I Was Mistaken as a Great War Commander

The atmosphere froze over with an icy chill.

As Lowell hesitated, unable to retort, Daniel took a step back.

“My, it seems we’ve become overly heated before even properly commencing the negotiations. Perhaps we should take a seat and proceed with the discussions.”

Lowell nodded tensely, for he had not come here to engage in a confrontation with Daniel Steiner.

After adjusting his attire, Lowell took a seat on the sofa.

Observing this, Daniel also sat down and placed his briefcase on his lap.

With an odd gesture, Daniel unzipped the briefcase and rummaged through its contents.

“Then allow me to present the Empire’s proposal. So…” He paused. “Ah, here it is.”

Daniel retrieved several documents and handed them to Lowell.

“Please take your time to read and consider them. Feel free to voice any objections immediately.”

Daniel’s smile as he handed over the documents was unsettling.

Regarding Daniel with a distasteful gaze, Lowell snatched the documents.

Nevertheless, Daniel remained composed, his hands clasped as he awaited Lowell’s response.

‘…I cannot fathom what he is thinking.’

Despite Daniel’s courteous demeanor, Lowell could not shake the feeling of being looked down upon.

Warily observing Daniel, Lowell began reading through the documents.

At first glance, the contents seemed straightforward.

They demanded Velanos take responsibility for failing to prevent the terrorist act, issue an official statement, call for a more thorough investigation to uncover the truth, and discuss compensation.

Up to this point, Lowell found the proposals acceptable.

However, the subsequent items were problematic.

‘Abolition of tariffs on Imperial trade, allowing the stationing of Imperial troops in the port city of Tentarbahm, cooperation in the construction of military bases, permanent border openings?’

Even these demands were outrageous, but the final item was the most egregious.

“We demand the enactment of a Terrorist Prevention Law, requiring detailed information on high-ranking government officials and military officers to be submitted to the Empire during appointments. The Empire shall then carefully assess this information and, as necessary, conduct inspections and supervision to prevent future terrorist activities.”

While framed as a Terrorist Prevention Law, it essentially amounted to interference in domestic affairs.

By any measure, these were demands one would make of a defeated nation, not a neutral country.

Appalled by the audacity, Lowell flung the documents onto the table.

“What is the meaning of this!? You call these proposals?”
“…Is something amiss?”
“Is something amiss, you ask? Have you lost your senses!? Velanos is a neutral nation! We have pledged not to participate in international conflicts or wars! If Velanos were to accept Imperial troops and interference in domestic affairs, how could we maintain our status as a neutral nation?”

Raising his hand, Lowell jabbed a finger towards Daniel.

“Daniel Steiner! This is a blatant violation of our sovereignty! The international community will never tolerate such actions! Furthermore, presenting these proposals is an act of utmost disrespect! On behalf of the Prime Minister, I shall lodge an official protest with the Imperial Foreign Ministry!”

Listening to Lowell’s outburst, Daniel suddenly let out a low sigh.

“Protest to the Imperial Foreign Ministry? Did you not hear my earlier words? I clearly stated that in this setting, I am the embodiment of the Empire.”

Lowell’s eyes narrowed.

As he pondered the meaning of Daniel’s words, Daniel shrugged his shoulders.

“Very well. Since the Prime Minister adopts a hardline stance, allow me to speak truthfully. You mentioned that the international community would not tolerate a violation of Velanos’s sovereignty. Well, in my view, they just might tolerate it.”
“What are you…”
“As we all know, it was none other than the Velanese Navy that paved the way for the terrorists who sank the Imperial diplomatic vessel. You do not deny this, do you? In that case, who was behind them? Does the Prime Minister know the identity of the culprit?”

Lowell swallowed dryly.

“According to Colonel Edvol, he received bribes from the Allied Nations…”
“Yes, we are aware of that. The Velanese government directly conveyed that report to the Imperial government. However, is there any evidence that he received bribes from the Allied Nations?”

Lowell opened his mouth to respond but could not, for there was no evidence.

“In that case, the Empire may interpret it as follows: ‘Ah, Velanos attacked the Imperial diplomatic vessel and is pinning the blame on the Allied Nations. The culprit is the Prime Minister of Velanos…'”

Leaning forward, Daniel fixed Lowell with an intense gaze.

