I Was Mistaken as a Great War Commander

As soon as day broke, Daniel prepared to return to the Capital.

While he had consumed a fair amount of alcohol, it was not enough to impair him the following day, so his outward appearance remained largely unchanged.

The only noticeable difference was slightly darker under-eye circles.

In any case, thanks to the consideration of Corps Commander’s Aide, Colonel Calphren, Daniel’s direct command company could travel in well-maintained military vehicles.

After departing from the Corps Headquarters, Daniel arrived at the Capital after approximately ten days of travel.

As soon as Daniel’s military jeep entered the Capital, citizens erupted in cheers, showering them with flower petals they had prepared.

News of Daniel concluding the armistice negotiations with the Kingdom had already widely spread throughout the Capital.

Finding the situation unpalatable, Daniel feigned fatigue as an excuse to avoid responding.

Of course, Daniel’s lack of reaction did not dampen the citizens’ enthusiasm.

At the General Staff Headquarters entrance, where crowds had gathered in anticipation, people waved banners adorned with various praises, leaving Daniel’s head spinning.

However, once inside the restricted premises of the headquarters, the citizens could no longer follow, allowing Daniel a moment of relief.

“Hm? Isn’t that Princess Hildegard standing over there?”

That is, until Prien’s words caught his attention.

Opening his eyes to look outside, Daniel let out a low sigh.

As Prien had said, Princess Hildegard was present at the headquarters’ main gate, accompanied by Colonel Hartmann, the chief of her personal guard.

‘I can roughly guess why she’s here…’

Surely the Princess herself would not come to greet him?

As Daniel pondered this, the lead jeep slowly came to a halt.

When Daniel exited the vehicle, Hildegard, who had been conversing with Hartmann, turned her head.

Hildegard was clad in an Imperial officer’s uniform, but the material and color differed, being a pristine white instead of black.

Additionally, where rank insignia would typically be, the Imperial eagle crest was emblazoned instead.

Coupled with her various ornate accessories, it was a uniform only royalty could wear.

They say elegance stems from one’s attire.

As Hildegard, symbolizing royalty in her regal uniform, approached, both Prien and Lucie appeared tense.

While Daniel was tense as well, his weariness from the long journey slightly overshadowed it, preventing him from feeling too flustered.

“Your Highness.”

As Daniel saluted, Hildegard approached with an innocent smile.

“Why did you take so long? I’ve been waiting for you for…”

Hildegard trailed off before clearing her throat.

She must have realized her lack of decorum in the presence of others.

“Major Daniel? I’ve heard of your military exploits on the battlefield. You’re aware that my father wishes to see you in relation to this, correct?”
“Yes, I am aware.”
“In that case, allow me to explain briefly. Since my father wishes to see you, Major Daniel, let us proceed to the Imperial Palace. It’s not too far, so we can arrive shortly.”

Now? Taken aback, Daniel spoke after a brief pause.

“Your Highness. You mean right now?”

In response to Daniel’s query, Hildegard let out a regretful sigh.

“I understand. This is an irregular circumstance. However, my father’s condition is currently grave. He only has a few lucid days per month. Thus, my father wishes to see you, Major Daniel, while his mind is sound.”

Daniel was already aware of the Emperor’s deteriorating health.

‘Still, I didn’t expect it to be so severe that he loses his senses…’

Resigning himself, Daniel nodded.

“I understand. I shall follow Your Highness.”
“Thank you. And there is an important matter I need to discuss with you… No, I can address that on the way. Please, follow me.”

Hildegard began walking towards a limousine parked near the headquarters.

A chauffeur in formal attire stood by the rear door, bowing his head.

While feeling self-conscious, Daniel could not ignore the Princess’s request.

Following Hildegard, he boarded the limousine, and after closing the rear door, the chauffeur entered the driver’s seat and gently depressed the accelerator.

As the slowly moving limousine departed from the headquarters, Prien, watching dumbfounded, let out a sigh as she folded her arms.

“I had hoped we could celebrate the Major’s achievements with a party, but Princess Hildegard whisked him away as soon as he arrived at headquarters.”

Standing beside Prien, Lucie silently observed the limousine’s retreating figure, neither affirming nor denying Prien’s words.

Then, as if struck by a sudden thought, she turned to Prien.

“Cadet Prien. Were you popular with men?”
“Hm. Not unpopular, I suppose. I received a few confessions, though I never dated anyone.”
“In your opinion, what do you think was the reason for your popularity?”
“Well, maybe it was because I appeared meek? Back when I lived at the church, I was quite timid. They might have wanted to protect me. Or perhaps…”

Prien shrugged her shoulders.

