Mistaken for a War Hero

Chapter 53
He’s a True Wolf

『 Translator – Divinity 』

I sat in the backseat of the limousine and took a deep breath.

The leather seat, covered in luxurious velvet, felt soft and comfortable.

It was a sensation I could never experience in a military vehicle, but I couldn’t bring myself to feel happy.

Sitting right next to me was the princess, one of the most esteemed figures in the Empire.

‘…Even if it’s a summons from His Majesty, was it really necessary for the princess to come in person?’

As my bewilderment grew, Sylvia looked away from the window and turned to me.

Her clear blue eyes, like the calm sea, narrowed with a serious expression, as if she had something to say.

“Major Daniel.”

Lowering her voice, Sylvia whispered just loud enough for me to hear,

“I hate to say this to someone who just returned from the battlefield, but I don’t think I’ll have another chance, so I’ll speak freely, even if it’s rude.”

I had a feeling this wasn’t good.

Just as I sensed an ominous atmosphere, Sylvia continued,

“There are constant attacks against me in the capital right now. To be precise, they’re attacks against my support base. I wouldn’t mind if it were just attacks using the media, but…”

Sylvia let out a soft sigh.

“It’s becoming increasingly excessive, and recently, they’ve even started threatening the lives of politicians who support me. It’s obviously my brother’s doing.”

As I listened silently, Sylvia clenched her jaw.

“Their movements are organized and systematic. There must be a leader somewhere giving them orders. But no matter how much I search within the capital, I can’t find them.”

“Then…”

“Yes, they must be giving orders from a safe place outside the capital. They’re siding with my brother, manipulating the media, and trying to shake my support base. Those disgusting bastards…”

Sylvia frowned in frustration.

From what I heard, this was the so-called succession struggle to become the Emperor.

A fierce battle was being waged beneath the surface, unbeknownst to ordinary citizens.

In modern political terms, it was like a power struggle between election camps.

The problem was that this wasn’t the modern era, but the early 20th century.

Considering the times, they would surely resort to not only radical propaganda but also violence.

I wanted to avoid getting involved at all costs.

However, the fact that Sylvia was telling me all this meant only one thing.

‘She’s trying to recruit me…’

If she could win over the hero of the Empire, she could not only solidify her support base but also strengthen her legitimacy to become Empress.

Sylvia’s intentions were crystal clear, but I couldn’t accept her offer.

‘I’m already struggling to survive, and now she wants me to make the prince my enemy?’

If I accepted the princess’s offer, it would be like signing up for a double assassination event.

‘But if I refuse directly, I’ll earn the resentment of Sylvia, the future Empress…’

As I was calculating in my head, Sylvia, having calmed her anger, looked up at me.

Her eyes, filled with a kind of expectation, were very burdensome.

“Major Daniel? So, what I wanted to say is…”

No…! The moment the words “join me” left Sylvia’s mouth, there would be no turning back!

Desperate, I blurted out the first thing that came to mind,

“Your Highness, you’ve become even more beautiful since I last saw you.”

Sylvia blinked in surprise at the sudden compliment about her appearance.

“Ah, yes?”

Now, while she was frozen in confusion, was the perfect time to change the subject.

Breaking out in a cold sweat, I leaned towards Sylvia as naturally as possible.

“It seems I’ve been on the battlefield for quite a while. I didn’t even realize how beautiful you’ve become.”

Sylvia’s mouth opened slightly.

Her cheeks were flushed, perhaps embarrassed by the repeated compliments about her appearance.

Thinking that this was it, I pressed on.

“Your Highness, do you remember when you were disguised as a war correspondent and we had that conversation?”

“…I remember.”

“That’s a relief. I was worried that the memory we shared would fade. If you were an innocent girl back then, you’ve become a very elegant lady now.”

As I spoke with a smile, Sylvia blushed and looked away.

She closed her eyes tightly, then opened them and glared at me.

“Stop with the strange comments. As I said before, you’re getting too close.”

“I apologize if I was being disrespectful.”

Sylvia fidgeted with her fingers and coughed awkwardly, then muttered,

“…I didn’t say you were being disrespectful.”

I chuckled softly at her blunt words and leaned back.

An awkward silence fell between Sylvia and me.

That awkward silence was a relief.

The conversation didn’t continue.

‘I survived…’

I was relieved that I had narrowly escaped being dragged into the succession struggle.

However, I was a bit worried that I had flirted with the future Empress.

***

After arriving at the Imperial Palace, Daniel went through a brief body search and was led to where the Emperor was.

Sylvia didn’t accompany me, as she seemed to have other plans, so the Emperor’s personal attendant guided me instead.

And the place I was led to wasn’t the audience chamber, but the Emperor’s bedroom.

The reason was that His Majesty wasn’t well enough to dress up and come out to the audience chamber.

“Your Majesty, Major Daniel Steiner has arrived.”

The attendant knocked and announced, and a moment later, a reply came.

“Enter.”

The attendant opened the door.

The Emperor’s bedroom was simpler than I expected.

Except for the luxurious furniture and bed, and the surprisingly spacious room, there weren’t many extravagant items.

The Emperor was sitting at a table in the center of the room, playing chess. Seeing the rank of the person sitting across from him, Daniel was startled.

Four stars were displayed on his shoulder epaulets.

He was Johannes Kuntz, the highest-ranking general and the Captain of the Imperial Guard, with an impressive mustache extending to both sides.

He was also the person the current Emperor trusted the most.

After confirming Johannes’ face, Daniel turned his gaze to the Emperor.

