I Am Being Mistaken for a Genius Strategist

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A few hours before Kael entered the Church Coast area,

Isabelle was exchanging various opinions with Your Highness the Crown Princess through the communication network.

“…Sister.”

Just a moment ago, Isabelle had been referring to her as the Crown Princess.

However, the more their conversation progressed, the more frustration she couldn’t shake off. In the end, Isabelle resolved to lay bare her true feelings.

“Is this really, really the right thing? Why should our Empire take a step back?”

The exasperation burst forth. The Empire was surely the strongest nation on the continent.

Half of the Southern Kingdoms received the ‘friendship fee’ granted by the Empire.

To the Kingdom People, that must feel like proof of both practicality and pride.

But from the perspective of the rulers, it meant bowing to the Empire.

What about the Church Coast? They eagerly tried to ride on the Empire’s might but were quickly stopped.

Still, they couldn’t show a hint of displeasure and merely smiled as they retreated.

They were even exhibiting a favorable response to the stationing of the Imperial Legion.

Such was the situation. No one dared to challenge the order of the Empire.

Just before they were about to judge Benito, who had committed all sorts of nonsense.

[ You’re simply stating the obvious, Bel. That’s because Dedorant has stationed forces in Benito. ]

“Benito isn’t a vassal of Dedorant, though.”

[ But they are allies. If either side is attacked, it naturally provides a reason to join the fight. That alliance. ]

“Then it makes even less sense. Claiming to be allies while deploying troops in Benito. Yet sending an envoy to our Empire, acting deferential? That doesn’t add up.”

Days had passed since the Empire achieved a great victory.

The urgency of Dedorant’s prince, who had just entered the Empire to deliver a royal decree from the King, was palpable.

Accompanying it was a painfully humble request. No, more like a pleading tone.

[ As Dedorant, allied with Benito, we’ve stationed troops to save face. However, we have no intention of fighting the Empire. If the Empire moves to conquer Benito, we will only pretentiously fight back before withdrawing. ]

“Do you really believe they would do that?”

[ If our Empire is truly resolved, they will likely act accordingly. They’ve probably calculated that confronting the Empire head-on is tantamount to suicide. ]

Fresh from the annexation of Atria.

It would require at least a few months for digestion.

There were parts that needed to replenish the military strength exhausted by the attack on DeGale.

Simultaneously, to sever DeGale’s remaining breath, they must absolutely avoid a two-front war.

Dedorant sincerely bows to the Empire right now. Yes, ‘right now.’

[ That prince of Dedorant is indeed clever. They are proffering a way out for both the Empire and Dedorant, while simultaneously reassuring us that Dedorant will not truly engage with Benito. ]

“Must it really be that way? It was Benito that declared war, right? We have nearly won against them, and even if we continue to advance and conquer, there shouldn’t be a problem, right?”

The Crown Princess wore a wry smile at Isabelle’s grumbling.

[ It’s not that Benito itself is the issue, Bel. ]

“Then what is?”

[ The real problem is that it’s still too early to change the order of the Empire that has been declared across the continent. ]

“I don’t quite understand.”

With a smile, the Crown Princess explained to Isabelle.

Over the years, the Empire has forcibly absorbed many regions and shattered countless kingdoms.

A lot of blood was shed, and much anger and hatred surged towards the Empire.

Yet, at some point, they halted, and that became the current borders of the Empire.

Simultaneously, the Empire announced that it would no longer expand its territory.

[ Do you think the past Emperors made such decisions for the sake of continental peace, Bel? No. From their perspective, the Empire was only capable of managing what it had at that point. ]

In light of various factors both within the Empire and external to it.

Isabelle still seemed uncertain about the Crown Princess’s words.

[ Consider Nobogord and the three kingdoms in the East. The reason they recognize the Empire’s order on this continent is ultimately that we are keeping our promises. The promise to not expand our territory. Thanks to that, the pro-Empire factions in each nation can continue to endure. ]

No matter how strong the Empire is, if hostile actions continue from the North, South, East, and West, it would be quite the struggle.

Strength alone cannot guarantee supremacy; conquest must inevitably be followed by governance.

Otherwise, they would eventually vomit up everything they have consumed.

“Now that the moderates have taken control in Nobogord, and the East can no longer resist the Empire, isn’t it possible to deal with the South, which has subdued half? Shouldn’t we be able to fight with Dedorant as well?”

[ Bel, do you know why wars start? ]

“Because of conflicts between the nations?”

[ No. It’s simple. For each party’s benefit. They may toss around reasons and excuses, but in the end, if there’s no gain to be had, there will be no war. ]

And conversely, a war that only brings losses is not a true victory.

At the Crown Princess’s words, Isabelle finally sighed in understanding.

“So, if we were to engage Dedorant now, we’d have more losses than gains.”

