chapter_0196

195 – Me?

195 – Me?

Four days later, Daniel Steiner arrived near the bridge and ordered the reconnaissance company to conduct a thorough search.

He believed that since the bridge had not been destroyed, the enemy must be lying in ambush nearby.

Now, if the reconnaissance company returned after spotting the enemy, they could simply claim that the position was unfavorable and retreat downstream.

However, unfortunately for Daniel, things did not unfold as he had anticipated.

“Reporting to the brigade commander! We have searched all points up to 3 kilometers from the road axis as ordered, but there are no signs of enemy movement!”

The company commander, having completed the reconnaissance, confirmed to Daniel that there were no enemies.

Thanks to this, Daniel, standing on the forest path where birds chirped, furrowed one eyebrow.

It was hard to believe, but in a life-and-death battlefield, the company commander would not lie, so the absence of enemies was a given.

This fact left Daniel feeling perplexed.

‘……Are we really just going to give up the bridge? Is he out of his mind?’

Even though he was the defense commander of a quiet rural town, he should have been familiar with basic tactical strategies.

Yet, it was incomprehensible to him that they would so easily abandon the bridge, a strategic point necessary to halt the enemy’s advance.

“Brigade commander? Are you alright?”

Noticing Daniel’s frown, the company commander cautiously inquired.

Thinking he could not remain silent, Daniel lightly nodded and spoke.

“I have a few things to consider. But really, did you see absolutely no movement? Did you spot any enemy reconnaissance units…?”

“Yes. If there had been any, I would have reported it immediately.”

“Did you check the high ground? There’s a chance the enemy could be setting up a mortar position.”

“That’s a valid point. I also kept that possibility in mind and checked the high ground, but there were no enemy forces present.”

With even the slightest possibility ruled out, Daniel nodded after a brief silence.

“Alright. I need some time to think, so return to your original position.”

“Yes! Brigade commander!”

The company commander responded energetically, saluted, and moved back to his unit.

Watching this from a distance, Frien had a question mark hovering above her head.

“It seems the enemy really has given up the bridge? Why would that be?”

Pelf, who was standing next to Frien with his arms crossed, answered.

“It’s only natural to be confused. Normally, they would ambush to secure the bridge. But they’ve fallen right into the brigade commander’s trap.”

“Excuse me? How so?”

“Lieutenant Frien. The brigade commander prefers to corner the enemy based on unconventional tactics. The enemy isn’t stupid; they must know that.”

Pelf, looking at Daniel who was stroking his chin, wore a faint smile.

“Anticipating that the enemy would be on guard, the brigade commander deliberately exposed his movement route and advanced toward the bridge. How do you think the enemy would perceive that?”

“……They would think he’s luring the defense forces to the bridge?”

“Exactly. The defense commander of Penbarch must have mistakenly thought that the brigade commander was setting a trap and waiting. That’s why they chose to abandon the bridge.”

He substituted Daniel Steiner’s background and achievements as part of the operation.

That was Daniel Steiner, and it was the underlying meaning of the saying, ‘Tactics and strategy ultimately involve dealing with people.’

Pelf felt a sense of awe at the way Daniel seemed to manipulate the enemy as if they were in his grasp.

“I’ve served under many superiors, but I’ve never met anyone as wise as the brigade commander. He will surely become a legendary general remembered throughout history.”

As Pelf spoke with admiration, Frien smiled brightly.

“Of course. Furthermore, by raising the chaotic empire and saving the people, he will undoubtedly be revered as a saint, never to be seen again in history.”

“A saint? What do you mean…?”

Pelf shook his head, almost as if to correct her.

Frien was a competent medical officer, but she sometimes uttered incomprehensible things.

The strange madness hidden in her gentle eyes approached him frighteningly without him realizing it.

Thinking it might be tiring to get further entangled, Pelf moved toward Daniel.

“Brigade commander.”

Turning his body, Daniel noticed Pelf approaching and opened his mouth.

“Are you the intelligence officer? What is it?”

“Congratulations on successfully securing the bridge. I also apologize for my ignorance. I dared to doubt your plan.”

Daniel nodded with a somewhat displeased expression.

“It’s not bad to have doubts, so don’t blame yourself.”

“Thank you for saying that; it makes me feel much better. But now, could you give the next orders? The soldiers, as well as the officers, are all waiting for your command with high morale.”

“The next orders.”

Sensing that he could not delay any longer, Daniel reluctantly continued.

“Contact the headquarters. Inform them that we have successfully secured the bridge and will establish a foothold. The brigade will advance to Penbarch as soon as the foothold is established…”

Daniel turned his head to look in the direction of the city.

“We will march on Penbarch.”

–

In the evening, at the headquarters’ dining hall.

