Was Mistaken For A War Hero

After the so-called "Aetherium Conversion Bullet Assassination Incident" at the banquet hall, the Imperial Family deployed the Imperial Guard and military forces to successfully kill or apprehend the terrorists in the old city.

The terrorists who weren't killed were handed over to the Military Police for interrogation. During this process, Deputy Chief of Operations Cedric Vendel, who was observing to gather information, overheard an intriguing statement.

"It's because of that bastard. We failed our mission because of him…"

The leader of the terrorists, Rakal, spoke up while being tortured in the basement of the Military Police. His dazed eyes suggested that he wasn't fully aware of what he was saying. What mattered, though, was that this was the first time he opened his mouth after enduring all the torture in silence.

As the interrogators murmured amongst themselves, Cedric spoke up.

"Interrogator. Give that man some water."

Vandelin nodded silently and brought over a glass of water, pouring it into the mouth of the restrained Rakal. Having been deprived of water for days, Rakal immediately gasped and tried to gulp it down as soon as it touched his tongue.

"That's enough."

At Cedric's command, Vandelin pulled the cup away. Rakal cursed, but bound as he was to the chair, his resistance was futile.

Cedric watched Rakal's agitated state for a moment before smiling.

"I'd like to hear more detailed information. For example, about this 'bastard' you mentioned. If you tell us, a glass of water is the least we can give you."

At this, Rakal seemed to collect himself and looked straight ahead. When he recognized the man speaking to him, Rakal's eyes widened in shock.

[Deputy Chief of Operations, Imperial General Staff / Brigadier General Cedric Vendel]

A gaunt face and eyes bordering on lifeless white.

He was a high-profile figure, listed as the top priority for assassination by the Kingdom's intelligence agency.

Rakal gritted his teeth and trembled, but as a captured agent who had been defeated, he lacked the strength to harm his opponent. Giving up his defiance, Rakal relaxed and let out a low chuckle.

"So, you didn't know. This wasn't something officially ordered, was it? It all fell apart just because of someone's suspicion? How ridiculous…"

His laughter carried a tinge of self-deprecation.

"...Daniel Steiner. That bastard saw through our plan. That's why we had to change our operation."

"Instead of attacking the banquet hall, we chose to lie in wait in the old city."

Daniel Steiner. Cedric had already heard of him. After all, he was the one who recently performed meritoriously and even saved Her Highness the Princess. There was no way to avoid knowing about him.

But to think that Daniel Steiner was the first to notice the signs of a terrorist attack on the banquet hall. Even more, according to Rakal, the change in their operation stemmed from trying to avoid Daniel's suspicion, which forced them to adopt a plan unfavorable to themselves.

'Impressive.'

Combat, logistics, operations, intelligence, counterintelligence.

Cedric had seen many young men excel in one area. War creates heroes, so it was only natural for one to showcase their abilities during times of conflict. But someone excelling in all these areas? Daniel Steiner was the first.

'They say the value of a precious gem is evident even in its raw form.'

Though Cedric thought it prudent to continue observing him for a while longer, Daniel's talent was undeniable.

'Perhaps…'

Perhaps Daniel Steiner would become the spearhead that led the Empire to victory.

After unintentionally saving the Princess, I had been dragged around for a week.

Even when I politely declined invitations, they almost forced me to attend. I had no choice but to comply. So, I ended up taking photos with countless politicians and dining with members of the royal family.

I greeted so many people—more than I could possibly keep track of—before finally being allowed to return to headquarters. I thought I'd finally get to relax… but…

"I'm looking for Captain Daniel Steiner. Do you know where he is?"

This time, a group clad in the ceremonial uniforms of the Imperial Guard marched into the Operations Staff Office.

At their forefront was a man with the insignia of a Chief Escort Officer—the golden wing emblem—on his shoulder. His face was familiar. He had been the one who first came to rescue Selvia and me at the old city's junkyard.

"Ca-Captain Steiner is over there…"

The staff members in the office looked flustered and alarmed. Feeling apologetic for causing a commotion, I stood up from my seat.

"I'm Daniel Steiner. What business do you have with me?"

"Oh." The elder man let out a playful exclamation and approached me.

"Pleased to meet you, Captain Steiner. You may already know, but I'm Lieutenant Colonel Hartman, Chief Escort Officer of the Imperial Guard."

"How could I not know of the legendary soldier? Thank you for your assistance the other day."

