I Was Mistaken as a Great War Commander

I took a deep breath as I sat in the rear seat of the limousine.

The soft, plush velvet cover on the leather seats exuded an inviting comfort.

A sensation I could never experience in a military vehicle, yet I found no joy in it.

For seated right beside me was one of the most esteemed figures in the Empire – the Princess.

‘…Did the Princess really need to come in person, even if summoned by His Majesty the Emperor?’

As my bewilderment grew, Hildegard tore her gaze from the window to look at me.

Her blue eyes, reminiscent of the clear ocean, narrowed solemnly, suggesting she had something to say.

“Major Daniel.”

Lowering her voice, Hildegard whispered audibly only to me.

“While I dislike saying this to someone who has just returned from the battlefield, if I do not speak now, I may not get another chance, so I shall be frank.”

Just as I had feared, she was indeed up to something unpleasant.

As I sensed the ominous atmosphere, Hildegard continued.

“Attacks against me – or more precisely, my support base – are constantly occurring in the Capital. If it were merely attacks through the media, I would not be concerned, but…”

Hildegard let out a low sigh.

“Things have escalated to the point where the lives of politicians supporting me are now being threatened. It is undoubtedly the work of my elder brother.”

As I silently listened, Hildegard bit her lip.

“Their movements are organized and systematic. There must be a leadership directing them from somewhere. However, no matter how thoroughly I search within the Capital, I cannot locate them.”
“Then…”
“Yes. They must be operating from a secure location outside the Capital. Those contemptible bastards are siding with my brother, manipulating the media and attempting to undermine my base of support.”

Furrowing her brow in frustration, Hildegard’s demeanor was one of vexation.

From her account, this appeared to be the infamous power struggle among successors vying for the throne.

A fierce conflict raging beneath the surface, unknown to ordinary citizens.

In modern political terms, it could be likened to the conduct of rival election camps.

The issue was that this was not the modern era, but rather a quasi-modern period.

Based on the times, extreme provocations and even violence were likely inevitable.

It was a situation I desperately wished to avoid entanglement in.

However, Hildegard’s decision to inform me of the circumstances carried a clear implication.

‘She intends to recruit me…’

By embracing an individual hailed as the Empire’s hero, she could solidify her support base and bolster her legitimacy in the quest for the throne.

While Hildegard’s intentions were crystal clear, I could never accept her proposal.

‘It’s already difficult enough without adding a prince as an enemy.’

Accepting the Princess’s offer would essentially double the risk of assassination attempts against me.

‘Yet, to openly refuse might incur the wrath of the future Empress Hildegard…’

As I weighed the calculations in my mind, the anger dissipating from Hildegard’s expression revealed a look of expectation as she gazed up at me.

A gaze that felt immensely burdensome.

“Major Daniel? So, what I’m saying is…”

No…! The moment those words proposing an alliance left Hildegard’s lips, there would be no turning back!

Pressed for time, I blurted out the first thing that came to mind.

“Your Highness. You have grown even more beautiful since I last saw you.”

Caught off guard by the sudden compliment about her appearance, Hildegard blinked blankly, forgetting what she intended to say.

“Ah. Pardon?”

Seizing this opportune moment while she was frozen in incomprehension, I secretly wiped the cold sweat from my brow as I leaned towards Hildegard as naturally as possible.

“It seems I’ve been on the battlefield for quite some time. I was unaware Your Highness had become so breathtakingly beautiful.”

Hildegard’s mouth parted slightly, her cheeks faintly flushing, perhaps embarrassed by the repeated compliments about her looks.

Sensing an opportunity, I pressed further.

“Your Highness. Do you recall when you were disguised as a war correspondent, and we conversed?”
“…I remember.”
“Then I’m relieved. I was concerned our shared memory might have faded. Back then, Your Highness was an innocent young girl, but now you have truly blossomed into an elegant lady.”

As I smiled while speaking those words, Hildegard turned away, her face reddening.

After closing her eyes momentarily and reopening them, she gave me a sidelong glance.

“Don’t say such strange things. As I mentioned before, you are far too familiar.”
“If I have been discourteous, I humbly beg your forgiveness.”

