chapter_0159

158 – The Price of Ignoring Warnings

158 – The Price of Ignoring Warnings

After listening to Daniel’s speech, Regiment Commander Telberet willingly decided to join the 7th Armored Division.

Upon hearing this news, the 7th Armored Division remained skeptical and first sent Pelf, the intelligence staff officer, along with an escort.

It was understandable, as the Armored Regiment of the Guards Division, which had come to arrest and kill Daniel Steiner, suddenly offered to join them, making it seem like a trap.

However, Pelf’s visit to the Armored Regiment confirmed that the offer to join was not part of a deceptive strategy.

“Come to think of it, it was strange to call it the Emperor’s order. I understand declaring martial law, but his subsequent actions…”

“I was there at the time. He ordered us to occupy the National Propaganda Department for the security of the Imperial City, but even while following the order, I couldn’t understand it. What does security have to do with the National Propaganda Department?”

“Are you saying the Defense Commander is also involved in the betrayal?”

Disbelief in the situation in the Imperial City was rampant throughout the Armored Regiment.

“Did you hear what Colonel Daniel Steiner said? The Imperial City is swarming with collaborators.”

“Even so, it’s hard to believe that the Intelligence Agency is involved in the betrayal.”

“You stupid bastard. Why would Colonel Daniel tell a lie that would be exposed? If a backlash occurs, it can’t be undone.”

“No. I just…”

“Just what? Are you perhaps in league with the collaborators?”

Even the moment someone expressed doubt, they were rebuked with, ‘How dare you doubt Colonel Daniel Steiner?’

The friendly voices heard from all directions gave Pelf, who was walking through the Armored Regiment’s camp, a fresh shock.

‘Commander? What on earth have you done here? I don’t know what you told them to make them side with us.’

It was an incomprehensible phenomenon, but one thing was certain: Daniel Steiner had succeeded in persuading them.

‘When we talked about it in yesterday’s meeting, I thought he was being unreasonable…’

When Daniel volunteered to visit the Armored Regiment alone and persuade them, Pelf was horrified and tried to stop him.

He said that it would be a huge advantage if successful, but it was too dangerous.

It was a decision that could cost him his life, so the other staff officers also pleaded with Daniel to reconsider his plan.

However, Daniel convinced the staff officers that there was no other way and left alone.

Until then, the staff officers were arguing about whether to create a rescue operation consisting of elite soldiers in case Daniel Steiner failed, but it turned out to be an unnecessary worry.

‘I really can’t help but respect him.’

Soldiers with outstanding intelligence based on strategy could be easily found during his military service.

Brave soldiers who didn’t care about their own lives for the sake of a purpose and cause were also not uncommon, but could be seen from time to time.

Soldiers who were quick-witted and eloquent enough to make one wonder why they became officers instead of politicians could also be seen frequently.

However, a person who was skilled in strategy, eloquent, and brave enough to prioritize the cause over his own life was, without a doubt, a type of person he was seeing for the first time.

‘I would never have acted like that. It’s more than understandable why he’s praised as a war hero.’

It was the moment when he became certain of his decision to help Daniel Steiner turn back.

Pelf, thinking that he should not object to Daniel Steiner’s opinion in the future, hurried his steps.

He had some questions, and he wanted to secure Daniel Steiner’s safety.

With his escort, Pelf arrived at the Armored Regiment’s command tent, opened the entrance, and went inside.

However, Daniel Steiner was not inside the tent.

Only a middle-aged colonel, who appeared to be the commander of the Guards Division’s Armored Regiment, was sitting at his desk, looking at documents.

Regiment Commander Telberet, sensing someone’s presence, took off his glasses and looked up.

Telberet blinked a few times at the sight of the unfamiliar Officer, then had a small realization.

“Ah. I heard that the 7th Armored Division was sending someone to confirm. You must be the one.”

Telberet, who had risen from his seat, straightened his clothes and approached Pelf, extending his hand.

“I am Telberet, leading the Armored Regiment of the Defense Command’s Guards Division. I have transferred command to Colonel Daniel Steiner, so now you can say it is the Armored Regiment under the 7th Armored Division.”

Pelf, who had been somewhat reluctant, took his hand.

“I am Major Pelf, Intelligence Staff Officer of the 7th Armored Division. Welcome to the alliance.”

After a light handshake, Pelf continued.

“By the way, where is the Commander?”

“Colonel Daniel… no. The Commander went to the communications truck with the communications officer. He said he had something to tell the Imperial City.”

“I understand.”

