Mistaken for a War Hero

Chapter 24
I’m Scared

Immediately following the terrorist attack at the banquet hall, also known as the “Aethereum Transference Grenade Assassination Attempt,” the Imperial family mobilized the Imperial Guard and the capital’s military forces to successfully kill or capture the terrorists in the old town.

The terrorists who were not killed were handed over to the military police for interrogation. During this process, Deputy Chief of Operations Cedric Wendel, who was observing for intelligence gathering purposes, heard an interesting story.

“It’s because of that bastard. We failed the mission…”

Rachal, the leader of the terrorists, suddenly spoke up from where he was being tortured in the basement of the military police station.

His eyes were glazed over, and he didn’t seem to fully grasp what he was saying, but the important thing was that he had finally spoken after enduring torture in silence.

As the interrogators murmured amongst themselves, Cedric spoke up.

“Interrogator, give him some water.”

Wendelin, bowing his head in acknowledgement, brought a cup of water and poured it into Rachal’s mouth, who was tied to a chair.

Rachal, who hadn’t had water for days, gasped as soon as the water touched his tongue and tried to drink it.

“Stop.”

At Cedric’s command, Wendelin pulled the cup back.

Rachal hurled insults, but with his limbs bound to the chair, it was a meaningless struggle.

Cedric observed the agitated Rachal for a while, then said with a smile,

“I’d like to hear more detailed information. For example, who this ‘bastard’ is. Then, I wouldn’t mind giving you another cup of water.”

Rachal finally came to his senses and looked straight ahead.

His eyes widened as he recognized the man who had spoken to him.

【Deputy Chief of Operations, Imperial General Staff Headquarters / Brigadier General Cedric Wendel】

A gaunt figure with eyes that almost seemed to have a white sclera.

He was a high-ranking official listed as a top priority assassination target by the Kingdom’s intelligence agency.

Rachal gritted his teeth and his hands trembled, but a captured agent had no power to kill his opponent.

Giving up resistance and relaxing his body, Rachal let out a low chuckle.

“Since you don’t know, it seems it wasn’t even an officially ordered operation. The plan was ruined just because of one man’s suspicion? How absurd…”

His laughter was close to self-deprecation.

“…Daniel Steiner. That bastard saw through our plan. So we had no choice but to change our approach. That’s why we decided to wait in the old town instead of attacking the banquet hall.”

Daniel Steiner. Cedric knew that name well.

He was the one who had recently achieved remarkable feats and even saved Her Highness, so it was impossible not to know him.

But to think that Daniel Steiner was also the first to sense the impending terrorist attack at the banquet hall.

Moreover, according to Rachal, the leader of the terrorists, they had abandoned their original plan and initiated a disadvantageous one to avoid Daniel’s suspicion.

‘Amazing.’

Combat, logistics, operations, espionage, counter-espionage.

He had seen countless young people excel in one area.

War creates heroes. So it was natural for them to demonstrate their abilities in times of war.

But Daniel Steiner was undoubtedly the first to excel in all areas.

‘As they say, you can tell the value of a precious gem just by looking at the rough stone.’

He still needed to observe him further, but Cedric couldn’t doubt Daniel’s abilities.

‘Perhaps…’

Daniel Steiner might be the spearhead that leads the Empire to victory.

***

After unintentionally saving the princess, I was dragged around for a week.

Even when I politely declined invitations, they would summon me almost forcefully, leaving me with no choice.

So, I took photos with countless politicians and dined with members of the Imperial family.

Only after exchanging greetings with so many people that I couldn’t even remember who was who, was I finally able to return to headquarters.

Just when I thought I could finally relax…

“We’re looking for Captain Daniel Steiner. Do you know where he is?”

This time, a group of people in Imperial Guard uniforms barged into the Operations Staff Office.

Leading them was someone with the golden wing insignia on their shoulder, a symbol of the chief bodyguard of the Imperial Guard.

It was a familiar face. He was the first one who came to rescue Sylvia and me at the waste collection center in the old town.

“C-Captain Daniel is over there…”

I could see the people in the staff office looking surprised and flustered.

Feeling sorry for causing a disturbance, I stood up and said,

“I am Daniel Steiner. What brings you here?”

“Oh!” The veteran officer let out a playful exclamation and walked towards me.

“Nice to meet you, Captain Daniel. I’m not sure if you know, but I’m Lieutenant Colonel Hartmann, in charge of the Imperial Guard.”

“How could I not know the legend of the battlefield? Thank you very much for your help the other day.”

