I Was Mistaken as a Great War Commander

The following morning.

“This is the location the man mentioned.”

Accompanied by police officers, Daniel halted in front of a shop.

The man who had introduced himself as Morten in the chapel the previous day had confessed to assisting the Crown Prince in inciting an insurrection within the Capital. Daniel had come to investigate based on this report.

To be frank, Daniel had initially dismissed it as the ramblings of a madman, but once a report of insurrection was filed, an investigation became necessary.

Hence, at the break of dawn, he had requested assistance from the local precinct, leading them to this location.

“From the outside, it appears to be an ordinary shop, but…”

Detective Chief Inspector Barety furrowed his brow in puzzlement.

While sharing his sentiments, Daniel remained cautious.

“If that man Morten was truly the leader of a secret organization, disguising their base and identities would be a basic tactic to avoid suspicion. We cannot rule out the possibility that his testimony was truthful, so we should exercise caution.”

With a nod, Detective Chief Inspector Barety followed Daniel into the shop.

The shop’s door was open, yet no staff appeared to be present to greet customers.

However, traces of bloodstains were splattered on the merchandise displays.

Upon noticing the bloodstains, Daniel instinctively drew his revolver from its holster.

“Damn. It seems that man’s words were indeed true. Everyone, arm yourselves!”

Heeding Daniel’s command, Detective Chief Inspector Barety and the investigating officers drew their firearms.

In the tense atmosphere, Daniel crouched and surveyed the surroundings.

‘Footprints…’

Footprints, seemingly from military boots, extended in a single direction.

Following their trajectory, Daniel spotted an open iron door leading underground.

Judging by the haphazardly scattered carpets and furniture, it seemed to have been concealed from the outside under normal circumstances.

“Major Daniel? Have you discovered something…”

As the detective chief inspector approached with his officers, Daniel raised his hand, signaling them to halt.

After a thorough inspection, Daniel straightened his stance.

“It appears an armed group infiltrated the underground area. They seem to have been stationed there for a while before exiting relatively recently.”
“Pardon? How can you tell, Major Daniel?”
“The footprints. The prints leading inside are quite old, with dust settled upon them, but the ones leading out appear freshly made.”

Regarding the area based on Daniel’s observations, Detective Chief Inspector Barety inwardly marveled as he spoke.

“Indeed, you’re right. In that case…”
“A potentially dangerous situation may have arisen. Request reinforcements from headquarters.”

With a tense nod, the detective chief inspector raised his radio.

“This is Detective Chief Inspector Barety. Requesting immediate reinforcements. Proceed to the red-roofed shop adjacent to the riverside in District 13 near Fianmari Village.”

An affirmative response came from the other end.

Confirming the reinforcement request was acknowledged, Daniel headed towards the underground entrance.

His intention was to ascertain what had transpired there.

While reluctant, Detective Chief Inspector Barety had no choice but to follow Daniel underground.

After descending the crude staircase, they emerged into a rather spacious area.

“This place…”

Illuminating the area with his flashlight, Detective Chief Inspector Barety discovered numerous desks and telex machines.

Scattered across the floor were partially burnt documents.

As Daniel pondered the nature of this place, he picked up one of the nearby documents.

His brow furrowed upon inspecting its contents.

“It seems that man Morten’s words were indeed truthful.”

The document outlined plans to threaten politicians and media figures, as well as incite the civilian populace.

The moment insurrection became a certainty, a commotion could be heard emanating from somewhere nearby.

Turning his head, Daniel noticed the sound coming from behind a partitioned room.

Signaling Detective Chief Inspector Barety and the officers with his hand, Daniel approached the room.

With his finger on the revolver’s trigger, Daniel kicked open the door, only to be taken aback.

“Mmph, grmph!?”
“Mmmmph…”

Numerous individuals lay bound, gagged, and groaning in distress.

Some recoiled in terror upon seeing Daniel, wriggling away like caterpillars.

Belatedly taking in the scene, Detective Chief Inspector Barety’s face paled.

“What in the world is this…”
“I’m not sure either. For now, remove their gags. We need to hear their accounts of what transpired.”

With a nod, Detective Chief Inspector Barety holstered his firearm and removed the gag from the nearest man’s mouth.

The man immediately cried out in fear.

“S-Save me! Major Daniel Steiner! Please, save me! I swear I’ll never be involved in anything like this again! Please…”

Perplexed by the man’s overreaction, Daniel could only wonder.

‘Why is he pleading with me for his life?’

Detective Chief Inspector Barety shared Daniel’s bewilderment.

Assuming the panicked man was simply ranting incoherently, Barety removed another person’s gag.

And once more…

“Major Daniel! Please, spare me! I beg you! I have a family to support! Sob… Please, forgive me!”

Another person, gripped by fear, pleaded for Daniel’s mercy.

Regarding the scene with a suspicious gaze, Detective Chief Inspector Barety turned towards Daniel.

Sensing the detective chief inspector’s scrutiny, Daniel broke out in a cold sweat as he spoke.

“Inspector? I understand your thoughts, but I swear to God, I had nothing to do with this.”

However, Detective Chief Inspector Barety’s suspicion showed no signs of abating.

The surrounding officers, too, seemed to harbor a newfound apprehension towards Daniel, taking tentative steps backward.

“…Everyone? I truly had no involvement in this. Please, believe me.”

Despite Daniel’s earnest plea, his words failed to reach the officers.

