Chapter 137

Edria, a permanent member of the International Union.

Audience Room of the Palace.

“Your Majesty! Due to the success of the previous talks, the Republic has stated an intention to hasten preparations for entering the war! They have announced their intent to make a final decision before summer, so it seems we may have cause for hope.”

The Minister of Foreign Affairs bowed deeply before the king seated upon the throne. However, ironically, the person the minister was actually cautious of was not the king. He was only concerned with the piercing gaze of Chancellor Count Kaledra, who stood by the king’s side, leaning on a cane.

After swallowing hard, the minister continued with his report.

“However, the Federation is showing a skeptical attitude regarding participation. Their president stated that if we truly desire the unity of the three nations, he would gladly accept it, but asked that we inform him who will take responsibility if the outcome leads to global conflict.”

Hearing the report, Kaledra gripped the handle of his cane tightly. He understood well the intentions behind the words of the Federation’s president.

‘They are mocking us, saying that the Allied Nations’ alliance with the Republic alone won’t be enough to defeat the Empire.’

The Empire had successfully subdued the Eldreshia Kingdom with minimal damage and had successfully included Bellanos, a neutral nation, as a de facto ally.

There was no doubt that the Empire’s consecutive victories were hard to deny, regardless of how unwilling one might be to admit it.

In contrast, the Allied Nations had so far failed to achieve any significant results.

The Federation’s president was essentially chiding the Allied Nations, hinting that they would not cooperate if proper results weren’t shown.

Concerned that these fears were becoming reality, Kaledra gritted his teeth.

‘Daniel Steiner…’

That blasted man was gradually shifting the world’s balance.

Moreover, Daniel reportedly had recently annihilated the Palencia branch located deep within the Empire.

The man was, in essence, a malignant tumor for the Allied Nations—something that had to be excised at all costs.

“Your Majesty.”

Kaledra took a deep breath and glanced downward at the king.

“Please assure the Federation that our side will take full responsibility. Also, inform them that they will soon realize how the Empire, for all its apparent strength, is in fact quite fragile, riddled with internal rot.”

“…About the Empire?”

“Yes. According to reliable sources, there are factions within the Empire plotting rebellion. They are noble alliances that proclaim the legitimacy of the royal family.”

Though in reality, these groups were only concerned with power struggles, that wasn’t particularly important.

What mattered was that if these groups could be utilized, it might be possible to split the Empire.

“After the destruction of the Palencia branch, the Empire’s Security Bureau has tightened surveillance. Despite that, we still have intelligence operatives functioning within the system. I will give them orders to make contact with the noble alliance and let them know that the Allied Nations are willing to assist.”

Succeeding in such an insurrection would indeed grant unparalleled power but failure would mean forfeiting their lives. It was unlikely that Duke Belvar, who leads the noble alliance, wouldn’t be aware of this.

Even so, it was probable they would seize any offer of assistance, even from an enemy, in the name of greater goals.

“If they accept our proposal, we might begin to gradually dismantle the Empire from within. Furthermore, it would be possible to isolate Daniel Steiner, known as the Empire’s hero with a string of victories. We might even go beyond isolation…”

Kaledra’s eyes narrowed sharply.

“Perhaps we could have him executed under the Empire’s name.”

If the noble alliance were to succeed in making the emperor their puppet, they would inevitably seek to eliminate Daniel Steiner, perceived as a threat to their power.

This was, in a sense, the perfect opportunity to ‘use an enemy’s weapon against them.’

The King, who had observed Kaledra calmly discussing the death of Daniel, finally nodded, having deemed this wicked plan reasonable.

Moreover, being a mere figurehead, the king would not dare to protest against Kaledra’s proposal.

*

It had been ten days since the Director of the Security Bureau visited the General Staff Headquarters.

During those ten days, Daniel had been quite busy.

Appointed as the chief of staff of the 7th Division on the Eastern Front, a new operations officer had been assigned to the General Staff Headquarters in his place.

Daniel had handed over his duties with near boundless respect to the new operations officer and, whenever he had time, he reviewed the operational situations or enemy information regarding the Eastern Front’s 7th Division.

It wasn’t that Daniel wanted to give his best as chief of staff, but rather he was deeply considering how he could survive on the Eastern Front without dying.

Just as he was enjoying this relatively peaceful moment, he received a summons from the royal family.

As the current emperor, the most revered person in the empire, was no other than Selvia, Daniel dared not decline and headed to the Imperial Palace.

Guided by the head of the palace affairs, he finally arrived at the Emperor’s office after walking through a long corridor decorated with marble.

In front of the office stood Colonel Hartmann, who was the chief bodyguard to Selvia, alongside some soldiers.

Colonel Hartmann saluted briefly upon realizing Daniel’s approach. Feeling it was unnecessary formalities, Daniel acknowledged the salute, leading to a content smile from Hartmann.

“Isn’t it the esteemed Colonel Daniel, now ranked higher than me. I’ve been waiting anxiously for your arrival.”

