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After taking on the role of Imperial Chief of Staff while also serving as the Chief of Staff for the First Army,

the first thing I did was nothing less than a massive expansion of the magical communication relay stations.

Using magic for communication is undeniably the best invention and technology available.

However, it’s not without its limitations. It’s not a flawless creation by any means.

No matter how magical it may be, there are clear limits.

And what I mean by limits is the fact that distance is a critical factor.

It’s not as if we’re launching satellites like in my previous life, nor are we laying underwater cables.

If I just magically “poof!” from one end of the continent to receive a message on the opposite side, that would be more like a miracle than magic.

“It was said that magical communication over considerable distances is impossible. Therefore, we have to set up relay stations to connect and amplify the magic at intervals.”

Neither the Ministry of War nor the General Staff were fools; they had appropriately placed those relay stations.

Based on the conditions of previous wars, I figured this number would suffice.

But to me, it seemed like we were still lacking significantly.

The advantage of communication isn’t merely additive; it’s multiplicative. No, it’s exponential.

Well, to be honest, this insight isn’t my own ability but rather a memory from my past life.

The people here are by no means foolish. They simply lack experience.

Once this war ends, everyone on the continent will come to appreciate the importance of communication.

And then, they’ll go crazy building relay stations just like supply depots.

I’m just lucky enough to be the pioneer of this endeavor.

Of course, this isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. If it were, the General Staff would have done it too.

Building relay stations in the rear, as well as the second and even the front line, will indeed bring about issues—

“Chief of Staff, while expanding the relay stations is definitely necessary, are we not expanding them too rapidly?”

“If we mistakenly allow the enemy to seize this area and capture the relay stations, it could become a serious problem. We might have to erase all encryption systems and completely change the magical network connecting the stations.”

“Perhaps we should limit the expansion to the rear. No, let’s just focus on the second line for now and wait to make a decision about the front line…”

While those opinions were reasonable, I stubbornly pushed forward.

Communication between the superior and the front line is essential above all else.

Especially when the moving troops are at a minimum of tens of thousands.

Furthermore, this signifies more than simply expanding the relay stations.

“It shows that the Empire will not retreat any further. We must demonstrate that strong will.”

Nobogord, the three kingdoms to the east, and the Southern Kingdoms.

All of them bowed their heads before the Empire’s might and sent reinforcements.

With just a bit of persuasion from me, they even willingly handed over command.

But how could the Empire, already suffering a crushing defeat, continue to retreat?

Given the circumstances, they would likely feel like they had to put themselves forward.

If that happens, they might just whine asking for command back after having given it up nicely.

Even if they don’t intend to, the Empire’s pride is at stake.

We cannot afford to retreat any further. One defeat is enough.

No more retreats. We will push back against the enemy here and achieve victory.

I must demonstrate that strong resolution to the front line commanders and soldiers.

Through speech, a rallying call. There must be a way to convey that somehow.

But as always in the military, simply speaking with words isn’t enough.

What’s needed is something they can see and feel.

“It’s important to set up relay stations that cost a fortune to install. If the upper command, sensitive to military spending, sees this kind of effort, the soldiers and commanders will be able to steel their resolve.”

Eventually, the General Staff accepted this aspect of my proposal.

The mid-level officers were completely replaced, and new staff took their places.

All of them became my loyal aides and did a splendid job in their roles.

Ah, but please don’t misunderstand. I’m not doing everything in a dictatorial manner.

There have certainly been instances where those in high positions become so intoxicated by power that they spiral into ruin.

There have been such people in the history of the Empire, and those types also appeared in the memories of my previous life.

“I am a remarkable person. Everyone else is noisy, and they should just follow me. I’ll carry us to victory.”

With that kind of mindset, one might just rush forward only to completely mess it up.

Fortunately, I’m not the type of person who has that much pride.

Even though I occupy a high position and hold overwhelming authority, I still find it comfortable to listen.

“Chief of Staff, there’s an opinion from the General Staff suggesting that it might be better to expand the front line to the North and South. What do you think?”

“Let’s proceed immediately.”

Already, under my command, Kaya, Charlua, and the 30,000 troops from Nobogord are heading towards Atria.

I had to prevent the enemy from concentrating their offense on the severely weakened Western Legion.

One theater of war in Dedorant alone won’t suffice. We need to expand the battleground further.

The Empire has certainly suffered significant losses. However, Dedorant has its share of disadvantages as well.

If we look closely, the side with more losing cards isn’t them but rather the Empire.

If we restrict the battlefield, they may withstand it, but if we broaden it, they will end up burying themselves.

