chapter_0228

227 – You Should Have Chosen the Right Bar

227 – You Should Have Chosen the Right Bar

No matter how many times I thought about it, it was clear that this was not simply a question of political views.

Currently, Daniel Steiner’s influence was not an exaggeration to say it rivaled that of the Emperor.

Daniel himself must have been well aware of this fact.

‘Yet, asking me such a question means…’

It was akin to asking whether to cooperate or not.

Pelf, who had never imagined he would be caught up in political strife, hesitated to answer.

As he quietly observed Pelf, Daniel slowly rose from his seat.

“Major Pelf. What do you think is in the national interest?”

This time, it was a relatively easy question to answer.

Taking a deep breath, Pelf steadied his voice and began to speak.

“…I believe that for a soldier, the national interest is to lead battles to victory.”

“Then how does leading battles to victory translate into national interest?”

“There are complex reasons, but when it aligns with strategic objectives, it boosts the morale of the citizens and stabilizes the nation.”

Daniel nodded as if he found it reasonable.

“That’s a good answer. Then let me ask one more thing.”

Stepping away from his desk, Daniel walked over to Pelf and lowered his voice.

“If the enemy of the state is internal, how should a soldier act?”

“That is not within my purview…”

“I asked you, Major Pelf.”

Daniel’s sharp gaze bore down on him like a weight.

Swallowing hard, Pelf forced himself to look straight ahead and spoke.

“…If the internal enemy is a threat to the stability of the state, I believe action should be taken.”

Seemingly pleased with Pelf’s answer, Daniel lightly nodded and turned his body.

“Major. In my view, the internal enemies are corrupt politicians. The late Emperor granted them too much power out of fear of the nobility. This is the result. Those who don’t even know their place are making judgments about military affairs and causing internal strife.”

With every step Daniel took, the sound of his shoes echoed sharply.

“The Imperial Army is competent. Even now, they are struggling against the Republic and the Allied Nations on the front lines. But what are the politicians doing? They are squabbling over interests in the peace created by countless soldiers bleeding and dying on the battlefield. Does this seem normal to you?”

Reaching the window, Daniel looked outside.

The clear weather, devoid of a single cloud, caressed the buildings of the Imperial City.

It was a stark contrast to Penbarch, where it was hard to find a single intact building due to shelling.

“No matter how great our victories may be in the future, these politicians in their cage will only divide into factions and make noise. Do you wish for that, Major?”

Listening to Daniel’s words, Pelf could not help but feel moved.

From a soldier’s perspective, it was hard to view politicians who raised issues while safely positioned in the Imperial City in a favorable light.

“…I also know that many politicians have issues. But isn’t there no way? After all, the members of the party are elected by the people. Suppressing them could be seen as suppressing the populace.”

That was not an incorrect statement.

Without justification, Daniel himself would face backlash.

But he had not spoken these words thoughtlessly.

“Isn’t it enough to convince the people?”

Pelf hesitated for a moment but soon grasped Daniel’s intent.

In the thick silence, Daniel, who had been gazing out the window for a while, issued a command.

“Contact the Central National Party. Daniel Steiner from the General Staff wishes to see the party leader.”

“…The Central National Party?”

“Yes. I intend to make them a proposal.”

After some hesitation, Pelf finally bowed his head toward Daniel.

“I will convey your message.”

He had decided to bet on the belief that Daniel would make the Empire better.

–

That evening, at a tavern on the outskirts of the Imperial City.

“Hey. No matter how much money you’ve received, isn’t it a bit much to mess with Daniel Steiner?”

Malb, the editor-in-chief of the Independent Newspaper Bellbellbell, frowned at the words of his publisher and friend, Darren.

“Why are you suddenly saying this? We accepted the money together, didn’t we?”

“I took it because it was given, but it feels off. After all, it’s Daniel Steiner, right? There are rumors that he removes anyone who gets in his way…”

“Look at this pathetic person!”

Malb let out a laugh as if he couldn’t believe it.

“In his youth, he would have fought in a lion’s den, but now he’s become a coward! It’s so pathetic it almost makes me cry!”

