One week later, the Imperial Palace.
The Emperor Berthelm’s bedroom.
“How does His Majesty appear to you?”
In response to Chief of the Imperial Guard Johannes Kunz’s question, the attending physician, while putting away his medical equipment, replied:
“I have done everything within my power, but His Majesty is currently experiencing a decline in circulation along with organ failure. While I am taking medical measures to minimize His Majesty’s pain, there does not seem to be any other viable solution.”
Johannes let out a deep breath as he looked down at the doctor, clenching his fists.
“How can there be no way? His Majesty is still…”
“It’s enough.”
The voice came from Berthelm lying on the bed.
As the two fell silent, Berthelm waved his hand dismissively.
“The doctor may leave now. You’ve done your best.”
The physician closed his medical bag, stood up, and bowed deeply towards Berthelm.
“I will pray to the heavens for His Majesty’s recovery.”
With a look of regret, the physician turned and walked away.
Johannes sighed heavily as he watched the physician leave, then took a seat beside Berthelm.
“His Majesty, now is not the time to give up. You must take care of your health.”
In response, Berthelm let out a dry laugh.
“Enough with the empty words. Didn’t you just hear what the doctor said? He mentioned praying, didn’t he? It’s as good as saying only God can cure me.”
“Your Majesty…”
“Let’s stop with the clumsy consolations. If death is natural, then why do you all get so worked up and make such long faces? It’s just frustrating.”
After a brief silence, Johannes finally spoke.
“…And wouldn’t it be stranger and more annoying if we were laughing instead of looking sad? If His Majesty were to get angry and order executions, it would be troublesome, so perhaps that’s why everyone pretends to cry.”
Berthelm turned his eyes slightly to glance at Johannes, and a slight smile played on the corner of his lips.
Then, unable to contain himself, he burst out laughing.
Johannes’ joke had clearly pleased him.
“You’re right. If you don’t want to die, you should pretend to cry—it’s appropriate. Of course, there’s always one exception.”
“An exception?”
“Isn’t there a wolf in the General Staff Headquarters who’s busy building his muscle?”
Colonel Daniel Steiner.
Berthelm shifted his gaze to the ceiling as he mentioned the young officer.
“While we’re on the topic, let’s put aside the gloomy talk and discuss him instead. I heard it was discovered that the head of the Free Social Party was a collaborator. Is that correct?”
Johannes nodded.
“That’s right. Currently, we’re investigating those involved, but Daniel Steiner refuses to disclose any information gathered during the investigation to the public.”
“Is that all?”
“No. Recently, certain news outlets have published speculative articles claiming that Baron Hendleymein is closely linked to the Free Social Party’s head.”
According to Johannes, the article had first been published by the Melbarton newspaper.
“With the speculative article gaining traction, Daniel Steiner held a press conference to clear up any misunderstandings. During the conference, Daniel Steiner reportedly pleaded earnestly for the criticism of Baron Hendleymein to stop.”
Berthelm blinked, surprised.
“Daniel Steiner defended a noble? Why?”
“While I don’t know all the details, he apparently requested that the false reporting cease before proper investigation results were available. Additionally, I’ve heard he spoke up in support of Baron Hendleymein several times.”
“Daniel Steiner went out of his way to protect Baron Hendleymein. Chief of the Guard, what do you make of his motives?”
“Well, I’m no expert in politics, but isn’t it possible Daniel is trying to make peace with the nobility because he’s cornered?”
“From my perspective, Daniel Steiner is trying to dissolve the nobility. He’s scattering seeds of suspicion everywhere. Damn him…”
Despite his words, Berthelm chuckled as if he found the situation amusing.
“The more I watch him, the more I desire him. If I were ten years younger, I would have made him an ally of the royal family…”
“I’ve met him too late.”
Now, Daniel Steiner had grown strong enough to easily tear apart even an old and sick lion.
All Berthelm could do now was hope Daniel did not harbor any dark intentions towards the royal family.
*
At the same time, Daniel, having arrived at the General Staff Headquarters, was sipping coffee by the window in the break room.
“I might really die if I keep this up…”
It had been a week since Daniel had apprehended Kemball, the head of the Free Social Party, as a collaborator, and Daniel had been working non-stop.
