Chapter 45

Meanwhile, at the Permanent Council of the United Nations in Edria.

Inside Count Kaledra’s library.

“Over here.”

Following the butler’s guidance, Sorten, Minister of Internal Affairs of Edria, slowly advanced his steps.

Winding through the labyrinthine library, Sorten finally arrived at the reading room.

Upon entering, Sorten was struck by an odd impression.

Despite being on the third floor, the place was dimly lit with only minimal sunlight filtering through.

Surveying the shadowy study even at noon, Sorten soon spotted Count Kaledra.

He stood before a standing desk, leaning on his cane while flipping through the pages of a book.

His snake-like pale and thin eyes blinked lazily, sending shivers down one’s spine.

Kaledra de Northever.

Known more for his nickname “The Blood Count” than his actual name, he was undeniably the real power behind Edria, propping up high-ranking politicians and military brass with hefty bribes. Once you took his money, escaping his influence was nearly impossible.

Even Sorten, as Minister of Internal Affairs, wasn’t exempt—his position itself was arranged by Kaledra.

Without sparing a glance, Kaledra opened the conversation.

“What brings you here?”

A chill crept into the room with Kaledra’s icy tone, causing Sorten to unconsciously grip his tie before taking a deep breath and responding.

“I’ve come regarding Lucy Emilia.”

Though Sorten had spoken, there was no immediate reply.

However, Kaledra wasn’t displeased; he was simply waiting for Sorten to continue.

Realizing this, Sorten pressed on awkwardly.

“…What I mean is, I’m concerned that Lucy Emilia has been staying too long in enemy territory. If she were to change her loyalties, wouldn’t that be a great loss for the Allied Nations?”

Still, Kaledra remained silent.

Swallowing hard, Sorten continued.

“Lucy Emilia has reportedly left the well-guarded island and is now in Nordia within the kingdom. This might be a good time to order Daniel Steiner’s removal and recall her.”

“…”

“If you ask me, Daniel Steiner is doing extraordinary work across the board. He’s just a captain now, but if he continues rising through the ranks and gains command over large forces, what do you think will happen?”

Sorten implied it would be wise to eliminate potential threats early for the benefit of the alliance.

Having heard Sorten out, Kaledra closed his book with calm deliberation.

Gently stroking the cover, Kaledra spoke.

“Lucy won’t change sides. You know how special our bond is. She considers me a father, and I see her as my daughter.”

“But that’s only…”

Sorten couldn’t finish his sentence, halted by Kaledra’s snake-like gaze piercing him.

Regaining his composure after suppressing his anger, Kaledra continued.

“…Moreover, Daniel Steiner won’t be eliminated. Keeping him alive for now benefits the alliance. Granted, there are some complications.”

Daniel’s accomplishments far exceeded Kaledra’s expectations, especially his outstanding performance during the Nordia invasion operation, which shocked both Kaledra and Edria’s military leadership.

But it hadn’t strayed from the broader plan… yet.

“Assassination is a last resort. For now, we’ll keep Lucy by his side to gain an advantage.”

“…What kind of advantage?”

“Lucy has objectively remarkable beauty. Given Daniel Steiner doesn’t know her true identity, he’s bound to develop rational affection for her. We’ll use that.”

Planning to deploy a beauty strategy?

“Historically, even great leaders have fallen victim to women troubles.”

“Regardless of how rational a person may be, once they’re struck by the madness of love, they rely on emotions. Turning someone dependent on emotions into a puppet isn’t difficult.”

If they could emotionally manipulate the empire’s hero Daniel Steiner, he’d cease being a threat and become merely a useful chess piece.

After pondering deeply, Sorten nodded.

“Understood. Then I trust you…”

Before Sorten could finish, Kaledra waved his hand dismissively.

It was a clear signal to leave and not disturb his reading further with unnecessary words.

Though it wounded Sorten’s pride, he dared not protest against Kaledra.

With a nod, Sorten followed the butler out.

Once Sorten had gone, Kaledra murmured quietly to himself while gazing at the bookshelf.

