Mistaken for a War Hero

Chapter 69
Think I’m the Only One in Trouble?

『 Translator – Divinity 』

The next day.

I arrived at the General Staff Headquarters and sat at my desk in my private office, unfolding the newspaper.

【Exclusive! His Majesty the Emperor Chooses His Successor!】

【The Next Emperor is Her Highness Sylvia… Regency to Begin Soon】

【Is Major Daniel Steiner Her Highness’s Closest Aide?】

The last article made me uncomfortable, but that wasn’t important right now.

I flipped through a few pages, and the article I had been dreading appeared.

【Edria, Permanent Member of the UN Security Council, Issues Strong Criticism Against the Empire】

Below the headline was a black and white photo of a man with a familiar appearance holding a press conference.

Pale, narrow eyes that resembled a snake, and a gaunt face.

It was Count Caledra, the one who held the real power in Edria.

He was also the one who would drive the Empire into a corner in the future.

Staring at Caledra in the photo, I read the article.

『…Count Caledra condemned the Empire for effectively turning the Kingdom of Eldresia into a puppet state. Throughout the press conference, he criticized the Empire’s expansionist war and appealed to neighboring countries to rise up against the Empire…』

After confirming the content, I folded the newspaper and let out a low groan.

‘Damn it.’

As expected, Caledra was preaching about the dangers of the Empire and urging neutral countries to join the war.

It was only a matter of time before the Socialist Republic and the Beleka Federal Republic, both major powers, joined the war.

They had to prevent the Empire from becoming the sole hegemon and exerting its influence over the world.

In short, a world war was becoming a reality.

If a world war broke out, could the Empire really win against the Republic, the Federal Republic, and the Allied Nations?

Even with the current situation somewhat in their favor, the odds were still low.

If the Empire were to lose, the victors would hold war crimes tribunals and execute the opposing military leaders as they pleased.

‘That’s why I wanted to get out of the military as soon as possible…’

But when I came to my senses, I had become a key member of the Empire’s leadership.

Moreover, I was now involved in internal politics and labeled as a close associate of the princess, which was driving me crazy.

This had narrowed the possibility of defection to a pinhole.

No country would welcome a field officer who had contributed not only militarily but also politically to the Empire.

Even if they did accept my defection, they would likely have ulterior motives.

‘And my position in the capital isn’t safe either…’

Unfortunately, there were many people within the Empire who didn’t view me favorably.

From the perspective of the established military factions, the nobles, and the politicians, I would be seen as a newly emerged force.

A new force rising rapidly, and I even cleanly eliminated my political opponent using a private army? It was natural for them to be afraid or wary of me.

I still vividly remember the prominent figures glaring at me in the main hall of the Imperial Palace.

‘Of course, I’m just frustrated…’

But how many people would believe me?

Even the Emperor yesterday didn’t bother hiding his suspicion and pressured me.

Just as I was feeling anxious, wondering how many more misunderstandings I would have to endure,

Knock, knock—

A knock interrupted my thoughts.

Was it Lucy? I looked up at the door and said,

“Come in.”

As soon as I finished speaking, the office door opened.

It was indeed Lucy who entered.

She had said she was going to the Operations Staff Office to get some documents.

The problem was that there was a tall man standing behind her like a backdrop.

I looked up to see who it was, and the moment I recognized his face, I hurriedly stood up.

“D-Deputy Chief of Staff!”

I almost reflexively saluted, and Lucy stepped aside.

Brigadier General Cedric, the Deputy Chief of Staff, nodded in acknowledgement of my salute and entered the office.

He glanced around with his discerning eyes, then looked at me.

“Your office is tidy, without any unnecessary items. The cleanliness is also satisfactory.”

“…Thank you, sir. But what brings you here, Deputy Chief?”

“I came to check on your work environment and deliver some good news.”

A sense of unease washed over me at the mention of “good news.”

And that unease soon turned into certainty.

Cedric extended the hand that had been behind his back.

There was a small box on his palm, wrapped in the Imperial flag.

It was a familiar box by now.

“The higher-ups have approved your special promotion. There were some differing opinions, but after you captured those rebels, no one objected.”

It was more accurate to say that they couldn’t object.

Sylvia, the future Empress, must have applied some pressure.

