Chapter 81

A cool breeze from the sea swirls around Daniel’s hair before flowing past. Standing still on the white sand, Daniel facing the sea breeze suddenly lets out a hollow laugh. “It’s utterly absurd…” Daniel mutters as he recalls the past— all the things he’s done to escape the Empire. But thanks to some cruel twist of fate, every single one ended in failure. The more he struggled to break free, the higher his status climbed, and the more famous he became. After enduring one ridiculous situation after another, Daniel had almost given up, thinking it was now impossible to ever escape the Empire. “But…!” As they say, even if the sky falls, there’s always a way out. And right now, Daniel Steiner might as well consider himself handed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Finally, the chance to erase his past mistakes and start anew has arrived! Just thinking about it made the unpleasantness of being attacked by the enemy vanish in an instant. Feeling considerably lighter, Daniel walked toward a nearby shack. Meeting people while still in uniform could expose his identity, but Daniel wasn’t worried—not with good reason. “The rust on the fishing boat near the shack and the moss growing on it clearly show it hasn’t been maintained for a while. Chances are, the shack is abandoned too.” Even if someone were inside, Daniel figured he could bluff his way out. Walking through the sand, he knocked lightly on the battered wooden door. “Is anyone home?” No answer. He knocked again. “I’ve suffered shipwreck and need assistance. Is anyone home?” Still no response. Convinced it was deserted, Daniel pushed the door open gently. An old hinge creaked, and the door swung wide. Narrowing his eyes, Daniel cautiously scanned the interior. Packed with various odds and ends and boxes, there was no sign of human presence. Searching further inside yielded the same result. Satisfied, Daniel began inspecting the contents of the boxes. “Old clothes, worn shoes… and some broken electronics. Looks like this place is used to store junk.” Perfect for someone trying to stay incognito—it was practically a treasure trove for Daniel. Chuckling softly, he rummaged through the boxes for something wearable. After thirty minutes, he found a decent cotton shirt and pair of shoes. Though visibly patched, they were serviceable enough. Thinking they’d do just fine, Daniel quickly stripped off his uniform, dried himself, and changed into the old clothes. Then, among the clutter, he discovered a pair of old sunglasses and a fedora, which he promptly donned. Without a mirror, he tidied up his appearance by gazing at his reflection in the window and smiled contentedly. “Good. No one will recognize me now.” If they did, he could easily claim it was just a case of mistaken identity and walk away. “Truly unfortunate, but Daniel Steiner is dead as of today.” With that thought, Daniel paused briefly in silent mourning for his former self. Resuming after a moment, he brushed off his sleeves and stepped out of the shack. The sun hung low between day and night, casting its orange glow over the ocean. In the distance, lights began to flicker on in buildings clustered together like barnacles, blending harmoniously with the sunset to create a warm yet dreamy scene. “First things first—I need to head there and secure some money for a new identity.” With his resolve set, Daniel slowly started walking. Wearing regular shoes instead of boots or dress shoes, he took a deep breath as he walked along the beach. The fresh air filled his lungs so refreshingly it felt almost euphoric. Lifting his head to gaze at the reddish sky, Daniel suddenly threw his arms wide and laughed aloud. “After countless hardships, freedom has finally come to me! Sweet and pastoral freedom!” He couldn’t believe how exhilarating it felt to be free from bondage and oppression. “From now on, only happiness exists for me; misfortune has no place!” Like a tragic hero delivering lines, Daniel continued walking lightly. His destination? Tentarvahem, the port city of Belanos, where he planned to acquire the funds needed for his new identity. * Meanwhile, at the Grand Assembly Hall within the Imperial Palace… “So you’re saying provoking not only the Allied Nations but also other global powers via a total war speech was a good move? Is that Central National Party’s official stance?” “I didn’t say it was a good move. How can you interpret a total war speech as provocation against global powers? Stop distorting the speech and focus on its essence!” Inside the long conference table of the Grand Assembly Hall, party leaders were engaged in heated debates, attacking each other relentlessly. At the forefront of the verbal battle were Campbell, the leader of the Free Social Party, and Elrkar, the leader of the Central National Party. It was mostly Campbell criticizing Colonel Daniel Steiner’s total war speech, followed by Elrkar’s rebuttals. “If we fail to see the essence, then it’s your side that’s blind! While national unity has increased due to the total war speech, our military situation remains dire! We must face not just the Allied Nations but many more countries, something you’re fully aware of!” “Precisely because we’ll face more than just the Allied Nations that Daniel Steiner’s speech holds meaning! I agree the colonel’s words were somewhat radical and belligerent, but considering the current state of the Empire, they aren’t wrong!” Relatively young among the gathered leaders, Elrkar raised his voice. “Also, since earlier, it seems like the leader of the Free Social Party is trying to portray Colonel Daniel as someone acting purely for personal gain. Am I mistaken?” “Ha! Trying? Use your brain! Who benefits most from the total war speech? None other than Colonel Daniel Steiner!” “Does it make sense that someone seeking personal gain would willingly take up the post of ambassador to Belanos, a minor position?” Watching their exchange from her seat, Princess Selvia sighed quietly. “Just as Chief Sedric of the General Staff predicted…” Indeed, when Daniel was appointed ambassador to Belanos, factional disputes were expected—and here they were. Rewinding slightly, earlier that afternoon, all the party leaders had gathered at the Parliament Building to urgently request an audience with Her Highness the Princess, who was currently overseeing governance. Princess Selvia granted them access to the Grand Assembly Hall and invited them to share their opinions. That’s when Campbell, leader of the Free Social Party, suggested creating legislation to restrain Daniel Steiner, sparking this commotion. What initially seemed like constructive dialogue gradually escalated into shouting matches, culminating in what could now be called outright verbal warfare. Selvia didn’t like it. What annoyed her even more was Campbell, leader of the Free Social Party, insisting Daniel needed to be confined within legal boundaries. Compared to what Daniel had brought to the Empire, Campbell had achieved little beyond leveraging connections and family ties to secure his leadership role. Knowing the Speaker of Parliament was also from the Free Social Party explained why Campbell felt confident raising his voice among fellow legislators. “Perhaps I should interject…” Normally, her father advised against interrupting legislators unless absolutely necessary since they represented the voices of the people—but Selvia could barely contain herself anymore. Just as she decided to speak up… “Your Majesty!” The doors to the Grand Assembly Hall burst open, and Colonel Hartmann, chief of the Imperial Guard security detail, rushed in, disregarding court etiquette entirely. Sprinting towards Selvia, Hartmann ignored proper protocol, leaving her momentarily stunned—not angry, but concerned. She understood there must be a significant reason for Hartmann’s breach of decorum. Panting heavily, Hartmann knelt on one knee before the princess. “Forgive my rudeness, Your Highness! I merely wished to deliver urgent news swiftly.” Urgent news? Pausing briefly, Selvia asked cautiously, “What is it? Has Father’s health worsened?” “No, Your Highness. The urgent news concerns the appointment of the ambassador to Belanos. To my regret, the diplomatic vessel heading to Belanos…” Hartmann hesitated, lowering his head. “…was sunk by enemy torpedoes.” Shock silenced everyone in the room, including those who had been passionately arguing moments ago. Selvia was similarly struck dumb. After a long pause, she moved her lips weakly. “You mean…” Her trembling voice lacked strength as Hartmann let out a soft sigh. Denying reality, Selvia forced herself to continue. “That can’t be…” Her attempt to reject the truth left Hartmann with nothing to do but bow his head deeper in silence.