I Was Mistaken as a Great War Commander

The tense gaze exchanged between the two women was so unsettling that it bordered on discomfort.

It felt like sitting on a bed of nails.

‘While I’m uncertain why they are quarreling…’

Deeming intervention necessary, Daniel opened his mouth with a smile.

“Whether silver or gold tableware, they serve the same purpose during meals. The choice ultimately comes down to personal preference, so there is no need for conflict.”

The two women turned their gazes toward Daniel.

Far from welcoming, their stares prompted Daniel to inadvertently break into a cold sweat.

“A matter of personal preference, you say?”

Celvia was the first to break the silence.

“In that case, Lieutenant Colonel Daniel, which would you choose between gold and silver tableware?”

Her blatant insinuation sent a chill down his spine.

Just as Daniel regretted his interjection, the Imperial orchestra’s performance transitioned.

Abandoning the previous leisurely melody, a brisker tempo now ensued.

Coupled with the brightened atmosphere, it appeared to be an overture announcing the gala’s highlight – the dance.

Seizing the opportunity to change the subject, Daniel hastily redirected the conversation.

“My, how time flies. If possible, I would be honored to witness Your Highness’s dancing.”

While displeased by Daniel’s evasive maneuvering, Celvia nodded, granting him a reprieve.

“If you would be my partner, I would be delighted. Shall we dance together?”
“If Your Highness desires it, I shall gladly oblige.”

As Daniel rose from his seat, Celvia followed suit.

After shooting Lucy a pointed glance, Celvia led Daniel toward the center of the hall.

Near the Christmas tree, couples had already taken to the dance floor, enjoying the festivities.

“Daniel.”

Observing them, Celvia parted her lips.

Intending to voice her suspicions about Daniel’s adjutant, Celvia ultimately shook her head.

She deemed it unwise to spread unsubstantiated claims.

Instead, she decided to broach a different question.

“Have you ever considered joining the Royal Guard?”

Her voice trembled, betraying her composure.

Accepting Celvia’s hand for the waltz, Daniel responded.

“Colonel Hartmann once extended the same invitation. I’m afraid my answer remains unchanged.”

Upon hearing Daniel’s reply, Celvia gently bit her lower lip.

While respecting his decision, she could not conceal her disappointment.

Perplexed by her reaction, Daniel inquired further.

“…Your Highness. Is something amiss?”

Certainly not.

As the Empire’s future ruler, Celvia had absorbed all authority.

Power, by its very nature, demands the sworn allegiance of those under the leader’s command.

Yet in this process, Celvia felt a profound emptiness.

For she vaguely sensed the nobles entrusted with governing the nation did not truly follow her.

While her power grew increasingly concentrated, Celvia struggled to discern whether it was truly hers.

She could not even fathom the true intentions of those claiming loyalty.

Hence, Celvia longed to have someone trustworthy by her side.

Someone who had twice saved her life and did not hesitate to confront the Crown Prince.

‘However…’

Voicing such insecurities would be akin to indulging in childish behavior.

Unbecoming of one destined to become Emperor.

An Emperor must rule and lead all without displaying weakness.

Resolving to conceal her vulnerability, Celvia forced a bitter smile.

“It’s nothing.”

As the orchestra’s performance crescendoed, the pair’s feet began to move.

To Celvia’s practiced eyes, Daniel’s dancing seemed somewhat clumsy, yet not entirely unpleasant.

“You dance quite well.”
“As Your Highness once said, one must know at least this much to avoid embarrassment in any setting.”

Recalling the past, Celvia nodded.

She could never forget their private dance under the moonlight, no matter how much she wished to.

“A student who heeds their teacher’s lessons deserves a reward. Tell me, Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner, is there anything you desire?”

There was indeed one desire.

“Since you speak of rewards, allow me to make a request, Your Highness. If possible, could you issue an order permitting me to contribute on the battlefield?”

Celvia’s graceful movements came to an abrupt halt.

Consequently, Daniel nearly lost his balance but ultimately regained his footing.

“…Your Highness?”

Confusion swirled in Celvia’s azure eyes.

Catching her breath from the exertion of dancing, Celvia looked up at Daniel.

“I fail to understand. You wish to go to the battlefield? Were you not satisfied after your ordeal in the Velanos waters?”