“Daniel Steiner…”

Recalling his achievements, Kaledra shook his head.

There were far too many other matters to consider besides Daniel Steiner.

*

“We’ll be arriving in Nordia shortly.”

At the driver’s announcement, Colonel Ervin, newly appointed as temporary garrison commander, let out a sigh.

Noticing this, Ervin’s aide-de-camp asked curiously,

“Sir, is something troubling you?”

In response to the aide’s question, Ervin sighed deeply.

“Let me ask you—can you feel at ease about taking up the post of garrison commander?”

“…But according to General Staff Headquarters’ data, the civilian life seems stabilized, doesn’t it?”

“Who do you think provided that data to General Staff Headquarters?”

“Oh, Captain Daniel Steiner… Ah, I see.”

The aide nodded as if understanding. It wasn’t uncommon for officers obsessed with results to falsify statistical reports sent to headquarters.

But did Daniel Steiner, who held the title of acting garrison commander, really submit false reports?

As the convoy of military vehicles carrying the battalion entered Nordia in perfect order, Ervin turned his head to fix his gaze forward.

“Captain Daniel Steiner has only been acting garrison commander for a month.”

Could he have stabilized civilian life and gained support for the garrison in just a month?

“Nonsense!”

Ervin was from the Eastern Front.

During multiple advances and retreats there, he had occupied and lost countless regions.

In every single occupied area, there were never civilians friendly to the garrison troops.

Most harbored fear or disdain.

No matter how much Daniel Steiner, hailed as a hero of the empire, tried, he couldn’t escape this rule.

Thus, it was certain that the citizens of Nordia wouldn’t view him kindly upon arrival.

In the worst case, riots could break out the moment he stepped out of the car.

Unconsciously fidgeting with his pistol holster, Ervin was interrupted by his aide, who had been observing outside.

“Sir? The citizens are throwing something.”

“Don’t worry about it. Throwing filth is common. Stopping them on the spot might give the impression that the garrison is oppressing the citizens. Ignore it.”

“No, sir. They’re throwing flower petals.”

…Huh? Flower petals?

Confused, Ervin glanced out the window and froze in astonishment.

Sure enough, the citizens of Nordia were tossing handfuls of flower petals from baskets.

Their smiling faces clearly showed they were warmly welcoming the garrison.

Stunned by this unprecedented sight, Ervin could only gape.

‘It’s like…’

Welcoming allies rather than occupying forces.

Before Ervin could make sense of it all…

Screech—

The vehicle carrying Ervin came to a stop in front of the headquarters building.

Stepping out, Ervin looked around and was astonished again.

In front of the headquarters stood a statue of His Majesty the Emperor.

Though crudely made, likely hastily constructed, what mattered was that citizens were voluntarily placing flowers at its base.

Baffled beyond comprehension, Ervin grabbed a nearby child and asked.

“Hey, kid. Who built that statue?”

The child stared up at Ervin blankly before answering.

“The soot-covered uncle suggested it. All the adults agreed. Originally, they wanted to build one for Daniel Steiner, but he absolutely refused, so they changed it to Emperor Uncle.”

So…it wasn’t ordered but voluntarily funded by the citizens who erected the statue of His Majesty the Emperor?

Too bewildered to respond, Ervin watched as the main doors of the headquarters opened.

“Ah! Colonel Ervin! We’ve been waiting for you!”

Turning his head, there stood Daniel Steiner.

Naturally approaching with a few officers, wearing an officer’s winter coat.

Staring blankly at this scene, Ervin finally managed to speak, filled with admiration.

“Captain Daniel, I’ve seen many occupied territories, but I’ve never encountered enemy citizens welcoming the garrison so warmly. How did you manage this?”

Standing before Ervin, Daniel glanced at the statue and gave a faint, enlightened smile.

“Well…”

There was a sense of resignation in Daniel’s expression.

“I honestly don’t know either…”

It wasn’t a joke—he truly had no idea how things had unfolded this way.