I Was Mistaken as a Great War Commander

The following day.

After arriving at the General Staff Headquarters, I sat in front of the desk in my personal office and unfolded a newspaper.

[Exclusive! His Imperial Majesty Selects the Heir!]
[The Next Emperor is Her Highness Selvia… Regency to Begin Soon]
[Her Highness’s Closest Aide is None Other Than Daniel Steiner?]

While the last article made me uncomfortable, that wasn’t the main concern at the moment.

Flipping through a few pages, I came across the article I had been apprehensive about.

[United Nations Security Council Member Edria Strongly Criticizes the Empire]

Below the headline was a black-and-white photograph of a familiar-looking man holding a press conference.

The serpent-like narrow eyes and emaciated appearance.

It was Count Calredra, the one holding actual power in Edria.

He would also be the person to drive the Empire into a corner in the future.

After quietly observing Calredra in the photograph, I proceeded to read the article’s contents.

[“…Count Calredra condemns the Empire for effectively turning the Kingdom of Eldresia into a puppet state. Throughout the press conference, Count Calredra criticized the Empire’s expansionist war tactics and called upon neighboring countries to rise up against the Empire…”]

After confirming the contents, I folded the newspaper and let out a low, disdainful chuckle.

‘Dammit.’

As expected, Calredra was preaching about the Empire’s dangers and urging neutral nations to join the war.

It was only a matter of time before the great powers, the Socialis Republic and the Velleca Federation, joined the conflict.

From their perspective, they had to somehow prevent the Empire from becoming the sole superpower capable of exerting influence over the entire world.

In other words, a world war was becoming a tangible reality.

If a world war broke out, could the Empire truly defeat the combined forces of the Republic, Federation, and Allied Nations?

Although the current situation had improved somewhat, the prospects were still bleak.

If the Empire lost, the victors would undoubtedly hold war crime trials and execute the opposing military forces at their discretion.

‘And I had wanted to remove my uniform as soon as possible…’

Yet, before I knew it, I had become a core member of the Imperial leadership.

What’s more, in this latest incident, I had become embroiled in internal Imperial politics and was even being called the Princess’s closest aide, turning my world upside down.

As a result, the possibility of defecting had narrowed to the size of a needle’s eye.

For there would be no nation willing to welcome the defection of a high-ranking officer who had made military and political contributions on the Empire’s behalf.

Even if a nation did accept my defection, it would likely come with strings attached.

‘Yet my position within the Imperial system is not entirely secure either…’

Regrettably, there were many individuals within the Empire who viewed me with disdain.

From the perspective of the established military forces, nobles, and politicians already in positions of power, I would undoubtedly be seen as an upstart force that had suddenly emerged.

An upstart force that had rapidly risen and even used personal troops to neatly eliminate rivals? It was only natural for them to fear or be wary of me.

I vividly recalled the hostile glances directed at me by figures like Girash at the Grand Hall of the Imperial Palace.

‘Of course, I am the wronged party, but…’

How many would believe me, even if I claimed to be wronged?

Just yesterday, the Emperor himself had made no attempt to conceal his suspicions, outright pressuring me.

In that moment, I couldn’t help but feel apprehensive about how many more misunderstandings would torment me going forward.

Knock, knock.

The sound of knocking dispelled my contemplation.

Was it Lucie? Raising my head, I looked towards the door and spoke.

“Come in.”

No sooner had I finished speaking than the office door opened.

Indeed, it was Lucie who entered.

She had mentioned coming to retrieve some work documents from the Operations Staff Room.

The issue was the tall man standing behind Lucie like a backdrop.

Wondering who it was, I raised my gaze and immediately rose from my seat upon recognizing the man’s face.

“Th, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Your Excellency!”

I instinctively saluted, and Lucie stepped aside.

The Deputy Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Cedric, acknowledged the salute with a nod before entering the office.

After sweeping his azure eyes around the room, Cedric looked at me.

“Your office is tidy, devoid of unnecessary clutter. The cleanliness is also satisfactory.”
“…Thank you. But may I ask what brings you here, Deputy Chief of Staff?”
“I came to inspect your working environment and convey some good news.”

The mention of “good news” brought a sense of unease.

And that unease soon turned into certainty.

For Cedric extended his hand, which had been behind his back.

In Cedric’s hand was a small box wrapped in the Imperial flag.

A box I had become all too familiar with.

“Headquarters has approved your special promotion. There were differing opinions, but after you apprehended the rebels this time, no one raised any further objections.”

Rather than no one raising objections, it would be more accurate to say no one could raise objections.

