Chapter 73

The space was swirling with enthusiastic cheers and applause, but ironically, Daniel felt a chill of fear.

‘This speech was definitely meant to provoke the anti-war activists…’

Before he knew it, he had swayed them so much that he ended up converting anti-war activists into war supporters.

Of course, not all anti-war activists agreed with the content of the speech. Some, swept up in the atmosphere, merely stood up while still glaring at Daniel with evident displeasure.

The issue was that their numbers were so few they could barely be called “some.”

Daniel frowned, replaying the speech in his mind.

‘Damn it. I got too into character as a war fanatic…’

The problem started when he lost himself in the crowd’s cheers during the speech.

Additionally, Daniel had overestimated statistics, assuming that since most were anti-war, they’d automatically oppose his radical call for total war.

‘But…’

Instead, they discarded their anti-war signs and rose to their feet in support.

The result was right before Daniel’s eyes.

─ Daniel Steiner! Daniel Steiner! Daniel Steiner!

Ten thousand citizens stood, chanting his name in unison—a scene almost surreal.

But this was reality, created by none other than Daniel himself.

Unable to deny it, Daniel gritted his teeth and clutched the podium tightly.

Just as Daniel was receiving accolades from the crowd, Hans, the Public Relations Officer from the National Propaganda Department, burst into jubilation behind the stage.

“Done! This… this will go down in history as a legendary speech!”

Hans turned to one of his subordinates, excitement evident.

“Contact the editor-in-chief immediately! Tell them to turn this speech into an article and distribute it across the entire Empire! Make sure even those who didn’t hear it on the radio know about Colonel Daniel’s speech!”

“Yes, sir!”

Without hesitation, the subordinate picked up the phone.

Other staff members busily tapped away on telegraphs set up backstage, reporting upwards.

Though everyone was focused on their tasks, the air buzzed with excitement.

Daniel’s speech had stirred national pride even beyond what the Propaganda Department had planned.

Hans couldn’t hide his excitement as he clenched his fists.

‘Colonel Daniel may not have read the prepared speech we gave him, but…’

He succeeded far beyond expectations, which would surely save them from Princess Selvia’s scolding.

With some luck, the Propaganda Department might even receive commendations.

Relieved, Hans smiled just as the sound of clicking heels approached.

Turning around, Hans saw Daniel descending the stage steps.

Even though Daniel had left the stage, the audience continued chanting his name, treating him like a symbol of the ideology to fight against the Allied Nations.

‘Yet…’

Despite delivering a successful speech, Daniel showed no emotion.

While most speakers bask in joy or exhilaration after such success, Daniel simply scanned the gathered Propaganda Department personnel with a detached gaze.

Hans couldn’t help but feel awe at Daniel’s demeanor.

It was as if he were witnessing a superhuman transcending human limits.

His eyes seemed lost in thought, gazing toward the future rather than dwelling on the present.

Such intensity made it hard for Hans to approach easily.

Meanwhile, Daniel was lost in thought, pondering the consequences of his actions.

‘I’m going insane…’

He had no idea how to proceed next.

As Daniel blankly blinked, trying to sort through his chaotic thoughts, Hans cautiously approached.

“Uh, Colonel Daniel?”

At Daniel’s sharp glance, Hans flinched and awkwardly grinned.

“Ah, you must’ve disliked the speech draft. If you’d mentioned it earlier, we could’ve revised it. It’s entirely the fault of the National Propaganda Department.”

After hearing Hans’ words, Daniel let out a low sigh.

“…I’m exhausted. I want to return to my quarters.”

“Ah, yes! Of course! There’s a vehicle waiting outside; you can go back right away!”

After hearing Hans’ response, Daniel nodded once and slowly moved forward.

One of the staff observing this approached Hans.

“Remarkable. Never seen someone frown after successfully delivering a speech. What’s the reason?”

“Who can understand the ego of a genius? But one thing is certain…”

Hans smiled respectfully, looking at Daniel’s retreating figure.

“As long as he lives, the Empire will never fall.”

*

Two weeks later, at the National Propaganda Department.

In Minister Schiller Daines’ office.

Knock knock—

Schiller, who was reviewing documents, looked up.

Noticing the clock on the wall pointed to noon, he had a good idea who was knocking.

Hans, the Public Relations Officer.

He had instructed Hans to compile data and report at noon.

“Come in.”

No sooner had Schiller spoken than the door opened.

Hans entered, clutching a pile of documents, groaning under the weight as he approached and slammed them onto Schiller’s desk.

“What in the world is this?”

Confused, Schiller asked. Wiping sweat from his brow, Hans replied.

“These are all the changes that occurred in the Empire following Colonel Daniel’s speech. As per your request, here’s the most important statistic first?”

Hans pulled out a statistical report from the stack and handed it over.

Schiller reviewed the stats and widened his eyes.

────────────

《War Support/Opposition Poll Statistics》

Sample Group: Citizens from major Imperial cities (1,000 people)

Respondents: Approximately 18,000 people

Question: What are your thoughts on the ongoing war?

• Frequency Analysis:

1. Continue the War – 14,166 people (78.7%)

2. Stop the War – 2,376 people (13.2%)

3. Don’t Know/No Response – 1,458 people (8.1%)

────────────

More than half of the anti-war advocates had shifted their stance to supporting the war.

Now, only a minority advocated for peace.

All this happened within a week after Daniel Steiner’s speech.

Stunned by the massive impact, Schiller looked up.

“Is this real? Did so many really change sides?”

“Yes. People inspired by Colonel Daniel’s total war speech are changing their minds. The percentage of war supporters continues to rise in real-time. Moreover…”

Hans handed over more documents.

“If you look through these, you’ll see that enlistments surged after Colonel Daniel’s speech. Training camps are overwhelmed, having to defer enlistment dates until two years from now.”

“Hmm…”

“Also, military production has skyrocketed. Though it needs monitoring, estimates suggest a 43% increase compared to last month.”

Schiller blinked and asked,

“Military production? Why?”

“The factory workers volunteered to work overtime despite no extra pay. A miracle fueled by patriotism. Plus, numerous companies are pouring support into the military industry…”

Hans handed over yet another document.

“We’ve secured enough funds to build two large military factories. This ensures we won’t lack supplies for the increased number of recruits.”

“…What about war bonds? How many have been sold?”

“Bonds…”

Hans paused briefly before exclaiming excitedly,

“They’re selling incredibly well! Not just civilians, but corporations are buying them too! In just one week, 27 billion worth of bonds have been sold!”

27 billion was three times the original estimate of 8.5 billion.

They had already surpassed their goal threefold in just one week.

‘This incredible achievement came solely from Colonel Daniel’s single speech…’

Schiller chuckled softly, momentarily dazed.

“Perhaps… we’re standing at a historic turning point.”

Since Daniel’s total war speech, the Empire had been rapidly transforming.

It was akin to a chick breaking its shell, ready to spread its wings to the world.

Amidst countless documents, Schiller glimpsed the future.

A future where the Empire regained its greatness.

Feeling the flames of hope ignite within, Schiller clenched his fists.

‘Indeed. Perhaps Daniel Steiner can create…’

A new era, an eternally great Empire!