I Was Mistaken as a Great War Commander

The following evening.

Having finished her duties, Celvia headed to the art museum located within the Imperial Palace.

She had been informed by her chamberlains that her father, whose condition had slightly improved, had gone to the art museum to view the portraits of their ancestors.

Hastening her steps, Celvia entered the museum and saw her father standing motionless before a large portrait of her great-grandfather.

“Father!”

Approaching him with a flushed expression, Emperor Bertram turned his head upon Celvia’s call.

Spotting his daughter, Bertram offered a faint smile.

“Celvia. Shouldn’t you be busy with state affairs instead of wasting time on me?”
“If I considered looking after you a waste of time, I would be unfit to be a benevolent ruler.”
“How adorable. Your charm seems to grow with each passing day.”

Letting out a low chuckle, Bertram spoke.

“Very well. Since we have met, let us discuss the state of the world. Many things have occurred during my recent confinement, have they not?”

Recalling the recent events, Celvia readily nodded.

“Even so, we managed to avert the worst. Not only was Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner’s survival confirmed, but we ultimately strengthened the Empire’s influence over Velanos.”
“I see. Well done. But regarding Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner…”

Bertram looked down at Celvia with a subtle gaze.

“According to reports, he claims to have gathered intelligence in Velanos during the time he was stranded. Have you verified the contents?”
“About that… He said he would inform me after returning, citing concerns of communication interception.”
“Inform me after returning. Quite a meaningful statement, isn’t it?”

The insinuating tone caused Celvia’s brow to furrow.

“Father. Do you still harbor suspicions towards Lieutenant Colonel Daniel?”
“Then tell me, Celvia. Do you wish for me to trust Lieutenant Colonel Daniel unconditionally?”
“Of course, I…”
“Would you make such a claim even before your great-grandfather’s portrait?”

The atmosphere shifted.

Sensing a reprimand, Celvia fell silent.

After observing her for a while, Bertram turned his gaze to the portrait.

“We are the descendants of usurpers. You are well aware of how your grandfather seized the throne. Outwardly, he claimed the legitimacy of the Imperial lineage, but in truth, it was an act driven by a lust for power.”
“Father…”
“I am terrified. Ever since I saw the same gaze in Daniel Steiner’s eyes as your grandfather’s, I have been unable to sleep properly. Celvia. You do not fully comprehend how dangerous a capable subordinate can be.”

Blinking slowly, Bertram continued.

“Your grandfather always said that capable subordinates are most dangerous when they act independently, believing in their own abilities. Celvia. Let me ask you this. How many times has Daniel Steiner walked the path of insubordination?”

When apprehending the Prince’s covert organization in the southern region, and during the total war speech when he altered the existing content to his liking, Daniel Steiner had not obtained prior approval from his superiors.

The same applied to this incident.

Daniel Steiner had acted independently without informing his superiors of his survival, using the pretext of potential enemies within Velanos as justification.

“You believe he is acting for the Empire’s sake?”

Shaking his head, Bertram let out a low chuckle.

“It is highly likely he gathered intelligence for his own self-preservation, not the Empire’s. Many are under the misconception, but it is apparent to me that the one exerting influence in Velanos is not the Empire, but Daniel Steiner himself.”

In Bertram’s view, it seemed evident that Daniel would strike some deal with the Prime Minister of Velanos based on the information he had gathered, for his own well-being rather than the Empire’s.

Upon returning to the Empire, Daniel would undoubtedly present the less significant information as classified intelligence.

In that case, Bertram would have to make the first move before Daniel could deceive the Imperial Family.

“It appears this old man must make a sacrifice for your sake this time. Daniel Steiner’s resentment will be directed at me, so you must strive to win his heart.”

Unable to comprehend his meaning, Celvia tilted her head in bewilderment.

At that moment, Bertram glanced sideways and snapped his fingers.

The chamberlain waiting nearby approached Bertram and bowed.

“Your Majesty. Is there something you require?”

Bertram nodded.

“Bring me the imperial decree.”

His pensive eyes narrowed sharply.

“For I shall personally convey a message to Daniel Steiner.”

At the same time, in the southern region of the Empire, the Glory of the Sacred Flame Grand Church.

“Brothers and sisters.”

Prien’s voice resonated softly within the main sanctuary.

