I Am Being Mistaken for a Genius Strategist - Chapter 4

“A communication has arrived from Novgorod. Finally, the Moderates have seized control of the Demon Council.”

“The first resolution to come out after driving out the hardliners who called for war against the Empire was the withdrawal of a unit near the border engaged in a standoff with the Imperial Army.”

“Is it okay? The Imperial Army could strike from behind.”

[We have conveyed our Council’s resolution to the Empire. We seek to refrain from military activities and explore diplomatic solutions. If they don’t want trouble, they should also exercise restraint.]

As the Moderates’ leader, Kaland of the Estania family, took over as chairman this time and endlessly informed his only daughter about the internal affairs.

[This is the current state of affairs. What’s the situation there?]

“Over here, most of the field commanders lean towards not fighting with the Empire, while the operations staff and generals are reducing tension. It’s frustrating to have to retreat without showing our true strength to the Imperial Army.”

[Well, one should be grateful that we are not losing the precious lives of others. I hear their morale has plummeted, has it not?]

“…Indeed, that is the case.”

Kalande’s only daughter, Charlotte, nodded as she recalled the events of that day.

To be honest, even now, thinking of that day leaves her utterly bewildered.

What kind of divine jest could this be?

A few nights prior, a meteor had streaked across the night sky, plummeting towards the Imperial army’s encampment.

Witnessing this, the commanders and staff had proclaimed that the deity Anbar had bestowed upon them a sign of victory.

The soldiers, too, were swept up in the fervor, as if they were ready to charge at the Imperial forces at any moment.

‘Thanks to that, the faces of the field commanders were anything but pleasant.’

This was not an unavoidable full-scale war like in the past.

Both nations were entrenched in a game of psychological warfare.

Should one side strike first, it would undoubtedly lead to mutual devastation.

Ultimately, it was the soldiers who would pay the price, hence the commanders’ reactions were decidedly subdued.

As for Charlotte herself, she felt ambivalent.

While it was encouraging to see morale rising, the specter of battle still loomed large in her mind.

The direction of future events hinged upon which faction—moderates or hardliners—would seize power.

Just as she was contemplating this, ‘that event’ transpired.

‘Truly, it was an absurd occurrence. How could such a thing be possible?’

The meteor, with its red tail, had plunged and then, astonishingly, reemerged from the direction of the Imperial encampment.

It blazed brilliantly, soaring into the sky, only to vanish amongst the stars, just as it had the previous day.

Upon witnessing this, the soldiers murmured, ‘The fallen star has risen again. This is an ill omen.’

Had not the commander and staff just celebrated a day prior, exclaiming, ‘The meteor has fallen—this is definitive proof of the enemy’s impending defeat!?’

The situation now would not have played out. However, the opposite had occurred and thus anyone could predict the outcome was now reversed.

[Whatever the case, it is fortuitous for us. I was concerned that if morale remained high, it might become difficult to control. If the current state is disarrayed, surely everyone would wish to return home.] 

“Father, you speak the truth. Even now, everyone is merely waiting for the order to withdraw.” 

[….] 

The chairman, peering through the communication channel, tilted his head before speaking. 

[What is the matter, Charlotte?] 

“Pardon? Oh, nothing in particular.” 

[Ah, your face is laden with concern. Do not attempt to deceive your father.] 

Surely, as his only daughter, he could discern the hue of her expression. 

Upon hearing this, Charlotte forced a wry smile before responding. 

“It’s just a bit peculiar.” 

[Peculiar, you say?] 

“Honestly, it defies logic. How could a fallen meteor rise again? You know such a thing is impossible, Father.” 

[Hmm.] 

“There is certainly some trickery at play on the part of the Empire. It is clear that there exists within their ranks a strategist of remarkable prowess.” 

In Novgorod, there is a saying: “When an old man dies, the library burns away.” 

This signifies the immense wisdom possessed by the elderly. 

It implies a wealth of experience and insight. 

Charlotte was convinced that this incident was the handiwork of such a wise and exceptional elder. 

Without that, it would be inconceivable to conceive such a rapid and absurd notion! 

“Even upon reflection, it seems utterly ridiculous. It is as if they had predicted such an occurrence.” 

[Well, whether it was the old man or the young one, in the end, it has proven advantageous for us, has it not? Had we engaged in battle unnecessarily, arranging negotiations with the Empire would have been exceedingly awkward.] 

“Will the Empire truly send its troops willingly?” 

[At the very least, they will feign an attempt to take the rear.] 

If we were in their position, that would undoubtedly be the case. 

The chairman continued, igniting his cigar. 

[However, I have heard that the fog is dense. In such circumstances, no one would recklessly mobilize their entire army.] 

“Father.” 

[Are you suggesting there could be movement? Even so, it would only be a minor probing action…] 

“I have mentioned several times that you should cut down on that foul cigar of yours.” 

