Chapter 72

Captain Daniel’s all-out war declaration left the crowd flabbergasted, unable to utter a single word.

Everyone was frozen in their seats, exchanging bewildered glances as if asking, “What in the world is this guy talking about?”

Anti-War Activists too were so dumbfounded they forgot to protest, just awkwardly standing there with blank expressions.

Meanwhile, Hans, the public relations officer watching the speech from backstage, let out a silent scream.

“What on earth is he doing?!”

This speech, delivered simultaneously with the announcement of government bonds, was nothing short of a national crisis.

Moreover, it was the first order actively issued by Princess Selvia, the next in line for the throne, to the propaganda department.

Thus, not only the citizens but also politicians at the Parliament and countless Nobles were focused on this very speech.

It was natural that all eyes were on her first steps.

‘Which means…’

If Daniel messed up this speech while everyone’s attention was fixed on it, the Propaganda Department would have no escape from Princess Selvia’s wrath.

In the worst case, Hans might even lose his position. Quickly turning to one of his subordinates, he barked,

“Hey! Contact the station manager immediately! We need to stop the radio broadcast!”

“A-ah! Yes sir!”

If Daniel’s all-out war speech spread across the Empire, there’d be no way for the Propaganda Department to apologize for the blunder.

So they had to at least halt the radio broadcast to minimize the damage.

While Hans’ subordinate was contacting the station manager via phone, Daniel opened his mouth resolutely before an audience of ten thousand.

“Citizens, I know you’re wondering why I’m declaring all-out war. But the truth is, you already know why the Empire must go all-in!”

The murmurs among the crowd grew louder.

Daniel didn’t care.

He was planning to mess this speech up anyway.

“The United Nations keeps slandering and defaming us daily, urging the Federation and the Republic to join the war! And you all know how friendly the Federation and the Republic have been towards the United Nations!”

The murmurs began to die down.

Because what Daniel said was true.

“Unfortunately, it’s only a matter of time before the Federation and the Republic turn their backs on us, tricked by the cunning tongues of the United Nations! So we must choose: Negotiation or Resistance!”

Daniel’s eyes burned with fiery determination.

At least, that’s how the crowd saw it.

“Anti-War Activists claim that negotiation is the only way for the Empire to survive! They say we should take the hand of peace extended by the United Nations to achieve lasting peace! But I ask you this—”

Daniel turned his gaze to the section where Anti-War Activists were seated.

“Can you truly trust them? Can you believe that making peace with the United Nations will bring genuine peace?”

The Anti-War Activists didn’t answer.

No, they couldn’t answer.

Stunned into silence by Daniel’s commanding presence, they could do nothing but sit quietly.

After staring at their silence for a moment, Daniel turned back to face the crowd.

“Citizens, I’ve seen the reality of the United Nations firsthand on the Battlefield! They are despicable, arrogant, overconfident, and impulsive! The peace they seek is not equality—it’s submission! The United Nations wants nothing more than our surrender!”

All murmurs in the air ceased.

Now the crowd was completely absorbed in Daniel’s speech, not daring to make a sound.

“Those who seek negotiation will come to take our guns first! Then our food, then our farming tools, then our children, until finally, they’ll try to control the entire Empire under their thumb!”

Some angry voices rose from the crowd.

“We now know the truth! We cannot trust the United Nations! We must stand firm and drive a stake through their sinister plans! Citizens of the great Empire, hesitate no longer! Fear not!”

Once again, Daniel raised his right arm high.

“Our Empire has achieved what no one else could! Look north, citizens! In less than a season, our Empire secured a historic victory amidst the fiercest of wars! Is this mere coincidence?!”

A roar of “No!” erupted from the crowd.

As the wave of shouts rolled on, Hans, standing backstage, stood there slack-jawed.

Deep inside, he couldn’t help but marvel.

“This… it’s working!”

Daniel’s charisma and powerful voice united the crowd.

Combined with his eloquence, the crowd was gradually swayed by his arguments.

Realizing this, Hans called out to his subordinate who was still talking to the station manager.

“Hey! Tell the station manager to keep the radio broadcast going!”

The subordinate, equally impressed by the speech, nodded without hesitation.

Unaware of the positive reactions happening backstage, Daniel confidently addressed the crowd.

“We’ve won, and we will continue to win! Even if the enemy launches an all-out attack against us, we will prevail! I promise to spread the greatness of the Empire to the farthest corners of the globe!”

Cheers erupted from the crowd.

But the Anti-War Activists remained silent.

Seizing the opportunity, Daniel continued his speech.

“Despite our resolve, some Anti-War Activists still ask: aren’t you afraid of war? To be honest, citizens, I am afraid. Every time I fight on the battlefield, the fear of death sends chills down my spine.”

Daniel gripped the podium tightly.

“But!”

His powerful cry demanded the crowd’s full attention.

“I fear losing my life far less than losing my nation to a submissive negotiation! That’s why I fight on the battlefield! Losing one’s life means losing something, but losing one’s nation means losing everything!”

The crowd responded with cheers, echoing Daniel’s words.

Some even waved the Empire’s flag they’d brought along.

Now, the only ones not responding were the Anti-War Activists.

They quietly conversed among themselves, lowering their banners that read “War Prohibited,” their faces filled with deep concern.

Thinking he could push them further, Daniel slammed the podium.

“If you’re not afraid, then rise and act! Together, we will declare the Empire as the greatest nation in the world!”

The cheers erupted once more.

A sense of exhilaration now danced across the crowd’s faces.

Taking a deep breath amidst the gazes of ten thousand people, Daniel paused briefly before speaking again.

“Finally, I declare on behalf of the nation and its people, under the protection of His Majesty the Emperor.”

Through the large speakers, Daniel’s resonant voice boomed.

Thanks to the amplification, the cheering subsided, and everyone listened intently.

“I, Daniel Steiner… No!”

Lifting his head and facing forward, Daniel shouted amidst the flashes of cameras.

“We desire all-out war!”

The moment Daniel finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted.

Amidst the harmonious blend of cheers and applause, only the Anti-War Activists remained silent.

And Daniel was delighted by this.

‘Good.’

More than half of the Empire’s population were Anti-War Activists.

If they opposed the call for all-out war, Daniel’s plan would be perfect.

‘What are you waiting for? Throw those tomatoes you’re holding!’

As he waited a bit, one by one, the Anti-War Activists started standing up.

Thinking the moment had arrived, Daniel prepared to exit comically after getting hit by a tomato.

Just as he adjusted his tie, the Anti-War Activists began clapping.

‘Huh?’

Caught off guard, Daniel watched as the Anti-War Activists, along with the rest of the crowd, stood up in unison.

In an instant, the entire crowd rose, cheering amidst the applause.

─ We want all-out war!

─ Rather than humiliating negotiations, we prefer inevitable war!

─ For His Majesty the Emperor! For the Great Empire!

The synchronized voices deafened the ears.

Cold Sweat dripped down Daniel’s face as he stood there speechless, watching the Anti-War Activists discard their banners.

One by one, they too stood up like the others, raising their voices.

─ Lastly, for our hero, Daniel Steiner!

The shout from the Anti-War Activists quickly spread, echoing through everyone’s lips.

─ Daniel Steiner! Daniel Steiner! Daniel Steiner!

Watching the massive crowd chanting his name, Daniel’s hands trembled.

Amidst the deafening cheers, Daniel swallowed hard and realized,

‘I’m screwed…’

The situation had spiraled wildly out of control.