Currently, the main sanctuary was so crowded that there were no empty seats, as Prien’s sermons had gained renown, drawing people from other regions to attend.

Consequently, most people had to stand at the back, attentively listening to Prien’s words.

This was an unprecedented occurrence for the Glory of the Sacred Flame Grand Church, causing even Prien’s father to step back and turn a blind eye.

Of course, Prien paid no heed to such matters.

Prien’s sole focus was her faith and Daniel Steiner.

“Today, I bring you truly joyous news.”

With her eyes closed, Prien continued in a remarkably serene tone, unlike her previous sermons.

“As you all know, the news of Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner’s survival has reached the Empire from the distant land of Velanos across the sea. Yes. Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner did not die.”

Prien gently shook her head.

“No. It would be more fitting to say he has returned from death.”

Her soft yet strangely weighty voice captivated the congregation’s attention.

“Why do I use the expression ‘returned from death,’ you may wonder? Many of you might find it perplexing. However, upon examining the incident’s details, you will all acknowledge the aptness of my phrasing.”

Prien opened her eyes.

“As you know, those filthy beasts of the Allied Nations sank the vessel carrying Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner with two torpedo attacks. Countless lives were lost as a result.”

Her gentle gaze gradually sharpened.

“Yet! Only Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner overcame death amidst that horrific tragedy. What does this signify? Was Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner merely fortunate?”

Clenching her teeth, Prien shouted.

“No!”

Prien raised her hands, gripping the pulpit.

“Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner was originally destined to depart this world alongside the sinking of the vessel. However, a miracle occurred, as we all know! Who performed this miracle? What omniscient and omnipotent being spared Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner’s life?”

A few congregants seated in the front row exclaimed.

– God!

Prien smiled at them before turning her gaze back to the congregation.

“Yes. God took the lambs, but spared Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner alone. This is part of God’s grand plan. Just as Jesus Christ returned from death in accordance with God’s plan in ancient times!”

Her bold statement caused a stir among the congregation.

However, Prien continued with conviction.

“The First Epistle to the Corinthians states: ‘But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive!'”

With a massive crucifix behind her, Prien passionately proclaimed her sacred belief.

“Those who have fallen asleep! Congregants who were once unenlightened! I dare ask you this! Through Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner’s death, you have witnessed the atrocities of the Allied Nations, have you not?”

Words are contagious.

As Prien began speaking with conviction, the congregants slowly started affirming her words.

“Only after witnessing the Allied Nations’ atrocities and achieving enlightenment did Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner return from death! Why!? For the sake of the lives lost on that vessel, so that in Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner, all will be made alive!”

Prien’s resounding voice echoing through the sanctuary quickened their heartbeats.

Having ignited their excitement, it was time to fan the flames.

Prien extended her arms compassionately towards the congregants.

“We, who have witnessed this miracle, must participate in God’s plan. Brothers and sisters! Pray and take action! We must never again allow our holy savior, Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner, to be taken from us by the beastly Allied Nations!”

– Aye!
“In that light, let me ask you. Who is our enemy?”

– The Allied Nations!
“Who is God’s enemy?”

– The Allied Nations!
“Then, who are those beasts unworthy of even being called beasts?”

In response to Prien’s question, the congregants chanted in unison.

– The beasts are the Allied Nations!

Their chants reverberated throughout the main sanctuary.

Feeling euphoric from their cries, Prien lowered her arms and spoke.

“Let us pray for the noble ones who provided us with the catalyst for enlightenment. For God, Jesus Christ, and Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner!”

No sooner had Prien finished speaking than the congregants rose to their feet.

With a certain frenzy in their eyes, they invoked a single name.

– For Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner!

Followed by calls to exterminate the beastly offspring of the Allied Nations resounding from various corners.

Witnessing this scene, Prien felt a surge of emotion.

The words she had been advocating alone were now passing through the lips of others, filling her with gratitude.

‘Indeed. This must be the mission entrusted to me by Lieutenant Colonel Daniel.’

Amid the congregants’ roars and fury, having glimpsed a vision of heaven, Prien slowly closed her eyes.

‘Have no further concerns, Lieutenant Colonel Daniel. Regardless of the choices you make henceforth, these people and I shall follow you unto death.’

To follow the holy savior was a congregant’s sacred duty.

With this pious resolve in her heart, Prien clasped her hands in prayer.

Fervently hoping that Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner would guide them all.