38
Chapter 38
"The issue was that he committed all his available forces to the Northern Expedition. The North is vast, and any campaign there inevitably requires an endless supply of resources. By deploying such a massive army to the North, logistics were bound to fail, and when supplies dwindle, an army weakens even while standing still, leading to desperation and a reckless urge to settle the matter quickly. The Battle of the Imor River was a catastrophe born from that desperation—because His Highness the Crown Prince rushed far too much."
"Ah..."
Bertolf von Luitbert, the man destined to become the world's third-greatest strategist, nodded in admiration. Bertolf raised his hand, and Charles gestured for him to speak.
"Guest Lecturer! I have a question!"
"Please, go ahead."
"You mentioned that His Highness the Crown Prince lost because of logistics. In that case, what should he have done to achieve an overwhelming victory against the Northern Army?"
The answer to that was simple. Charles had already pointed this out before.
"The answer is [none]."
The classroom fell silent at those words.
"The Northern Expedition itself was premature. He should have avoided the campaign until he possessed truly overwhelming power and resources. Since the Crown Prince already commanded the strongest force in the world, the world would have fallen at his feet simply by observing and waiting for the right opportunity."
"So that is the kind of strategy you're talking about."
Bertolf nodded, his eyes sparkling. He had a somewhat cute side to him.
Meanwhile, the students began to buzz. Regardless of whether the content was good or bad, it was shocking that Charles, who had served under the Crown Prince, was openly criticizing his strategy.
From Charles's perspective, he had his own reasons for speaking this way, but Professor Mercatz looked at him with a worried expression.
Despite the restless atmosphere, Professor Mercatz continued the lesson for a while, and Charles shared his experiences as the strategist who had personally led the army during the Northern Expedition.
Setting aside the political implications, the lecture was highly praised. Most students were satisfied with the content, and positive reviews of the guest lecturer, Charles, continued to pour in.
And then, after the class ended.
"Charles, that was a wonderful lecture. Inviting you was indeed the right choice. I look forward to working with you again."
Professor Mercatz patted Charles on the shoulder, and Charles bowed his head in gratitude for the encouragement.
"However..."
"Yes."
Charles had a general idea of what was coming. It would be about his criticism of the Crown Prince. As expected, that was exactly what Professor Mercatz said.
"I'm concerned about the backlash you might face for criticizing the Crown Prince's strategy. Will you be alright?"
"I am prepared for it."
To be precise, it wasn't so much that he was prepared, but rather that he wanted this. Charles hoped the fact that he had criticized the Crown Prince's strategy would spread even further. He believed this would be more beneficial for his future moves.
Charles had already mapped out his strategy for how to conduct himself from here on. However, few people would be able to understand it. Thinking that made him feel a bit lonely.
Professor Mercatz offered a few words of encouragement and left, bringing Charles's time as a guest lecturer to a successful close.
Then, on the way out of Petrio Academy.
As he walked alongside Glacia Ehrenberg, a voice called out to him from behind.
"Mr. Charles Jean Rochefort!"
Turning around to see who it was, he found Bertolf von Luitbert. Although destined to become the third-greatest strategist in the world, he was still nothing more than a novice. He was, so to speak, a late bloomer.
"Sir Luitbert."
"Oh, come on! We're the same age, so 'Sir Luitbert' is way too formal. Just call me Bertolf. I can speak casually with you too, right?"
He was acting strangely friendly. But Charles knew better. Bertolf didn't act this way with just anyone. He only played this part for a specific type of person. And those people were...
'Those with utility.'
People with money, power, or perhaps potential. In Charles's case, it was likely the latter. With that thought, Charles put on a business smile.
"Of course. I was quite impressed earlier; it's amazing that someone my age can achieve that level."
"Oh, please. I'm nothing compared to someone like you, Charles, who's already seen action in the field."
Thus, a series of insincere pleasantries were exchanged. Charles and Bertolf sat on a nearby bench for a bit of socializing, and before long, Bertolf began to get to the point.
"Charles, about you criticizing the Crown Prince's strategy."
"Hmm? Oh, right. I did that."
He replied, feigning indifference. Bertolf let out an amused chuckle.
"You make it sound like it's nothing. You're going to suffer for that."
"You think so?"
"Of course. You'll be at odds with the Crown Prince and the factions aligned with him. Can you really guarantee that clashing with the most powerful force in the world won't hinder your future?"
Charles could tell that Bertolf was hoping he would boldly spill his entire plan right here.
But if he revealed his true intentions so easily, he would be looked down upon. Bertolf's assessment of him would drop immediately.
Instead of opening up, Charles decided to make the other man reveal his hand first.
"Bertolf."
"Yeah?"
"About your family, the House of Luitbert."
Bertolf's expression stiffened at the sudden turn. As a talent destined to become a great strategist, he had caught a glimpse of Charles's intent.
Charles didn't miss that momentary shift and struck immediately.
"The Luitberts are a house that values scholarship over martial strength. You've produced brilliant civil officials for generations."
"Well... that's true, but why?"
"The Luitbert house had plenty of merchants, administrators, and diplomats, but no generals. Consequently, the Luitbert Countship suffered from countless invasions, which is why the current head sent you to Petrio Academy to be trained as a military commander."
"You're quite well-informed about my family history. So, what is your point?"
"That's exactly what I wanted to ask. Bertolf von Luitbert. I think we both know our true motives have been laid bare, so why don't we stop beating around the bush and get to the point?"
"Hahaha!"
Bertolf laughed loudly instead of answering, chuckling for a while as if he found the situation amusing.
Professor Mercatz, watching from afar, had no idea what they were discussing; seeing Bertolf laugh, he gave a satisfied, fatherly smile and disappeared, thinking they were getting along well.
"Charles Jean Rochefort. I'd heard rumors that you were clever, but you're the real deal. You're right. I actually have a motive. That's why I tried to intimidate you by bringing up the Crown Prince. And that motive is..."
He didn't need to say it. One, two, three.
"Scouting."
"Scouting."
Bertolf and Charles spoke the word simultaneously, then looked at each other and burst into laughter.
"Exactly. After today's class, I'm certain. While my military talent isn't lacking, it doesn't compare to yours. That's why I tried to get close to you—so you'd help when the House of Luitbert is in danger."
"And since that failed, you're now trying to win me over by being honest?"
"It's common courtesy to pretend not to notice that. Don't you know that bragging about being smart makes you unlikeable?"
"In this case, it's not about me trying to look good to you, but you trying to look good to me."
"Your personality is quite lacking compared to your abilities."
It was something he'd heard since he was young.
The original Charles Jean Rochefort might have been different, but the man who possessed his body, Lee Siu, was exactly that kind of person.
"I tried to lead you there indirectly, but you're not one to fall for such a simple trick. So, that's everything on my mind. What do you think?"
There was no need for a long answer; this was the reason he had criticized the Crown Prince in the first place.
Since he had become a war hero under the Crown Prince, many would view him as the Prince's strategist, but by openly criticizing him, no one would believe they were of one mind.
Therefore, he needed another umbrella—and Bertolf was offering to be that umbrella.
However, Charles needed no such shelter, as a time would soon come when everyone would compete to recruit him.
"I can work as a contract strategist anytime," was his answer, refusing to serve the Luitberts directly but accepting payment for temporary work.