I Was Mistaken as a Great War Commander

The following day, early morning.
The indoor garden of the Imperial Palace.

“Umm…”

Rustling her red cloak, Celvia paced back and forth before turning to glance at her side.

“Chamberlain, how does it look? Do you think it’s alright?”

Observing Celvia’s restlessness, the Chamberlain forced an awkward smile.

“Your Highness. This is the third time you’ve asked.”
“I can’t settle down. It’s been so long since we last met… So, how does it look?”

Celvia was inquiring about the quality of her makeup.

Rising early this morning, Celvia had requested the ladies-in-waiting to apply her makeup, a rare occurrence prompting them to exercise their utmost skill.

Of course, while they had dedicated their efforts, the makeup itself was not particularly striking.

They had used light foundation and powder to achieve a refined, restrained beauty, with nude-toned lipstick complementing her skin tone.

From a distance, one could scarcely discern whether she was wearing makeup, so natural was the application.

To that extent, the makeup had blended seamlessly.

“In my humble opinion, you appear exquisitely beautiful. I suspect Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner would naturally praise Your Highness’s beauty upon seeing you.”

Daniel praising her beauty?

Imagining Daniel complimenting her appearance, Celvia let out a small giggle.

It seemed rather incongruous with Daniel’s usual demeanor.

“I doubt he would, but it would be nice if he did. More importantly, are the preparations for the Christmas gala progressing well?”

The Christmas gala was an important annual event hosted by the Imperial Palace.

While its scale had been significantly reduced since the Empire’s entry into the war, it remained a prestigious event attended by the Imperial family, nobility, and elite, preserving its reputation.

Traditionally organized by the Emperor, this year’s gala fell under Celvia’s jurisdiction as the Regent.

Although Celvia typically disliked lavish expenditures on galas, this time she did not hesitate to open the Imperial coffers.

For the true guest of honor was none other than Daniel Steiner.

Under the pretext of the Christmas gala, Celvia intended to celebrate the war hero’s survival.

With such a clear justification, none could raise objections, allowing Celvia to proceed smoothly with the preparations.

Regarding Celvia’s elated expression, the Chamberlain smiled benevolently and nodded.

“As you instructed, the banquet has been prepared according to Lieutenant Colonel Daniel’s preferences. Furthermore, ingredients have been procured from various nations to create his favorite desserts. A premium whiskey, meant as a gift for Lieutenant Colonel Daniel, is also expected to arrive shortly, so you need not worry.”

Satisfied with the preparations, Celvia nodded, prompting the Chamberlain to cautiously broach another matter.

“Your Highness. Her Majesty the Empress has sent a gift for you through the Chamberlains. May I present it to you now?”
“From my mother? What has she sent?”
“Well…”

Sensing Celvia’s apprehension, the Chamberlain bowed apologetically.

“Her Majesty the Empress has personally selected some undergarments for Your Highness. She has instructed me to convey these undergarments to you, with the words, ‘Wear them for important occasions.'”

A maid beside the Chamberlain stepped forward and slowly opened a lingerie box, revealing its contents.

Unconsciously averting her gaze, Celvia froze upon recognizing the garments’ design.

“This is utterly preposterous…”

Not only were they scandalously revealing, but the designs were outrageous.

The garments appeared suited for someone consumed by lust, an offensive notion.

Had the gift come from anyone other than her mother, Celvia would have expressed her outrage.

Feeling her face flush, Celvia waved her hand dismissively.

“Remove them from my sight.”
“Understood. However, Her Majesty the Empress instructed me to convey that ‘My daughter will undoubtedly refuse the first gift, so I have prepared another.'”
“…And what might that be?”

In most cases, curiosity overpowers distaste.

Prompted by Celvia’s inquiry, another maid stepped forward and opened a box.

Inside was an ornate crystal bottle containing an unknown liquid.

‘Given the pinkish hue, surely not…’

Regarding the suspicious liquid with a chilling gaze, veins protruded on Celvia’s forehead.

“Remove it at once.”

Complying with the order, the maids closed the box and retreated.

The Chamberlain, anticipating Celvia’s rejection, was unsurprised.

He had merely followed the Empress’s instructions.

“Convey to my mother that if she sends such gifts again, I shall refrain from greeting her for at least six months.”

Observing Celvia’s evident anger, the Chamberlain bowed deeply.

“I shall convey your words to Her Majesty the Empress.”

As Celvia prepared to speak further, she shook her head and remained silent.

‘The Chamberlains could not refuse my mother’s directives.’

They bore no fault.

