Chapter 53

I took a deep breath while sitting in the backseat of the limousine.

The softness and comfort of the leather seats covered with a luxurious velvet cover were palpable.

It was a sensation you’d never feel in a military vehicle, but I couldn’t find it in me to enjoy it.

After all, sitting right next to me was one of the most esteemed figures in the Empire—the Princess herself.

“…Even if His Majesty the Emperor called, did she really have to come herself?”

As my confusion grew, Princess Selvia turned her gaze from the window and looked at me.

Her clear blue eyes, reminiscent of the ocean, narrowed thoughtfully, hinting that she had something to say.

“Captain Daniel.”

With a lowered voice, Selvia whispered softly enough for only me to hear.

“I hate to bring this up so soon after your return from the battlefield, but I don’t think we’ll get another chance like this. So forgive me for being forward—I need to speak with you.”

Of course… I knew it would come to this.

Just as I had feared, Selvia continued.

“Right now, there are constant attacks against me within the system. To be precise, they’re targeting my support base. If it were mere media attacks, I wouldn’t even bother paying attention…”

Selvia sighed deeply.

“But recently, these attacks have gone too far. They’ve started threatening the lives of politicians who support me. It’s obvious that it’s my brother’s doing.”

I stayed silent, watching as Selvia clenched her teeth.

“Their movements are organized and systematic. There must be some command center giving them orders, but no matter how hard I look inside the system, I can’t find it.”

“So…”

“Yes. They’re likely operating from somewhere outside the system, supporting my brother while manipulating the media and destabilizing my support base. Those disgusting bastards…”

Selvia frowned in irritation.

Listening to her, it became clear—this was what they called the Succession Struggle.

While ordinary Citizens remained unaware, an intense power struggle raged beneath the surface.

In modern terms, it was akin to rivalry between political campaign teams.

The problem was, this wasn’t modern times—it was the pre-modern era.

Based on the current era, aggressive propaganda and Violence wouldn’t be out of the question.

I didn’t want any part of it.

But the fact that Selvia chose to brief me on the situation implied one thing:

“She’s trying to recruit me…”

If she could secure the help of someone hailed as a hero of the Empire, not only would it solidify her support base, but it would also bolster her legitimacy as a candidate for Emperor.

Selvia’s intentions were crystal clear, but I couldn’t accept.

“…Am I supposed to deal with the Prince as an enemy now? And this is already tough enough!”

If I accepted the Princess’ offer, it would be like signing up for double assassination attempts.

“…And if I outright reject her, I’ll earn the enmity of the future Emperor…”

As I calculated my options, Selvia glanced at me, her expression tinged with expectation.

Her hopeful gaze made me uncomfortable.

“Captain Daniel? So… what do you think?”

No! If Selvia suggests anything about joining hands, there’s no turning back!

Thinking quickly, I blurted out the first thing that came to mind.

“Your Highness, you’ve become much more beautiful since the last time we met.”

Caught off guard by the unexpected compliment, Selvia blinked in confusion.

“Huh? What?”

This was the perfect moment to steer the conversation elsewhere while she was still processing.

Sweating nervously, I leaned closer to Selvia as naturally as possible.

“It seems I’ve been away on the battlefield for quite some time. I hadn’t realized how stunningly beautiful Your Highness has become.”

Selvia’s mouth opened slightly, and her cheeks flushed faintly, clearly embarrassed by the repeated compliments.

Deciding to press on, I added:

“Do you remember when we conversed during your days as a war correspondent disguised as a journalist?”

“…Yes, I remember.”

“In that case, I’m relieved. I was worried our shared memories might fade. Back then, you were such an innocent young girl, but now… you’ve grown into a remarkably elegant lady.”

Smiling warmly, I spoke again, causing Selvia to blush further and turn away.

After closing her eyes briefly, she glanced at me once more and shot me a look.

“Stop saying weird things. As I’ve said before, you have no sense of personal boundaries.”

“Please forgive me if I’ve overstepped.”