Pelf, who was about to move towards where Daniel was, stopped.

He suddenly had a question.

“Regiment Commander. If you don’t mind, may I ask you a question?”

“Of course. I don’t have anything to do until tomorrow, so feel free to ask.”

“Thank you. I’m curious as to what the Commander said here that made not only the soldiers but also the Regiment Commander decide to join the 7th Armored Division.”

It was not a difficult question.

“It was a kind of speech. The Commander clearly explained why he, leading the 7th Armored Division, would not betray the Empire. In addition, I couldn’t help but agree that the Intelligence Agency had committed treason. If the Intelligence Agency betrayed us, it means there’s a bigger backer.”

“Is that all?”

It was a sharp question.

Telberet chuckled and shook his head.

“Not at all. Even if it were true that the Intelligence Agency had committed treason, I would have followed the Defense Commander’s orders if Daniel Steiner was insignificant. As you know, I have a family in the Imperial City. I had too much to lose to act for the sake of the cause.”

“Nevertheless, the Regiment Commander chose to side with the Commander.”

“Of course. Daniel Steiner was not an insignificant person. He instinctively knows how to wield his background and how to win the hearts of the public. What will happen when such a person gains an army?”

When Pelf remained silent, Telberet narrowed his eyes seriously.

“Listen carefully. The owner of the Imperial City will soon change. Right now, the aristocratic rabble are acting as the owners, but Daniel Steiner will soon take control of the Imperial City. With the support of the Emperor and the support of the people.”

“……”

“I saw it. That’s why I’m trying to side with Daniel Steiner. As I said before, I have a lot to lose. It’s natural to cling to the new ruler in order to protect what I have. Of course, the soldiers seem to be quite moved by Colonel Daniel’s speech.”

He was going to act for the sake of his family and interests, not for loyalty or cause.

That was the meaning of the word ‘loyalty’ that Telberet had in mind, and it was also Daniel’s aim.

However, Pelf, who deeply respected Daniel Steiner, did not like Telberet’s words.

“The Commander is not a person who pursues power. The Regiment Commander doesn’t know that he is only acting for the sake of the Empire.”

“For the sake of the Empire. I won’t deny that. But apart from serving the Empire, Colonel Daniel will inevitably wield power.”

“That will also be for the sake of the Empire.”

Telberet, seeing Pelf’s loyalty, chuckled.

“Didn’t I say that? I don’t deny that it’s for the sake of the Empire.”

*

Meanwhile, at the Intelligence Agency’s communications headquarters.

‘Has there been any contact yet?’

Deputy Director Pelliston, who had become the de facto leader of the Intelligence Agency after the martial law, bit his nails, unable to overcome his anxiety.

‘If the 7th Armored Division attacked the Guards Division’s Armored Regiment according to Duke Belvar’s plan, we should have heard from them by now…’

Amidst the dozens of radios and telegraph machines, the Intelligence Agency personnel were busily moving and making noise, but no news of the Armored Regiment was heard from anywhere.

He never knew that the absence of news could feel so unsettling.

Just as Pelliston was sighing, an Officer raised his hand.

“Deputy Director! We have contact from the Guards Division’s Armored Regiment!”

“Is that true?”

Pelliston, thinking that what was coming had finally come, quickly approached and picked up the radio’s transceiver.

“This is Pelliston, Deputy Director of the Imperial Intelligence Agency’s communications headquarters. Identify yourself.”

However, no voice was heard from the other side.

Pelliston, wondering what was going on, pressed the transmit button and said somewhat irritably.

“Is the signal strength low? If so, please check the weather conditions and retransmit. If not, identify yourself and state the purpose of your contact.”

After a brief silence, a beep was heard.

─ This is Colonel Daniel Steiner, leading the 7th Armored Division.

Pelliston, hearing the identity of the other party, gasped involuntarily.

‘……Daniel Steiner?’

Before he could recover from the shock, fear gripped him.

‘The fact that Daniel Steiner is contacting us from the Guards Division’s Armored Regiment means…’

It was the same as the Armored Regiment refusing the orders of the higher-ups and joining Daniel Steiner.

One of the worst possible scenarios had become a reality.

While Pelliston was unable to answer, a chilling voice flowed from the radio.

─ If you’re listening, tell Duke Belvar.

His mouth went dry.

He wanted to cut off the communication, but he didn’t have the courage to do so.

─ As soon as I return to the Imperial City.

Daniel continued firmly as Pelliston’s hands trembled.

─ Tell him he will witness hell.

One word from the author (Author’s Note)

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