Fidgeting with her fingers, Hildegard cleared her throat before muttering.

“…I didn’t say you were discourteous.”

Chuckling softly at Hildegard’s curt response, I straightened my posture.

An awkward silence fell between us afterward.

Yet, to me, that awkward silence was a great relief.

For the conversation had not progressed any further.

‘I’m saved…’

I had narrowly avoided becoming embroiled in the succession struggle.

However, I couldn’t help but worry if I had perhaps offended the prospective future Emperor.

After arriving at the Imperial Palace, Daniel underwent a brief security screening before proceeding to meet the Emperor.

As Hildegard had other matters to attend to, she did not accompany him, leaving one of the Emperor’s personal attendants to guide Daniel instead.

The attendant led Daniel not to the audience chamber, but the Emperor’s bedchambers.

The reason being that His Majesty lacked the strength to dress formally and make his way to the audience chamber.

“Your Majesty. Major Daniel Steiner has arrived.”

After the attendant knocked and announced Daniel’s arrival, a response came shortly after.

“Enter.”

Following the reply, the attendant opened the door.

The Emperor’s bedchamber visible beyond was more modest than expected.

Aside from the luxurious furnishings and unexpectedly spacious interior, there were few extravagances.

The Emperor was seated at a table in the center of the room, engaged in a chess game, with someone seated across from him whose rank caused Daniel to start involuntarily.

The individual wore the four-star insignia of the highest-ranking officer – Johannes Kuntz, the Commander of the Imperial Guards and one of His Majesty’s most trusted confidants.

After confirming Johannes’s presence, Daniel turned his gaze towards the Emperor.

While emaciated to the point of appearing skeletal, his dignified bearing remained intact.

Bertram von Amberg.

The true master of the Empire and the progressive monarch who had shaped the current nation.

Facing these two towering figures, Daniel could not help but feel tense.

Maintaining his composure, he approached and saluted.

“Your Majesty! I have arrived upon your sum–”
“That’s enough, come over here.”

Cut off, Daniel nodded awkwardly and walked closer to Bertram.

Bertram studied the chessboard, stroking his short beard.

“Care for a game of chess, my boy?”
“…I’ve observed games from the sidelines.”
“Is that so? Then how would you assess this situation? It appears I’m at a disadvantage.”

After surveying the board, Daniel cautiously responded.

“Your Majesty. In my humble opinion, it is not you at a disadvantage, but rather the Guard Commander.”
“Oh? Despite my significantly fewer pieces, the Commander is the disadvantaged one?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Bertram playfully glared at Johannes.

“Well, what do you say to that?”
“Haha. He may be right.”

As Johannes laughed it off, Bertram turned towards Daniel.

“Very well, Major Daniel. Explain to us why I hold the advantage.”
“Certainly. First, let us assume Your Majesty’s rook captures the left pawn. That would result in a check. With Your Majesty’s queen on the diagonal, the Commander’s king must evade to g8.”
“Indeed, indeed.”
“When the rook returns, it will be another check. If the king captures the rook, it will be attacked by the queen, forcing the king to flee to h8. Repeating this…”

As Daniel explained, Johannes raised both hands in surrender.

“Alas, I concede defeat. My pieces will inevitably be captured one by one. Your Majesty is victorious.”
“To be precise, it is Major Daniel’s victory. An ingenious tactic. I’m quite impressed.”
“Agreed. With such skill, you could have become a professional chess player.”

Shrugging his shoulders, Johannes rose from his seat.

Seeing this, Daniel took two steps back before kneeling on one knee.

He realized the chess game had concluded, signaling the true discussion.

As Johannes began clearing the chess set, Bertram turned his attention to Daniel.

“Major Daniel. Not only did you conquer Nordia, but you also concluded the armistice negotiations with the Kingdom. On behalf of the Empire, I extend my gratitude for your efforts.”
“I am deeply honored.”
“It is still too early for such modesty, for I have a reward for you. Johannes?”

At Bertram’s words, Johannes picked up a case he had placed beside the table.

Opening it revealed a medal.

The Empire’s highest-ranking Golden Cross medal.

Given the clear merits, Daniel could not refuse.

