Public Service Announcement to manga readers: the novel is fantastic. The manga only reaches up to the end of the novel's volume 2, and it got consistently better afterwards, with many likeable characters, innovative yet believably grounded strategems, astute observations of politics, dramatic battles and intrigues, and plenty of rom-com to lighten the affair. Regis in particular really comes into his own as a main character and a grand strategist (don't let the timidity and cuteness fool you, he's a dangerous political philosopher that one).
Absolutely go read it. And maybe go bother (lol) Skythewood to keep translating it when new volumes come out.
P.S. Altina a cute, Clarisse best girl*, and late entry Fanrine is surprisingly likeable.
*after Regis, who's the real best girl