chapter_0125

124 – The Empire Wants Daniel Steiner

124 – The Empire Wants Daniel Steiner

A few days later, at the headquarters.

Daniel Steiner’s personal office.

“…….”

As usual, Lucy was organizing documents in place of Daniel when she perked up her ears.

This was because she heard familiar footsteps coming from the hallway.

Realizing that the owner of those footsteps was Daniel Steiner, Lucy jumped up from her chair.

She was so happy that Daniel was returning that her body reacted on its own.

Just as she was about to open the door and go out to greet him, Lucy suddenly hesitated.

‘This is just like…’

Isn’t it no different from a dog waiting for its owner?

As she sighed quietly, feeling pathetic about herself, the door to the office creaked open, and Daniel walked in.

She had worried because he had been hit in the forehead with a brick, but he looked just as he always did.

No, he seemed to be in a better mood than usual.

“Oh. Isn’t this our lovely adjutant? Have you been keeping the office in order while I was away?”

When Daniel greeted her with a smile, Lucy felt a chill run down her spine for some reason.

‘…Our lovely adjutant?’

It was, of course, an expression he never used, and the tone carried a spoonful of joy.

‘Has he hit his head?’

She had heard that it was not uncommon for a person’s personality to change after suffering a severe blow to the brain.

Thanks to that, Lucy looked at him with suspicious eyes, but Daniel was merely humming a tune.

That was understandable, as things were going better than expected.

‘There’s hardly anyone who doesn’t know that I was hit by a brick from the protestors.’

Thanks to the Melbaroton newspaper doing a better job than expected, or perhaps because the article was sensational, the news had spread vigorously throughout the Imperial City.

The Imperial Daily had also started reporting on the matter, which said it all.

‘That means…’

It was the same as saying the Imperial Daily had raised the white flag.

‘The Imperial Daily raising the white flag means that the nobles have entered a state of stagnation.’

To put it humorously, it was highly likely that they had reached a state of “this bastard is playing the game dirty.”

‘So, it’s clear that they won’t be able to attack me for a while.’

In short, it meant a temporary ceasefire, which was a welcome situation for Daniel, whose top priority in life was self-preservation.

‘Moreover…’

There was a promotion scheduled after the coronation.

Of course, the promotion itself wasn’t necessarily a good thing.

Daniel was eyeing the position change that would occur after the promotion.

A colonel couldn’t just work as a mere operations officer.

‘The higher-ups will likely appoint me as the head of the operations department.’

Given his accumulated achievements, it wouldn’t be difficult to take Ernst’s position.

If that happened, Ernst would have to retreat to a lesser position, but considering his usual complaints about excessive work, he might take it well.

‘In fact, the chief has submitted requests for a position change to the higher-ups several times.’

Thanks to that, they would be able to pass the baton without any animosity.

‘If I become the head of the operations department…’

With increased access to classified information, he could rise as a central figure in the Empire.

That way, no matter how much the nobles formed an alliance, they wouldn’t be able to reach out easily.

It meant that Daniel could get one step closer to the idyllic peace he desired.

Moreover, the position of head of the operations department was a rear office job.

It was a safe position far from the front lines where the flames of war were raging.

‘While I had to go out for operational support due to necessity before…’

Now that he had established a certain foundation within the Empire, there was no reason to risk going to the battlefield.

To put it metaphorically, he had built a tower with great effort, and now all he had to do was move in.

Of course, there would still be various problems to solve, and the nobles would continue to interfere as uninvited guests, but for now, it was something he didn’t need to worry about too much.

Daniel had just achieved a significant victory in the public opinion war against the nobles.

For the reasons mentioned above, Daniel, who was in a good mood, set down his briefcase and sat in front of his desk.

Feeling the warmth of the sunlight pouring in from behind him, Daniel smiled brightly.

“Adjutant. You’ve worked hard during my absence. If I become the head of the operations department, the tasks you have to handle will be shared among the staff, so there won’t be many late nights for you.”

“…Are you talking about the head of the operations department?”

“Yes. Her Highness the Princess said she would promote me to colonel on the day of the coronation, so that position is practically secured. If you want, you can comfortably call me ‘Chief.’”

As Lucy looked at Daniel, who was smiling benevolently, one of her eyebrows twitched.

‘This feels off…’

The sight of Daniel, full of confidence, somehow felt irritating to Lucy.

–

Meanwhile, at the Chief of Staff’s office.

A meeting of senior commanders.

“Since it seems everyone is here, let’s get started.”

Arman Veteriom, the Chief of Staff with an eye patch over one eye, glanced around the meeting table at the attendees.

The main staff of the headquarters, as well as the head of the personnel department, were present.

Among them, Cedric, the deputy head of operations, exuded a peculiar presence.

After casting one last glance at Cedric, Arman picked up the documents on the table and spoke.

“As you know, Her Highness the Princess wishes to promote Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner to colonel on the day of the coronation. Are there any disqualifications regarding his special promotion?”