“They thought they could have their way with me if they were nice. Men are inherently wolves, after all. Isn’t it said that if a woman pretends to be drunk, men reveal their true natures?”
“…Why?”
“Huh? Are you listening to me? A drunk woman is vulnerable. From a man’s perspective, it’s the easiest opportunity to reveal their instincts… Wait a minute.”

Why was she asking about this? Giving Lucie a puzzled look, Prien furrowed her brow.

“Lieutenant Lucie. You’re not plotting to do something to Major Daniel, are you?”

Lucie’s shoulders twitched in response to Prien’s question.

She feared her mission had been discovered.

After hesitating, Lucie averted her gaze and muttered softly.

“…No.”

Witnessing this, Prien concluded:

‘She’s a terrible liar.’

While unaware of Lucie’s past, Prien determined she was definitely not an intelligence operative.

News of the armistice negotiations being concluded thanks to Daniel Steiner naturally reached Nordia as well.

Upon receiving this information, Hamtal, the leader of the secret society Black Feathers, immediately convened a council, with the branch leaders dutifully attending the summons from headquarters.

Candles flickered calmly atop the candlesticks adorning the round table.

Amidst the solemn atmosphere, with all the branch leaders present, Hamtal spoke.

“Thank you for attending despite the sudden summons. While you may have already anticipated it, I have called you here regarding these armistice negotiations.”

The branch leaders remained silent, acknowledging his statement.

“As you all know, with the successful conclusion of the armistice, Nordia has been completely liberated from the Kingdom’s oppression. The citizens have been cheering, no longer needing to appease the nobles.”

A satisfied smile graced Hamtal’s lips.

“Is that all? Not only has discrimination against people of color been eliminated, but taxation has been reduced to an astonishing degree. It would be no exaggeration to say a city for the people has been born.”
“All of this…”

At the words of the man dressed in a black robe, Hamtal nodded.

“Yes. It is a miracle wrought by an individual named Daniel Steiner. We are all indebted to him. Is that not so?”

After a brief hesitation, the branch leaders nodded in agreement.

It was an undeniable truth.

“Daniel Steiner has fulfilled our long-held desire. A yearning none could achieve for the past decade, yet Daniel Steiner, a mere mortal, has granted it.”

Suppressing his smile, Hamtal narrowed his eyes solemnly.

“Thus, I intend to repay the debt we owe Daniel Steiner. What are your thoughts? Shall we simply accept this favor like beasts numbed by complacency?”

One by one, the branch leaders shook their heads.

Seeing this, Hamtal raised his voice.

“Then Black Feathers must henceforth act as Daniel Steiner’s shadow. Preserving his life will undoubtedly benefit us and the world.”

In Hamtal’s view, Daniel Steiner was a prophet.

The injustices that others were aware of yet dared not act against for fear of repercussions, Daniel Steiner had boldly eliminated as if they were natural.

However, Hamtal understood.

Prophets inevitably faced persecution throughout history.

There was no guarantee Daniel Steiner would not face threats to his life as well.

Thus, Hamtal intended to utilize the secret society Black Feathers to ensure Daniel’s survival.

“Since everyone appears to agree, allow me to explain. From now on, Black Feathers will relocate its branches to the Capital. Thereafter, we shall thoroughly investigate any forces seeking to undermine Daniel Steiner.”
“And if such forces are discovered during the investigation, what will you do?”
“We will use force to stop them, if necessary.”

While the order might seem extreme, the branch leaders simply nodded in understanding.

Some even smiled.

For the branch leaders, who had frequently clashed with the nobles’ private guards over the past decade, the use of force was not an exceptional measure.

However, not everyone agreed with Hamtal’s words.

The man in the black robe pondered before speaking.

“But will it be possible to relocate the branches to the Capital? We are, after all, citizens of the Kingdom…”

The man trailed off, his mouth closing.

A faint realization had dawned upon him.

“…Of course. Since the Kingdom has ceded Nordia, we are now Imperial citizens. They will grant us nationality changes if we request it.”

With the risk eliminated, there was no reason to refuse Hamtal’s proposal any longer.

After nodding at the man, Hamtal surveyed the branch leaders.

“Now that the discussion is concluded, let us proceed to the vote. Those in favor of the motion, raise your glasses.”

No sooner had Hamtal finished speaking than the branch leaders raised their glasses filled with wine.

Once the man in the black robe also raised his glass, the branch leaders unanimously recited the purpose for which the secret society Black Feathers was founded:

For the day when hatred and discrimination are eradicated from the world.

Witnessing their unanimous consent, Hamtal smiled and raised his glass as well.

“And for Daniel Steiner.”