As I walked out of the reception room and down the corridor, I couldn’t help but let out an inner cheer.
“Awesome!”
When I heard that Princess Selvia had summoned me, I thought some kind of misfortune was waiting for me again, but it turned out to just be paranoia.
The proposal Princess Selvia handed over wasn’t bad luck—it was closer to good fortune.
“I mean, I was already feeling uneasy about staying here in the capital…”
Being given a legitimate opportunity to stay abroad legally was something I couldn’t possibly not be happy about.
Besides, since Princess Selvia, who is currently acting as regent, gave a positive review, my appointment as Ambassador to Belanos was practically set in stone.
“Of course! There’s always a way out.”
This was one of those moments where the proverb about finding a way out even if the sky falls really hit home.
“And furthermore…”
If I became ambassador to Belanos, I’d definitely receive good treatment there.
After all, as a neutral nation, they wouldn’t want any conflict with the Empire, which boasts one of the world’s strongest military forces.
So being dispatched as ambassador to Belanos felt more like a vacation from my perspective.
Just escaping the looming threats in the capital was enough to make me grateful, but the thought of staying abroad while being treated well made me smile involuntarily.
Unable to hide my cheerful mood, I returned to my personal office, only to stop in my tracks when I opened the door.
Colonel Ernst, the Head of the Operations Staff, was waiting inside.
“…Director? Aren’t you leaving yet?”
When I asked him, puzzled, Colonel Ernst, who had his hands behind his back, cleared his throat.
“I was curious about what you discussed with Her Highness the Princess. Could you give me just a hint, perhaps?”
Thanks to his sly request, I understood why Ernst had been waiting here.
Holding a director-level position within the General Staff Headquarters means that he’s not only skilled at practical matters but also politically savvy.
Naturally, news that “Her Highness personally visited the General Staff Headquarters” would make anyone want to gain an informational edge.
Since Ernst is generally trustworthy, I didn’t want to refuse him outright, but this wasn’t something I could go around blabbing about.
“I’d love to tell you, but since the matter hasn’t been finalized yet, it’s probably best to keep it classified for now.”
“Classified… I get it. But hey, could you do me a small favor? Our daughter’s a big fan of yours—could you sign something for her?”
A signature? I was so flabbergasted that I just stood there until Ernst revealed what he’d been holding behind his back.
Two sheets of paper and a fountain pen.
“Everyone knows Daniel Steiner serves under me, and I’ve bragged endlessly about it. But if I can’t even bring back a single autograph, my reputation will be ruined. Think of it as helping out a fellow parent.”
Could this really have been his real purpose?
Unable to resist, I took the papers and pen from Ernst.
Since it was a request from my superior, there was no reason to turn him down.
“…But why two sheets?”
Ernst whispered quietly, glancing furtively toward Lucy.
“Well, truth be told, my wife’s also a huge fan of yours. Yesterday during dinner, she scolded me, saying I should spend less time collecting stamps and more time getting your autograph instead. That woman’s such a pain sometimes.”
Letting out a deep sigh, Ernst then said seriously,
“You must never get married, son. The woman who seemed like an angel before marriage has turned into a demon after tying the knot. Honestly, every day feels like a struggle. It’s only because my kid is adorable that I haven’t run away yet.”
I couldn’t help but feel a bit sorry for him.
“You work hard.”
Daniel nodded sympathetically before signing both sheets and handing them back to Ernst.
Satisfied, Ernst smiled, then suddenly remembered something and raised his hand.
“Oh, almost forgot. There’s a letter I need to pass on to you.”
Ernst reached into his coat pocket and pulled out an envelope.
“It came to the Office of the Operations Staff addressed to you. From the Military Academy, I think. Any idea who it might be from?”
“The Military Academy…?”
Could it be Prien?
Feeling somewhat uneasy, I accepted the letter.
“I’ll take a look.”
I broke the seal and unfolded the letter, revealing neat handwriting.
“To the Esteemed Captain Daniel Steiner,
Esteemed Captain Daniel Steiner,
I apologize for taking up your precious time amidst your busy schedule.
However, since I’m nearing early graduation from the Military Academy, I thought it proper to inform you via this letter.
It’s all thanks to the Dean recognizing my excellent academic performance and achievements in the northern campaign.
Isn’t this wonderful?
Soon, we’ll be able to eliminate together, under your command, all the beasts trying to ally themselves with the United Nations.
