---

As we returned to the Empire, the citizens who had been waiting for us welcomed us with overwhelming enthusiasm.

Just like in the East, they chanted for the Empire, proclaiming an unshakable victory.

Thanks to this, the faces of the soldiers from the 6th Legion and the 13th Legion were filled with pride.

Although there were some empty spots, they too would receive due rewards.

Once the Return Ceremony concluded, someone from the Ministry of the Palace came to find me.

At first, I thought it was just someone from the Imperial Family, but the moment I saw their face, I was so shocked that it almost gave me a jolt.

“Congratulations on your great victory, Prince Kael!”

“Ah, Minister Your Excellency.”

The Minister of the Palace, one of the most loyal servants who had been with the Emperor since he was still a Crown Prince.

Excluding members of the Imperial Family, he was the highest-ranking figure in the Imperial administration.

Moreover, recalling the words of the Crown Princess, it seemed the Emperor was quite close to him.

“You can’t imagine how overjoyed His Majesty the Emperor was to hear the news of your victory.”

“Th-thank you. Isn’t it because Lord Runen is watching over the Empire and His Majesty the Emperor? Without that, it would be hard to talk about this great victory.”

“Hahaha! Well, that’s true, but I don’t think His Majesty would consider that the only reason.”

The morale and training of the Imperial Legion, and the capabilities of the Commanders leading them.

Every time the Minister of the Palace mentioned those reasons, I nodded eagerly.

Honestly, he was right. The factors for victory ultimately depend on the quality of the army.

“And our strategies were decisive as well.”

“I merely made a small contribution to the magnificent picture that was meant to be.”

“The more magnificent the picture, the more glaringly a single mistake stands out, Prince Kael. Completing that perfect and magnificent picture without error is truly a great skill.”

Indeed, his eloquence was fitting for someone serving the Emperor, a true shadow in his own right.

With such praises, it became difficult for me to maintain my humility.

“With this, everyone in the Empire will once again be in awe of His Majesty’s insight.”

“Due to the Neomes territory being granted, it seems.”

“Indeed. It wasn’t an overwhelming backlash, but it certainly wasn’t absent either. While Prince Kael certainly achieved great merit, the treatment he received was quite extraordinary.”

I admit it. Which Emperor would so generously strip away a direct territory of the Imperial Family?

If it were still underdeveloped or in progress, that would be one thing.

But it had already grown perfectly and was now a goose that laid golden eggs.

Both those who were unconditionally loyal to the Imperial Family and those focusing on their factions.

Anyone could see that the granting of the Neomes territory was a bit excessive.

Both my father and I worried about it to some extent.

“The story of Prince Kael’s defensive position has already spread through the Ministry of the Palace. Ah, not just the Ministry, but perhaps throughout the Empire?”

“Eep.”

“Especially in the East, the Prince’s popularity is immense. It seems he provided the key to the great victory across the entire East.”

“I can only feel ashamed.”

“Hahaha! The more you say that, the more terrifying it becomes!”

Terrifying? What on earth are you talking about, Minister Your Excellency?

“Seeing you simply say you feel ashamed rather than boasting about your achievements shows you still consider yourself lacking. It seems you think there’s more to prove.”

“…?”

No way? Not at all! I absolutely don’t think so! I want this to stop!

I’m getting a little frightened, you know? What if I actually make a mistake after all this?

Everyone seems to see me as the ‘sure-win card,’ and that’s making me nervous!

“His Majesty the Emperor will surely be pleased. That’s why he sent me here.”

Unable to comment further, I could only chuckle and laugh afterwards.

The conversation we had afterward, as expected, was about what would come next.

It seemed that once I returned from the South and had a moment’s rest, the Emperor would summon me.

In the meantime, numerous invitations for grand banquets across the Ministry would flood in.

“Well, perhaps I might be able to take a break after all.”

I would love to decline everything and run away, but I knew that wasn’t possible.

Unless my older brothers or sisters were there to take the Duke title, that would be another story.

As the heir, the more I expand my influence, the more solid our family’s position becomes.

Of course, I plan to be cautious. If I stand out too much, it could cause problems.

The moment the Emperor thinks, “This guy!” then it would be a complete disaster for me, genius tactician or not.

Having moved significantly with the legion has made me acutely aware of the power of the Empire.

“And,”

The Minister of the Palace had a broad smile as he continued speaking.

“Prince Kael, do you remember the imperial decree His Majesty bestowed last time?”

“Eh? Ah, yes. How could I forget that glorious moment?”

“At that time, Prince Kael suggested that since the amount of wine His Majesty provided was insufficient for all the soldiers in the legion, we should pour it into the river and drink together.”

“Y-yes, that happened. Hahaha.”

To be honest, I was seriously nervous during that time.

What kind of lunatic would dare to pour the wine bestowed by the Emperor into a river?

If the soldiers hadn’t supported me there, that would have confirmed me as a total madman.

Thank goodness our Emperor is a kind soul; otherwise, if there were a tyrant?

Oh, I would have been executed for dumping the wine he provided.

Could it be that His Majesty’s finger shot out a Stalin-esque beam of death from his hand?

“Please tell me you’re not saying there are murmurs about that now, right?”

As I struggled to calm my racing heart, the Minister of the Palace presented something to me.

I was curious about what it was, and upon confirming, I was shocked. What in the world!