“No, I’m not making things up.”

“Darren! You foolish child! Do you really believe that Daniel Steiner has a private organization? That’s just a rumor made up by gossipers who love to talk.”

Malb clicked his tongue openly and picked up a sausage, taking a bite.

“And why should we be trembling in fear? It’s not like he’s told any lies, right? Besides, no matter how much of a Daniel Steiner he is, he can’t easily attack a journalist.”

“How do you explain the Imperial Daily incident?”

“Come on. During the Imperial Daily incident, it was a rough time because of that stupid Duke Belvar. It’s not like that now, so why are you scared?”

Darren opened his mouth as if he had more to say but simply shrugged his shoulders.

He thought that since they had already received the work and published the article, there was no point in expressing further anxiety.

“Yeah. Maybe you’re right. Since we received a lot of money, I can’t just complain. Huh. I should go get some more drinks.”

With that, Darren stood up and walked toward the restroom.

He seemed quite drunk, staggering as he walked, which looked rather comical.

“Why is this guy who can’t even drink so drunk today…?”

Malb chuckled and ignored it, taking another bite of his sausage.

As he sipped his beer, a man approached from the other side.

A man with dark skin, dressed in a suit like a noble, looked out of place.

Frowning, Malb watched as the man drew closer.

“Why are you coming this way…?”

Muttering in confusion, the man stopped in front of the table.

When Malb looked up, the man took off his fedora and placed it on his chest.

“Nice to meet you. I apologize for the sudden intrusion, but are you Mr. Malb, the editor-in-chief of the Independent Newspaper Bellbellbell?”

The man’s smiling face sent a chill down Malb’s spine without him realizing it.

Malb didn’t understand how this man knew him, but he answered nonetheless.

“Yes, that’s me.”

“I’m glad I found you. May I join you for a moment?”

Before Malb could grant permission, the man sat down across from him.

Not pleased with this, Malb furrowed one eyebrow.

“Hey. The late Emperor enacted an anti-discrimination law, but I’m still not used to dining with black people. So I’d appreciate it if you could leave.”

Despite the insulting remark, the man did not lose his smile.

“I understand. I will ask you just two questions and then leave, so don’t worry.”

“What do you mean you get to ask questions… Ugh. Fine. What do you want to know? Hurry up and get out.”

“Very well. Then I will ask my first question.”

The man placed his fedora on the table as he spoke.

“Why did you publish an article about General Daniel Steiner?”

Malb’s brow furrowed.

“It’s my prerogative as the editor to decide what articles to publish. Are you a fan of Daniel Steiner or something? Did you come here to pick a fight with me?”

“I understand once again. Then here’s my second question.”

The man raised his head and stared quietly at Malb.

“Do you have any intention of correcting the article?”

The man’s cold gaze unknowingly instilled a sense of tension.

However, having already received the money, Malb had no intention of correcting the article.

“Are you trying to threaten me? Did Daniel Steiner send you? I don’t know who you are, but you’d better stop with the nonsense. I’m not afraid of Daniel Steiner.”

“Not afraid, you say.”

The man nodded as if he understood Malb’s words and clapped his hands once.

Just as Malb was wondering what he was up to, Darren, who had gone to the restroom, returned to the table.

The problem was that Darren was not alone.

“Ugh! Ugh!?”

Men in suits were holding Darren’s arms, which were bound with a gag.

Having been caught while using the restroom, Darren, dressed only in his underwear, looked terrified.

“What the… what is going on right now?”

A flustered Malb jumped up from his seat and looked around, shouting.

“Damn it! This crazy bastard is threatening my friend! Anyone, please call the police!”

But no one reacted.

“Didn’t you hear? This black man is trying to kill my friend!”

He shouted again, but the patrons in the tavern ignored him as if he were invisible.

Only the sounds of laughter and chatter continued to fill the air.

It was then that Malb slowly realized, trembling.

All the customers in this tavern were the man’s people.

It felt like the alcohol had completely sobered him up.

As Malb slowly turned his head, he locked eyes with the man who was now standing up.

“How does it feel?”

The man smiled lightly.

“Do you feel fear now?”