Mistaken for a War Hero

Chapter 67
The Empire’s Creed: Reward and Punishment

『 Translator – Divinity 』

Prince Arno, having lost all his support base in an instant due to Daniel Steiner, had no choice but to raise the white flag.

With the prince out of the succession struggle, Sylvia could exert her influence in the capital and the Imperial Palace without any issues.

After a month had passed, Emperor Bertram, who had been observing all this from afar, decided that waiting any longer was pointless and summoned the Empire’s key figures to the main hall of the palace under the pretense of choosing his successor.

Naturally, Daniel Steiner was also included among the “key figures of the Empire.”

Being invited to the palace for a matter of national importance was a tremendous honor, but Daniel only felt uncomfortable.

‘I’d rather be back in my quarters, enjoying a cup of coffee and reading a book…’

He couldn’t understand why he had to be here on his precious weekend.

Sighing inwardly, Daniel looked around.

He saw Duke Belvar and the other ministers gathered in the main hall of the palace, with its extravagant and sophisticated architecture.

Besides them, high-ranking generals, the core figures of the military, and ministers responsible for important parts of the country were lined up in rows.

For Daniel, awkwardly standing among them, this was like sitting on pins and needles.

‘It seems like many people are glaring at me…’

They weren’t saying anything, but they were all looking at him with sidelong glances.

It was only natural that he, a mere Major, would receive disapproving looks from those higher up, considering he was occupying a spot in the main hall of the Imperial Palace.

Thinking that it would be best to avoid eye contact, Daniel stared straight ahead.

There, Emperor Bertram sat on the throne, wearing a white uniform symbolizing the Imperial family.

As they say, clothes make the man; he showed no trace of the frail appearance he had in his bedroom.

“Raise your heads, my children.”

At Bertram’s stern voice, Sylvia and Arno, who were kneeling on one knee on the red carpet, raised their heads. They were also wearing white uniforms symbolizing the Imperial family.

“I believe you both know why I have summoned you before the many prominent figures leading the Empire today.”

Sylvia and Arno gulped at Bertram’s words.

Although they performed the same action, Sylvia was savoring the thrill, while Arno felt a sense of defeat.

“Everyone here knows that I haven’t been able to properly manage state affairs due to my deteriorating health. So, without further ado, let me say this. Today, my successor will be chosen here.”

No one seemed surprised, as it was something they all knew. They remained silent.

As if pleased with their silence, Bertram chuckled softly and looked down at his children.

“Are you two ready to accept my decision?”

“I accept.”

That was Sylvia’s immediate reply.

However, Arno hesitated for a moment before answering,

“I accept…”

Bertram, having received his children’s consent, nodded and said,

“Then I shall now name my successor. Sylvia von Amberg!”

Sylvia, called upon, stood up.

Seeing this, Bertram continued,

“I have recognized your abilities and foreseen your potential to become the Emperor. Can you prove that my foresight was not mistaken?”

“Yes, Father. I will certainly prove it.”

“Good. Then, from now on, you must inherit my will and work for the Imperial family and the Empire. And always remember to respect the people and rule wisely.”

After addressing Sylvia, Bertram looked around.

“And have you all heard! The one who will succeed me is Princess Sylvia von Amberg!”

It was a message telling them to stop objecting and support Sylvia, the next Empress, with all their might.

Understanding the Emperor’s intention, everyone bowed their heads in unison.

─ Yes, Your Majesty!

Their unified voices echoed majestically through the hall.

Bertram glanced at them with a sharp look, then spoke again,

“Now that the successor has been decided, I must teach her about state affairs before it’s too late. I intend to appoint Sylvia as regent. What are your thoughts?”

At the mention of regency, a murmur arose in the hall.

As everyone hesitated to answer, Duke Belvar stepped forward and bowed his head.

“Your Majesty, I believe regency is still premature for Her Highness. It would be more appropriate for Your Majesty to continue managing state affairs.”

“Duke Belvar, how dare you say such a thing. You ask me, who is more often ill than not, to continue managing state affairs? Are you trying to work me to death?”

Duke Belvar, sensing the Emperor’s displeasure, bowed his head even lower.

“I misspoke, Your Majesty. Please forgive my rudeness.”

As Belvar stepped back, everyone else remained silent.

Bertram, enjoying the silence for a moment, then said,

“Since there are no further objections, I shall proceed with the regency. Sylvia will begin managing state affairs with me starting nine days from now, so be aware of this.”

Everyone in the hall bowed their heads in unison once again.

─ Yes, Your Majesty!

Bertram, having smoothly obtained their consent, waved his hand as if to signal the end of his announcement.

“Then you are all dismissed.”

At Bertram’s words, the ministers and officials bowed their heads and slowly left the hall.

They were followed by the generals and business leaders, and Daniel, the lowest-ranking among them, simply stood still, waiting his turn to leave.