Surely, Captain Daniel Steiner shares my sentiments.
Your unfiltered passion against the beasts of the United Nations during your Total War speech moved me to tears—you won’t know how many.
Because of that speech, my faith and loyalty to the Empire have grown even stronger.
Ah, though I have much more to say, curfew is approaching, so I must end here.
Allow me to conclude by saying that I’d gladly sacrifice my life for you, Captain Daniel Steiner.
Awaiting our next meeting, Prien Remiliat.”
Having finished reading, I turned to Ernst with a sense of dread.
“…Director, does Prien happen to be transferring to the General Staff Headquarters?”
Ernst nodded.
“Prien has applied to join the direct command units of the General Staff, and both the Chief and Deputy Chief are considering it positively. She’ll likely become part of the headquarters staff.”
Despite a sigh escaping me, today I decided I could bear it.
‘Good news always comes with bad.’
Thinking about the happiness I’d enjoy as ambassador to Belanos, the unhappiness of Prien joining the General Staff could easily be offset.
‘So for now…’
Let’s enjoy the present happiness without dwelling on future troubles.
*
That evening, in the banquet hall of Edrian Palace.
“Captain Daniel Steiner is being dispatched as ambassador to Belanos?”
Count Kaledra’s question was met with a nod from Deputy Director Beck of the Central Intelligence Agency.
“That’s correct. According to intelligence, Princess Selvia, who is currently serving as regent, ordered the Foreign Ministry to appoint Daniel Steiner as ambassador to Belanos.”
Though the banquet hall buzzed with conversation and music due to the presence of foreign dignitaries, Count Kaledra’s surroundings were quiet.
He had intentionally distanced himself from others to receive this report.
“To send a war hero and the man behind the successful Total War speech to the relatively insignificant post of ambassador to Belanos…”
Kaledra paused, prompting Beck to cautiously speak up.
“In my opinion, it seems there’s tension between the Imperial Royal Family and Daniel Steiner. Perhaps they see the public support rallying around him as a threat to their authority.”
Historically, war heroes who accumulated too much power often became thorns in the side of royal families.
Beck believed Daniel Steiner was following a similar path, but Kaledra found this reasoning absurd.
“You’re wrong. He’s deliberately leading us to believe there’s friction between him and the royal family. More likely, Daniel Steiner himself requested the ambassadorship to Belanos.”
An ordinary war hero might suggest strained relations with the royal family, but Daniel Steiner was a brilliant strategist who constantly devised ingenious ways to pressure the United Nations.
Thus, it was reasonable to assume this was another deception tactic aimed at misleading the enemy.
“They’re using disgusting tricks to divert our attention. Deputy Director, have you determined how the Imperial Foreign Ministry plans to send Daniel Steiner to Belanos?”
At Kaledra’s question, Beck quickly checked his documents.
“Yes. He’ll travel aboard a diplomatic vessel over a two-day journey. Given the short distance and concerns about diplomatic conflicts, no escort ships will be provided.”
This was welcome news.
“Good. Contact the commander of the 12th District of the Belanos Maritime Defense Force. Inform him that the United Nations will send a submarine to coincide with the departure of the imperial diplomatic vessel and request that they open their territorial waters.”
Upon hearing this, Beck blinked in confusion.
The commander of the 12th District of the Belanos Maritime Defense Force was someone the United Nations had long cultivated as an ally.
Instructing him to open their territorial waters was essentially telling him to destroy the ship carrying Daniel Steiner using a submarine.
“…My Lord. Even if the plan succeeds, we may have to sever ties with our asset in Belanos. Is Daniel Steiner worth that risk?”
Glaring at Beck, Kaledra responded immediately.
“Yes.”
For reasons unknown, Lucy was no longer following United Nations orders.
In other words, the fact that someone who should’ve been dead by now was still walking around meant that attempts to assassinate her had failed.
If Daniel completed his mission in Belanos and returned to the Empire, what would happen?
“Undoubtedly, he’d become several times more dangerous than he is now.”
Thus, Daniel needed to be eliminated before he became an even greater threat.
No matter the cost.
“Daniel Steiner…”
The audacity to try deceiving us was laughable.
Clutching the head of his cane tightly, Kaledra narrowed his eyes sharply.
“Your clever schemes will ultimately…”
Lead to your downfall. Remember that.