“Perhaps the enemies think both they and the Empire need to take a breather. Naturally, they would think that the Empire, having taken more damage, needs to rest longer.”

However, that applies only to the Dedorant front.

Since the Western Legion has crumbled, shouldn’t they feel the urgency to fill that gap?

Uh, no. They can’t come right away anyway.

All we need to do is hit somewhere else and send their reinforced troops over there.

What if they ignore that and push towards the Western Legion?

Then the bolstered Eastern and Southern Legions will try to encircle them in return.

Just as they had done, we are perfectly capable of doing the same.

More than anything, this war is occurring in Dedorant and Atria.

No matter how seasoned and accustomed to battle their soldiers may be,

will they passionately follow attack orders when their hometown, where their families are, is under assault?

“Aide.”

“Yes, Chief of Staff!”

Oh, and I’ve also gotten myself a dedicated aide.

Having a dedicated aide is a symbol of a high-ranking official. Achieving that in my early twenties?

I realize just how significant the things I’ve done so far are.

“Please send this request document to the Ministry of War.”

“Understood.”

My aide saluted with the documents in hand and promptly exited the barracks.

I can imagine the Ministry of War might be quite surprised after reading what I’ve written.

And rightly so. What I am about to do is pure ‘money squandering.’

But isn’t that reasonable? We’re the Empire, after all; isn’t this something we can manage?

If we hold back in the wrong places and suffer defeat again, it would cost us several times more.

Better to spend generously to lay the foundations for victory.

“Alright. Let’s see who tires first. Let’s put this to the test.”

*

Far away from where Kael is, in the command tent of the Dedorant Army,

Prince Georg was repeatedly coming up with and erasing various tactics.

“The best scenario in this war against the Empire would be their acknowledgment of our Western dominance and withdraw. After that, we would unify the entire West and solidify our position as the firm second-in-command, then discuss the future.”

Some officials expressed their doubts, questioning if that was even feasible.

However, given the opponent is none other than the Empire, there are certainly possible aspects to consider.

They’ve already mobilized forces in the North, East, and South.

Even the Empire cannot handle the burden forever.

While the higher-ups might not feel the strain, the common citizens of the Empire are surely brewing dissatisfaction.

Georg himself tried his best to paint the ongoing hardships as a glorious trial for the Deo Ethnicity.

Even though life had become difficult due to the ceaseless war, he made them see it as a test of glory.

However, that’s hardly going to work for an Empire that has lived lavishly until now.

“With the unending wars, particularly after suffering the worst defeat in history, a sentiment to just surrender will likely arise internally. If that happens, the Empire’s leadership won’t be able to maintain their stubbornness.”

In truth, it was evident that the Empire was under considerable stress. Dedorant could see that as well.

After suffering the loss of two Legions, there were certainly signs of internal turmoil.

Had it not been for what followed, Dedorant would have gotten exactly what it wanted.

[b][Imperial Chief of Staff Kael Clausewitz! Defeats Prince Georg and the Elites of Dedorant with mere hundreds of troops!][/b]

[b][The strategist, who had never suffered a single defeat, once again managed to defend the border gate without a fight through his genius plan!][/b]

Right after the worst defeat, news of a legendary victory came in.

The appearance of a strategist who made far superior enemies lose their nerve and flee.

And that strategist has finally risen to the highest position, coordinating the Imperial Army.

The atmosphere of the Empire, which had been sinking continuously, suddenly surged upward.

In fact, the Eastern and Southern Legions of the Empire, which he visited, were said to have their morale soar madly.

The Dedorant Army, which had just sent out a reconnaissance mission, suffered a crushing defeat and had to retreat.

“What a clever guy. Truly remarkable.”

Meanwhile, Prince Georg considered even that to be part of Kael’s strategy.

“You’re saying he had only hundreds of soldiers? Nonsense. What about the major forces he had in the back?

You say the enemies lost their nerve and ran away? How foolish. They saw the trap and retreated.”

Kael’s brilliance shining in a crisis? Do you really think we would fall for that?

There’s no way someone who only fights when they hold the upper hand would do something so reckless!

Setting deadly traps and causing the Dedorant Army to refrain from advancing?

He’s made all of Dedorant look cowardly and foolish in the eyes of others.

Is there such an intelligent yet nefarious individual out there?

“The moment his strategy fails, he immediately switches to another plan to bolster our morale while making the enemy look like fools. Really, he’s a frustratingly difficult opponent for us!”

Prince Georg was the only one tormented by the mounting misunderstandings.

 

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