Bertram, watching this from his throne, had a troubled look in his eyes.

‘Most of the people gathered here today are unaware…’

Those who weren’t politically astute thought that Daniel Steiner was merely a close associate of the princess. A well-performing horse following the princess’s commands.

However, Bertram, having observed the recent events, knew the truth.

That Daniel Steiner wasn’t acting according to the princess’s will, but his own.

‘Therefore…’

It wasn’t Sylvia herself who had made her the successor to the throne today.

Nor was it Bertram, the Emperor.

It was Daniel Steiner who orchestrated everything from beginning to end.

‘That man who claimed to have no interest in politics…’

Bertram chuckled in disbelief and beckoned with his finger.

The Chief of the Imperial Household, who had been waiting nearby, approached.

“Your Majesty, did you call for me?”

“Yes. Do you see that man over there? The one with the Major’s insignia.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I see him.”

“How does he seem to you?”

The Chief of the Imperial Household blinked and tilted his head.

“If you’re referring to his appearance, he seems a bit frail, but he’s a handsome young man. And judging from the dark circles under his eyes, he seems to be overworked. Perhaps he’s a young man concerned about the future of this nation.”

Daniel Steiner, concerned about the future of this nation? Bertram burst into laughter at the ridiculous statement.

As the Chief of the Imperial Household broke out in a cold sweat, confused by the sudden laughter, Bertram calmed himself and spoke,

“You always make me laugh, Chief of the Household. Anyway, go to that man and tell him that I’d like to have a word with him at the shooting range.”

Although he didn’t understand the meaning behind the laughter, the Chief of the Household simply nodded obediently.

***

A while later.

Daniel, who was about to leave, was stopped by the Chief of the Imperial Household and led to the shooting range located on one side of the palace.

Emperor Bertram was standing at the shooting range, holding a double-barreled shotgun.

‘…Why did he call me here?’

Anxiety bloomed within him amidst his confusion.

Wary, Daniel approached Bertram and saluted.

“Your Majesty, I heard you summoned me.”

“Hmm? Ah.”

Bertram, noticing him, returned the salute playfully and placed his hand on the trigger of the shotgun.

His eyes were fixed on the blue sky above the lawn.

“I apologize for the sudden summons. Have you ever tried trap shooting?”

“I’ve only heard about it from a friend who enjoyed it back when I was a cadet.”

“Then you can learn from me this time. Watch closely.”

As soon as Bertram finished speaking, a whistle blew, and two clay pigeons were launched high into the air.

The moment he spotted them, Bertram raised his shotgun and pulled the trigger in quick succession.

Bang! Bang!

The shot pellets easily shattered the two clay pigeons.

Satisfied with hitting the targets, Bertram lowered his shotgun.

“It’s quite the sport. You have a knack for this sort of thing, far more than I, so it shouldn’t be too difficult for you.”

“…Your Majesty? Did you summon me here to enjoy some shooting?”

“Of course not. This is just a game to build camaraderie.”

Bertram lowered the shotgun and broke it open, ejecting two spent cartridges that clattered to the ground.

The attendant approached Bertram and handed him fresh cartridges.

“The primary reason I summoned you is to give you a reward.”

“…A reward, Your Majesty?”

“Yes. You worked hard for my daughter this time, didn’t you? I was hoping that Sylvia would become the next Emperor, so I’m very grateful for your efforts.”

Bertram received the cartridges from the attendant and loaded them with slow movements.

“So I intend to reward not only you but also those who helped you. Of course, only if you agree. So, could you tell me who they are?”

Bertram finished loading the shotgun, closed it, and smiled warmly.

Then, he raised his hand to signal, and the attendant stepped back.

It seemed like it was time for the clay pigeons to be launched, as Bertram’s gaze was fixed on the empty space above the lawn.

Standing next to him, Daniel said with a troubled expression,

“Your Majesty? Who helped me? If you’re referring to the capture of the prince’s secret organization, I can only say that it was pure luck.”

Clay pigeons were launched into the air.

Bertram instinctively raised his shotgun and pulled the trigger twice.

The muzzle flashed, and the two clay pigeons shattered into pieces.

After confirming that he had hit the targets, Bertram lowered and opened his shotgun.

Two spent cartridges were ejected.

“Major Daniel.”

As the spent cartridges clattered to the ground, Bertram shrugged and looked at Daniel.

“I’m not asking you a question. It’s more of an order. So, I’ll ask you again.”

A cool breeze blew from afar.

After a brief silence, Bertram continued,

“Tell me who helped you and what they’re all about.”

Bertram’s mouth was still smiling, but his eyes had turned cold.

The subtle shift in his expression made one thing clear to Daniel.

‘This…’

…was definitely not a question asked out of a desire to give a reward.