Clatter—

The sound of cutlery moving on the round table where the meal was prepared echoed quietly.

The usually noisy dining hall of the headquarters was unusually quiet today, as the highest-ranking officer, the Chief of Staff, had come to eat after a long time.

At the same table sat Schiller, the Minister of the National Propaganda Department, and Cedric, the Deputy Chief of Staff.

With such a gathering of prominent figures, everyone present was focused solely on their meals to avoid any potential missteps.

“Minister Schiller.”

In the artificially created silence, Chief of Staff Arman let out a low chuckle.

“Is the food to your liking? If it doesn’t suit your taste, I apologize. I would have liked to treat you to a meal at a fine restaurant, but time was not on our side.”

Schiller quickly set down his cutlery and wiped his mouth with a napkin.

“Don’t say such things; it’s quite delicious.”

“Then I’m glad to hear that. By the way, how is the propaganda going these days?”

As Arman subtly inquired about the results, Schiller, who had been quietly observing, nodded.

“Of course. The people are passionately shouting for their homeland with one heart and one mind. Moreover, since Brigadier General Daniel Steiner’s recent speech, the rate of return for deserters has been increasing.”

“Deserters, you say? I’ve heard about it, but I’m curious about the reason.”

“When I asked a few soldiers, they said they felt ashamed to have fled when the general was willing to fight on the battlefield.”

They must have been impressed by Daniel, who did not back down even in front of terrorists aiming their guns at him.

As Arman smiled with satisfaction, Schiller asked next.

“…But is it really alright?”

“What do you mean?”

“Pushing Brigadier General Daniel Steiner into the battlefield. As you know, he is practically a symbol of the empire right now. If he were to die on the battlefield, the morale of the military would plummet. So, wouldn’t it be better to recall him to the Imperial City even now?”

From Schiller’s position as the head of the National Propaganda Department, he did not want Daniel to be active in the dangerous battlefield.

He believed it was strategically correct to encourage the soldiers from the rear as a propaganda hero.

Understanding Schiller’s concerns, Arman maintained his smile while picking up his knife to cut the steak.

“Minister of Propaganda, your words have merit. I had that method in mind as well. However, the Daniel Steiner I have personally encountered is not a petty man who is content with his own peace.”

Arman remembered.

Daniel Steiner, who had passionately argued that they must occupy Penbarch.

The fervent longing in his eyes was still vividly etched in his mind.

“In my view, Daniel Steiner wants to make the empire a hegemonic power. He also wishes to stand at the forefront of that effort. He is truly a rare talent in today’s world.”

“Chief of Staff. But…”

“I understand your concerns, but you need not worry about Daniel Steiner dying on the battlefield. Cedric? Please explain.”

Cedric nodded and turned to Schiller.

“Minister of Propaganda, Brigadier General Daniel Steiner has secured the bridge leading to Penbarch. Without sustaining any damage.”

“…What? How is that possible?”

“It seems he has cleverly manipulated the enemy’s psychology. By openly attempting to secure the bridge, he must have instilled the illusion in the defense commander of Penbarch that a trap was lurking.”

As Schiller stood there, stunned, Arman swallowed the piece of meat in his mouth and wiped his mouth with a napkin.

“As you’ve heard, the defense commander of Penbarch is no match for Daniel Steiner. So, I hope you can set your worries aside.”

As Schiller nodded in understanding, Cedric rolled his eyes to look at Arman.

The favor directed toward Daniel Steiner was clearly visible.

“Chief of Staff.”

Arman, having set down his napkin, replied.

“What is it?”

“I’ve heard that your health has not been good lately. Are you considering Daniel Steiner as your successor in case of an unforeseen event?”

It was a probing question.

After a brief silence, Arman leaned back in his chair.

“That’s a matter for the distant future. Moreover, appointing a successor to the Chief of Staff is ultimately the Emperor’s prerogative. What difference would it make if I thought of him as a successor? However, if the Emperor’s perspective aligns with mine, then I might have some hope.”

If Daniel Steiner continued to achieve great feats and dedicate himself to the empire, it was not an impossible scenario.

“Of course, the most important thing is his own will…”

That was something he did not need to worry about.

Daniel Steiner would be longing for the position of Chief of Staff more than anyone else.

Author’s Note (Author’s Afterword)

Thank you, Deepfan, for your 50 coin support! This… this kind of affection is embarrassing…! Just kidding. Thank you very much for your support! I will continue to write diligently!

Thank you, Byeolbyeol, for your 3 coin support! Hearing that you find it interesting gives me strength! I will do my best to make it enjoyable for you in the future!

And to all the readers who have read this, thank you!

I hope you are always happy and healthy!

Mosquitoes have started to appear lately, so please be careful of them…!

Then, I’ll see you again tomorrow!