[ While the moderates have taken over the council in Nobogord, we need to observe the situation a bit longer. The three kingdoms in the East are still balancing power. Until they lean entirely toward pro-Empire, we can’t consider it safe. And if they’re feeling insecure from behind, they won’t be able to muster their strength. ]

Despite having the upper hand, the Empire still recognizes Nobogord’s authority.

Even after demonstrating overwhelming superiority throughout the Eastern region, the Empire has not brought down any kingdoms.

Watching this will lead people to exclaim, ‘Look. The Empire keeps its promises. Thus, siding with the Empire is the immediate path to survival and the future’s promised prosperity.’

However, if the Empire suddenly decided to conquer Benito, devouring the South.

Then, what infernos might ignite in the North and East was unknown to anyone.

If anti-Empire factions gain the upper hand and create chaos, everything achieved thus far could revert to square one.

Is there a justification in declaring war? The East feels the same.

From the Empire’s perspective, it has just begun to nurture pro-Empire factions in the East; it cannot afford to ruin that.

If things go well, a bountiful harvest is in sight, which would be a terrible loss to waste.

[ The prince of Dedorant knows this. The Empire, too, must catch its breath. ]

“If the Empire takes a moment to breathe, wouldn’t that leave them with little chance of winning?”

[ Therefore, they will likely aim to finish the attack on DeGale and subdue Ross Tanika as well. ]

At the Crown Princess’s words, Isabelle paused, not fully understanding.

Currently, the Empire is struggling, but Dedorant must also be facing difficulties.

Then wouldn’t it be better to attack Dedorant right now?

Delaying means they would have to face a Dedorant that has become overwhelmingly strong, right?

[ As I said before, stability in the North and East is more crucial. That includes the South. And… Dedorant has wiped out a potential cause for conflict that could serve as a good excuse to engage us. ]

“And that humiliatingly humble attitude they showed?”

[ It’s not a pretty picture for subduing those who bend their heads down, claiming to dislike conflict with the Empire. ]

The larger a nation becomes, the greater its power and authority.

However, in parallel with its size, neighboring countries’ vigilance also skyrockets.

The Empire is indeed strong. But if revolts erupt all around it, things could become quite complicated.

[ They catch their breath. After cementing stability elsewhere, they will focus on Dedorant. Either way, once they are ready, Dedorant will also have to make a choice. They could either submit to the Empire while holding significant power or challenge to become another Empire themselves. ]

And then, a few days later.

Isabelle heard similar opinions from Kael, who had just arrived.

“Did the Crown Princess really say that?”

“Yes, Kael.”

“…I too agree with Her Highness’s words. Although Dedorant’s future growth may become quite burdensome, what’s more concerning are the regions that have not yet stabilized.”

“The East, which you personally devised strategies for?”

Kael shook his head.

“More time is needed. Right now, the East is likely locked in a fierce struggle. Their national strength will be worn down in the process, but the anger towards the Empire will continue to simmer.”

“Are you saying that could fade away?”

“It will likely burn out. From what I see, the Empire’s upper echelons seem to already be preparing for the next move.”

“How do you know that?”

“Her Highness would not speak about them without having any countermeasures or plans in place.”

Saying this, Kael glanced at his own hand that was still held by Isabelle.

He then gently shifted his position to softly touch Isabelle’s hand.

“There’s no need to be anxious. It’s merely a moment of catching their breath. Now that they need to leap further, trying to continue with just the momentum of earlier will only lead to mistakes and potential injuries.”

“Ah…”

“You mentioned that the Crown Princess brought up the ‘Promise of the Empire.’ As far as I know, promises aren’t eternal. Once all preparations for a leap are complete, we move beyond that.”

If they can fully control the East and strengthen the moderates in the North,

Then, having firmly placed the pro-Empire factions within the Southern Church at this point,

Who would dare to object if the Empire were to establish a new territory?

*

“It’s frightening.”

Unintentionally, my body trembled. The heat of the flames felt almost visceral.

Our Princess remains oblivious now, but she will soon become aware upon her return.

Just how enraged our Emperor and Crown Princess, along with the Empire’s leaders, must be.

For now, Dedorant’s message may yield them a nod of concession.

But how could they not be furious at someone daring to toy with the Empire?

“Soon, it’ll be an obliteration battle.”

Dedorant, striving to survive and become the true Empire of the West.

The Empire, to crush future competitors who dare to subtly undermining them, facing the Empire.

It all comes down to who will solidify their foundation first. Once that is done, the real world war will commence.

Dedorant targets the remaining territories of Atria and DeGale, and if possible, Ross Tanika.

The Empire would still be concerned about the remaining Nobogord and the three Eastern Kingdoms.

“Or perhaps they might look to shake them instead.”

Anxiety surged. Right now, Dedorant has a possible move in hand.

While it’s quite challenging for our Empire to touch DeGale or Ross Tanika,

Dedorant can easily make contact with Nobogord through Atria.

How can I be so certain? The reasoning is simple and quite obvious.

If I were a Dedorant’s person, I would definitely stir up the Demon Tribe.