I Was Mistaken as a Great War Commander

Immediately after the negotiations, Daniel returned to headquarters and reported to the Corps Commander as per protocol.

During this process, the Corps Commander inquired whether the negotiations had gone well, to which Daniel responded that he had done his utmost, but it was premature to predict the outcome.

After spending a day at the hotel provided by the Corps, Daniel woke up early and headed to the hotel’s restaurant for breakfast.

Despite the early hour, the restaurant was bustling with people, suggesting the hotel’s food quality was decent.

Observing the individuals conversing over their meals, most appeared to be senior-ranking officers.

While there were a few non-commissioned officers and junior-ranking officers present, their numbers were not significant.

Hotel accommodation was only permitted for the Corps’ important personnel among the officers.

Occasional praise regarding the delicious food could be heard amidst their conversations.

‘Well, compared to field rations, even low-grade hotel cuisine must taste heavenly…’

The realization that he could savor hotel fare on the battlefield was indeed a luxury.

Offering silent gratitude to the soldiers enduring hardships, Daniel collected a few dishes from the buffet and made his way to an empty table.

At his approach, Sergeant Glendy and Lieutenant Meckal, who were already dining, turned their heads upon noticing his presence.

Spotting Daniel, they both swiftly rose from their seats.

“Major Daniel, you’ve arrived!”
“Good morning!”

Startled by their exclamations, Daniel turned to face them.

Their admiring gazes made him feel rather self-conscious.

Feeling uncomfortable, Daniel deliberately placed his tray some distance away from them.

“…Good morning. But why such high spirits?”

As Daniel removed his winter coat, Sergeant Glendy was the first to respond.

“Well, we were originally assigned to the Corps’ subordinate units, yet here we are, dining at a hotel behind the front lines, all thanks to Major Daniel.”
“I concur with the Sergeant’s words. Thanks to you, Major, we’ve not only gained achievements but, more importantly, the honor of serving the Empire.”

Their elated expressions and comments stirred a sense of guilt within Daniel.

‘It’s hardly honorable? You’ll likely face court-martial…’

Daniel harbored intentions of defecting to the Kingdom with their assistance.

If he, as the company commander, sought asylum in the enemy nation, his subordinate officers would undoubtedly face suspicion, investigation, and ultimately, a trial.

While their joyful smiles seemed destined to twist into despair, Daniel could not reveal his inner thoughts and merely nodded before taking his seat.

As Daniel sat down, Sergeant Glendy and Lieutenant Meckal resumed their meals as well.

Daniel, too, continued eating while mentally finalizing his plans to escape the Empire.

‘The Kingdom will likely attempt to contact me soon, by whatever means.’

The easiest method would be to utilize their intelligence operatives, but the heightened security at headquarters could hinder their movements.

‘In that case, I’ll have to wait until the 3rd Corps launches their offensive.’

Once the Corps initiated their full-scale attack, security on the front lines would inevitably loosen.

All available personnel within headquarters would be committed to the offensive.

Moreover, amidst the flying shells and constant tank tracks, few would be able to maintain their composure.

In such chaos, slipping away unnoticed would be a breeze.

‘At that point…’

He could feign participation in the offensive’s vanguard before making contact with Kingdom operatives and defecting.

If he succeeded in entering the Kingdom, it would be smooth sailing from there.

‘The Kingdom is merely a stepping stone for my final asylum.’

Using the undisclosed secrets as leverage, he planned to negotiate with Union agents within the Kingdom to secretly escape.

‘Once I reach the Union through a secure route and meet their higher-ups…’

He intended to propose a deal based on the information he possessed about the Empire.

In exchange for the information, all Daniel desired was a peerage, a new identity, personal security, and some financial compensation – terms they were unlikely to reject.

‘Let’s see. Perhaps I’ll acquire a peerage in Edria?’

Edria was a leading member of the International Union and a permanent seat-holding nation with immense authority.

Currently, it was arguably the safest nation from the ravages of war.

‘Calledra, the de facto ruler of Edria, is known for his quick wit and calculated nature.’

The only concern was that Lucie hailed from Edria as well.

