Chapter 1

There’s this game called “Empire of the Emperor.”

If we break it down, it translates to “Emperor’s Empire,” and it was one of those fantasy war games set in a modern era.

The main purpose of the game is to stop an imperialist nation with overwhelming national power that aims to unify the world through military might.

It wasn’t super popular, but it was my favorite because of how richly detailed the NPC interactions were.

For example, even peasants had different values depending on their region or country.

And soldiers weren’t just mindless drones—each carried grievances, which could lead to desertion or rebellion if ignored by command.

Plus, depending on player actions, allied NPCs could turn into enemies, and vice versa.

Talk about a god-tier game!

With every slight change in playstyle, new stories unfolded, making it hands-down the best game for me.

One downside though: no matter what you did, the Empire always met its downfall.

Of course, since the protagonist character controlled by the player belonged to the Allied Nations opposing the Empire, it was kind of inevitable.

But here’s the kicker—it’s happening to me.

“Surely you’re aware that the Allied Nations have surrounded our infantry divisions 3km from the first defensive line and 5km from the second. We need to break through if we’re going to turn the tide, correct?”

I looked at the man speaking sternly.

An imposing middle-aged guy with a scarred face—a figure I knew all too well.

[Commander of the First Magic Mobile Army Operations Command, Major Heinrich Schmidt]

He was one of those named NPCs you inevitably encountered while playing the game.

‘Which means…’

I’m inside the game world.

As much as I wanted to deny it, the operation maps spread across the conference table and the majestic eagle crest behind Heinrich kept reminding me—I’m really in the game.

And as far as I know, that eagle crest only appears in one place:

The Holy Bavarian Empire.

Yeah. This is the heart of the Empire destined for defeat in the game’s ending.

So what am I doing here? After piecing together my memories, I remembered my title.

[Operations Staff Officer Aide-de-Camp, Lieutenant Daniel Steiner]

Of all things, I’m an aide-de-camp in the Imperial General Staff Headquarters.

If I didn’t know the Empire was doomed, I’d probably be popping champagne thinking I hit the elite track.

But knowing the Empire is bound to lose…this position feels utterly worthless.

‘In the ending…’

Leaders of the defeated Empire face execution.

Given that I’m now part of this system, I’ll likely meet the same fate.

No way. I didn’t live this long just to die meaninglessly.

Ideally, I’d resign—but officers are obligated to serve for eight years.

It’s not a job you can just quit when you feel like it.

So how do I escape?

Cold sweat trickled down my forehead as a plan began forming.

‘Dishonorable discharge!’

If I get declared unfit by a court-martial, I can dishonorably leave the military.

That would free me from the army and allow me to escape the Empire.

“Lieutenant?”

Heinrich’s call made my shoulders tremble.

Looking up, I saw several high-ranking officers staring directly at me.

“You’ve seemed deep in thought over our situation while examining the map. Have you come up with any strategies?”

I had thought of something—a way for me to escape the Empire.

Their gaze weighed heavy, but I cleared my throat and pressed on.

‘This might actually be my chance for a dishonorable discharge.’

Heinrich must’ve assumed I, as an aide to the operations staff, had picked up some useful knowledge.

They probably wanted to hear fresh ideas from someone enthusiastic instead of relying solely on the rigid thoughts of older generals.

Heinrich valued opinions regardless of rank or person.

But I had no intention of meeting his expectations.

I didn’t want to go down with a sinking ship.

“Commander.”

Deciding to sabotage myself for a dishonorable discharge, I spoke.

“Forgive my presumption, Commander, but may I humbly request you reconsider sending reinforcements through the Tebayta Highlands?”

A momentary silence fell over the room.

It was natural they’d be shocked by a junior lieutenant questioning the combined judgment of the staff officers and intelligence reports.

Despite the intimidating stares of the high-ranking officers, I stayed calm.

“Sir, doesn’t it seem suspicious? Why would enemy patrols be so lax specifically around the Tebayta Highlands?”

“You find it questionable?”

“Yes. It feels like the enemy is luring us there, encouraging us to march through the Tebayta Highlands.”

Total nonsense dressed up as strategy.

Intelligence reports were clearly more reliable than my wild guesses.

Still, I pushed forward—my goal was dishonor.

So exaggerating baseless theories worked perfectly.

“They must have traps waiting for us near the Tebayta Highlands.”

“On what grounds?”

“My gut feeling tells me so.”

My firm tone made Heinrich raise an eyebrow.

He tapped the table lightly after letting out a dry laugh.

“What’s your full name, officer?”

“Operations Staff Officer Aide-de-Camp, Lieutenant Daniel Steiner.”

“Good. Daniel Steiner, realize that you’re directly contradicting the staff officers’ decision. You understand that, right?”

“Yes.”

“If we follow your advice, we’d need comprehensive reconnaissance, delaying our advance. Are you prepared to take responsibility for that?”

Translation: If your concerns turn out baseless, be ready for disciplinary action.

Exactly what I wanted.

“If I’m wrong, I’ll gladly resign and leave the military.”

Gasps rippled through the room.

Whispers of disapproval filled the air.

Then my superior, the operations staff officer, frowned and started yelling.

“Lieutenant Daniel! Don’t get above yourself! Do you even know where you are…!”

He stopped mid-sentence when Heinrich raised a hand to silence him.

“Daniel Steiner, caution never hurts. I’ll trust you this once.”

He smiled faintly before continuing.

“But remember, words cannot be taken back once spoken. If your words harm the Empire, I won’t hesitate to convene a court-martial.”

His dark eyes narrowed sharply.

“Do you understand?”

An intense pressure swept over me.

Truly impressive—Heinrich was a seasoned veteran who knew how to carry weight in his words.

Normally, I’d flinch under such authority, but aiming for dishonorable discharge meant I didn’t need to fear his gaze.

Instead, I smiled faintly while holding his stare.

“It’s exactly what I hoped for, Commander.”

—

*

The next morning.

Imperial General Staff Headquarters Officers’ Dormitory.

Knock-knock.

My eyes fluttered open.

Checking the alarm clock, it wasn’t time to wake up yet.

Who’d be knocking this early?

Still half-asleep, another knock sounded.

“Lieutenant Daniel Steiner! The Commander requests your presence! Rise immediately!”

Hearing “Commander,” I snapped awake.

“Yes, sir!”

I quickly got dressed and opened the door.

Standing outside was another officer in the same uniform as mine.

Three diamonds on his epaulettes marked him as a captain—one of my superiors.

“Are you Lieutenant Daniel Steiner?”

“Yes. But why has the Commander summoned me?”

I already guessed why. My suggestion probably led to wasted manpower during reconnaissance in the highlands.

In wartime, wasting resources equals failure. The Commander likely wanted to reprimand me for incompetence.

Next step: Heinrich would convene a court-martial, I’d admit guilt, and receive a dishonorable discharge.

Even if sentenced to jail, it’d be better than being executed as part of the war criminal leadership.

Relieved that my plan was unfolding as expected, I noticed the captain smiling faintly.

Was he mocking me? Wait…something felt off.

“Feel free to celebrate, Lieutenant. Thanks to your accurate intuition, we managed to prevent potential disaster. The Commander wishes to discuss your reward.”

…What?