It was the first time Selvia’s gaze felt this burdensome.
Daniel, feeling flustered, remained silent for a while before finally managing to speak.
“…Your Highness, a speech regarding the issuance of war bonds is a matter of national importance. I believe it would be more appropriate to select someone with more experience in public speaking and better eloquence than me.”
Though he tried to sound calm, Daniel’s insides were burning up in real-time.
Since the speech involved war bonds, Selvia would undoubtedly gather countless citizens.
If it were only the citizens attending, it wouldn’t be an issue, but foreign press journalists and politicians from the parliament would surely scramble to secure seats as well.
And that wasn’t all—radio broadcasts would be set up across the empire so everyone could hear the orator’s voice.
This meant imprinting Daniel Steiner’s name not just across the empire but spreading it far beyond its borders.
To Daniel, who didn’t want to become any more famous than he already was, this was like a bolt from the blue.
‘So, I need to somehow change Selvia’s mind.’
Swallowing hard, Daniel forced a stiff smile.
“Also, I am part of the Operations Staff at the General Staff Headquarters. As you know, there’s always an overwhelming amount of work to handle there.”
“Hmm… So what?”
“If I step away to prepare for the speech, the staff in the office will have to shoulder my heavy workload. In good conscience, I can’t burden them with such inconvenience.”
Selvia leaned back slightly, eyeing Daniel suspiciously.
“You care about inconveniencing the staff? I understand your concerns, Colonel Daniel, but there’s something I don’t get.”
“…What don’t you understand?”
“It’s a simple question: why do you prioritize the staff over my request, when I will one day rule this empire?”
Her soft tone sounded like a threat to Daniel.
“Are you implying that I’ll have to issue an order for you to cooperate?”
It wasn’t just sounding like a threat—it was a threat.
Truly, the blood of a ruler ran through her veins.
Though she spoke casually, her unique pressure was reaching Daniel.
Realizing he couldn’t refuse anymore, Daniel lightly bowed his head.
“I’ve spoken out of turn. Compared to the hardships endured by Your Highness in governing the nation, the struggles of the staff are insignificant—a fact I momentarily forgot.”
Satisfied with Daniel’s polite apology, Selvia smiled.
“In that case, I’ll take your acceptance of my proposal as a given. A public relations officer from the National Propaganda Department will explain the detailed schedule and format of the speech, so listen carefully.”
“…”
“Oh, and don’t worry about causing disruptions at the General Staff Headquarters—I’ll personally inform them. For now, focus solely on preparing for the speech.”
Thanks to Selvia’s naturally smooth explanation, Daniel was certain.
‘She planned to put me on the podium from the start.’
From the moment he entered the indoor garden, everything had been decided.
Realizing he’d fallen into her trap, Daniel chuckled quietly to himself and looked at Selvia.
“Your Highness, may I ask one question, if it isn’t too bold?”
“I generally don’t entertain questions, but since it’s Colonel Daniel, I’ll make an exception. What is it?”
“Just… why did you summon me personally instead of sending someone to deliver your command? Even without meeting face-to-face, I wouldn’t have dared to refuse.”
A sharp observation.
No matter how much of a war hero Daniel might be, a mere colonel couldn’t defy the princess’s orders.
Yet Daniel was asking why she bothered to meet him in person.
The question made Selvia feel somewhat uneasy.
‘Is he really clueless? Or pretending to be?’
Selvia owed her life to Daniel twice.
The first time wasn’t particularly dangerous, but that wasn’t the point.
What mattered was that Daniel risked his life to save hers.
Not to mention, he recently took the initiative to dismantle a secret organization tied to the prince.
Through all this, Selvia inevitably developed feelings for Daniel.
But how about Daniel? He treated her with rigid formality, as though addressing a superior officer.
‘Could it be… Daniel doesn’t realize I have feelings for him?’
Finding it absurd, Selvia stared blankly at Daniel before sighing softly.
“Take some time to figure that out yourself.”
With that, Selvia slowly rose from her seat.
As she was about to leave, she turned back to Daniel, seemingly remembering something.
“Colonel Daniel, if the speech goes well… I’d like us to meet often in the future.”
She gave him a faint smile before sweeping out in her crimson cape.
Watching her retreating figure with a vacant expression, Daniel eventually frowned and stroked his chin.
‘What did she mean by that? Is she planning to use me as her spokesperson?’
Little did he know, they were worlds apart in their interpretations.
