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“Kael! Ah, should I be calling you the Imperial Chief of Staff now?!”

“…I think it’s better to stick with ‘strategist.'”

Is it just my misunderstanding, or is the pressure of being a chief growing heavier with this title?

Or perhaps I’ve just become so accustomed to being called a strategist.

With the princess calling me like that, my face feels embarrassingly flushed.

Whatever the case, my official title is now Imperial Chief of Staff.

People still refer to me as a genius strategist and whatnot.

And while the title of Chief of Staff is a bit more formal, I find ‘strategist’ rolls off the tongue more easily.

“There’s nothing to worry about, Kael. Even if you’re called Chief of Staff, your tasks will be no different from when you were a strategist.”

“Well, there was that moment when I was a strategist… Yes. That’s not what I meant. I misspoke. My apologies.”

Seeing the princess give me that look, I quickly withdrew what I was about to say.

She was already overflowing with trust towards me.

After meeting Charlua, that trust seemed to have multiplied explosively.

Hearing her talk about Charlua sent chills down my spine. She had clearly done her research on me.

Why I chose this particular strategy in such a situation, and the reasoning behind my decisions.

How I planned to overcome anticipated issues and what I did to maximize our gains.

As I laid it all out before the princess, things got a bit out of hand.

The funny thing is, I never intended any of it in that way at all.

Most of the time, it was simply a case of, “Oh, this seems good,” and then I dove right in.

Like telling a famous artist, “Ah, so this was your intention?! Right?!”

Meanwhile, the artist was just tired or swamped by deadlines.

“Um, if I may, Your Highness the Princess.”

“Speak, Imperial Chief of Staff.”

“…Could you please just treat me more casually?”

I’m about to die from how creeped out I feel.

At my earnest request, the princess chuckled and nodded.

“Why exactly am I receiving such a grand title as Imperial Chief of Staff? Right under the Imperial Family, no less. If it goes on like this…”

“Are you worried that it’s too much of a Kael-centric situation? Is that the concern?”

“To be honest, yes.”

Jealousy isn’t something that arises just because someone’s doing well.

It emerges the moment others elevate someone higher.

Up until now, I had been more of an object of admiration than jealousy.

And it’s no surprise since I had accomplished things others could not.

(Of course, from my perspective, it was just luck that made it happen.)

The fame of my achievements would have certainly left a stronger impression in their hearts than any rewards.

But now, I’ve officially received a position beyond just an advisor.

And not just any position—this is the Imperial Chief of Staff, a place of considerable power and the emperor’s favor.

With this, those who were neutral might shift their stance unpredictably.

I am a coward. I dislike making definite enemies.

If such a situation arises, I prefer to push them away before they become an enemy.

From that perspective, this appointment feels like…

“It is the will of His Majesty the Emperor, Kael.”

“His Majesty’s words?”

“Yes. He added that placing someone in a position like Chief of Staff means they must head to the battlefield immediately.”

What does that mean? As I furrowed my brow in confusion, the princess continued.

“You’ve traveled across the empire’s four borders, Kael. It seems His Majesty is suggesting you take a moment to observe and rest before making a move. There are other talents in the empire, after all.”

“Could it be that the position of Imperial Chief of Staff was created to—”

“To avoid sending you straight to the battlefield in another staff position. You still need ample rest, and he likely doesn’t want to use your card just yet.”

I understand now why the emperor appointed me to that position by decree.

At first glance, it might seem like a significant role benefiting from the emperor’s favor.

But it’s not a role where I can just dash into the battlefield to achieve immediate results.

From my viewpoint, it feels more like the emperor’s mercy to allow a bit of a break.

Yet, seen from the perspectives of others, it can also be interpreted as being momentarily sidelined.

This is the emperor’s way of giving others a chance to shine.

In doing so, it might ease some of the jealousy directed at me.

And this expectation was solidified when I finally met with the emperor.

“I’ll be frank with you, Kael Clausewitz. I have no intention of harming your reputation.”

“Your Majesty?”

Before I was formally appointed as the Chief of Staff, I met with the emperor once more.

In that moment, the great man displayed genuine feelings towards an ordinary noble like me.

As a result, I found myself flustered and bumbling, while he just smiled.

“Are you feeling a bit left out? Being placed in what could be seen as a secondary position?”