Fidgeting with her fingers, Selvia cleared her throat and muttered under her breath.

“…I didn’t say it was rude.”

Despite her brusque tone, I chuckled softly before leaning back.

An awkward silence filled the space between us.

But oddly, I found this silence quite fortunate—no more conversation.

‘Phew… I survived…’

I almost got dragged into the Succession Struggle, but thankfully avoided it.

Still, I couldn’t shake the worry that I might have unintentionally flirted with the future Emperor.

*

Later, upon arriving at the Imperial Palace, Daniel underwent a quick body search before heading toward where the Emperor awaited.

Princess Selvia didn’t accompany him, presumably due to other engagements, so an aide close to the Emperor took over the guidance.

To Daniel’s surprise, instead of the Audience Room, he was led to the Emperor’s Bedroom.

Apparently, His Majesty lacked the strength to fully dress and make it to the Audience Room.

“His Majesty, Captain Daniel Steiner has arrived.”

The aide knocked and announced, prompting a delayed response.

“Enter.”

The aide opened the door after receiving permission.

Inside, the Emperor’s bedroom was surprisingly modest despite the high-end furniture and enormous size.

The Emperor sat at a table playing chess, his opponent none other than a four-star general.

Daniel froze when he saw the distinctive moustache extending outward—it was Johannes Kunz, Chief of the Imperial Guard and one of the highest-ranking officers in the Empire.

He was also the person the current Emperor trusted most personally.

Recognizing Johannes, Daniel shifted his gaze to the Emperor.

Though gaunt and frail, the Emperor’s spirit remained unbroken.

Berthelm von Amberg—the undisputed ruler of the Empire and the progressive monarch who built it.

Standing before two giants, Daniel felt an involuntary tension in his body.

Tense, he stepped forward and saluted.

“Your Majesty! I’ve arrived in response to your summons—”

“That’s enough. Come closer.”

Embarrassed, Daniel nodded and approached Berthelm.

Berthelm gazed down at the chessboard, stroking his short beard.

“Do you play chess at all?”

“…I learned the basics by watching over someone’s shoulder.”

“Oh? Then what do you think of the current situation here? It seems I’m at a disadvantage.”

Taking a quick glance at the board, Daniel hesitated before answering.

“Your Majesty, in my humble opinion, it’s not you who’s at a disadvantage—it’s General Kunz.”

“What? I have fewer pieces, yet you claim he’s at a disadvantage?”

“Yes.”

Berthelm gave Kunz a playful glare.

“Is that so?”

“Ha ha, perhaps you’re right.”

Kunz laughed it off as Berthelm turned back to Daniel.

“Alright, Captain Daniel, explain why I’m at an advantage.”

“Understood. Let’s start with the rook capturing the pawn on the left. That would put the king in check, correct? Since the queen is positioned diagonally, the king must move to g8.”

“Mmm, that’s right.”

“At which point, the rook can return for another check. The king will try to capture the rook, but it’ll be attacked by the queen. The king will have no choice but to retreat to h8. Repeating this pattern…”

Listening intently, Kunz raised both hands in mock surrender.

“Well, it seems I’ve lost. My pieces will be wiped out completely. Victory to the Emperor.”

“More accurately, victory to Captain Daniel. That was brilliant strategy. Truly impressive.”

“You’d probably have done well as a professional chess player.”

Kunz shrugged confidently before standing up.

Seeing this, Daniel stepped back and knelt on one knee, recognizing the end of the game and the beginning of the real discussion.

As Kunz began tidying up the chessboard, Berthelm turned to face Daniel.

“Captain Daniel, not only did you conquer Nordia, but you also successfully negotiated the armistice with the Kingdom. On behalf of the Empire, I commend your efforts.”

“I am honored.”

“It’s too early for honor. I have something for you. Johannes?”

At Berthelm’s signal, Kunz picked up a box placed beside the table.

Opening it revealed a medal.

The Golden Cross Medal, the highest honor awarded in the Empire.