“Yourself.”

Breaking out in a cold sweat, Lowell hastily exclaimed.

“That’s an outrageous logical leap! Why would Velanos attack an Imperial diplomatic vessel? What possible gain could there be?”

Daniel offered a subtle smile.

“Then present the evidence. A simple matter, is it not?”

Although feeling a sense of injustice, Lowell fell silent.

He strongly felt that the more he attempted to answer Daniel’s questions, the deeper he would sink into a quagmire.

“Without evidence, the Empire cannot help but suspect Velanos. Of course, I believe Velanos would never attack an Imperial diplomatic vessel. However, if the Prime Minister rejects this proposal, the Empire will be compelled to take action.”

Leaning back, Daniel settled comfortably against the sofa.

“The Velanese Navy killed Imperial civilians. Is that not sufficient justification? The Empire will declare war, and the international community will remain silent, for the reason behind the declaration will be all too clear.”

Daniel’s low laughter dissipated like a mist in the stillness.

“The Allied Nations will not come to Velanos’s aid either. After expressing deep regret to the Empire over the loss of civilian lives, they cannot prevent the Empire from rising up to avenge its citizens. To support Velanos would be to implicate themselves as accomplices. And…”

Daniel snapped his fingers, gesturing toward the whiskey glass.

“If you do not intend to drink it, could you spare it for me? My throat is parched.”

Lowell’s gaze shifted to the whiskey glass, his eyes alone moving.

Unable to refuse, Lowell picked up the glass and handed it to Daniel.

Observing Lowell’s slightly trembling hand, Daniel gently accepted the glass.

“Thank you for your consideration.”

With a smile, Daniel took a sip of the whiskey and let out an appreciative sigh.

“Truly, quality makes a difference. Premium whiskey is distinguished from the distillation process itself, resulting in an exquisite aroma and flavor. It would be a pity to be deprived of such indulgences in the future.”

Only a fool would fail to grasp the implication of his words.

After swirling the glass and admiring the whiskey’s hue, Daniel set it down.

“But I digress. To continue, after declaring war, the Empire can land its troops in Velanos without suffering any casualties.”

The current situation in the Velanese port city of Tentarbahm could be described as an Imperial occupation.

With their presence, Velanos would be unable to prevent an Imperial landing.

It would be akin to losing the most strategically vital location the moment war commenced.

“The troops that land in Velanos will swiftly advance toward the capital. As the Prime Minister is well aware, after declaring total war, the Empire conquered the Kingdom of Eldresia within a single season. So, for a nation smaller than Eldresia, how long do you think it would take?”

Daniel playfully raised two fingers.

“This week. This week should suffice.”

Lowell’s breaths began to grow ragged.

Yet Daniel maintained his smile.

“Within a fortnight, Imperial forces could advance to the Velanese capital. At that point, the Velanese people will not only resent the Empire’s cruelty but also despise their government’s incompetence.”

Tapping the sofa’s armrest, Daniel spoke.

“Their hatred towards the government’s incompetence will inevitably be directed at the Prime Minister. Perhaps even triggering a popular uprising. Then, the Empire will halt its advance and urge the Velanese government to surrender, while subtly leaking certain information.”

The smile faded from Daniel’s lips.

“About the Prime Minister of Velanos having a bastard child.”

Lowell’s pupils dilated, his mind replaying the horrific implications of those words.

Unable to contain himself any longer, Lowell began sobbing.

Regarding him with pity, Daniel lowered his voice.

“I understand. Envisioning the loss of everything can never be a pleasant experience. Therefore, it would be most advisable for the Prime Minister to conduct himself in a manner that prevents such imaginings from becoming reality.”

Daniel took out a fountain pen from his pocket and offered it to Lowell.

Raising his head, Lowell glared at Daniel with hateful eyes amidst his sobs.

However, the situation did not change.

Lowell himself was well aware of who held the upper hand in this setting.

Having spent his life as a caged lion, Lowell lacked the confidence to overcome the wolf before him.

Witnessing the light of defiance fade from Lowell’s eyes, Daniel gently shook the fountain pen.

“Sign the proposal. That way, everything will…”

His low, chilling voice trailed off like a whisper.

“Become as if it never happened.”