I Was Mistaken as a Great War Commander

The moment he accepted that fountain pen, there would be no turning back.

Velanos, which his ancestors had striven to protect, would effectively become a vassal state of the Empire.

‘However…’

The horrors that would unfold if he refused to accept the pen kept replaying in his mind.

As Daniel had stated, the Empire possessed a clear justification to declare war.

If the Empire declared war, Velanos would instantly descend into hell.

Countless citizens would scream in agony, soldiers would perish, the cabinet would fracture, and politicians would scramble to save themselves.

The hatred arising from such horrific chaos could only be directed at the head of the Velanese government.

The insurrecting populace would demand the Prime Minister’s removal.

If the information about the Prime Minister’s hidden bastard child were to spread during that turmoil, the situation would spiral completely out of control.

“…”

A groan escaped his lips.

It was evident that by refusing to become a vassal state, the Empire would undoubtedly destroy Velanos.

‘The one who orchestrated all of this is…’

None other than Daniel Steiner, standing before him.

Despite surviving the sinking of the diplomatic vessel, Daniel had not informed the Empire of his survival.

For if his survival was confirmed, the Empire would have lacked justification to dispatch a fleet to search for one of their war heroes.

‘Hence…’

Daniel Steiner must have feigned his death while awaiting the Empire’s search fleet.

‘In the process, he wasted no time in locating my daughter.’

Subsequently, Daniel intentionally approached Lef, fostering a connection.

This allowed him to confirm her status as the Prime Minister’s bastard child and secure information about her residence.

Lef played into Daniel’s scheme, even making the mistake of inviting him to the estate.

Meanwhile, Daniel’s covert organization, acting on his orders, identified the culprit who had opened Velanos’s territorial waters to the terrorists.

By coercing Colonel Edvol into confessing, it became easier to hold the Velanese government accountable.

Once Daniel had completed his preparations, the Imperial fleet arrived in Tentarbahm.

The Imperial troops naturally occupied Tentarbahm under the pretext of a search operation, and observing this, Daniel Steiner deemed it unnecessary to conceal his identity any further, revealing himself.

He then resumed his diplomatic envoy duties.

All to transform Velanos into an Imperial vassal state, utilizing the materials he had meticulously prepared.

From start to finish, Daniel Steiner had skillfully manipulated the situation.

‘Daniel Steiner. Do you truly possess a human heart?’

What thought process could drive someone to such actions?

The intricate, calculated scheme appeared far too meticulous to have originated from a single mind.

Amidst anger and sorrow, Lowell felt a flicker of awe.

Slowly extending his hand, he realized he had no choice but to choose the lesser of two evils, as time could not be reversed.

Accepting the fountain pen, Lowell gazed down at the diplomatic proposal.

As he lowered his hand to sign, Lowell turned to Daniel one last time.

“May I make a request?”
“Of course.”
“…If I sign, ensure my daughter’s safety.”

Daniel gave a slight nod.

“Certainly. As long as the Prime Minister upholds the terms of the proposal, peace between our nations shall remain unbroken.”

His words implied that if the terms were not fulfilled, her safety could not be guaranteed.

Clenching his teeth, Lowell called Daniel a demon-like creature before resigning himself and signing the proposal.

After affixing his signature a few more times, Lowell handed the document to Daniel.

Daniel accepted the document and carefully placed it in his briefcase.

“Very well. If we had proceeded this way from the outset, we could have avoided such unpleasantries. A pity, indeed.”

After closing his briefcase and rising from his seat, Daniel bowed his head towards Lowell.

“It seems our negotiations have concluded, so I shall take my leave. May eternal glory bless the great Velanos.”

Lowell did not respond, for he had not expected a reply.

After adjusting his attire, Daniel turned to depart.

As he opened the reception room door, Daniel’s gaze met that of the intelligence chief, who was accompanied by attendants.

Daniel’s gaze was icy cold.

Despite their equal standing, the intelligence chief inexplicably felt intimidated.

After a momentary hesitation, the intelligence chief spoke.

“…Have the negotiations concluded?”
“Indeed. As I must return to the embassy, do not obstruct my path.”

Only then did the intelligence chief realize he and the attendants were obstructing the way.

Sensing the situation, the intelligence chief cleared a path, allowing Daniel to pass through.

The clicking of his shoes echoed as Daniel walked away.

Watching his retreating figure with bewilderment, the intelligence chief turned his gaze inward to assist the Prime Minister.

Lowell was seated on the sofa, his head bowed.

After a brief hesitation, the intelligence chief approached Lowell.

“Your Excellency. How did the negotiations go…”

The intelligence chief’s steps gradually slowed.

For Lowell’s downcast eyes were hollowly vacant.

“Intelligence Chief.”

