I Am Being Mistaken for a Genius Strategist - Chapter 5

“Whew.”

Cold sweat streams down my back. 

To exaggerate slightly, I nearly soiled myself. 

Had the demon kin acted even slightly differently, I would have faced utter ruin. 

It feels as though the goddess of fortune is whispering, “Just this once.” 

‘This is madness. The luck of this otherworldly life is truly insane!’ 

To be frank, it was half-heartedly thrown out with a “Will this work?” mentality. 

First and foremost, this is not a river. There are no currents or winds to propel us. 

For that reason, both men and horses were essential. 

They are exceedingly precious resources. 

Had either of them been harmed, I would surely have been the one to suffer. 

Yet, the small balloon I launched—nay, the tiny kite—proved effective. 

The enemy beyond the fog, having received the order to retreat and with morale at rock bottom. 

They must have wished to quietly return home, opting for restraint rather than direct confrontation. 

The fact that they did not march forth but merely loosed arrows was decisive proof. 

By chance, I moved alongside the scouts who had been diligently patrolling the area. 

Though the fog still enveloped us, they accurately informed me of our proximity to the Novgorod encampment, having scouted the terrain beforehand. 

Thanks to them, we were able to approach perilously close and subsequently rouse the demon army. 

‘What followed was simply serendipitous.’ 

Having acknowledged our dire circumstances, they sent arrows in a steel rain, a clear message to retreat in quietude. 

I swiftly gathered those arrows and bolted without a backward glance. 

Seeing the carts, I realized I hadn’t even had lunch yet, yet my belly felt full. How many carts were there? 

‘While arrows are significant, what truly matters is that I played a cunning trick!’ 

The warmongers commanded our legion to suitably pursue the retreating Novgorod forces. 

They did not seek victory through battle but rather desired to demonstrate the Empire’s superiority without provocation. 

And so, I resolved this matter in such a manner, accompanied by a letter affirming my treasury of arrows. 

Perhaps with the discovery of that letter,  I could count on the Novgorod forces erupting into an uproar? 

“Ho ho ho. Hoo… Huh…”

As the excitement faded, a chill of fear crept over me once more. 

Indeed, it is fortunate that matters have unfolded favorably; had they not, the ensuing situation would have been dreadful. 

What if they had charged forth? What if they had wielded magic instead of arrows? What if we had miscalculated our distance? 

Had even one detail gone awry, I would have faced pursuit, capture, or worse—death. 

‘Now I understand why protagonists in stories resolve to remain humble.’ 

Only those blessed with overpowered abilities or status screens can afford to be bold. 

And since I do not fall into either category, humility is my best course. 

This time, luck allowed me to succeed, but there is no guarantee it will continue. 

…Hmm. Still, just in case? 

“Status screen?” 

I muttered softly, yet no translucent window appeared before me. 

“…Stats screen?” 

“Oh. Information screen?” 

“Could it be, Info?” 

As expected, nothing occurred. If it were to manifest, it should have done so by now. 

Though I retain memories from my past life, I possess nothing special beyond that. 

I resolved once again to refrain from boasting. 

‘No more acting foolishly. Truly.’

****

As I arrived at our encampment, just as the fog began to lift. 

“Waahhh!!!” 

Amidst the thunderous cheers, the soldiers erupted in hearty laughter, exclaiming. 

“Novgorod has gifted our Empire arrows!” 

“The demon kin even left us a parting gift! Wahahaha!” 

Armies have always harbored childish elements, regardless of the era. 

Such childishness often fortifies bonds of camaraderie. 

From that perspective, it seems my trickery feels even more exhilarating to them than victory through combat. 

“….” 

Even if hundreds of thousands of names were shouted, I remember that exhilaration rivaled that of a drug. 

And now, before me, the Imperial forces, numbering in the thousands, are exulting. 

Amidst that colossal jubilation, my fleeting resolution dulled… Truthfully, it was unavoidable. 

“You seem in high spirits, Your Highness.” 

“Indeed. Quite so, Sir Kael, “Isabel responded in her Imperial officer disguise. 

From a distance, a man, as if he had just returned from a great victory, was greeted with cheers. 

Though he still appears somewhat awkward in that role, it will not be long before he acclimates. 

‘Surely, within a few years, he will rise to become a pivotal figure in the Empire.’ 