"Haha! No need to thank me. It's I who should be thanking you! Thanks to you, Her Highness the Princess is safe and sound."

With his booming voice matching his imposing figure, his laughter startled Ernst, who peeked out from the Chief of Staff's office in surprise.

"Chief Escort Hartman? What brings you here?"

Although Hartman's rank was lower, it was Ernst who appeared to be more cautious. Understandable, really. If the Imperial Guard barged into the Staff Office, anyone would break into a nervous sweat.

"Ah, Colonel Ernst! I'm here to carry out an order from His Majesty the Emperor."

At the mention of an order from the Emperor, Ernst's face turned pale. The idea of the Imperial Guard executing a direct order from the Emperor wasn't exactly reassuring.

"Could it be… someone here in the Staff Office has earned the Emperor's disfavor?"

Confused by the remark, Hartman burst into hearty laughter.

"What a disheartening thing to say! Not at all. In fact, it's the opposite. I'm here on His Majesty's behalf to award Captain Daniel Steiner the Order of National Merit."

…The Order of National Merit? To me? While I stood there dumbfounded, Ernst nodded, his composure returning.

"I see. It seemed likely he'd receive it soon, but it's quicker than I expected."

"The sooner, the better, I say. After all, rewarding merit and punishing wrongdoing is the foundation of the Empire's principles. Ideally, His Majesty would personally confer the award, but as you know, he's quite occupied with preparations for the northern campaign."

"I understand. Please proceed."

Ernst gave me a congratulatory thumbs-up before stepping aside. While I still couldn't grasp the situation, Hartman pulled out a decree. It was a cylindrical scroll, clearly of high quality at first glance.

Hartman deftly untied the ribbon and unfurled the decree.

"Hear the words of the Emperor of the Empire: Captain Daniel Steiner, listen well!"

Hartman's resounding voice filled the room, and all the staff members within the office, as if on cue, knelt on one knee. I followed suit.

"According to the recommendations of the Central Intelligence Bureau and the Military Police, it is said that you were the first to detect the spies at the banquet and question them. Though your suspicions were never dispelled, as a result, their plan was altered, and thus the Empire was spared disaster."

Me? When did I do that?

"Furthermore, your act of risking your life to protect my daughter, Selvia von Amberg, the radiant light of the Empire, is an unparalleled display of loyalty and deserving of high praise. Therefore, I hereby bestow upon you the 2nd Class Order of National Merit, the Star of the Nation."

Hearing that I was being awarded the Star of the Nation, a chill ran down my spine. As far as I knew, no junior officer had ever received it. If I was the first, that meant I'd draw significant attention.

Moreover, even among field officers, only a handful had ever received the Star of the Nation. This meant intelligence agents from allied nations would now place an even higher bounty on my head.

I sneaked a glance at Lucy, who stood nearby. Her indifferent expression scared me into quickly looking away.

"Rise and stand, Captain Daniel Steiner."

Following Hartman's words, I stood up. An Imperial Guard stepped forward, carrying an ornate box. Opening it, they revealed a medal, a badge, and a golden insignia.

Hartman picked out a small gold emblem and affixed it to the left chest of my uniform.

"Wearing this emblem in peacetime will let everyone know you are a recipient of the Star of the Nation. It's a great honor, so wear it with pride."

It didn't feel the least bit honorable, but I nodded nonetheless. Hartman patted me on the shoulder and slyly added:

"By the way, have you ever considered joining the Imperial Guard? With your skills, I think you'd quickly rise to the position of Chief Escort."

Joining the Imperial Guard would make escaping the Empire nearly impossible. Desperately not wanting to join, I forced an awkward smile.

"While I think highly of the honor associated with the Guard, I believe that during wartime, my place is not within the Guard."

Hartman paused briefly, then nodded in understanding.

"Indeed. A talented young man like you is better suited to the battlefield than to the Guard."

Something about his understanding felt off, but before I could correct him, Hartman stepped back with a smile.

"Congratulations, Captain Daniel Steiner of the Star of the Nation!"

With that, the brief ceremony ended. Ernst and the rest of the staff applauded me.

The office, which was typically filled with tension and formality, was now a scene of celebration.

As much as I disliked being awarded the Star of the Nation, I couldn't deny it was proof of my contributions. However, I feared it would make my survival and future escape from the Empire much more challenging. While I endured the congratulations, my mind worked frantically.

It was clear: the Star of the Nation was a mixed blessing. And I needed to prepare for the consequences.