Given the clear merit, refusal was impossible.

“Rise.”

Upon hearing Kunz’s words, Daniel stood.

Kunz patted Daniel on the shoulder before pinning the medal onto his chest.

“The Golden Cross Medal has never been awarded to someone as young as you, to my knowledge. This shows just how great your achievements have been.”

Kunz patted Daniel’s shoulder again before stepping back.

Once Kunz retreated, Daniel knelt again, mindful of the Emperor’s presence.

“As praise for your accomplishments is already widespread, I won’t repeat it. Instead, let me ask you about a pressing issue.”

“A pressing issue?”

“Who among my daughter and son do you think is most suited to be Emperor? Frankly, neither inspires much confidence in me.”

Cold sweat trickled down my back.

I had barely managed to avoid entanglement with the Princess, and now the Emperor himself was asking me directly.

Struggling to think quickly, Daniel bowed his head and replied.

“I dare not express an opinion.”

“What? Are you refusing to answer my question?”

Berthelm’s tone sharpened, prompting Daniel to hastily exclaim.

“Your Majesty! That’s not it. I am a soldier of the Empire. Military personnel are required to maintain Political Neutrality according to imperial law. Therefore, voicing my opinion would mean disregarding not only Your Majesty but also the strict laws of the Empire.”

Daniel bowed his head even lower.

“Therefore, unless you allow me to set aside my role as a soldier, it would be inappropriate for you to insist on an answer. Should you grant me that, I could respond based on my convictions.”

Berthelm’s lips curved into a slight smile upon hearing Daniel’s reply.

‘What a clever bastard.’

By invoking imperial law, Daniel had effectively countered—even if the Emperor insisted, it would undermine the very foundation of the Empire.

His argument was sound and irrefutable, leaving even the Emperor unable to declare it wrong.

Nor could Berthelm order him to remove his uniform, placing him in a perfect corner.

Ultimately, Berthelm chuckled, conceding defeat.

“I see the kind of man you are now. You’ve had a long day; you may retire.”

“…Yes, Your Majesty.”

Though skeptical, Daniel had no choice but to obey the command.

Rising, he saluted once more before turning and exiting the room.

Watching him leave, Berthelm maintained his amused expression while speaking.

“Do you see it? His true nature?”

“To some extent.”

When asked about the chess puzzle earlier, Daniel initially feigned hesitation but quickly provided direct advice to Berthelm.

“Ordinary people, knowing the Emperor was weakened, would pretend ignorance even if they knew the answer, to avoid putting me in an awkward position.”

“Exactly. Most would try to walk the tightrope. But Daniel didn’t.”

“He doesn’t hesitate to voice his opinions frankly, showing good conduct as a soldier. However, regarding the Prince and Princess, he chose silence.”

Nodding, Berthelm chuckled knowingly.

“He bows only to those he respects. Though I am the undisputed ruler of the Empire, my children don’t receive the same deference. He’s likely deliberating carefully—who to support.”

Taking a sip from the water cup on the table, Berthelm continued.

“To me, he’s a wolf—loyal only to the strong. But wolves, by nature, attack their leader if they perceive weakness.”

Kunz swallowed nervously.

“That means…”

“Yes. He’s skilled but difficult to handle—a double-edged sword. Whoever among my children controls him will have an advantage, but showing weakness will result in being devoured.”

To Berthelm, Daniel’s cold gaze resembled that of his grandfather, who seized the throne through treachery.

Turning to Kunz, Berthelm concluded.

“So ensure my children are protected from this wolf’s fangs. Don’t let the Empire fall into his hands.”

Kunz nodded, glancing at the spot Daniel had vacated.

‘A wolf capable of devouring the Empire…’

Though tempted to dismiss the Emperor’s concerns as paranoia, recalling Daniel’s piercing gaze sent a chill down Kunz’s spine.

Unconsciously gripping the sheathed sword at his waist, Kunz hoped silently.

That all these fears were merely the Emperor’s unnecessary worries.