To be precise, Daniel had worked almost continuously, only taking short naps for the last few hours of rest.
It wasn’t because Daniel was addicted to work, but because even a moment of rest could make him a target for the media to chew on.
Just as Daniel had predicted, the Empire Daily had started publishing articles about how “Daniel Steiner had begun to take political steps.”
“Fortunately, we were able to thoroughly expose the fact that the head of the Free Social Party was a collaborator through the Melbarton newspaper…”
If Daniel hadn’t acted preemptively, the Empire Daily might have distorted the truth, framing the raid as being driven by partisan politics instead.
“Still, though lucky in that regard…”
It felt like Daniel had stepped into a bog from which there was no easy escape.
He felt his mental state weakening to the point where he even recalled the cigarettes he’d quit during his cadet days.
“If only this were a game…”
If it had been, Daniel could have reset his character, reincarnating in a neutral country and enjoying a peaceful pastoral life.
However, this was reality, not a game.
Daniel needed to handle the current situation as wisely as possible.
“Anyway…”
Since Daniel had recently made supportive statements during a press conference about Baron Hendleymein, he was confident that the baron or his associates would respond soon.
While the outcome of this move could not be guaranteed, Daniel believed this was the most strategically advantageous play.
“…”
Looking out the window, Daniel could see journalists swarming the entrance of the General Staff Headquarters like ants.
As he observed them quietly, Daniel took another sip of coffee from his paper cup.
Savoring the solitude of the empty break room, Daniel suddenly reached into the inside pocket of his coat and pulled out a photograph.
It was a picture of a golden retriever smiling brightly.
Just looking at it melted away much of the anxiety and worry about the future.
While Daniel was reminiscing about the past and finding comfort, Lucy entered the break room.
It was just as Lucy was about to speak to Daniel about something.
“Kelley, I miss holding you.”
The moist tone of Daniel’s voice caused Lucy to hesitate.
Unaware that Lucy was in the room, Daniel continued muttering to himself.
“I miss your embrace. Rolling around in your arms was always my greatest joy.”
Lucy’s eyes widened like those of a startled cat.
And her face flushed slightly.
From Lucy’s perspective, Daniel’s words undeniably sounded like they referred to sexual relations.
Having quickly checked her surroundings and confirmed that she was alone with Daniel, Lucy internally sighed in relief.
It wouldn’t be good if anyone found out that Daniel was reminiscing about his deceased wife.
Deciding she needed to stop Daniel before he made another mistake, Lucy let out a conspicuous cough.
Realizing someone was there, Daniel wiped the corners of his eyes and quickly tucked the photo away.
Taking a few deep breaths to compose himself, Daniel turned around and noticed Lucy, who looked somewhat flustered.
“Aide-de-Camp?”
Daniel asked what brought Lucy here, to which she replied as calmly as she could.
“His Highness the Princess has summoned Colonel Daniel Steiner. There will be a discussion concerning the recent investigation, and Her Highness requests your presence at the Imperial Palace after your workday is done.”
“Ah, today, I see. Thank you for telling me. I’ll head over to the palace after I’ve finished work for the day.”
Daniel acknowledged with a simple nod.
However, Lucy lingered, as if there was something else she wanted to say.
Curious, Daniel finally realized what might be bothering her.
‘After following me all day, she must be exhausted.’
It was only natural that Lucy felt some sort of accumulated dissatisfaction.
Daniel spoke calmly.
“I understand your frustration. I owe you quite a bit lately. Though today is busy, we should take a walk together soon and have a chat.”
Upon hearing the word “walk,” Lucy’s red eyes twitched.
To Lucy, who had certain misunderstandings, Daniel’s words didn’t sound typical.
She managed to cling to her rationality, thinking she needed to move on from this.
“…I’m fine.”
“Why? Having a walk and talking—”
“I already said I’m fine!”
Due to Lucy’s unusual double rejection, Daniel was somewhat confused.
Unable to properly face Daniel, Lucy slightly lowered her eyes and diverted her gaze.
She took a soft breath and slightly bowed her head, then quickly turned around and left.
Daniel could only watch her retreating figure in the break room, with a somewhat dazed expression.
‘What exactly did I do wrong?’
He couldn’t understand her reaction at all.