“Rise.”

Following Johannes’s instruction, Daniel stood up.

Johannes patted Daniel’s shoulder before pinning the medal to his chest.

“The Golden Cross has never been awarded to someone as young as yourself, from what I know. A testament to your remarkable accomplishments.”

Offering that compliment as he patted Daniel’s shoulder once more, Johannes stepped back.

With Johannes’s retreat, Daniel knelt again, for the Emperor observed him.

“Praise for your achievements has likely reached you from all corners, so I shall not repeat it. Instead, allow me to inquire about a pressing matter.”
“A pressing matter, you say?”
“Which of my children do you deem more qualified to be Emperor? For I find neither particularly suitable.”

A cold sweat broke out.

Having barely evaded the Princess’s overtures, the Emperor himself now directly raised the question.

After careful consideration, Daniel bowed his head and spoke.

“I cannot presume to offer an opinion.”
“What? Are you dismissing my query?”

As Bertram’s voice took on a sharp edge, Daniel hastily exclaimed.

“Your Majesty! That is not my intention. I am a soldier of the Empire. The Empire’s laws explicitly state that soldiers must remain politically neutral. Therefore, the moment I voice an opinion, I would be disregarding not only Your Majesty but the Empire’s solemn laws.”

Daniel lowered his head further.

“Thus, if you wish to hear my response, I humbly suggest relieving me of my military status first. If you do so, I can answer truthfully and without reservation.”

Upon hearing Daniel’s reply, the corners of Bertram’s mouth curved upwards slightly.

‘A resourceful fellow, indeed.’

By citing the Empire’s laws as the reason for his inability to answer, Daniel had effectively issued a veiled threat – even the Emperor re-issuing the order would undermine the Empire’s foundations.

With a solid rationale rooted in principle, even the Emperor could not denounce his stance as incorrect.

Yet, Bertram could not order him to remove his uniform either, leaving him in a perfect stalemate.

Ultimately, Bertram surrendered with a low chuckle.

“I believe I understand what manner of man you are. You must be weary, so you may take your leave.”
“…Yes, Your Majesty.”

While skeptical of the Emperor’s words, Daniel was in no position to refuse the command.

Rising, he saluted once more before turning and exiting the room.

Silently observing Daniel’s departure, Bertram remarked without concealing his amusement.

“Do you see it? The true nature lurking within him.”
“To a certain extent, yes.”

When initially asked for advice on the chess game, Daniel had feigned bewilderment before offering Bertram a candid opinion.

“Ordinary individuals, even if they knew the solution, would likely claim ignorance to avoid appearing presumptuous before an ailing Emperor.”
“Precisely. Tiptoeing around the issue would be the norm. Yet Daniel did not.”
“The ability to state his opinion confidently without deference is an admirable quality in a soldier. However, when questioned about the Crown Prince and Princess, he maintained his silence.”

Nodding, Bertram let out an amused chuckle.

“He only bows his head to those he acknowledges. While I am the true master of the Empire, my children are not. He is likely contemplating carefully which of us to lend his strength to.”

After taking a sip from the cup on the table, Bertram continued.

“In my eyes, he is a wolf. One who remains loyal only to the strong. However, wolves are known to turn on their pack leader if they perceive weakness.”

Johannes swallowed hard.

“You mean…”
“Yes. He is a capable yet double-edged sword to wield. Whichever of my children manages to secure his allegiance, the moment they display weakness, he will turn and devour them.”

To Bertram, Daniel’s chilling gaze resembled that of his grandfather, who had once usurped the throne.

Setting down his cup, Bertram turned towards Johannes.

“Thus, you must ensure my children are well-protected, preventing that wolf from baring its fangs. We cannot allow the Empire to fall into his jaws.”

With a nod, Johannes gazed towards the exit Daniel had taken.

‘A wolf capable of devouring the Empire…’

While the Emperor’s concerns seemed unfounded at first, recalling Daniel’s piercing gaze sent an involuntary chill down Johannes’s spine.

Gripping the hilt of the sword at his waist, Johannes thought to himself:

He dearly hoped all these predictions were merely the Emperor’s idle musings.