Chapter 92

The next evening.

After finishing her duties, Princess Selvia headed towards the art gallery located inside the Imperial Palace.

She had heard through the inner court staff that her father, whose condition had slightly improved, was visiting the gallery to see the portraits of their ancestors.

Rushing in, Selvia entered the gallery and spotted her father standing quietly in front of a large portrait of her great-grandfather.

“Father!”

Hearing Selvia’s cheerful voice, Emperor Berthelm turned his head.

Upon seeing his daughter, Berthelm gave a faint smile.

“Selvia. You should be busy with state affairs. Is it wise to waste time on me?”

“If checking up on you is considered wasting time, then I can never become a good ruler.”

“Ho ho… You’re getting cuter every day, aren’t you?”

Berthelm chuckled softly before speaking.

“Well then, since we’ve met, let’s talk about what’s been happening in the world. Many things must have occurred while I was bedridden these past few days, right?”

Recalling recent events, Selvia nodded without hesitation.

“Still, we managed to avoid the worst. Not only has Colonel Daniel Steiner’s survival been confirmed, but we’ve also strengthened our influence over Belanos as a result.”

“Is that so? Good news indeed. But tell me, about Colonel Daniel Steiner…”

Berthelm glanced down at Selvia with a subtle look.

“According to reports, he claims to have gathered confidential information during the time he was stranded in Belanos. Have you verified the contents of this claim?”

“Not yet… Due to concerns about communication interception, he said he would report after returning.”

“After returning, huh? Such a meaningful phrase.”

At Berthelm’s probing tone, Selvia furrowed her brow.

“Father, are you still doubting Colonel Steiner?”

“And do you wish for me not to doubt him, Selvia?”

“Of course I—”

“Do you think you could say that even in front of your great-grandfather?”

The atmosphere shifted suddenly.

Feeling somewhat reprimanded, Selvia closed her mouth.

After observing Selvia silently for a moment, Berthelm turned his gaze back to the portrait.

“We are descendants of usurpers. You know well how your great-grandfather seized the throne. Despite claiming legitimacy for the royal family, it was ultimately an act driven by greed for power.”

“Father…”

“I am afraid. Ever since I saw your great-grandfather’s eyes reflected in Daniel Steiner, I haven’t been able to sleep properly. Selvia, you don’t understand how dangerous capable subordinates can be.”

Berthelm blinked slowly before continuing.

“Your great-grandfather always used to say: The most dangerous time is when a capable subordinate begins acting out of self-confidence and arrogance. Tell me, Selvia, how many times has Daniel Steiner acted arrogantly?”

When the empire’s southern prince’s secret organization was dismantled, and when he altered the content of the total war speech according to his own preferences, Daniel Steiner did so without upper-level approval.

This time was no different.

Without informing higher-ups, Daniel Steiner acted independently, using the excuse of possible enemies within Belanos.

“Does he truly act for the empire?”

Shaking his head, Berthelm chuckled darkly.

“It’s more likely he collected information for his own safety rather than for the empire. Though many are deceived, I see clearly. It isn’t the empire influencing Belanos now—it’s Daniel Steiner himself.”

In Berthelm’s view, Daniel would undoubtedly use the information he gathered to strike some sort of deal with Belanos’ prime minister—not for the empire, but for his own protection.

And upon returning, Daniel would surely hand over only trivial bits of information, labeling them as “confidential.”

Thus, Berthelm felt compelled to act first, before Daniel could deceive the royal family.

“This time, it seems this old man must sacrifice something for your sake. I’ll bear Daniel Steiner’s resentment, so you focus on winning his heart.”

Confused by what he meant, Selvia tilted her head just as Berthelm turned to gesture with his finger.

The chief of the inner court approached Berthelm and bowed.

“Your Majesty, is there anything you need?”

Berthelm nodded.

“Bring me the imperial decree.”

His eyes narrowed sharply, clouded with concern.

“For I shall personally deliver my message to Daniel Steiner.”

*

Meanwhile, at the Southern Glory Grand Cathedral of the Empire.

“Brothers and sisters.”

Prien’s voice echoed gently within the grand chapel.