In response to the formal question, the head of the personnel department answered.

“There are none. He has successfully completed his missions every time he has gone out for operational support, and this time he captured the Crown Prince of the Belmore Kingdom, achieving significant results. Moreover, he has apprehended collaborators lurking in the Empire, making him a truly exemplary officer.”

The deputy chief of staff, who had been listening to the head of personnel, chimed in.

“While I have some concerns about Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner’s recent political activities, considering that his intentions are for the Empire, I believe it is within an acceptable range.”

Nodding solemnly, Arman set down the documents.

“Then we should discuss his position. We cannot allow Daniel Steiner to continue working as an operations officer after being promoted to colonel. I think….”

Arman tapped the table lightly and continued.

“I believe it would be best to promote Daniel Steiner to head of the operations department. The current head, Ernst, has expressed a desire for a position change as well. Have you reviewed this matter?”

This was directed at the head of personnel.

The head of personnel looked somewhat troubled and cautiously opened his mouth.

“Chief of Staff, Colonel Ernst is an essential asset to the headquarters. While Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner is indeed an outstanding talent, there are differing opinions on whether he is suitable for the position of head of the operations department due to his relatively short experience in the staff.”

The operations officer is responsible for supporting the establishment and execution of operational plans.

In contrast, the head of the operations department must command the overall operational plans of the department and organically judge the correctness of those operations.

It was a position that inevitably required extensive experience.

The head of personnel could not help but worry about whether it was truly advisable to place Daniel Steiner in that position.

Understanding the head of personnel’s position, Cedric spoke up.

“Sir, I agree with the head of personnel. Colonel Ernst should continue to serve as the head of the operations department for the Empire. Furthermore….”

After a brief pause, Cedric continued.

“Daniel Steiner would not want the position of head of the operations department.”

He wouldn’t want the position of head of the operations department? Arman, intrigued, looked at Cedric.

“Please elaborate.”

“Yes. Previously, Daniel Steiner told me, ‘I cannot live a comfortable life in the Imperial City just because I am a war hero.’ He also added, ‘If I truly care for the Empire, I must fight on the battlefield while I am still young.’”

This was a lie Daniel had concocted on the spot to avoid the Emperor’s scrutiny during the Christmas banquet and to create an excuse to leave the Imperial City.

The problem was that both Cedric and Chief of Staff Arman did not think of it as a lie.

“Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner is an officer whose patriotism is unmatched. There’s no way he would want to work comfortably in the Imperial City. Moreover, everyone here knows what kind of achievements he has made on the battlefield.”

Daniel Steiner had successfully carried out operations that no one thought possible.

Not just once, but multiple times, he had succeeded, so it was safe to say that no one doubted his abilities.

Among the staff, jokes had even arisen, saying, “If there’s an operation that seems impossible, just leave it to Daniel Steiner.”

“Therefore, if possible, I believe it would be right to change his position according to what Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner desires. The Empire needs as many capable frontline commanders as possible.”

Since it was not an incorrect statement, Arman nodded.

“Then do you have any thoughts on where Daniel Steiner should be assigned?”

“Yes. After careful consideration, I think it would be good to place Daniel Steiner in the position of chief of staff for the 7th Division, which is directly under the headquarters.”

“Chief of staff for the division. What does the head of personnel think about this?”

The head of personnel seemed to ponder for a moment before responding positively.

“The current chief of staff for the 7th Division is about to retire, so a handover can be done immediately.”

“Then it’s decided.”

If there was a capable officer who wished to perform on the battlefield, it was only right to grant that wish.

“Effective immediately, I, Arman Veteriom, Chief of Staff, will approve the special promotion of Daniel Steiner, and the position that changes with the promotion will be chief of staff for the 7th Division, which is directly under the headquarters.”

Confirming that there were no objections, Arman turned to the deputy chief of staff.

“Deputy Chief of Staff, please summarize this meeting and report it to Her Highness the Princess.”

“Yes. Understood.”

As the deputy chief of staff replied, Arman waved his hand.

This signaled the end of the meeting, and everyone was to return to their duties.

At that moment, the sound of chairs being pulled out echoed as the staff members stood up.

Cedric was also about to leave the Chief of Staff’s office when he was called back.

“Deputy Head of Operations.”

Cedric turned his gaze to Arman, who had called him.

The reason Arman had called Cedric back was that he had a question for Cedric, who was known for his keen eye for people.

Arman spoke quietly so that others couldn’t hear.

“It seems you see potential in Daniel Steiner. What do you see?”

“A decisive victory.”

“Are you certain?”

“I cannot be certain. He could become the greatest soldier in history, but…”

After a brief silence, Cedric added.

“He could also become the most dangerous politician in history.”

A word from the author (Author’s Note)

Hello, dear readers!

The weather has suddenly become much warmer!

I was writing during the cold of midwinter, and now spring has arrived with a refreshing breeze!

I will continue to work hard to serve you, dear readers!

Then, I’ll see you again tomorrow! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!