“Of course not. I am merely grateful for Your Majesty’s benevolence.”

Not flattery, just truth. Who would dislike being told to take a rest?

If I were the kind of guy who was all about glory, that would be another story.

So, as I revealed my sincere feelings, the emperor laughed heartily.

“No. Even though you hold the title of Imperial Chief of Staff, you’re essentially positioned in the rear. You, who has been active on the battlefield, must feel a bit let down.”

“….”

No matter how many times I say absolutely not, he’ll just nod and say, “I see. So you’re quite disappointed, huh?”

So I simply gave in and remained quiet as the emperor nodded as if he expected it.

“You should know this. They will be expanding the Western Legion by pulling two legions from each of the borders for a total of eleven legions, which will then be organized as the 1st Legion of the Empire.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Now, what was the first thought that crossed your mind upon hearing this?”

As the emperor spoke, I took a moment to organize my thoughts.

Okay. The emperor before me isn’t just anyone. He is the ruler of this vast empire.

And someone as great as him looks at the situation with increased coldness and strictness.

He isn’t the sort of person who sits me down for pleasant chatter or flattery.

“Then it must mean he wants me to view the current situation from a critical standpoint.”

The empire faces other kingdoms at every border.

However, the legions in the empire don’t just circulate to all borders.

Each legion is assigned a designated area; they rarely stray from it.

The benefits of this practice include creating the best combat efficiency for that environment.

The soldiers become familiar with their territory, maintaining their confidence and never getting lost on the terrain.

Lastly, they become proud representations of their region, fostering a sense of pride in themselves.

“…From what I understand…”

As I thought up to that point, I realized why the emperor had asked me that question.

“Of course, with the empire’s vast power gathered, it will indeed be magnificent and overwhelming. However, since legions from different regions are converging, there could be a bit of friction…”

“Power struggles.”

I hastily tried to roundabout mention it, but the emperor nailed it right away.

That caused me to cough unexpectedly, and I heard laughter echo.

“Why are you so surprised? Didn’t you know that already?”

“That is…”

“It can’t be avoided. The commanders and their subordinates, and the troops themselves from various regions. Each one comes with their own sense of pride. If everything runs smoothly without issues, that would be quite the marvel, wouldn’t it?”

It’s so cold. I’m almost at a loss for words.

An incompetent leader would say, “Oh, that won’t happen,” or “They’ll manage just fine.”

“That’s only normal. The existing legions in the west will naturally see this as their territory. Meanwhile, the legions coming from the borders are those who have gained various accomplishments, no matter how big or small. They’ve all recently seen actual combat, whereas the west has been relatively quiet.”

“Your Majesty’s words are accurate.”

“Everyone will want to prove their superiority. Especially those who lack nothing at all.”

With the emperor’s continued insights.

For various reasons, we will likely face many challenges for quite some time.

At the moment, the legions gathered from the north, south, east, and west are intertwined.

It won’t be until time passes and they can finally operate flawlessly as the 1st Legion of the Empire.

This is why I wasn’t placed directly into a position that would require me to join the military.

Instead, as the Imperial Chief of Staff, I was set aside to observe the situation for a bit longer.

To avoid any unnecessary blemish on my reputation would be quite unfortunate.

“And you must also find the immature gazes burdensome, don’t you?”

“…My apologies, Your Majesty.”

Yes. The emperor seemed to have anticipated my inner thoughts when he appointed me to the position of Chief of Staff.

Asking me to perform great deeds again might invite even more jealousy and resentment.

So before that, he chose to put me “on hold” for a while to keep me out of sight.

It’s remarkable. The emperor is watching out for me this much.

It feels like he’s being careful not to let me get hurt.

What in the world is going on? That question is just sitting on the tip of my tongue.

Should I ask? No, I should just keep my mouth shut and follow the emperor’s wishes…

“Imperial Chief of Staff.”

“Y-Yes! Your Majesty.”

“While you’re in this position, I would like you to spend time alongside the Second Princess.”

“Are you… asking me?”

The emperor nodded at my question.

“Perhaps after some time, the Second Princess will also head west. It might benefit both of you, and it would be wise for you to share your wisdom with her little by little.”

“….”

Your Majesty, are you really only looking to impart wisdom? Right?

But somehow, the way the emperor appears to me seems to imply he wants something more.

 

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