The President of this nation was thoroughly looked down upon by other countries.

"He's just a lucky brat. He only climbed his way up through sheer fortune."

"It's just that his aides are talented. What could that man possibly do by himself?"

"Ignore someone like him. He's not worth the effort."

Such mocking voices filled diplomatic banquets and intelligence reports. He knew it. All of it. But he merely offered a thin smile and never attempted to deny the rumors. Rather, he brushed them off as if enjoying them. That attitude only deepened the opponent's contempt. The situation was similar within his own borders. The citizens whispered behind his back, calling him a "strange clown," and even the soldiers would shrug during training breaks.

"That President is just a weirdo who does nothing but fool around."

His speeches were abrupt and sometimes sounded incoherent. His operational plans were erratic, baffling his commanders. In the conference room, he always sat with his legs crossed languidly, giving instructions in a joking tone. Everyone frowned, inwardly mocking him: "Another piece of nonsense." In the headquarters of other nations, sneers were exchanged.

"That President? He won't make any significant moves anyway. It's enough to just watch the detached units."

"Leave him be. Even if that man tries something, it'll just end up being a joke."

Everyone made that judgment. Facing their maps, wearing smiles of complacency.

───Who could have imagined that this very judgment was the trap set by the President?