I Am Being Mistaken for a Genius Strategist - Chapter 13

“There are various methods available. One could wield trade as a weapon, or perhaps resort to methods of sowing discord.”

“Unless the other party is a fool, they would likely prefer to adopt a stance of measured indifference, intervening just enough to reap benefits from behind the scenes rather than engaging in outright war with the Empire.”

“Once the surrounding areas are stabilized and relations restored, we shall ensure their economic subjugation to our Empire. Even if they crave swords and blades, they will find themselves unable to wield them.”

“Kroyzen. The glorious order of peace revolving around this Empire. Pax Kroyzen. That is the grand vision I ultimately desire.”

At first glance, such words may seem implausible, even bordering on the absurd. 

However, upon further reflection, there is something compelling about them, drawing one in deeper.

The rumors of the First Prince’s eloquence are not without merit.

Had I belonged to a neutral faction rather than our noble house, I might have viewed his words with optimism.

Of course, the princess seated beside me would retort sharply, dismissing the prince’s words as nonsense…

“…”

Wait, princess? What’s that rapt almost enchanted expression?

Get ahold of yourself! You are not one to support the pacifists but rather your faction!

“Ah.”

Fortunately, the princess soon regained her composure, her features contorting in displeasure.

“Your speech was so eloquent that I was momentarily swayed. But upon closer inspection, it is merely grandiloquent talk.”

“What part do you find so, Bel?”

“Do you believe that if the Empire utilizes means other than force, they will think, ‘Oh dear, the Empire’s pressure is too intense. I must bow my head’? Rather, they will likely respond with even greater military fervor!”

“That is—”

“And do you think the use of force brings only losses? It is, in fact, the quickest and most effective solution! Look at the neighboring countries! Whenever our Imperial forces mobilize near the borders, nine out of ten surrender!”

Indeed, that rings true. When the Empire battles the kingdoms, nine times out of ten, it is the Empire that prevails.

The larger the territory, the greater the resources, and the more populous the nation, the more advantageous the position.

The reason the Empire is called an Empire is precisely because of the overwhelming dominance in those three aspects.

And it is also thanks to the unceasing wars that they have been able to grasp all three.

“…Indeed. Very well. Let us set aside the idealistic aspects and examine the more pragmatic ones, Bel.”

At some point, our conversation shifted from a dialogue between the prince and me to a dispute between the prince and the princess.

However, I chose not to intervene. It was, after all, quite an entertaining spectacle.

“Let’s consider how much tax has been allocated to the military this year, shall we, Bel?”

“…Quite a bit.”

“Not just a bit, but a considerable sum. It has increased again. As military activities rise, so do the resources consumed, which means the taxes the citizens must bear have not only failed to decrease but have risen further.”

Ah, yes. Ultimately, it is the most pragmatic and yet the most fatal aspect that emerges.

Matters concerning money are always critical, whether for a household or an entire empire.

Especially taxes, which are far from mere income… Sigh. My head is already beginning to ache.

“The Empire is currently expending tremendous taxes for military funding. Yet the returns are nowhere near what they once were. Above all, we are not waging conquest wars like the great founders of the Empire or our early ancestors, yet we are consuming resources at a similar rate.”

“But it provides us with deterrence!”

“That deterrence could also be compensated by spending less on taxes. Simultaneously, it could prevent the unnecessary loss of young lives in the Empire due to conflict.”

The prince’s words elicited a fervent rebuttal from the princess, who cited other reasons vigorously.

Yet, she appeared to struggle. Understandably so; the word ‘tax’ had issued forth from the prince’s lips.

It is not merely about money. It represents the sentiments of the Empire’s citizens, their love for the royal family, and their approval ratings.

The rise in taxes signifies a proportional decline in these sentiments.

“Sir Kael.”

Ultimately, having triumphed over the princess in their exchange, the prince turned to me and continued.

“As you are aware, the costs of war are never small. Just consider the friction with Norvogrod. Even mobilizing a single legion incurred enormous expenses. This has been the case almost every time. How long can we sustain this?”

“…”

“As I have already stated, I do not propose abandoning the use of force. Rather, I suggest we think more deeply and consider it as a last resort rather than the first option.”

Blast it. This should not be happening. I am being drawn in again. His rhetoric, his eloquence!

“The hawks of the pro-war faction will not relent even when faced with the inability to bear the taxes. It is the easiest route. Thus, I require someone who can understand my perspective, even while standing with the hawks.”

“Are you implying that I am that person?”

“I see potential in you. No, rather, I see certainty.”

Potential, certainty. I inquired as to what exactly that meant.

In response, the prince smiled and began to speak.

“Though I have entered the battlefield, I do so not with the intent to fight, but to subdue and demoralize the opponent through alternative means. 

