“Kael! Should I call you Imperial Chief of Staff now?!” “…Perhaps Strategist sounds better.” If it feels like the burden has increased because of the word Staff Officer, is that my misunderstanding? Or have I just gotten used to being called a Strategist so much? The Princess calling me that makes my face feel all hot for no reason. Whatever it is, my official title is now Imperial Chief of Staff. Though others still call me a Genius Strategist or whatnot when they refer to me. And I, too, find the term Strategist a bit more familiar than Chief of Staff. “There's nothing to worry about, Kael. Even if you're called Chief of Staff, your duties won't be any different from when you were a Strategist.” “Actually, when I was a Strategist… Yes. Never mind. I misspoke. I apologize.” When the Princess glared, I quickly retracted my words. The Princess already had immense trust in me. But after meeting Sharlua, that trust had grown even stronger. Listening to Sharlua’s story gave me goosebumps. She really researched me. Why I chose a specific strategy for a particular situation, and the reasons behind that decision. How I overcame anticipated problems and how I maximized Profit. As she listed all of that in front of the Princess, that's how the situation turned out. The funny thing is, I never said or thought any of those things with such intentions. Most of it was just me thinking, ‘Ah, this seems like a good idea,’ and going for it. It’s like telling a famous artist, ‘Ah, this was your intention, right?! Right!?’ When in reality, the artist was just tired. Or rushed by a deadline, completely out of it. “Um, by the way, Your Highness.” “Speak, Imperial Chief of Staff.” “…Could you, perhaps, just treat me as you did before?” I feel like I'm getting endless goosebumps. At my earnest plea, the Princess giggled, "Hehe," and nodded. “Why on earth have I received such a grand title as Imperial Chief of Staff? It's not just any department, but directly under the Imperial Family. If this is the case….” “Are you worried that it looks like I’m keeping Kael all to myself, or something like that?” “…To be honest, yes, that’s part of it.” The emotion of jealousy doesn't simply arise because someone is outstanding. It appears when others idolize someone. Right at that moment. Until now, I've been more an object of Admiration than jealousy. That’s understandable, since I was someone who accomplished things others couldn’t. ( Though from my perspective, it was mostly just luck. ) The impact of my achievements would have remained much stronger in their hearts than any Reward. But now, going beyond Military Advisor, I’ve formally received a position. And it's Imperial Chief of Staff, a position of real Power that will openly receive the Imperial Family’s favor. If this happens, there's no telling how those who maintained a neutral stance might turn. I am a coward. And I have a personality that dislikes making definite enemies. If such a situation arises, I prefer to push them away before they can become an Enemy. Considering that, this personnel order, no matter how I think about it…. “It was His Majesty the Emperor's will, Kael.” “His Majesty, you say?” “Yes. He added that if you were placed in a position like Chief of Military Staff, you’d have to go straight to the Battlefield.” What does that mean? As I tilt my head in confusion, the Princess continues speaking. “You’re the Kael who has toured all four Borders of the Empire. It seems he means for you to watch the situation and rest for a while before making a move this time. It’s not like the Empire lacks other talented individuals.” “Could it be that the reason for specifically creating the position of Imperial Chief of Staff is—” “Because if you were in another Chief of Staff position, you’d have to go to the Battlefield immediately. You haven’t rested enough, and he has no intention of playing a card like you so early on.” I think I understand. Why the Emperor appointed me to that position by Imperial Decree. At first glance, it seems like a grand position the Emperor favors. But it's not a position where I can immediately rush to the Battlefield for merits. From my perspective, this is the Emperor’s mercy, telling me to rest more. From the perspective of others, it means I’ve been temporarily pushed back. It's the Emperor's arrangement to give others in the Empire a chance for merits. By doing so, it can also alleviate some of the jealousy directed at me. And this prediction was confirmed when I met the Emperor. “I shall speak frankly, Kael Clausewitz. I do not wish to unnecessarily tarnish you.” “Your Majesty?” Before being formally assigned as Imperial Chief of Staff, I had another audience with the Emperor. In that meeting, the giant took the incredible step of showing his true Heart to a mere Noble. Thanks to that, as I stammered in bewilderment, he smiled. “Are you perhaps disappointed? To be placed in what could be considered a relatively minor post.” “How could that be possible? Your humble servant is merely moved by Your Majesty the Emperor’s benevolent Heart.” It's not flattery, really. Sincerely. Who would say no to getting more rest? If I were some guy obsessed with merits, it might be different, but I’m not, am I? So, as I expressed my sincerity with my whole body, the Emperor chuckled, "Hohoho," and— “No, no. Although you are the Imperial Chief of Staff, it ultimately means you are stationed in the rear. How disappointed you, a Strategist who has been active on the Battlefield until now, must be.” “….” No matter how many times I say absolutely not, he'll say, ‘Yes. I see. So you're very disappointed, aren't you?’ So, I just gave up and stayed quiet, and the Emperor nodded as if he knew it all along. “You must have heard. The existing Western Legion will be expanded by drawing two Legions from each Border, totaling 11 Legions, and reorganized into the Empire's 1st Army.” “Yes, Your Majesty.” “Upon hearing this, what was the very first thought that came to mind?” At the Emperor's words, I briefly organized my thoughts. Right. The Emperor before my eyes is no ordinary person. He is the master of this vast Empire. And the more of a giant someone is, the more coolly and strictly they view the situation. 'He wouldn't have sat me down just to hear pleasantries or flattery.' In that case, he probably wants me to view the current situation from a critical perspective. The Empire faces other kingdoms on all its Borders. However, the Empire does not rotate all its Legions across all its Borders. Each Legion has an assigned region. They rarely leave it. Of course, this allows them to achieve peak Battle efficiency in that environment. The soldiers are familiar with the area, so they don’t lose confidence or get lost. And finally, they become the Pride of that region, fostering Self-Esteem. “…In your servant's opinion, that is.” Having thought that far, I think I understand why the Emperor asked such a question. “Of course, since the Empire’s great Power has gathered, I thought it would be truly magnificent and also Overwhelming. However, since Legions that operated in different regions have come together, there might be some slight friction….” “Power struggles.” [TL] Kael used "마찰" (friction), which is a softer term. The Emperor directly uses "알력다툼" (power struggle/infighting), a much blunter term. [/TL] I tried to phrase it delicately. But the Emperor just lays it bare. At that, I unconsciously coughed dryly, and a laugh could be heard. “Why are you so surprised? Didn't you already know all this?” “That is….” “It’s unavoidable. The Corps Commanders from different regions, their subordinate Commanders, and even the soldiers of the Legions. All of them, individuals with their own Pride, have suddenly gathered in one place. If things ran smoothly without any problems, would that even be a matter of state?” He's composed. So incredibly composed that I'm at a loss for words. An incompetent leader would say, ‘Nah, that won’t happen,’ or ‘They’ll manage on their own.’ “It’s only natural. The existing Western Legions consider this their territory, so of course. And the Legions coming from each Border are all those who have achieved merits, big or small. Moreover, all of them have recently experienced actual combat. The situation is different from the relatively quiet west.” “Your Majesty speaks rightly.” “Everyone will want to prove their Superiority. Furthermore, since they are truly individuals who lack nothing, it’s even more so.” The Emperor’s words continued. For various reasons, there will be many growing pains for a while. Because right now, Legions gathered from east, west, south, and north are intertwined. Until some more time passes and they can finally move perfectly as the Empire's 1st Army. That’s why he didn’t place me in a Chief of Staff position where I’d likely join the Military immediately. He appointed me Imperial Chief of Staff to temporarily step back and observe the situation. He said it would be quite regrettable if an unnecessary Flaw appeared and damaged my Fame. “And aren’t you also burdened by unnecessary, envious gazes?” “…I am ashamed, Your Majesty.” Yes. The Emperor roughly anticipated my inner thoughts and appointed me Imperial Chief of Staff. If I achieve more merits right away, I’ll receive even more envy and jealousy. Before that happens, he meant to pull me back for a while, out of sight. It’s astonishing. The Emperor is caring for me this much. I can feel it on my skin, how careful he is to prevent me from being tarnished. Why on earth is he doing this? That question rises right up to my throat. Should I ask? Or should I just keep my mouth shut and do as the Emperor wishes…. “Imperial Chief of Staff.” “Y-Yes! Your Majesty the Emperor.” “While you are staying in the Capital, I would like you to spend time with the Second Princess.” “Your servant… you mean?” The Emperor nodded at my question. “Perhaps, as more time passes, the Second Princess will also head to the west. She might work with you there again, so it seems best for you to impart your wisdom to her little by little.” “….” Your-Your Majesty the Emperor. You really just want me to impart wisdom, right? Right? But why does His Majesty the Emperor seem to want something more, as I see him?

Why There of All Places?