Chapter 8
Chapter 8
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 8
Chapter Title: The First Prince Arrives
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Flipping through memories of my past life, there were times like that every now and then.
Someone possesses a body. Or they talk about reincarnation or regression.
In those cases, living well and eating well always topped their list of goals.
Sure, there were stories about revenge and such, but I remembered about half of them being like that.
Back then, I thought it was such a hollow goal, almost laughably mundane. But now that I'm in the same boat, I get it.
A normal life is the sweetest gift of all, the one thing you crave to savor above everything else.
That's why I set my ultimate goal to live well and eat well, just like now.
Of course, that includes taking good care of my family and our house.
What good is thriving alone? True prosperity means a happy family and a peaceful home.
For those reasons, as the eldest son of the Clauvitz Family—the Bertier Imperial County—I gave it my all.
I'll keep doing so. I'll work tirelessly for it.
That's why, as the co-star of the banquet alongside the princess, I couldn't afford to downplay myself anymore.
"I've said it on the way here too, but coming up with a plan right after that meteor fell? Truly impressive, Lord Kael."
"I merely wracked my brain for the Empire and the army, Your Highness."
I held back from outright saying, 'I'm not that kind of guy.'
Of course, I didn't drop the humility to brag, 'Actually, I'm pretty amazing.' either.
I'd avoid strutting around, but I wouldn't cower timidly either.
'Everything is for my family, our house, and my future.'
I've been living as a noble for over twenty years now. With this much experience, I know how politics work.
When a talented person acts overly humble, others see them as even greater—and get wary.
But if that humility goes too far, it breeds suspicion, and they start seeing you as a pushover.
Let our family suffer even a hint of that because of my mistake? Never.
"Hahaha. I have no idea how Her Highness going undercover with the army led to all this."
"Exactly my thoughts. Surely the gods were moved by a direct imperial heir joining us on the distant front lines and gifted us in return!"
The War Ministry officials and high-ranking military commanders picked up on my shift and jumped in right away.
Indeed, raw military talent alone won't get you to the top.
You need political instincts and savvy for that. Of course.
"Hee hee. Is that so? I'm thrilled to have met Lord Kael during this campaign too."
A situation where they praised me and naturally lifted up the princess beside me too.
Just as the harmonious vibe started easing my slight tension a bit...
"Your Highness."
Someone approached and whispered something in the princess's ear.
I recognized the man delivering the message. I'd seen his face a few times.
'One of the princess's guards? The guy disguised as a junior officer.'
The guard relayed whatever it was, and a faint crack appeared in the princess's smile.
I couldn't say exactly what happened, but one thing was clear.
Something awkward had come up for the princess—or someone had arrived.
"Everyone. His Highness the First Prince will arrive shortly."
And once again, my prediction hit the mark.
Of all people, the First Prince. The banquet hall's mood is about to chill fast.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ 'Why in the world? Why is that guy showing up at the banquet?!'
Isabel was utterly flustered. This was the last thing she expected.
Gnaeus Heldenberg. The First Prince. And the current center of the Empire's dove faction nobles.
The kind of man who believed the Empire's prestige was enough to handle things through diplomacy alone, without military action.
For that reason, he clashed with her—a hawk faction figure—over everything. Siblings just a year apart.
He wasn't close to the military at all. He'd never once attended a military banquet.
She'd heard he didn't even have private chats with military personnel unless it was a national event.
So for him to suddenly appear at the banquet hall? No wonder she was shocked.
"What are you doing right now?"
That's why Isabel grabbing the First Prince just as he was about to enter was a natural move.
"Oh, my cute little sister. How's the banquet going?"
"Don't change the subject. Why are you here?"
"Why? Just wanted to see the folks who've been working hard, as an imperial prince."
The words 'Are you messing with me right now?' nearly slipped out.
If not for all the eyes and ears around, she would've said it.
"That's exactly it. Why you? You've nitpicked every single Imperial Army operation."
"Hey now. Nitpicking? You mean when I played the villain because excessive ambition was causing needless casualties?"
"That's what we call nitpicking, you idiot!"
Imperial prince and princess they might be, but in the end, they were just ordinary siblings.
Being only a year apart, it was no surprise they growled at each other like they couldn't devour one another.
"Don't tell me you're here to ruin the good mood again, whining about heavy supply consumption or tragic sacrifices like last time."
"Belle. Mind your words. We can't be flippant as members of the imperial family, right?"
At that, Isabel bit her lip and let out a groan.