“The eldest son of the Duke of Bertier Empire, Kael Clausewitz, acknowledges His Majesty’s intention!”

The Minister of the Palace extends a document so respectfully it would be embarrassing to watch.

Anyone who sees that and thinks, “What is this?” should have their noble title stripped away.

Of course, it’s a letter from the Emperor personally designed for me!

With trembling hands and an even more racing heart, I carefully took the letter from the Minister of the Palace and checked the contents.

[ I heard that the amount of wine I sent previously was insufficient. ]

“….”

Wow, from the first line, this really puts me on edge!

If the next line hadn’t been as it was, I might have buried my head in shame.

[ This time, I will send enough for all the soldiers in your legion to drink. So, Prince Kael, you too shall fill your cup with the wine I bestow upon you. ]

It seems the Emperor had something on his mind regarding the wine I poured into the river.

Wanting to show the Emperor’s intention, I joined in to drink with the soldiers.

Had I known this, I would have sent not just one bottle but dozens of jars!

I could feel the Emperor’s intentions behind it, and I unavoidably felt gratitude swell within me.

“…I can only express my heartfelt thanks for His Majesty’s grace, akin to a vast ocean.”

As I expressed my gratitude to the letter, the Minister of the Palace bowed in unison with me.

*

From the day the news of the great victory from the South reached us, the mood across the Ministry was like a festival.

The belief that the Empire would never be defeated has always been present.

However, achieving such results from just one battle is a rare occurrence.

Moreover, the opponent was none other than Benito, who dared to challenge the Empire.

Wasn’t it their own proud army that the Empire turned into utter wreckage?

Yet, if one didn’t get excited about such news, they couldn’t truly be called an Imperial citizen.

People gathered and would chat about the great victory from the South.

And the nobles were no exception. Especially them, being more familiar with the inner workings.

While the achievements of the Imperial Legion were remarkable, they also spoke of how Kael had set a trap they couldn’t escape.

The young tactician who made them wait in an inescapable snare.

And that very protagonist, entered the Ministry alongside the Crown Princess.

Immediately thereafter, per the Imperial Decree, Kael was summoned to the palace.

It was only natural for the nobles to focus their attention on such news.

“Kael Clausewitz of the Bertier Empire has come to meet His Majesty the Emperor.”

With a slight smile on his lips, the Emperor watched Kael’s entrance.

Considering the Emperor was not one to easily display emotions, it was a remarkable occurrence.

Thanks to this, the Minister of the Palace and the guards present, as well as the Crown Princess, couldn’t help but be slightly surprised.

“Welcome, Prince Kael. I feel bad for calling you here without giving you any time to rest for your hard work.”

“Not at all. I am a noble of the Empire, a subject of the Duke of Bertier, and it is only right that I remain loyal to the Imperial Family and the Empire.”

Had someone who achieved nothing expressed that, it would have been nothing but flattery.

But Kael was different. Thinking of his achievements only made one feel more satisfied.

“I called you here because there are a few matters I wish to discuss.”

Though he was the heir of the Duke of Bertier Empire, in the final analysis, he was only a young noble.

For such a person to draw the attention of the supreme ruler of the Empire was a matter that could astonish the world, yet none in attendance reacted that way.

They already knew what kind of monstrosity that young man was.

In the conference room, as the Emperor’s entourage moved to take their seats along with Kael.

As everyone sat down, the Minister of the Palace slowly opened his mouth.

“According to reports received yesterday, there has been flooding beyond the eastern border of the Empire. News from our informants in Burgai and those from Polrand. All of them match the reports from the eastern border area.”

“How serious is it, Minister?”

“A great flood. That seems to be an appropriate term. Your Majesty, both Burgai and Kaden, as well as Polrand, are all suffering from it.”

Something that human strength alone cannot change: a natural disaster.

Before that great calamity, even the once flourishing Burgai, the eastern power, was destroyed.

“What is the extent of the damage?”

“Details will have to come from a detailed report, but it seems that Burgai cannot independently overcome this unprecedented disaster. The situation in Kaden and Polrand is also not looking good.”

At those words, the Emperor stroked his chin with a thoughtful “Hmm.”

A point at which the Empire could show the superiority of its strength without exerting much effort.

It seemed Gnaius, who was beside him, also cautiously sought the floor.

“Your Majesty, might it be a good idea to show the Empire’s mercy right now?”

“Mercy, you say.”

“Given that the three eastern kingdoms can no longer pose a threat to the Empire, it remains only to mold them into perfect collaborators. This incident presents a splendid opportunity for that.”

The Emperor turned his gaze towards the Crown Princess seated nearby.

And indeed, the Crown Princess agreed this time, stating that the Crown Prince’s words held merit.

There was indeed an opportunity to provide the eastern territories with an excellent justification for stability.

However, she seemed to have a couple of things left to say but held her tongue.

As if she were curious about someone’s opinion.

“Hmm.”

Finally, the Emperor turned his gaze to Kael, who sat in the last position.

Sensing the Emperor’s gaze, Kael spoke with extreme caution.

“I also agree.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. However, it is not yet time.”

“Not yet time? The Emperor’s eyebrows slightly raised at Kael’s remark.

“You must wait until they request assistance from the Empire themselves. Even if the eastern regions suffer greater damage.”

Kael’s face, as he said this, looked more composed than ever.

 

---