In the ensuing silence, Detective Chief Inspector Barety swallowed hard before speaking.

“For now, I shall record in the report that Major Daniel knew nothing about this.”
“Inspector? Again, I truly had no part in this.”
“Yes, of course, Major Daniel could not have been involved. I understand.”

Removing his cap, Detective Chief Inspector Barety respectfully bowed towards Daniel.

It was a gesture implying he would not bring harm to Daniel, a prominent figure.

Evidently, it was a matter of political discretion, avoiding offending someone of such influence.

However, for Daniel, who genuinely had no involvement in this incident, it was merely a frustrating injustice.

Raising his hand to wipe his face, Daniel let out a low sigh.

‘I merely wanted to enjoy my vacation…’

Being embroiled in such a preposterous situation was exasperating.

Late at night, within the Imperial Palace’s office.

‘They have taken control of the Capital…’

Princess Selvia gazed down at the map of the Capital spread across her desk.

Red X markings on the map indicated the locations where supporters of the Princess – politicians and media figures – had been threatened by armed groups.

‘While gathering information was successful…’

The issue was the lack of consistency.

If the enemy’s headquarters were located within the Capital, there should undoubtedly be overlapping areas of activity.

However, these armed groups seemed to mock Selvia’s efforts at tracking them, appearing from entirely unpredictable directions.

‘If the armed groups operate like sleeper cells…’

Then Selvia’s initial assumption was correct – their headquarters were located elsewhere, outside the Capital.

‘But how can I find it?’

The Empire was vast.

It was impossible to search the entire expanse.

Moreover, Selvia surmised that the enemy had established their base long ago.

Otherwise, they could not have operated in such an organized and systematic manner.

At the very least, they must have set up their headquarters and commenced activities three years prior, further complicating the search efforts.

Consequently, the supporters of the Princess – politicians and media figures – saw their spheres of influence gradually diminishing.

Fearing threats or harm from the enemy, they chose to lie low.

‘I must find them, somehow.’

However, she lacked a suitable strategy.

With her forehead resting in her palms, agonizing over potential solutions, Selvia’s eyes suddenly widened.

‘If only that person were by my side at a time like this…’

Daniel Steiner.

The man who had brilliantly seized Nordia through his ingenious tactics and strategies.

If that exceptional talent had been at her side, he might have uncovered the Crown Prince’s secret organization.

But now, Daniel had requested an extended vacation and departed from the Capital.

As if declaring his disinterest in the struggle between the heirs.

Thus, Selvia could not summon Daniel to her aid.

‘I cannot fathom what that man is thinking.’

Within the limousine en route to the palace, she had thought he was finally expressing his allegiance to her, but instead, he abruptly took leave during this critical juncture.

Frustratedly tapping her desk, Selvia paused as a knock sounded at the door.

Straightening her posture, Selvia cleared her throat before speaking.

“Enter.”

The office door opened, and Colonel Hartman, the chief of her imperial guard, entered.

Offering a light salute, Hartman approached Selvia.

“Your Highness. Working late into the night, I see.”
“This is a matter of grave importance. But what brings you here?”
“An urgent matter to report, Your Highness. I realize my intrusion is improper, but it could not be avoided.”

An urgent matter? Selvia gestured for him to proceed.

“Very well, speak.”
“The leadership of the Crown Prince’s secret organization, which Your Highness has been tracking, has been apprehended en masse.”

Selvia’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Rising from her seat as if unable to trust her ears, Selvia asked, “Is this true? I ask if the information is indeed reliable.”
“It is a direct report from the police precinct overseeing the southern Bethargen Margraviate. The documents they provided leave no room for doubt.”

If the enemy had been apprehended, it would essentially grant Selvia a significant advantage in the struggle for succession.

Overjoyed by this unexpected stroke of fortune, Selvia inadvertently raised her voice.

“Who is it? Who has rendered such an outstanding service?”

Hartman bowed slightly before whispering to Selvia.

“Although he claims innocence, the circumstances suggest it was Major Daniel Steiner.”

Selvia could only gape in astonishment.

“…Daniel, you say?”

Hadn’t Daniel requested a vacation to return to his hometown?

Or perhaps, considering the timing of his extended leave during this pivotal moment, it did appear rather suspicious.

‘Daniel has been actively seeking promotions in various fields.’

For an ambitious officer hungry for advancement to take leave precisely when the next Emperor would be decided?

It was utterly implausible.

‘Then, from the very beginning, Daniel must have…’

Feigned taking a vacation while covertly carrying out a mission on Selvia’s behalf.

‘Come to think of it, Daniel did previously state that I would become the Emperor, not the Crown Prince.’

She recalled Hartman relaying those words when Daniel had disguised himself as a war correspondent in the northern regions.

Even surrounded by the Crown Prince’s assassins, Daniel had staunchly maintained his belief that the heir would be the Princess, not the Prince.

‘His secrecy in taking leave was likely…’

Adhering to the strategy of deceiving one’s own forces to mislead the enemy.

Finally comprehending Daniel’s every word and action, a slender smile graced Selvia’s lips.

‘Previously, he risked his life to protect me…’

And now, without being asked, he was working to ensure Selvia’s ascension to the throne.

Inadvertently developing a fondness for Daniel, Selvia’s delicate lips parted.

“He truly is an incorrigible man. Daniel Steiner…”

In Selvia’s eyes, Daniel was not only a capable officer but also a truly loyal subject.