He was right—she'd gotten too heated and let her words get too sharp.
To her, he was just the big brother she bickered with daily. But to others, he was the Empire's First Prince.
If a princess undermined a prince's authority, it could shake the imperial order itself.
"Sigh... Please, just this once. Keep it moderate. Moderate."
"I'm telling you, that's not why I came today."
The prince shrugged once and continued.
"I heard you avoided full battles as much as possible and proved the Empire's superiority without provoking Norobogord's hostility."
"That's..."
"That's exactly what this big brother wanted. No need to swing swords, spill blood, or throw away lives. There are plenty of ways to crush enemy morale and sap their will to fight."
She wanted to refute it, but objectively, it was spot on, making it hard.
In the end, Isabel sighed and stepped aside, clearing his path.
"Thanks. Alright, let's go see these folks who won such a splendid victory."
As she watched the First Prince enter the banquet hall, followed by his entourage, Isabel thought to herself.
She'd let it slide once because he was her brother. But if he caused any trouble, she'd really kill him.
Was it that he sensed her inner thoughts?
"We greet Your Highness the First Prince."
"Great to see you all. I've heard you've had a tough time."
"You're too kind, Your Highness."
In the past, he'd suffocate military personnel with subtle jabs like, 'They eat up too much tax money. They treat soldiers like pawns to build merit. Supplies? That's all bought by imperial citizens—can't just waste them.' and such.
But today, he wasn't bringing up any of that.
Instead of checking the military as a dove faction member, he was praising their hard work.
'Did that guy eat something weird?'
She thought that at first, but reconsidering, it made sense.
Just as he'd said earlier. They'd landed a solid blow without a major battle or casualties.
The prince might think even the military now sees that fighting blindly isn't the only way.
"Oh, you must be Kael. The eldest son of the Bertier Imperial Count, right?"
"Yes, Your Highness. Kael Clauvitz."
"I've heard the stories. You boosted our morale with brilliant strategies, gave the Norobogord Demon Alliance no choice but to retreat, and even imprinted our Empire's superiority in the end. Truly impressive. Haha!"
On top of recognizing Kael herself, the prince was praising him too. Felt pretty good.
Proof her eyes weren't wrong. He'd impressed even the picky First Prince.
"Your second stratagem was amazing too, but I prefer your first one. They say even those schooled in astronomy instinctively see falling stars as ill omens. Especially inside the camp—that anxiety must've been huge."
Now the prince was getting excited, looking ready to throw an arm around Kael's shoulder.
"But you, Kael, gave a completely different answer while everyone panicked about retreating or forcing a decisive battle. With smoke and lanterns. You rallied our crumbling allies and sat down the raging foes."
"The legion commander graciously accepted my spur-of-the-moment idea, Your Highness."
"Humble to boot, just as they say. You'll shoulder the Empire's future. Hahaha!"
What was this? The mood wasn't bad at all. Had she worried for nothing?
As Isabel, who'd been ready to drag the prince away at the first sign of trouble, started to relax a little...
"Your Highness the Prince. Perhaps offer some words for the other military figures as well?"
A man who'd been eyeing Kael with unexplained displeasure spoke up.
He was one of the dove faction nobles who'd entered with the prince.
"Lord Kael is of course impressive, but the pillars are just as vital. Anyone can have a flash of inspiration once, but holding steady isn't so easy."
At first glance, it sounded like praising the military's steadfastness. But he was dove faction.
No reason for him to hype the army out of nowhere. There was an ulterior motive.
And Isabel, along with a few others, caught it immediately.
'No way. Is he trying to check him?'
The noble was known as a capable strategist in the prince's circle.
Must've stung seeing the prince hype up some young kid.
Eldest son of an imperial count or not, he probably saw Kael as a green noble.
So a subtle jab to put him in his place. Isabel figured that's what it was.
'Acting like this despite knowing Lord Kael's background... At least a marquis house connection.'
The Bertier Imperial Count was staunch hawk faction. This guy, by the prince's side, was dove.
A light jab, typical political sparring. Poke and prod.
Still, even so... showing such petty behavior at a banquet?
As Isabel, the host, resolved to give him a stern warning and took a step forward...
"You're absolutely right, sir."
With a hearty laugh. But eyes that weren't laughing at all.
Kael stepped away from the prince and stood before the noble.
"Just as you said, what I did was a stroke of wit anyone could have once. Indeed."
As he spoke, in Kael's hand was a boiled egg from the finger foods.