Also, considering the achievements on the Northern Front, I had thought that a promotion was only a matter of time, but I didn’t expect it to happen this quickly, so I was a bit flustered.

“Come here. Let me attach the insignia.”

Resigned, I walked over and stood in front of Cedric.

He unfolded the flag, opened the box, and took out the Lieutenant Colonel’s badge.

With practiced movements, Cedric removed the Major’s badge from my uniform and replaced it with the Lieutenant Colonel’s badge.

He stared at me for a moment, then took a step back.

“Congratulations on your promotion, Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner.”

It was a simple congratulatory message, devoid of any embellishments.

Typical of Cedric, I thought, and replied with a hint of nervousness,

“Thank you, sir. I may be lacking, but I will continue to dedicate myself to the Empire.”

“Lacking, you say?”

Cedric’s eyes blinked once.

“You stabilized the occupied territory of Nordia, successfully concluded the negotiations with the Kingdom, and even captured those plotting rebellion. What are you lacking?”

Cedric’s eyes blinked slowly once again.

“Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner, on behalf of the Empire, I thank you. And I will take your words about dedicating yourself to the Empire to heart.”

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

Just as I felt a sense of foreboding, Lucy, who was standing by the entrance, spoke up.

“Congratulations on your promotion, Lieutenant Colonel Daniel.”

Her congratulatory words sounded somewhat mocking.

Displeased, I looked at Cedric and said,

“Deputy Chief of Staff, the reason I just called myself lacking is that my adjutant played a significant role in some of my achievements.”

“Your adjutant played a significant role?”

“Yes, sir. I won’t deny that I was the one who gave the orders to stabilize Nordia. However, it was my adjutant who swiftly and accurately carried out those orders and established the administrative system.”

Cedric looked slightly surprised and turned around.

“Is that true?”

At Cedric’s question, Lucy was flustered and quickly bowed her head.

“Deputy Chief of Staff, I simply followed orders. I believe all credit should go to my superior officer, Lieutenant Colonel Daniel.”

Lucy had come here as a spy to eliminate the traitors within the capital.

It was safe to assume that she wouldn’t stay here for long.

But what if she suddenly caught the attention of the higher-ups and got promoted?

It wouldn’t be to the same extent as me, but it would certainly make it difficult for her to leave the Empire.

So she was desperately denying that she had any part in this.

Of course, I didn’t need to understand her circumstances.

“It’s true. My adjutant is simply being modest, that’s why she’s denying it. So, Deputy Chief of Staff, I hope you’ll acknowledge not only my contributions but also my adjutant’s.”

“Hmm.”

Cedric pondered for a moment, then nodded.

“You wouldn’t lie to me, would you? I’ll review Lieutenant Lucy’s contributions to stabilizing Nordia and then proceed with a special promotion review.”

I bowed my head in gratitude.

Seeing me bow, Lucy couldn’t refute any further and just stood there, sweating.

Cedric gave Lucy a meaningful look, then shrugged and turned around.

“Then I’ll be on my way. Focus on your work.”

As Cedric left the office, Lucy looked at me with disbelief.

“Major… no, Lieutenant Colonel. I simply followed orders. I believe all credit should go to my superior officer, Lieutenant Colonel Daniel.”

It seemed like she wanted me to retract what I had said to Cedric, but that wasn’t happening.

I smiled and walked towards her.

“Adjutant, do you know how difficult it is to properly follow orders? In that sense, it’s not strange at all for you to be promoted.”

A crack appeared in Lucy’s usually impassive expression.

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

‘And what can you do about it?’

I was just a benevolent superior looking out for his subordinate.

“I’ll continue to boast about my adjutant’s achievements to everyone. It’s not easy to keep quiet when I have such a capable subordinate like you. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“…Lieutenant Colonel.”

“There’s no need to be so moved. It’s simply what a superior should do for a competent subordinate. I hope you’ll continue to rise through the ranks, Lieutenant Lucy. No, I should be calling you First Lieutenant soon.”

Maintaining my smile, I patted Lucy’s shoulder.

“If possible, I hope we can both reach greater heights together.”

Lucy bit her lower lip and remained silent for a while, as if lost in thought.

After a brief silence, she lowered her gaze and quietly murmured,

“…Thank you, Lieutenant Colonel.”

Although she didn’t seem grateful at all.