A few days later, at the General Staff Headquarters.
Colonel Daniel Steiner’s private office.
“……”
As usual, Lucy was organizing Daniel’s documents in his stead when she perked up her ears.
She could hear familiar footsteps approaching from the corridor.
Realizing that the owner of those footsteps was none other than Daniel Steiner, Lucy abruptly stood up from her chair.
Her body reacted involuntarily out of excitement for Daniel’s return.
Just as she was about to open the door to greet him, a sudden thought made her hesitate.
‘If I do this, it’s practically like…’
Waiting for your master like a puppy, isn’t it?
When Lucy found herself regarding this notion disdainfully and sighed lowly, the office door opened.
And Daniel walked in.
There had been worries about him after hearing that a brick had hit him on the forehead, but he looked every bit the same as usual—or perhaps even in better spirits than normal.
“Ah, there’s our dear Aide-de-Camp. Did you hold down the fort while I was away?”
As Daniel greeted her with a smile, Lucy felt an odd chill run down her spine.
‘Our dear Aide-de-Camp?’
Not only was it an expression he rarely used, but the tone carried an additional tinge of cheerfulness.
‘Did he hit his head?’
She’d heard before that while uncommon, a person’s personality could change after sustaining a significant blow to the brain.
Lucy eyed Daniel suspiciously, but he simply hummed a tune.
Which made sense, as things were going better than expected.
‘If everyone knows I got hit by a protestor’s brick, it must be pretty widespread by now.’
Thanks to Melbarton Newspaper’s surprisingly good coverage—or perhaps the sensational nature of the story—the incident had spread widely through the system.
Even the Imperial Daily began to report on the matter, making her job easier.
‘Which means…’
The Imperial Daily throwing in the towel was equivalent to the nobles going into a state of relative calm.
‘If they’ve laid off their attacks for now, it’s likely they’ve realized I’m playing a dirty game.’
‘So they won’t be targeting me for a while.’
In short, a temporary truce had come about, which pleased Daniel immensely given his life’s prime objective: self-preservation.
‘Plus…’
A promotion was set to come after the coronation.
Though promotions themselves aren’t inherently desirable, Daniel was more interested in the change in responsibilities that would follow.
Since someone of the rank of colonel couldn’t continue in the same position as a mere operations staff officer.
‘The General Staff Headquarters will likely appoint me as the Head of the Operations Staff.’
With all his accumulated merit, it wouldn’t be difficult to take over Colonel Ernst’s position.
After which, considering Ernst’s frequent complaints about excessive work, the transition might not be entirely unwelcome for him either.
‘Actually, the head has already submitted several applications to the higher-ups for a position change.’
Which meant they could pass the torch without any conflict.
‘If I become the Head of the Operations Staff…’
The increase in clearance level would allow him to rise as one of the crucial players within the empire.
At that point, even a coalition of nobles wouldn’t easily be able to extend their influence to him.
That meant he was one step closer to achieving his idyllic peace.
On top of that, the role of the Head of the Operations Staff was a safe, rear-area administrative post far from the fire of the frontlines.
‘So far, I’ve been going out into the field for operational support only out of necessity…’
Now that he had established a certain foothold within the empire, there was no longer any need for him to risk going to the battlefield.
To put it metaphorically, after carefully building a tower, all that was left was moving in.
Of course, there are still various problems to solve, and the uninvited noble guests will likely meddle in every possible way, but for the time being, they’re not pressing matters.
After all, Daniel had just scored a big victory in the public opinion war against the nobility.
With this in mind, Daniel set down his briefcase and sat in front of his desk.
Feeling the warmth of sunlight showering down from behind, he broke into a fresh smile.
“Dear Aide-de-Camp, you’ve worked hard. Once I become the Head of the Operations Staff, the tasks you have to handle will be shared among the operations staff, meaning fewer late nights for you.”
“… Head of the Operations Staff?”
“Yes, Her Highness the Princess mentioned she plans to promote me during the coronation. It’s practically a foregone conclusion. If you’d like, you can address me casually as ‘Sir Head’ from now on.”
While Daniel maintained a benevolent smile, one of Lucy’s eyebrows twitched.
‘So annoying…’
To Lucy, Daniel’s self-satisfied demeanor felt somewhat vexing.
*
On the other hand, in the Chief of Staff’s Office.
A meeting for the review of senior command personnel was underway.
“Since everyone seems to be here, let’s begin.”
The Chief of Staff, Arman Betelion, who wore an eye patch over one eye, looked around at those seated at the conference table.
Key staff members of the General Staff Headquarters and the Director of Personnel Administration were present.
Among them, Sedrik, as the Deputy Director of Operations Staff, radiated an unusual presence.
With a final glance at Sedrik, Arman reached for the documents placed on the table and spoke.
“As you know, Her Highness the Princess plans to promote Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner to the rank of colonel on the day of the coronation. Is there any disqualification or objection regarding Daniel Steiner’s special promotion?”