The chapel was packed to the brim; people had traveled from other regions due to word-of-mouth about Prien’s sermons. Most couldn’t find seats and stood at the back, listening intently to Prien’s words.

This was unprecedented for the Glory Grand Cathedral, and even Prien’s father had stepped aside, choosing not to intervene.

None of this mattered to Prien, however.

Her sole focus was her faith—and Captain Daniel Steiner.

“Today, I bring you all truly joyous news.”

With her eyes closed, Prien spoke in a calm tone unlike her previous sermons.

“As you all know, news of Colonel Daniel Steiner’s survival has reached us from across the sea in Belanos. Yes, Colonel Daniel Steiner didn’t die.”

Prien shook her head slightly.

“No, it would be better to say he returned from death.”

Her soft voice carried a certain gravity, capturing everyone’s attention.

“Why do I use the phrase ‘returned from death’? Many of you might be curious, but if you examine the details of the event, you’ll agree with my choice of words.”

Prien opened her eyes.

“As you know, those vile beasts of the Allied Nations attacked with torpedoes twice, sinking the ship Colonel Daniel Steiner was aboard. Many lives were lost.”

Her gentle gaze grew sharp.

“But! Amidst that terrible tragedy, only Colonel Daniel Steiner conquered death. What does this mean? Was it merely luck?”

Clutching her teeth, Prien shouted.

“No!”

Prien raised both hands, gripping the podium tightly.

“Colonel Daniel Steiner was originally destined to leave this world with the sinking of the ship. But we all know a miracle happened! Who performed this miracle? Which omnipotent being saved Colonel Daniel Steiner?”

A few believers seated at the front shouted.

“God!”

Prien smiled warmly at them before turning back to the congregation.

“That’s right. God took the lambs but spared Colonel Daniel Steiner. This is part of God’s grand plan, much like how Jesus Christ returned from death according to His divine will!”

There was murmuring among the believers at such a bold statement.

But Prien continued confidently.

“The First Epistle to the Corinthians says this: ‘Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive!'”

Standing before the massive cross, Prien proclaimed passionately.

“You who sleep! Unenlightened disciples! Let me ask you boldly: Through Colonel Daniel Steiner’s death, you witnessed the atrocities of the Allied Nations, did you not?”

Words are contagious.

As Prien spoke with conviction, the believers began nodding in agreement one by one.

“When we all witnessed the atrocities of the Allied Nations and became enlightened, Colonel Daniel Steiner returned from death! Why!? To honor the lives of those who perished on the ship, and to ensure everyone gains life through Colonel Daniel Steiner!”

Prien’s resounding voice quickened their heartbeats.

Having ignited their excitement, it was time to unleash it.

Prien extended her arms lovingly toward the congregation.

“We who have witnessed this miracle must participate in God’s plan. Brothers and sisters, let us pray and act! We must never allow our savior, Colonel Daniel Steiner, to fall into the clutches of the Allied Nations’ beasts again!”

“Who is our enemy?”

“The Allied Nations!”

“Who is God’s enemy?”

“The Allied Nations!”

“Then, who are these beast-like beings?”

The believers cried out together.

“The Allied Nations are beasts!”

Their chants echoed throughout the grand chapel.

Ecstatic from their cries, Prien lowered her hands and said.

“Let us pray for those who have given us the enlightenment. For God, Jesus Christ, and Colonel Daniel Steiner!”

As soon as Prien finished speaking, the believers stood up.

With a glint of fervor in their eyes, they chanted one name.

“For Colonel Daniel Steiner!”

Calls for the extermination of the Allied Nations’ beasts followed from everywhere.

Overwhelmed by emotion, Prien felt a sense of fulfillment.

It was gratifying to hear her long-held beliefs spoken by others.

‘This must be the mission bestowed upon me by Colonel Steiner.’

Amidst the believers’ cries and rage, Prien saw a glimpse of heaven and closed her eyes softly.

‘Don’t worry anymore, Colonel Steiner. No matter what choices you make in the future, I and these people will follow you, even unto death.’

It was only natural for a disciple to follow their savior.

With this holy resolve in her heart, Prien clasped her hands in prayer.

May Colonel Daniel Steiner guide us all wisely.