I Was Mistaken as a Great War Commander

Christmas Day.
The Golden Rose Patisserie.

“You must be Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner and Lieutenant Lucy Emilia. It is truly an honor to have you visit our establishment. Please allow me a moment to confirm your reservation.”

As Daniel nodded, the staff member checked the guest list in a file folder.

Meanwhile, Daniel gazed at Lucy standing beside him.

‘I believe this is the first time I’ve seen her in casual attire…’

Lucy was currently wearing a white blouse with a coat draped over her shoulders.

Below, she wore a brown pencil skirt, accentuating the curves of her figure.

Her sophisticated and elegant outfit evoked the image of a modern-day lady.

‘However…’

It seemed she did not frequently wear such attire, as Lucy appeared slightly tense.

‘I understand that feeling all too well.’

When one dresses up to impress, following the latest fashion trends, yet upon venturing outside, one cannot help but feel self-conscious under others’ gazes.

“Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner. Lieutenant Lucy Emilia.”

The staff member’s call broke Daniel from his reverie.

Turning his gaze, the staff greeted them with a professional smile.

“Your reservation has been confirmed. Please, allow me to guide you to your seats.”

Exiting the counter area, the staff gestured for them to follow.

Without a word, Lucy and Daniel complied, and the staff led them to a window-side table.

“Please have a seat here. I shall bring your food and coffee shortly.”

After a slight bow, the staff departed.

Lucy and Daniel took their seats, separated by the table, naturally facing each other.

As Lucy blinked her impassive eyes, Daniel let out a slight chuckle.

Perplexed by his amusement, Lucy spoke first.

“…Lieutenant Colonel? Why are you laughing?”
“Nothing, really. I’m just accustomed to seeing you in your formal uniform, so seeing you in casual attire makes you look different. Right now, you could easily pass for a successful actress.”

Caught off guard by the unexpected compliment, Lucy parted her lips, at a loss for words.

While she had dressed up in hopes of receiving such praise, now that it had become a reality, she struggled to find an appropriate response.

As a spy, she had never hesitated when dealing with Daniel, but as a woman, her mind grew muddled in his presence.

Observing Lucy’s uncharacteristic demeanor, Daniel removed his leather gloves, his hands idly waving through the air.

“Speaking of which, you’re aware that we’ll be attending the Imperial Palace later this evening, correct?”
“Ah, yes, the gala.”

Daniel had informed her a few days prior, so she could not claim ignorance.

‘Although I’m uncertain why I was invited as well…’

As it was an invitation from the Imperial Princess, she could hardly refuse.

“There’s no need to be tense.”

Placing his discarded gloves beside the table, Daniel continued.

“While it may seem grandiose, being an Imperial gala, it is ultimately a social gathering. If you mind your words, exercise moderation with alcohol, and simply enjoy the banquet…”

Daniel trailed off abruptly as a server approached, carrying a Stollen.

“Here is our special Christmas menu item, the Stollen! Please, enjoy!”

With a bright smile, the server placed the Stollen in the center of the table.

She then placed two steaming cups of coffee before Lucy and Daniel before retreating.

“This is…”

Regarding the Stollen, Lucy’s eyes sparkled with wonder.

“It truly looks as if snow has fallen upon the bread. How beautiful.”
“Its taste is as exquisite as its appearance. I’ll slice it shortly, so please wait a moment.”

Wielding a bread knife, Daniel gently slid it along the Stollen, slicing it into pieces.

After cutting several slices, he set down the knife.

“Go ahead and try it first.”

Wishing to hear Lucy’s impression, Daniel encouraged her to partake.

With a small nod, Lucy picked up her fork, speared a piece of Stollen, and brought it to her lips.

As her delicate lips parted and the Stollen entered her mouth, Lucy’s eyes widened.

‘Delicious…’

The Stollen immediately exhibited its sweet flavor upon entering her mouth.

Following the initial sweetness, the moist and tender texture of the bread itself imparted a rich, nutty taste.

Additionally, the occasional bursts of tangy raisins added a refreshing contrast.

Savoring the flavors, Lucy swallowed the Stollen but hesitated before offering her honest assessment.

For Daniel’s smug smile as he regarded her was, for some inexplicable reason, vexing.

It seemed to say, ‘Well? Isn’t it delicious? Of course it would be, since I recommended it.’

Feeling a childish urge to retaliate, Lucy concealed her true sentiments and lifted a napkin to dab her lips.

“…It’s edible, I suppose.”

Of course, such a ploy did not deceive Daniel.

‘She enjoyed it but is putting on an act.’

Her expression upon taking that first bite had revealed everything.

Perceiving her adorable defiance, Daniel maintained his smile as he raised his hand.

“I’m glad it’s edible, at least. Then allow me to try as well…”

As Daniel searched for a fork, his hand waved aimlessly through the air.

No matter how he looked, there was no fork to be found.

“Hm? It seems the server forgot to provide me with a fork.”

He contemplated eating with his bare hands but recoiled at the thought of getting sugar on them.