Lucie’s aversion to traitors meant her reaction upon learning of his defection was unpredictable.

‘Perhaps another nation would be preferable…’

As Daniel pondered this, he gave a dismissive shrug.

Escaping the Empire took priority, and such trivial concerns could be addressed later.

Of course, in the worst case, the Kingdom might accept the secrets and discard him, but he dismissed such worries.

‘From the Kingdom’s perspective, I’m a valuable asset who provided countless secrets unconditionally. They’ll likely consider me useful in the future as well.’

Putting a peeled shrimp into his mouth, Daniel let out a soft chuckle.

‘That Foreign Minister, Ivan, is probably treating me like an angel by now.’

Regardless of one’s image, it was only natural for a nation to covet a sympathetic staff officer from the enemy’s headquarters.

‘Now, it’s simply a matter of time.’

Satisfied that events were unfolding according to plan, Daniel continued his meal with a contented smile.

Meanwhile, Corps Commander Karl Peter Krau had forgone breakfast as he worked through his duties.

With the negotiations collapsing, he would have to initiate a full-scale offensive, prompting him to meticulously review the numerous operations he had previously planned from start to finish.

Though exhausting and grueling, it was the best course of action to minimize casualties among his troops.

‘Of course, a successful armistice negotiation would be ideal…’

However, Karl Peter did not expect the negotiations to succeed.

While he wished to trust Daniel, the individual recommended by Deputy Chief of Operations Cedric, even Karl Peter found the Empire’s demands outrageous.

Moreover, had not elite military advisors failed to secure an agreement at these very negotiations?

Pinning his hopes on Daniel seemed an overly slim possibility.

‘As long as the Kingdom insists on fighting to the bitter end, a military solution will be inevitable.’

The prospect of numerous sacrifices pained him, but there was no alternative.

As Karl Peter leaned back in his chair, grappling with these conflicting emotions, a knock sounded.

Raising his eyes, Karl Peter called out.

“Enter.”

The door opened, and Aide Colonel Calphren entered.

Initially assuming he had brought a meal, Karl Peter was surprised to see Calphren’s empty hands.

“What is it? I’m busy, so state your business and…”

Furrowing his brow in irritation as he spoke, Karl Peter fell silent.

Calphren’s expression was somehow shrouded in shock.

“…Aide?”

Despite inquiring about the matter, Calphren remained mute.

Finally understanding the situation, Karl Peter let out a low sigh.

“The Kingdom must have sent word rejecting the negotiations. It can’t be helped. If they refuse the third recommendation, His Majesty’s orders are to initiate a full-scale offensive.”
“That’s not it.”

Karl Peter’s eyebrow twitched.

Calphren’s interruption struck him as odd.

“Not that? Then could it be…”

As he followed the trail of thought, Karl Peter’s expression betrayed a rare display of astonishment.

“Daniel succeeded in the negotiations?”

In response to Karl Peter’s query, Calphren swallowed hard before nodding.

“Yes. According to a dispatch from the Kingdom this morning, they have accepted all of the Empire’s demands. They have even gone so far as to offer the cession of Begenhime in addition to Nordia.”

What? Karl Peter’s mouth hung open in disbelief.

Not only were they accepting the existing conditions, but they were also ceding the city of Begenhime, adjacent to the Empire?

‘The Kingdom that had insisted on fighting to the bitter end?’

For the Kingdom, which had been snarling and baring its fangs, to now wag its tail like an obedient dog was incomprehensible to Karl Peter.

‘Is this not utter submission born of sheer terror?’

Dumbfounded, Karl Peter finally regained his senses and looked at Calphren.

“Just what happened during those negotiations? Do you know any details?”
“No one overheard the conversation, so I do not have specifics. However, the Kingdom’s Foreign Minister, Ivan, recounted the dialogue and remarked…”

Gauging Karl Peter’s reaction, Calphren continued in a low voice.

“…that it was as if he had conversed with the spawn of Satan wearing a human guise.”

A heavy silence hung between them.

Upon hearing Calphren’s words, Karl Peter involuntarily broke out in a cold sweat.

‘Major Daniel… Just what did you do there?’

It was the first time an allied achievement had filled him with such dread.