Daniel comprehended Celvia’s words.

However, the issue was that if he misspoke, he risked suffering a similar fate behind the lines as he had in the Velanos waters.

Yet he could not simply state, ‘Your father torments me,’ before the Princess. Thus, Daniel forced an awkward smile and offered an excuse.

“Your Highness. While you have ascended as the heir, domestic public opinion is not entirely favorable. Some even make the outrageous claim that Daniel Steiner sways the Imperial household.”
“And what of such nonsense from rabble-rousers?”
“It is mere nonsense. However, when one dog barks, others are bound to join. And when the dogs begin barking, their master will inevitably investigate the cause.”

Daniel gently clasped Celvia’s hand.

“Hence, I believe it is best for Your Highness and I to maintain a distance – neither too close nor too distant. By sending me to the battlefield, make it clear to all that ‘Daniel Steiner is merely a soldier.'”

By deploying Daniel, who had cheated death in Velanos, to the frontlines, he hoped to dispel the nobles’ suspicions.

It was a reasonable proposal, yet Celvia could not help but feel guilty.

“…So you suggest I send you into harm’s way with my own hand?”

To Celvia, it seemed Daniel was displaying an extreme sense of self-sacrifice for her sake.

In truth, he merely struggled for survival, but Daniel saw no need to reveal his intentions as he resigned himself.

“This is the only way for both Your Highness and I to live.”

This, at least, was sincere.

Meeting Daniel’s gaze, Celvia spoke after a brief silence.

“Then promise me this one thing.”
“What do you mean?”
“Promise me you will never die. And that you will attend my coronation as Emperor.”

Having no intention of dying, Daniel smiled and nodded.

“I shall keep that in mind, Your Highness.”

From a distance, Lucy observed the private exchange between Celvia and Daniel.

While the exact topic eluded her, she could discern it was a grave matter, judging by Celvia abruptly halting the dance to converse seriously with Daniel.

She wondered what they were discussing when a familiar voice addressed her from behind.

“Lucy Emilia.”

Lucy recognized the voice without turning – it belonged to Theobalt Verno, the head of the International Alliance’s Intelligence Bureau’s Palentia branch.

“Orders for your return. Prepare to depart within the near future.”

Lucy’s shoulders tensed.

After carefully considering her words, Lucy took a deep breath and responded.

“I refuse.”

An unacceptable utterance from a spy’s lips, yet Theobalt neither reprimanded nor expressed anger.

He merely regarded Lucy’s back with a furrowed brow.

“Because of Daniel Steiner? Has that man bewitched you?”
“…No.”
“Then what is your reason? A sane person could never choose to betray the Alliance.”

Theobalt’s audacity caused Lucy to clench her teeth.

“The Lucy Project.”
“……”
“Surely you are aware of it. Until everything becomes clear, I cannot remain loyal to the Alliance.”

No response followed.

Seemingly taken aback, Theobalt paused before speaking.

“You will undoubtedly regret your present choice.”

With those words, Theobalt slowly retreated.

Finally relaxing, Lucy turned her gaze forward, blinking in a daze.

For Daniel approached alone, having concluded the dance.

Perplexed, Lucy spoke.

“Lieutenant Colonel Daniel? And Her Highness the Princess?”
“Ah, Her Highness had many acquaintances to greet after the gala, so I could not detain her. But…”

Daniel regarded her with puzzlement.

“Were you not just conversing with a man?”

Contemplating whether to reveal the truth, Lucy ultimately shook her head.

She did not wish to involve Daniel in personal matters.

“He wished to dance with me. I declined.”
“…Was there a need? Since we’ve come to the gala, you could have enjoyed yourself.”
“I’ve never learned to dance, so I would not find it enjoyable.”
“I see.”

Feeling a sense of regret, Daniel extended his hand toward Lucy.

“Then allow me to teach you. The gala still has some time remaining.”

Caught off guard by the invitation to dance, Lucy looked up at Daniel in surprise.

After a momentary hesitation, Lucy accepted Daniel’s hand.

Feeling the warmth of his touch, Lucy gazed at Daniel with a faint smile.

“If you wish it, I shall gladly follow.”

Bathed in the moonlight filtering through the windows, Lucy affirmed her conviction.

She would never regret this choice.