For the future Empress Selvia had undoubtedly exerted some pressure.

Additionally, there were my merits from the northern campaign, so a promotion was only a matter of time, but I hadn’t expected it to come this swiftly through a special promotion, leaving me somewhat dazed.

“Come here. I shall affix your new rank insignia.”

With a resigned expression, I approached Cedric.

Cedric then unfurled the Imperial flag, opened the box, and removed the colonel’s badge.

With practiced motions, he removed the major’s insignia from my uniform before attaching the colonel’s badge.

After observing me, now a colonel, for a moment, Cedric took a step back.

“Congratulations on your promotion, Colonel Daniel Steiner.”

It was a matter-of-fact congratulatory remark without any empty platitudes.

Typical of Cedric, I thought, as I maintained a slight tension and replied.

“Thank you. Although I am lacking, I shall continue to dedicate myself to the Empire.”
“Lacking, you say?”

Cedric’s azure eyes blinked once.

“You not only stabilized the occupied territory of Nordia but also perfectly concluded negotiations with the Kingdom. Furthermore, this time you even apprehended those plotting rebellion. In what way are you lacking?”

Once again, Cedric’s azure eyes blinked slowly.

“Colonel Daniel Steiner. On behalf of the Empire, allow me to express my gratitude. I shall also take note of your pledge to dedicate yourself to the Empire.”

…I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had said something amiss.

An inexplicable premonition arose just as Lucie, standing by the entrance, spoke.

“Congratulations on your promotion, Colonel Daniel.”

Her congratulatory words somehow felt like a subtle jeer.

Feeling uneasy, I looked at Cedric and said:

“Your Excellency, the Deputy Chief of Staff. The reason I referred to myself as lacking was that some of the merits I achieved were largely due to my aide’s efforts.”
“Your aide’s efforts?”
“Yes. I do not deny that I issued the orders to stabilize Nordia. However, it was my aide who swiftly and thoroughly implemented those orders, establishing the administrative system.”

With a somewhat surprised expression, Cedric turned to look behind him.

“Is this true?”

Flustered by Cedric’s question, Lucie hastily lowered her head.

“Your Excellency, the Deputy Chief of Staff. I merely followed orders. All credit rightly belongs to my superior, Colonel Daniel.”

Lucie had come here as a spy tasked with eliminating traitors within the Imperial system.

It was safe to assume she had no intention of staying for an extended period.

But what would happen if she suddenly caught the attention of the top brass and received a promotion?

While not to the same extent as me, she would undoubtedly face difficulties leaving the Empire.

Hence, she was desperately denying any credit for herself.

Of course, I had no need to understand her circumstances.

“It is the truth. My aide is merely being modest. Therefore, Your Excellency, the Deputy Chief of Staff, I ask that you not only commend me but also consider my aide’s contributions.”
“Hmm.”

After a brief contemplation, Cedric nodded.

“You would have no reason to lie to me. After reviewing Lucie First Lieutenant’s contributions to stabilizing Nordia, I shall proceed with her special promotion review.”

Expressing my sincere gratitude, I bowed my head.

As I bowed, Lucie, unable to refute further, broke out in a cold sweat.

Regarding Lucie with a meaningful gaze, Cedric shrugged his shoulders and turned around.

“Well then, I shall take my leave. Dedicate yourselves to your duties.”

As Cedric exited the office, Lucie shot me an incredulous look.

“Major… No, Colonel. I was merely carrying out my assigned orders.”

It seemed she wanted me to retract my statement to Cedric, but that was out of the question.

With a smile, I approached Lucie.

“Aide. Do you know how difficult it is to properly execute orders? In that regard, your special promotion is not at all surprising.”

A crack appeared in Lucie’s impassive expression.

It was a subtle change, but I could sense her anger.

‘So what can you do about it?’

I was merely a benevolent superior looking out for a subordinate.

“Going forward, I intend to boast about my aide’s achievements here and there. After all, it wouldn’t be easy to remain silent when I have such a capable subordinate, would it? Don’t you agree?”
“…Colonel.”
“There’s no need to be overwhelmed. As your superior with a capable aide, this is simply my duty. I hope you continue to excel. First Lieutenant Lucie. No, I should call you Lieutenant soon enough.”

Maintaining my smile, I lightly patted Lucie’s shoulder.

“If possible, it would be great if we could rise together.”

For a while, Lucie remained silent, biting her lower lip as if deep in thought.

After a brief silence, she lowered her gaze and quietly moved her lips.

“…Thank you, Colonel.”

Yet it didn’t seem like gratitude at all.