Being the eldest son of the Count of Bertie, I could easily become a fervent supporter of the military, yet I take a step back to contemplate such notions and implement them. 

“I hold that aspect in high regard.”

“…”

In that moment, the thought that this was all a misunderstanding lingered on the tip of my tongue.

It seems the prince perceives me as someone skeptical of the use of force.

Yet, I am not at all. If I were truly skeptical, I would not have joined the military at all.

“Prince, you are seeking a new path, are you not?”

“If I must put it that way, then yes.”

“I have one question I wish to pose.”

Thus far, I had only heard agreeable sentiments.

And as is customary with figures in politics, where there is a carrot, there is also a stick.

“If the military and the hawks continue as they are, what will you do?”

“In such a case, the next budget proposal for the Empire will likely create quite a stir in the assembly.”

“Are you suggesting you will apply pressure regarding the military budget?”

“I believe that provoking neighboring countries without any gain, ultimately leading to increased military expenditure, constitutes an act of treason against the Empire. What are your thoughts on this, Sir Kael?”

At the prince’s words, I fell silent, while the princess stood abruptly, demanding to know what he meant.

Many are laboring today, striving to protect the Empire, and yet he speaks of exerting pressure through the budget.

That would turn all the heroes of the Empire, who have fought with honor, into adversaries.

However, the prince countered, as if he had made a splendid point.

“Bel. For what did the heroes of the Empire fight? To bring about change. For your sons and daughters. Grandchildren and their progeny. To ensure they do not suffer the threat of war. 

“These aren’t the early days of our founding, nor is there a nation poised to invade the Empire on a grand scale. The world has changed; what purpose does it serve to cling to outdated stubbornness?”

“There are no nations poised to invade? Even Norvogrod, though outnumbered, is not lacking in training or battlefield experience! And! That is only when considered as a singular opponent. Do you not foresee the possibility of neighboring countries uniting to pressure the Empire?”

“Thus, that situation should be addressed through diplomacy…”

“Conquerors seek even larger prey! There is much to devour! Other nations are no different! Do you think they prefer the scraps we offer, or that they would rather feast upon a substantial prize should they seize more from us?”

Both arguments hold merit; it was difficult to ascertain who is right or wrong.

As I quietly observed the standoff between the siblings, the prince turned to me.

“My discourse has reached this point, Sir Kael. What say you?”

“Firstly, I found your words, Your Highness, to be quite impressive.”

“I am relieved to hear that. I had anticipated you might consider it too idealistic, bordering on the absurd.”

“Ultimately, the use of force is a means to preserve and maintain peace. Both you, Your Highness, and the esteemed princess beside you share this aim. In the end, do you not seek the peace of the Empire?”

The prince regarded me with a look of considerable favor.

Despite having a father who was active in the military and a key figure among the military establishment.

It is understandable that my positive reaction to his views would elicit such a response.

Conversely, the princess wore an expression of quiet concern.

“However, Your Highness, force is ultimately an element that compels nations to heed one another’s words. 

“This is not a choice, but a necessity. History bears witness to this truth.”

“…”

“Your Highness. When all is said and done, I would ultimately cast my vote in favor of your opinion. However, not at this moment. To do so, I say would be premature.”

“You’re suggesting that despite the already heavy burdens resulting from frequent military actions?”

Just as I had with the princess, I too was contemplating an attack on the tax issue.

That much is certain. Nobles and royalty alike. Enraged citizens of the Empire are a formidable force.

How many nations have crumbled under excessive taxation?

“It seems the pacifists intend to use that as leverage in the next assembly.”

“That would indeed be the case.”

“Are you certain you can speak so freely about this in front of me and the princess?”

“After all, you will soon learn of it, and I believe you have already anticipated it.”

I have not. I have never anticipated it. Please stop overestimating me. Stop the delusion!

“Then, since I have heard this in advance, I shall also express my thoughts. Your Highness, I believe such claims will not wield significant influence in the next assembly.”

“…What do you mean?”

“I doubt the citizens of the Empire will react strongly against their increased taxes as one might expect.”

At this, the prince wore an expression of disbelief, as if to say, ‘What nonsense is this?’

How could the citizens possibly not react against taxes? It is a matter directly tied to their livelihoods after all. 

“Economic reasons often yield political outcomes, Your Highness. There is a saying: politics is subordinate to economics.”

“A truly impressive statement. It resonates deeply. Did Sir Kael originate this idea?”

“…Yes, well.”

My apologies, Yang Wen-li. Since you are not here, I shall claim it as my own.

“However, based on your assertion, it seems rather peculiar. Economics is ultimately about money, and taxes are also money. If that is the case, the citizens’ support would naturally flock to your side.”

“That is true. However, there are times when this can be reversed.”

“Reversed? Even with rising taxes? Even when economic disadvantages are clearly visible?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Have you ever heard of national pride, Your Highness?