*
Acting on behalf of the princess was practically equivalent to an imperial decree, considering Emperor Berthelm ultimately approved all of Selvia’s decisions.
Thus, Daniel faithfully executed Selvia’s “request.”
For an entire week, he worked closely with Hans, the public relations officer from the National Propaganda Department.
Even on the day of the speech, Daniel was still deep in conversation with Hans.
“As I’ve repeatedly mentioned, we mustn’t offend the sentiments of anti-war activists. The public’s fatigue with the prolonged war has reached its peak.”
“…That serious?”
“Yes. This is the latest data. Take a look, Colonel.”
At the backstage of the outdoor performance hall, Hans pulled out one of the document folders he’d been holding and handed it to Daniel.
Skimming through the survey statistics, Daniel read:
────────────
《War Support vs. Opposition Public Opinion Survey Statistics》
Sample Group: 1,000 citizens from major cities in the empire
Respondents: Approximately 18,000 people
Question: What are your thoughts on the current war being waged by the empire?
• Frequency Analysis
1. Continue the war – 8,208 (45.6%)
2. End the war – 8,298 (46.1%)
3. Unsure / No response – 1,494 (8.3%)
────────────
Just as Hans said, those advocating for ending the war narrowly outnumbered the others.
“As you can see, anti-war activists have surpassed war supporters for the first time. While there may be enemy spies among the anti-war faction, these numbers reflect the will of the people.”
Indeed, at this ratio, it was impossible to dismiss the anti-war movement as merely influenced by enemy propaganda.
Nodding in agreement, Daniel glanced at his wristwatch as Hans handed him another document.
It was the speech script he was supposed to deliver.
“So, we need to explain why the war must continue without provoking the anti-war activists. Remember, we cannot antagonize them.”
“Understood. Then…”
Checking his watch like Hans, Daniel turned toward the stage.
“I suppose it’s time to go up and give the speech.”
Hans nodded.
“Our department fully trusts Colonel Daniel.”
After hearing this, Daniel gave a curt nod and headed toward the stage.
As Daniel climbed onto the stage, the lights turned on, and cheers erupted from all around.
Turning his head at the deafening applause, Daniel saw the audience seats packed with people.
‘This is ridiculous…’
The performance hall, capable of seating ten thousand spectators, was completely full.
It was thanks to the National Propaganda Department’s relentless promotion of the important speech by war hero Daniel Steiner over the past week.
Despite finding such situations uncomfortable, Daniel had no choice but to comply with orders.
Walking to the podium amidst the cheering crowd, Daniel tapped the microphone twice.
The sound echoed through the massive speakers, quickly silencing the cheers.
Smiling briefly at the vast crowd, Daniel unfolded the documents provided by Hans.
Glancing at the familiar speech script he’d reviewed multiple times, Daniel began.
“Esteemed fellow citizens, I am Colonel Daniel Steiner of the Operations Staff.”
There was a modest round of applause from the front rows.
Waiting for them to settle down, Daniel continued.
“Before beginning the main speech, I wish to clearly state my position to avoid unnecessary confusion. I, Daniel Steiner, am against…”
Unable to recall the next line, Daniel glanced down at the script.
“I do not support the war. If I must label myself, I am an anti-war activist. However, I understand better than anyone why this war is necessary.”
It was written in a neutral tone to satisfy both war supporters and anti-war activists.
If he delivered it as is, the bond-selling campaign would achieve lukewarm success at best.
‘If that happens, I…’
He would undoubtedly remain close to Selvia, dragged here and there.
Once Selvia became empress, Daniel’s fame would soar even higher.
Which also meant the possibility of assassination loomed larger without needing a war crimes trial.
This was one of the most terrifying futures Daniel wished to avoid.
Was there any way out?
Desperately brainstorming, Daniel noticed a group of anti-war activists among the audience.
Their placards opposing the war sparked an idea.
‘If I provoke the anti-war activists and ruin this speech spectacularly…’
He’d distance himself not only from Selvia but also from global attention.
Who would fear or respect someone who couldn’t even deliver a proper speech?
Having made his decision, Daniel closed the folder containing the speech script.
Facing the flashing cameras head-on, he declared boldly:
“I, Daniel Steiner, desire…”
Narrowing his eyes sharply, Daniel raised his hands and gripped the edge of the podium.
Then, mimicking a war fanatic, he dramatically raised his right hand high.
“A war effort the likes of which history will never see again!”