Lowell’s voice lacked its usual strength.

“Perhaps I…”

His voice was tinged with moisture.

After a long pause, Lowell forced out the words.

“…have made a deal with the devil.”

Lowell’s self-deprecating remark caused the intelligence chief to break out in an involuntary cold sweat.

For he could not fathom what Daniel Steiner had said to provoke such a reaction.

After concluding the negotiations, Daniel was able to return to the embassy via an official vehicle.

Naturally, the Deputy Ambassador and diplomats inquired about the negotiations’ outcome, and Daniel informed them that the negotiations had been successful.

Upon hearing this, the Deputy Ambassador and diplomats regarded Daniel with disbelief. However, when Daniel presented the diplomatic proposal bearing the Velanese Prime Minister’s signature, they had no choice but to believe him.

The Deputy Ambassador exclaimed that it was not merely a successful negotiation but akin to extracting an oath of allegiance from the Velanese government, and the diplomats shared similar sentiments.

Consequently, the rumor that ‘Daniel Steiner had subjugated the Prime Minister of Velanos’ swiftly spread, known to all within the port of Tentarbahm.

Unsurprisingly, this shocking news reached the ears of Major Hartman, the head of the Royal Guard security detail.

“Lieutenant Colonel Daniel! It’s me!”

This was one of the reasons Hartman had come to Daniel’s office at the embassy.

After knocking several times, Daniel’s voice responded from within.

“You may enter.”

Granted permission, Hartman entered the office.

Observing Daniel seated at the diplomatic envoy’s desk, immersed in work, Hartman smiled.

Carrying newspapers and desserts, he approached Daniel, who raised his head.

“…Major Hartman? What are those?”
“I brought desserts, as I heard you enjoy them. The newspapers are issues of the Imperial Daily from the past few days. I thought you might be curious, so I brought them. However…”

Noticing Daniel buried in paperwork, Hartman felt puzzled.

As Hartman placed the newspapers and desserts on the desk, he inquired.

“Why are you still working when the negotiations have concluded?”
“While the treaty has been concluded on paper, I must still request ratification from the National Assembly. I am in the process of preparing the relevant documents. After that, I must obtain the final approval from His Majesty the Emperor.”
“I see. I don’t quite understand, but I gather you’re busy.”

Hartman, who had intended to celebrate the Empire’s decisive victory over drinks with Daniel, found himself disheartened.

In the midst of this, Daniel completed the document preparation and examined the newspapers.

He was curious about the Empire’s situation during his stay in Velanos.

‘Especially…’

To receive the treaty’s final approval, he would need to have a private audience with Emperor Bertram. It would be advantageous to be informed of the Empire’s circumstances beforehand.

Daniel decided to start with the oldest newspaper, reading only the headlines.

“Imperial Diplomatic Vessel Bound for Velanos Sunk!”

“In Response to Terrorist Attack, Her Highness the Princess Issues Emergency Summons!”

“Imperial Defense Ministry Orders Velanos to Open Its Borders.”

He unfolded the next newspaper.

“Citizens Unrest over Hero’s Death.”

“Wave of Mourning for Hero’s Death Sweeps Across the Empire.”

“Her Highness the Princess States, ‘This is a Grave Loss, and the Truth Will Be Uncovered.'”

Feeling disoriented, he opened the next newspaper.

“Enraged Citizens Definitively Blame Allied Nations for Killing Imperial Hero, Hold Continuous Protests.”

“Are Anti-War Advocates the Empire’s Enemy? A Parliamentary Member’s Extreme Remarks Spark Controversy.”

“Youths Outraged by Terrorist Atrocities Take to the Streets, Pleading for Investigation into Daniel Steiner’s Death.”

Taking a deep breath, Daniel unfolded the most recent newspaper.

“Daniel Steiner! Returned from Death! The Empire Enveloped in Celebratory Atmosphere!”

“Daniel Steiner, Survivor of Terrorist Attack, Hailed by Some as a Miracle of God.”

“Her Highness the Princess Expresses Joy, Stating Daniel Steiner’s Survival Was Awaited by the Entire Nation, Including Herself.”

After reading the headlines, Daniel folded the newspaper.

Having been racking his brain, Daniel looked up at Hartman.

“Major Hartman. I have a request.”
“Oh? What is it?”
“I wish to remain here in Velanos to oversee the local implementation of the treaty and conduct public relations activities abroad. I would like to postpone my return to the Empire for at least a few months, so please convey this to Her Highness the Princess…”

Daniel trailed off, for Hartman was frowning.

“You think that will be possible? Her Highness is eager to see you as soon as possible.”

Consequently, Daniel felt an indescribable dread.

‘If I return to the Empire like this…’

He could not fathom what might befall him.