young Master Kael!"
I turned to see the Princess riding up beside me.
Since we were on the march, I couldn't offer a formal bow and simply dipped my head.
"Your Highness."
"Have you seen our soldiers? They're absolutely thrilled!"
"Yes, Your Highness. They've made it back without major losses, so it's only natural."
"And you, Young Master Kael, played a huge part in that."
I wondered if she knew her own role had been just as crucial in getting me to stir up all that fuss.
Honestly, if she hadn't looked at me with those sparkling eyes, I wouldn't have stepped up.
"Releasing the signal flares in place of the fallen shooting star to rally morale was impressive enough, but honestly, your follow-up strategy was even more brilliant. You landed a solid blow on the Norobogord side without firing a single shot."
"Hahaha. You're right."
"When we get back, everyone will be talking about this. How does that feel? Exciting, isn't it?"
"Hmm. To be honest, Your Highness, I feel more embarrassed than excited."
"Embarrassed? Why?"
The Princess widened her eyes, looking genuinely puzzled.
She was so cute that I nearly burst out laughing.
Of course, actually doing it would have been out of the question.
"Both Your Highness and the Legion Commander—not to mention so many others—have been hyping up the strategies I proposed."
"We're not hyping you up. They really were that impressive!"
"I'm at a loss for words with such praise. But... from my perspective, they were hardly worthy of being called strategies."
"Why? Why are you so certain?"
"They were all just strokes of luck."
She stared at me silently for a moment after my response.
She probably thought I was just being modest.
If she asked, my answer would be a firm 'No.'
"The good outcome was a relief. In truth, they were decisions made under the assumption that the enemy would move exactly as I predicted. If things had gone awry, it could've meant not just mission failure, but massive casualties."
My father, a key military figure, always said something about this.
Planning against people while assuming they'll act as you predict is incredibly dangerous and foolish.
If it works once, it's because the gods took pity on you—pray in thanks and never do it again.
"There's a saying about beginner's luck. That's all this was, Your Highness. I'm no genius, and certainly no strategist."
It was luck. Insanely good luck. That's a fact.
I wanted to convey that to the Princess, to temper her overly inflated expectations.
"Hmm. I see, Young Master Kael."
"...Your Highness?"
"Got it."
"Princess?"
She said she understood, but her expression said the opposite!
If anything, it looked like she was thinking, 'Oh, he's even humble! Amazing!!'
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ "Beware the arrogant. Shun those who think highly of themselves."
Wise father, exemplary family head, and at the same time, the great Emperor of this empire—those were his words.
Isabel would likely engrave them deep in her heart for life, until her dying breath.
In that regard, Kael beside her now was the complete opposite.
"There's a saying about beginner's luck. That's all this was, Your Highness."
Everyone had praised him extravagantly. Soldiers cheered, commanders clapped.
Even the stern Legion Commander had grinned like a child and patted his shoulder himself.
As a princess, she herself had showered him with utmost praise, so a little pride would've been fine.
But Kael showed no such sign. He even said he was embarrassed.
Claiming it was all just luck, he looked burdened.
"I'm no genius. And certainly no strategist."
Perhaps, just maybe, he really wasn't a genius, as he said.
Maybe it was pure luck that it worked out. The gods might've lent a hand for a moment.
But so what? How did Kael act afterward?
Some would brag that even the luck was skill, turning arrogant.
Even if not that far, they'd fail to hide their excitement and glee.
'In contrast, you're terrifyingly self-critical, Kael.'
That's exactly why Isabel couldn't shake her fondness for him.
If anything, it grew stronger. He felt like someone truly reliable.
"Hmm. I see, Young Master Kael."
Fine. As you say, I won't completely rule out it being luck.
"Got it."
But I won't lower my expectations of you.
I'm even more curious now. Just how far will your brilliance go?
"But, Young Master Kael."
She had to say this. To the one calling it mere luck.
"Luck only visits those worthy of it."
"Your Highness?"
"And if luck strikes not once, but twice, three times in a row... can you really call that luck? Wouldn't that be true ability?"
With that, Isabel beamed at Kael.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ This place, three days by carriage from the capital, was Bertier Imperial County.
Were they emulating the great general who loyally guarded the Emperor as a vassal and warrior?
An astonishing number of fine military talents had emerged from the Imperial County over the years.
The current lord, Arthur Clauvitz von Bertier Imperial Count, was no exception.
A renowned warrior who shone on many battlefields, later earning fame as a commander.
Now retired due to age, he served as head of the Clauvitz Family.
Indeed, the lord of Bertier territory and head of the Clauvitz Family was the Imperial Count.
Thus, all official correspondence arriving here passed through his hands first.
A rightful privilege as family head and Imperial Count.
"No, Miss. If the family head finds out, it'll be a disaster."
Thanks to that, the Clauvitz Family's steward was currently breaking out in a cold sweat.
"Hand it over. That's a letter about Brother Kael, isn't it?"
"It's not personal—it's from the War Ministry. Once the family head reviews it, you'll know soon enough. Just be patient a little—"
"How can I wait when Brother's news is right here? Give it, Steward! Hurry!"
"Miss!!"
The girl snatched the letter from the steward's hand and bolted without looking back.
She looked just like a squirrel grabbing an acorn and vanishing into the trees.
It happened so fast the steward stood speechless.
Then he sensed a presence and turned.
"F-Family head."
There stood the Bertier Imperial Count, clicking his tongue softly.
"S-Sorry, family head. I'll fetch it right—"
"Let her be, steward. When it comes to her brother, she drops everything and charges in."
"Still, it's official War Ministry correspondence addressed to the Imperial Count."
"She's not throwing it away. She'll bring it back after reading. I'm more worried there won't be any news about Kael in it."
"Ah."
"If there really isn't, imagine how disappointed she'll be."
From childhood, his daughter—six years younger than her brother—had adored Kael.
It seemed a bit excessive, but he'd thought she'd grow out of it.
Yet here she was, fifteen now, still utterly devoted to her big brother.
'When I first sent Kael to training camp, or when he went off with the army—she cried and wailed, asking why I hated her brother so much.'
Their sibling bond made him proud as a father.
But when his daughter blamed him for separating her from her brother, it stung as a dad.
Now he just accepted it. Someday, when she found someone she liked romantically, it'd change.
'...No. Just thinking of some guy stealing my daughter away makes my blood boil.'
The Imperial Count was already harboring a strange wariness toward a future son-in-law who didn't even exist.
"...Ah, family head. The miss is coming back."
"Already? Quicker than I thought."
What could the letter say? Hopefully he hadn't gotten hurt anywhere.
It was so inconvenient not getting news directly now that he was retired—
"Daaaad!!"
Kaya's frantic rush toward him set his heart racing.
For a split second, he feared something terrible had happened.
"B-Brother! Big Brother Kael! He accomplished something huge!!"
"...What?"
Something had indeed gone down.