[Ah, dear.] 

As Charlotte rolled her eyes, the chairman hurriedly cut his cigar. 

Yet it was already too late. His daughter had raised her eyes defiantly. 

“You have said you would quit it several times.” 

[Well, you know how it is. Huh. Looking at this situation, I cannot live without cigarettes. Even the moderates do not heed my words. The hardliners treat me as if I were their enemy.] 

Still, you ought to cut back a bit. What is so commendable about burning that? 

Charlotte’s next words never made it out. 

―Clang Clang Clang! 

“I will contact you later. There is a signal of enemy approach.” 

[Enemy approach?] 

“Yes. There is no need for concern. If they were detected by the sentries despite the fog, it seems, as you said, that the Empire is merely probing us.” 

[Nonetheless, do not let your guard down. The battlefield is a place where one must never make assumptions.] 

“I will bear that in mind. Then, I shall take my leave.” 

After concluding the communication, Charlotte immediately donned her armor and exited the barracks. 

“What is happening?” 

“The Imperial army is approaching from the front of the encampment! While we have not confirmed exact numbers, we have heard voices and the sound of wheels!” 

Horses? Wheels? What are they plotting? Charlotte tilted her head in confusion. 

In a situation where they had been ordered to retreat, shrouded in thick fog that limited visibility, it was impossible to discern their intentions. 

“From the sounds, it appears they have entered our range!” 

Cries of “What should we do?” erupted from all directions. 

Then the field commanders ordered everyone to remain on standby, refraining from immediate action. 

However, the commander who appeared behind them issued a completely different command. 

“What are you doing? Fire! If they are indeed the enemy, we must repel them before they draw any closer! Who knows what they are plotting behind the cover of the fog!” 

“We still have no secure visibility! Just a little longer to assess the situation…” 

“This is a direct order from the commander! The Empire is well aware that we are attempting to retreat! Thus, they have come to prod us publicly! If we do not respond decisively, they will regard us with even greater disdain!” 

While not entirely incorrect, the field commanders fell silent and stepped back. 

“Should we initiate a magical attack?” 

At the suggestion of the staff, the commander from the demon side shook his head after a moment’s contemplation. 

“Firing magic without secure visibility would merely expose our mages’ positions. Instead, let us unleash a torrent of arrows to prevent further advance.” 

Who knows? If the Imperial troops, stirred by the arrows, charge in, the battle may resume. 

Should that occur, the power of the moderates would naturally diminish, rendering it quite a worthwhile gamble. 

“Archers, prepare!” 

“Fire from the prepared archers! Fire!” 

The fog obscured the enemy from view. 

This fact only further fueled the archers’ frenzy. 

They believed that the more arrows they shot, the more likely the enemy would abandon their folly and retreat quietly. 

As the image of the fallen meteor resurfaced in their minds, their rate of fire increased. 

“Hey, you fools! Shoot with moderation, moderation!” 

Of course, the field commanders wore expressions filled with concern over this nonsensical waste of supplies. 

Some even cast glances at Charlotte, silently imploring her for assistance. 

Yet there was little she could do in this situation. 

No matter who she was, the commander held the authority here. 

If he had made a decision, it was right to follow it. 

To intervene would be a clear overreach of power. 

If the chairman’s daughter were to commit such an act, all manner of gossip would ensue. 

“Cease fire.” 

“Cease fire!” 

After showering arrows for a few minutes, the commanders gazed into the fog. 

“…” 

“…” 

Had the enemy retreated after sustaining damage? 

Or had they responded to a warning to remain at a distance? 

Not a single Imperial soldier was visible approaching their side. 

“It seems the enemy has withdrawn.” 

“Maintain a state of alert until the fog clears.” 

A perfectly standard response, and an entirely expected decision. 

However, they soon realized that they were the only ones acting typically. 

“What is this?” 

“What the?” 

Finally, as the fog lifted, they revealed an empty cart and a single letter left behind. 

– I will graciously accept your parting gift. – 

A gift? A gift, you say? What kind of absurdity is this? 

“…Could it be?” 

“Damn it.” 

Only then did they realize that nearly all the arrows they had shot were gone. 

Only a few arrows, unable to be retrieved, lay scattered on the ground. 

“…Ha, haha! Hahahaha!” 

Upon hearing the news, Charlotte could not help but burst into laughter. 

‘Goodness. What kind of terrifying individual could orchestrate this?’ 

Considering that both sides would retreat without engaging in open warfare. 

They had predicted that instead of countering with arrows or magic, they would shoot them. 

And in the end, they had gained something without a single battle, all while delivering clear mockery. 

What an absurd trickery was at play! There was a brilliant strategist within the Imperial camp. 

A sigh escaped her lips. 

No, it was a gasp of astonishment, as Charlotte wore an expression as if possessed by a phantom.