Letting out a resigned sigh, Celvia’s thoughts were interrupted by a call.

“Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner has arrived!”

A Royal Guard shouted from the indoor garden’s entrance.

Startled, Celvia hurriedly took a seat at the table, lifting a cup of tea to conceal her anticipation of Daniel’s arrival.

Across the way, Daniel Steiner approached with a dignified stride.

Clad in an Imperial military uniform, his face bore traces of fatigue, yet Celvia found it alluring.

‘He seems to have grown more handsome since we last met.’

Her gaze remained fixated, even forgetting the pretense of sipping her tea.

In truth, his appearance had scarcely changed since before his departure for Velanos.

“Your Highness.”

Drawing near, Daniel bowed his head in accordance with Imperial etiquette.

Deeming a formal salute inappropriate for a personal summons, he instead opted for a subtle bow.

Regarding Daniel with an unwavering gaze, Celvia cleared her throat and set down her cup.

“There is no need to stand on ceremony. Please, have a seat.”

With a nod, Daniel took a seat opposite Celvia.

Overjoyed by Daniel’s survival after presuming him dead, Celvia restrained herself to maintain Imperial decorum.

“I congratulate you on your safe return.”
“Thank you. It is all due to the graces of His Majesty the Emperor and Your Highness.”

After Daniel’s customary response, an awkward silence ensued.

Uncertain how to proceed, Celvia spoke with a hint of apprehension.

“What do you think is the reason I have summoned you, Lieutenant Colonel Daniel?”

Was she testing him? Inadvertently tense, Daniel strived for a natural reply.

“Perhaps to hear a detailed account of the negotiation’s outcome?”
“I have already received extensive reports from the Diplomatic Corps. The reason I summoned you today is a personal matter.”
“A personal matter, you say?”

Celvia unnecessarily fidgeted with her teacup, stalling for time.

For some inexplicable reason, extending the gala invitation felt akin to a date proposal.

Pondering how to phrase her invitation in a way Daniel would accept, Celvia finally spoke with difficulty.

“Lieutenant Colonel Daniel, are you aware that a grand gala will be held at the Imperial Palace to celebrate Christmas?”
“Ah, yes. I’ve heard the preparations are already underway.”
“In that case, we understand each other. I formally invite you to attend this year’s gala.”

This was the moment Daniel was expected to express his gratitude and honor.

Yet Celvia’s anticipated response did not come, as Daniel hesitated, choosing his words carefully before offering an awkward smile.

“While I have a prior engagement, adjusting my schedule should not pose a difficulty in attending the gala.”

His mention of a “prior engagement” raised a question mark in Celvia’s mind.

“A prior engagement, you say? With whom?”
“Ah, well…”

After a brief pause, Daniel explained.

“I have an adjutant named Lucy Emilia, and we had planned to spend Christmas together this year, as neither of us had any particular commitments.”

Celvia vaguely recognized Lucy Emilia.

A woman who had contributed to stabilizing the occupied territory of Nordia.

However, she was unaware of this woman’s apparent interest in Daniel.

“Hmm…”

Celvia feigned indifference with a slender smile.

“That’s fortunate. I shall also extend an invitation to your adjutant for this year’s Christmas gala. That way, you won’t need to adjust your schedule, will you?”

Although the atmosphere had subtly shifted, Daniel remained oblivious as he nodded.

“If you would be so kind, my adjutant would also consider it an honor. I shall convey the invitation to her.”
“Very well. You may take your leave now.”
“Understood.”

Rising from his seat, Daniel bowed in accordance with etiquette.

As Daniel turned to depart, Celvia silently regarded his retreating figure.

The lively gleam in her half-open eyes had vanished without a trace.

Lucy Emilia.

Repeating the name Daniel had mentioned, Celvia lifted her cup and took a sip of tea.

Clink–

Setting down the cup, Celvia’s delicate lips parted.

“Chamberlain.”

Sensing the shift in atmosphere, the Chamberlain swiftly approached and bowed.

“Listen carefully, for I shall only say this once.”

Hearing her chilling tone, the maids standing behind them stiffened and lent their ears.

“Contact the Intelligence Agency and order a thorough investigation into Lucy Emilia’s background. I want her academic records, date of birth, political affiliations, hometown, personal relationships, and even her social standing – leave no stone unturned.”
“Yes, understood.”

Upon the Chamberlain’s affirmation, Celvia’s azure eyes narrowed sharply.

‘I must know.’

Who this woman courting Daniel Steiner truly is.

‘If it is not mere affection, but some ulterior motive…’

She would employ all her power to thwart it.