Though addressing him politely felt somewhat burdensome to Daniel, he chose not to comment. In the military, respect dictated by rank was crucial to maintaining order, so he understood its necessity.

“Sorry for keeping you waiting. How might I assist, and where might Her Majesty be?”

“She’s attending to official duties inside. Unless required for a conference or a state-level occasion, she always works from here.”

A bittersweet smile graced Hartmann’s lips.

“Though already a hard worker, ever since becoming emperor, Her Majesty has drastically cut down on sleep. I worry she might grow ill with this pace.”

Selvia must have felt the weight of responsibility since ascending to the throne.

Daniel nodded in understanding as Hartmann stepped aside, indicating for Daniel to proceed.

Interpreting it as an invitation to enter, Daniel moved forward and gently knocked.

“Your Majesty, I am Colonel Daniel Steiner.”

Not long after, an answer inviting him inside reached his ears.

Daniel opened the door and entered.

The first thing he noticed was a wide window through which the light of the night stars poured.

Under the glow of the starlight, Selvia sat, busy with her duties. Noticing Daniel’s presence, she slowly lifted her gaze.

Her tired blue eyes, framed by shimmering platinum hair, blinked languidly.

“Colonel Daniel…”

Selvia murmured and stood up.

“Is this our first meeting since the coronation? Meeting the emperor that you helped me become?”

“It is.”

At Daniel’s reply, a meaningful smile appeared on Selvia’s lips.

“What do you think? About the emperor you created?”

It was a difficult question to answer.

Not understanding the intent behind the question, Daniel remained silent until Selvia laughed softly.

“It seems there’s a strange rumor circulating among the nobles. That I would not have ascended to the throne without Daniel Steiner’s help.”

“That’s not true.”

Daniel replied without hesitation.

“Even without me, Your Majesty would have rightfully ascended to the throne.”

He truly believed it, as even in the original storyline, Selvia had ascended the throne unaided.

But Daniel’s sincere words did not seem to console Selvia much.

“I wish I could think so too. But the rumors continue to spread. Do you know what some ladies say? They claimed that you and I are in a romantic relationship and that the empire is cursed because of it.”

Daniel frowned.

It was highly likely these rumors had been propagated by the noble alliance to undermine the emperor’s authority.

Selvia, who undoubtedly knew this, appeared to still feel psychological pressure.

“Your Majesty, we should investigate and root out those spreading falsehoods…”

Daniel stopped as he caught a faint scent of alcohol drifting through the room.

Turning his gaze, Daniel discovered an opened bottle of whiskey on Selvia’s desk, its contents depleted by about a third.

‘She doesn’t drink much alcohol, yet…’

Clearly, Selvia had been under considerable stress recently.

Thinking he should calm her down, Daniel watched as Selvia slowly approached and opened her arms to him, a playful smile on her lips.

Caught off guard, Daniel hesitated until Selvia waved her arms.

“What’s wrong? Will you ignore the emperor who’s asking for a hug?”

“Your Majesty, it seems you’ve had too much alcohol.”

“And? Are you refusing to follow my orders?”

It was too playful.

The problem was involving the guards. If they witnessed her drunkenness, it might lead to more rumors.

Deciding he should humor her to some extent, Daniel approached, and Selvia leaned into him easily.

The scent of alcohol mixed with her characteristic aroma filled the air.

“…It feels good. I’ve wanted to do this once.”

Selvia mumbled as if talking in her sleep, giggling softly.

Even though Daniel wasn’t used to seeing Selvia act like this, it wasn’t completely unsurprising. Despite being emperor, she was still very young—barely an adult.

It must have been difficult to shoulder such a weighty responsibility.

Daniel gently patted her back.

“You seem to be quite stressed. You’re doing things you typically wouldn’t.”

Upon receiving Daniel’s comforting words, Selvia half-opened her eyes.

After a moment of hesitation, she spoke.

“…I thought all disputes would end once I became the emperor.”

It was like a drunken confession.

“But that was my mistake. The nobles seem to have countless grievances and obstruct everything I try to do. I haven’t been able to manage any significant agenda since becoming the emperor.”

Selvia gripped Daniel tighter.

“At the parliament, the majority party has opposed my policies. Though they claim to require revisions, I know they are actually opposing me.”

Selvia clenched her teeth with closed eyes.

“I promised the people that I would govern the country properly as the emperor. Yet, I already feel like I’m hitting a wall. To be honest, lately I’ve also thought…”

“…What thought, Your Majesty?”

“I thought about making their malicious rumors true. If they want me to become a tyrant, why not give them what they want? If Colonel Daniel agrees…”

Slowly opening her eyes, Selvia moved her lips. Her breath hinted at fervor.

“About the rumors spread by these ladies…”

Daniel thought she shouldn’t continue.

However, before Daniel could intervene, Selvia spoke again.

“Why not make it a reality right here?”

The End of Chapter.