In response to this formal question, the Director of Personnel Administration replied.
“There is none. Not only has Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner successfully executed his missions during various operational supports, but he also achieved great results by capturing the crown prince of the Belmoore Kingdom as a prisoner. To top it off, his role in exposing traitors within the empire makes him a model officer.”
The Deputy Chief of the General Staff Headquarters added,
“Though Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner’s recent political moves may raise some concerns, considering that they seem to be for the good of the empire, it appears reasonable to allow this promotion.”
After nodding gravely, Arman set down the documents.
“In that case, we must now discuss his assignment. We cannot allow Daniel Steiner to remain as an operations staff officer even after becoming a colonel. In my opinion…”
Arman tapped the table lightly before continuing.
“I believe it would be best to promote Daniel Steiner to the Head of the Operations Staff. Colonel Ernst has also expressed a desire for a change in his position. Have you reviewed this possibility?”
This question was directed at the Director of Personnel Administration.
The Director of Personnel Administration, appearing somewhat troubled, cautiously began to speak.
“Director Arman, Colonel Ernst is an indispensable talent to the General Staff Headquarters. Additionally, while Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner is undoubtedly talented, his relatively short experience in the operations office raises concerns about whether he is truly fit for the position of Head of the Operations Staff.”
The operations staff officers are tasked with supporting the planning and execution of operations.
In contrast, the Head of the Operations Staff must oversee the department’s overall strategic planning and organically evaluate whether operations are being carried out properly, requiring a wealth of experience.
This made the Director of Personnel Administration question whether it was wise to put Daniel Steiner in this position.
Understanding the Director’s standpoint, Sedrik spoke up.
“Sir. I agree with the Director of Personnel Administration’s point. Colonel Ernst should continue to serve as the Head of the Operations Staff for the benefit of the empire. Additionally…”
Sedrik paused briefly before continuing.
“Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner will likely not desire the position of Head of the Operations Staff.”
Not wanting the position of Head of the Operations Staff? Arman looked at Sedrik with curiosity.
“Explain further.”
“Of course. In the past, Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner once told me, ‘I cannot live a life of comfort in this system just because I’m labeled a war hero.’ He went on to add, ‘For the true benefit of the empire, one must act in the battlefield while young.'”
This was, in fact, a fabrication concocted by Daniel Steiner during a Christmas banquet to sidestep the emperor’s scrutiny and create an excuse to leave the capitol.
The issue was that neither Sedrik nor the Chief of Staff, Arman, doubted its authenticity.
“Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner is an officer whose patriotism is unmatched. He would not desire an easy administrative post in the capitol. Furthermore, everyone here knows the remarkable feats Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner has accomplished on the battlefield.”
Daniel Steiner accomplished operations everyone thought impossible, not once but repeatedly, leaving no room to doubt his abilities.
To the point where a joke circulated among the staff officers: “Whenever there’s an operation that seems impossible, give it to Daniel Steiner.”
“Therefore, it would seem right to accommodate Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner’s wishes if possible. The empire could always use more capable frontline commanders.”
As it was a valid point, Arman nodded.
“Then have you any thoughts on where to place Daniel Steiner?”
“Yes. After much consideration, I believe it would be appropriate to assign Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner to the position of Chief of Staff of the 7th Division, which operates directly under the General Staff Headquarters.”
“Chief of Staff for the 7th Division? What are your thoughts on this, Director of Personnel Administration?”
The Director of Personnel Administration thought for a moment before responding positively.
“The current Chief of Staff of the 7th Division is nearing retirement, so we can initiate the handover immediately.”
“Then it’s settled.”
It was appropriate to grant a capable officer who wished to serve on the battlefield the chance to do so.
“At this moment, I, Chief of Staff Arman Betelion, approve Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner’s special promotion and assign him to the position of Chief of Staff of the 7th Division under the General Staff Headquarters.”
After confirming unanimous agreement, Arman turned to the Deputy Chief.
“Deputy Chief, please provide a summarized report of this meeting to Her Highness the Princess.”
“Understood, sir.”
After the Deputy Chief’s response, Arman raised his hand to dismiss the meeting, signaling it was time to return to work.
One by one, the staff got up as the sound of chairs being pushed back echoed around the room.
Just as Sedrik was about to leave the Chief of Staff’s office,
“Deputy Chief of Operations Staff.”
Sedrik turned his gaze toward Arman, who had called him back.
Arman had a question for Sedrik, whose judgment of people was renowned.
In a voice quiet enough not to be overheard by others, Arman asked,
“You seem to see potential in Daniel Steiner. What do you see?”
“A decisive victory.”
“Are you certain?”
“I can’t be entirely certain. He may become the greatest warrior in history, but…”
After a brief silence, Sedrik added,
“He might also become one of the most dangerous political figures in history.”