“Hahaha! Don’t mention it. I should be the one thanking you! Thanks to you, Her Highness was unharmed.”

His voice was as loud as his stature.

Ernst, who had been working in the Chief of Staff’s office, peeked out and was surprised.

“Lieutenant Colonel Hartmann, what brings you here?”

Although Hartmann was of lower rank, it was Ernst who seemed more cautious.

I understood. If the Imperial Guard suddenly barged into the staff office, I would also be nervous and break out in a cold sweat.

“Ah, Colonel Ernst! I’m here to carry out His Majesty’s orders.”

At the mention of His Majesty’s orders, the blood drained from Ernst’s face.

The fact that the Imperial Guard was here to carry out the Emperor’s orders didn’t sound like a good thing.

“Don’t tell me… someone in our staff office has earned the Imperial family’s displeasure?”

Hartmann blinked in confusion, then burst into hearty laughter.

“How could you say such a thing! That’s not it at all. It’s quite the opposite, actually. I’m here to award Captain Daniel the Order of National Defense on behalf of His Majesty.”

…The Order of National Defense? For me? As I stood there dumbfounded, Ernst, relieved, nodded.

“I see. I thought you would receive it soon, but this is rather quick.”

“The sooner, the better. Isn’t swift reward and punishment the foundation of the Empire? Well, originally, His Majesty should bestow it personally, but as you know, Colonel, he’s quite busy these days with preparations for the northern advance.”

“I understand. Then please proceed.”

Ernst gave me a thumbs up as a gesture of congratulations and stepped back.

While I was still trying to understand what was happening, Hartmann took out an imperial edict from his pocket.

It was shaped like a cylindrical scroll and looked to be made of high-quality material.

With practiced movements, Ernst untied the string and unfolded the edict.

“The master of the Empire declares, Captain Daniel Steiner, hear me!”

Hartmann’s voice boomed, and everyone in the staff office, as if on cue, knelt on one knee. I did the same.

“From the advice of the Central Intelligence Agency and the Military Police, I hear that you detected the spy at the banquet hall early on and engaged in conversation with him, maintaining your suspicion. As a result, they changed their plans, which is considered to have prevented harm to the Empire.”

Me? When did I do that?

“Furthermore, protecting my daughter, Sylvia von Amberg, the radiant light of the Empire, at the risk of your own life, is an act of utmost loyalty and deserves praise. Therefore, I shall bestow upon you the Order of National Defense, 2nd Class, the Gugseon Medal.”

At the mention of the Gugseon Medal, a chill ran down my spine.

As far as I knew, no company-grade officer had ever received the Gugseon Medal.

It meant that I was the first, and all eyes would be on me.

Moreover, even among field officers, only a handful had received the Gugseon Medal.

This meant that the Allied spies would value my life even more.

I glanced at Lucy nearby, and she had an indifferent expression.

Feeling scared, I quickly looked away.

“Rise and raise your head, Captain Daniel Steiner.”

At Hartmann’s words, I stood up.

Then, an Imperial Guard approached with a luxurious box.

The guard opened the box, revealing a medal, a ribbon, and a badge.

Hartmann picked up the badge, the size of a fingernail, and attached it to the left side of my uniform.

“Wearing this badge during peacetime will let everyone know that you are a recipient of the Gugseon Medal, wherever you go. It’s a great honor, so be proud.”

I wasn’t proud at all, but I nodded nonetheless.

Hartmann patted my shoulder and casually said,

“By the way, have you ever considered joining the Imperial Guard? With your skills, I think you could quickly rise to the position of chief bodyguard.”

If I joined the Imperial Guard, escaping the Empire would be nearly impossible.

I forced an awkward smile, not wanting to join at all.

“I believe the Imperial Guard is an honorable institution, but I don’t think it’s the right place for me in the Empire during wartime.”

Hartmann paused for a moment, then nodded in understanding.

“Indeed. A capable young man like you is better suited for the battlefield than the Imperial Guard.”

It felt like my intentions were miscommunicated, but just as I was about to correct him, Hartmann stepped back and chuckled.

“Congratulations! Captain Daniel Steiner, recipient of the Gugseon Medal!”

As the brief ceremony ended, Ernst and the other staff members stood up and applauded me.

Cheers erupted from all directions, but I couldn’t bring myself to feel happy.

“…”

I was terrified of Lucy, who was staring at me from among the personnel department staff.

A cold sweat ran down my back.

‘It seems…’

I needed to escape the Empire as soon as possible.

—————

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