Just as he considered calling the server, Lucy spoke up.

“If that’s the case, I shall feed you.”

Holding her fork with a piece of Stollen speared upon it, Lucy leaned forward.

“…Feed me, you say?”

While he initially assumed it was a jest, Lucy’s crimson eyes merely blinked innocently.

‘What’s this? Part of a honey trap?’

Although uncertain, Daniel sensed refusing would be unwise.

He accepted the Stollen from Lucy’s fork, savoring its sweet and nutty flavors while discreetly observing their surroundings.

“Adjutant, while I appreciate your kindness, it may be advisable to order an additional fork. Wouldn’t want others to misinterpret our relationship as more… intimate.”

Lucy, who had offered the Stollen without ulterior motives, flushed belatedly.

“Ah.”

Realizing her unintentional display of intimacy, she felt embarrassed.

“Lieutenant Colonel Daniel. I assure you, I had no such intentions…”

Her belated attempt at an explanation only served to heighten the awkwardness.

After a brief silence, Lucy spoke in a subdued voice.

“…My apologies.”

Her ears had turned a bright shade of red.

After their meal, Lucy and Daniel proceeded to the Imperial Palace in the evening.

Escorted by the awaiting Chamberlains, they soon arrived at the separate palace where the gala was being held.

Advertising the gala’s location, the area was lavishly illuminated, with prominent figures from the financial sector conversing in the parking area.

Passing through, they entered the great hall, its grand chandelier casting an impressive sight.

The hall was filled with tables laden with an array of culinary delights, and a towering Christmas tree stood proudly at the center, exuding opulence.

Additionally, the Imperial orchestra performed classical music, creating a truly grand atmosphere.

‘I had heard the Christmas gala differed from ordinary galas, but…’

Inwardly marveling, Daniel and Lucy took seats at a peripheral table.

Daniel had deemed it prudent to avoid drawing unnecessary attention.

However, for someone of Daniel’s renown, it was inevitable that people would gravitate towards him, even in a secluded corner.

“Why, if it isn’t Lieutenant Colonel Daniel.”

Shortly after being seated, a familiar voice addressed them.

Turning, Daniel recognized Cedric, the Deputy Operations Director, dressed in a suit.

Beside him stood Princess Celvia, prompting Daniel and Lucy to swiftly rise from their seats.

“Deputy Operations Director. And Your Highness.”

Daniel bowed in accordance with etiquette.

Celvia glanced at Lucy before turning her attention to Daniel.

“Lieutenant Colonel Daniel. Thank you for accepting my invitation.”
“The honor is mine for being invited.”
“There is no honor in being invited when one deserves it. Moreover, the Deputy Operations Director mentioned having something to discuss with you, Lieutenant Colonel Daniel.”

Cedric regarded Celvia with puzzlement, for he had no such intention.

However, soon comprehending Celvia’s motive, he nodded in acknowledgment.

“As Her Highness the Princess says. Let us step aside for our discussion, Lieutenant Colonel.”
“Understood.”

Heeding Cedric’s words, he led Daniel away.

Observing their departing figures, Celvia turned her gaze towards Lucy.

“Lieutenant Lucy? If I’m not mistaken, you are Lieutenant Colonel Daniel’s adjutant, correct?”

While Celvia’s lips were smiling, her eyes were not.

Sensing an ominous undercurrent, Lucy nodded.

“That is correct, Your Highness.”
“Very well. In that case, I shall now ask you a few questions… Ah, but first, please have a seat.”
“I must decline, Your Highness. I cannot be seated while you remain standing.”

Celvia’s smile deepened.

“I instructed you to sit.”

Only then did Lucy realize it was not a polite gesture but a command.

“…Understood.”

As Lucy took her seat, Celvia calmly spoke.

“I’ve been curious about you lately, Lieutenant Lucy. If you don’t mind, could you share some details about your upbringing? Your hometown, family relationships, and such.”

Unable to discern the intent behind the questions, yet in no position to refuse, Lucy responded as she had been taught.

“…I was born in a small village called Mühlendorf, located in the southwestern region of the Empire. More precisely, in a humble cabin nestled within the surrounding forest.”
“I see. And?”
“There, I was raised by my grandfather until I could support myself. He doted on me until I eventually enrolled in the Imperial Military Academy, completing all the necessary courses before being assigned to the General Staff Headquarters, where I now serve as Lieutenant Colonel Daniel’s adjutant.”

A concise and straightforward explanation.

Celvia seemed to accept it without issue.

“I see. It must have been a difficult upbringing, raised by your grandfather alone in a cabin, without your parents. Such a past can hardly be encapsulated in a single word, can it, Lieutenant Lucy?”
“…A single word, you say?”
“Are you curious? Allow me to enlighten you.”

Celvia leaned forward, resting her hands on the table.

Her lustrous platinum tresses cascaded over her shoulders in flowing waves.

As the tension mounted, her azure eyes, reminiscent of aquamarines, narrowed subtly.

Sensing Lucy’s involuntary unease, Celvia smiled and parted her lips.

“A lie.”