He claimed this campaign was his first experience since coming of age.

‘How can this be his first?’ 

In just two occasions, he has elevated our morale to its peak and even caused an explosion of spirits. 

There is barely a trace of deep contemplation. 

In the critical moments, he deftly presented appropriate strategies. 

And everything fell neatly into place, astonishing all who bore witness. 

“What an impressive man.” 

When Kael asked for straw, others looked on quizzically. 

Yet only Isabel sparkled with anticipation, unable to conceal her excitement. 

She still vividly recalls that day. 

When the meteor fell, causing our morale to plummet to the ground. 

When all the commanders of the Imperial army could not mask their discomfort in the current situation. 

That Kael turned it all around with a single cunning stratagem. 

Thus, she hoped once more. Nay, she was certain. 

‘What tremendous wisdom will you unveil this time, Sir Kael?’ 

I have heard that the Clauwitz lineage has produced exceptional military figures since time immemorial. 

Given that he is the eldest son of that lineage, it was only natural to harbor expectations. 

Yet witnessing the birth of such an absurd scheme right before my eyes has only magnified those feelings. 

Consequently, she revealed her true identity to Kael, asking if he would astonish us again with his brilliant wit. 

‘No, no. You will surely do just that. Sir Kael. Won’t you?’ 

Definitely. 

In her mind, all his plans must have already been conceived. 

From the moment he caused the enemy’s morale to plummet, he must have prepared his next stratagem! 

And as she anticipated, Kael stroked his chin for a moment before stating. 

“Could you lend me any remaining hay or straw for a while?” 

With Kael’s departure, the command center buzzed with a mix of excitement and concern. 

If matters unfolded favorably, it would be splendid, yet the variables were too numerous. 

Novgorod might deploy its forces or choose magic instead of arrows. 

Even this fog operates equally for both foes and allies. 

It was far from mere superstition or discontent. 

Had Kael’s next words not resonated, someone might have intervened. 

“I will accompany you personally, Commander.” 

“Will you?” 

He insisted that since he devised the plan, he must also partake in its execution. 

His desire to take responsibility only deepened Isabel’s admiration for him. 

In truth, Kael had made such a choice to garner some leniency should complications arise. 

Regardless. 

“It seems everything has concluded well. Our forces will be returning now.” 

“…Are you disappointed?” 

Kael glanced at Isabel, seemingly concerned. 

Isabel is the princess of the Empire. 

It is exceedingly rare for someone of her status to serve in a military capacity. 

She herself had fought hard to earn this opportunity. 

She swore she would not be a hindrance. 

Yet, having not faced a single significant battle during this rare chance, it is understandable to feel that way. 

“To say I am not disappointed would be a lie, wouldn’t it?” 

“….” 

“However, it is alright. Honestly, this is the right course.”

It is far better to retreat without a single battle than to see countless young soldiers of the Empire die or be injured. 

Isn’t that so?” 

“Your Highness’s words are a hundred percent correct.” 

Indeed. 

And unexpectedly, she had also discovered a truly splendid gem.

****

Isabel recalled a conversation she had before departing with the army. 

“I will help you.” 

“Pardon?” 

“You will accompany the legion. I will lend my support in persuading His Majesty. 

“Bel.” 

The first princess of the Empire, more commonly referred to as the crown princess, approached her. 

She offered a deal, and Isabel tilted her head in confusion. 

“I welcome it, but why the sudden interest?” 

“Would you mind keeping an eye out for any promising young talents?” 

Lately, disturbances had erupted from all corners. 

There were both large and small troubles at the borders. 

The Empire’s prestige remains intact. 

The Empire’s might is undoubtedly the strongest on the continent. 

Yet, talent is perpetually scarce and constantly needed. 

Since it was necessary, she intended to ask her trusted younger sister for assistance. 

“Very well. But if I find not a single one, you must not blame me.” 

“Stop worrying needlessly. Honestly, even discovering one would be a significant gain.” 

Upon returning, she would immediately divulge everything that transpired to her sister. 

Surely, her eyes would sparkle with curiosity, urging her to elaborate. 

Isabel smiled as she gazed at Kael, awkwardly waving from afar. 

****

‘…What is this?’ 

Having basked in the cheers, I suddenly feel a chill run down my spine. 

It seems as though someone is watching me, licking their lips. 

Surely, it must be a mere illusion?