He was so thin that it seemed like there was barely any flesh on his bones, but his spirit remained strong.

Bertram von Amberg.

The undisputed ruler of the Empire and the enlightened monarch who made the current Empire possible.

Standing before these two prominent figures, Daniel felt tense.

He walked forward nervously and saluted.

“Your Majesty! I have arrived in response to your summons—”

“Just come here.”

Daniel, his words cut off, nodded awkwardly and approached Bertram.

Bertram looked down at the chessboard and stroked his short beard.

“Do you play chess?”

“…I’ve learned a bit by watching others.”

“Is that so? Then what do you think of this situation? It seems I’m at a disadvantage.”

Daniel glanced at the chessboard and answered cautiously,

“Your Majesty, in my humble opinion, it’s not Your Majesty who is at a disadvantage, but the Captain of the Imperial Guard.”

“Hmm? You think the Captain of the Guard is at a disadvantage when I have far fewer pieces?”

“Yes, sir.”

Bertram playfully glared at Johannes, the Captain of the Imperial Guard.

“He says so.”

“Haha, perhaps he’s right.”

As Johannes laughed it off, Bertram looked back at Daniel.

“Alright, Major Daniel. Then explain why I have the advantage.”

“Understood. Then, first, let’s assume His Majesty’s rook captures the pawn on the left. That would be a check, correct? Since His Majesty’s queen is on the diagonal, the Captain of the Guard’s king must move to g8 to avoid it.”

“Mm-hmm, that’s right.”

“If the rook returns to its original position, it would be another check. And if the king captures the rook, it will be attacked by the queen. So the king has no choice but to move to h8. Repeating this…”

Johannes, listening to the explanation, raised both hands in disbelief.

“Oh dear, it seems I’ve lost. My pieces will surely be captured. His Majesty wins.”

“To be precise, it’s Major Daniel’s victory. What a brilliant strategy. I’m quite impressed.”

“Indeed. You would have made a great chess player.”

Johannes shrugged and stood up.

Seeing this, Daniel took two steps back and knelt on one knee.

He knew that the chess game was over, and it was time to get down to business.

As Johannes started clearing the chessboard, Bertram turned and looked down at Daniel.

“Major Daniel, not only did you capture Nordia, but you also concluded the peace negotiations with the Kingdom. On behalf of the Empire, I thank you for your service.”

“I am honored, Your Majesty.”

“It’s too early to be honored. I have something for you. Johannes?”

At Bertram’s words, Johannes, who had finished clearing the chessboard, picked up a box from beside the table.

He opened the box, revealing a medal.

It was the Golden Cross Medal, the Empire’s highest decoration for diplomatic service.

Daniel couldn’t refuse, as his achievements were undeniable.

“Rise.”

Daniel stood up at Johannes’ words.

Johannes patted Daniel’s shoulder and pinned the medal on his chest.

“As far as I know, the Golden Cross Medal has never been awarded to someone as young as you. This shows how much you have achieved.”

After giving these congratulatory words and patting Daniel’s shoulder once again, Johannes stepped back.

As Johannes retreated, Daniel knelt on one knee again.

This was because Emperor Bertram was watching him.

“I won’t repeat the praises for your achievements, as you must have heard them from all directions already. Instead, let me ask you about a pressing issue.”

“What pressing issue, Your Majesty?”

“Who do you think is more fit to be Emperor, my daughter or my son? In my opinion, neither of them seems quite suitable.”

A cold sweat ran down Daniel’s back.

He had barely managed to deflect the princess’s advances, and now the Emperor himself was asking him this question.

Daniel racked his brain and finally bowed his head, saying,

“I cannot express my opinion, Your Majesty.”

“What? Are you refusing to answer my question?”

As Bertram’s voice sharpened, Daniel hurriedly exclaimed,

“Your Majesty! That’s not what I meant. I am a soldier of the Empire. It is stated in the Empire’s laws that soldiers must maintain political neutrality. Therefore, if I were to express my opinion, I would be disrespecting not only Your Majesty but also the esteemed laws of the Empire.”

Daniel bowed his head even lower.

“Therefore, if you wish to hear my answer, I believe it would be appropriate to relieve me of my military status. Only then can I answer truthfully according to my conscience.”

Hearing Daniel’s answer, Bertram’s lips curled into a faint smile.

‘What a clever fellow.’

He was using the Empire’s laws as an excuse not to answer, threatening that even the Emperor couldn’t force him to answer without undermining the foundation of the Empire.

His argument was sound and logical, making it impossible for even the Emperor to refute it.

And since he couldn’t order Daniel to take off his uniform, Bertram was in a perfect bind.

In the end, Bertram raised the white flag and chuckled softly.

“I think I understand what kind of person you are. You must be tired, so you’re dismissed.”

“…Yes, Your Majesty.”

Although he was suspicious of the Emperor’s words, Daniel couldn’t refuse the order.

He stood up, saluted, and turned to leave the room.

Watching him go, Bertram said with a lingering smile,

“Do you see? His true nature.”

“To some extent, yes.”

When first asked for advice on the chess game, Daniel had feigned a flustered look, but then he spoke frankly to Bertram.

“An ordinary person, even if they knew the answer, would have pretended not to know. They wouldn’t want to offend me by helping a weakened Emperor.”

“Indeed. Most people would try to walk a tightrope. But Daniel didn’t.”

“It’s a good quality for a soldier to be able to express his opinion confidently without hesitation. But he remained silent when asked about the prince and princess.”

Bertram nodded and chuckled with amusement.

“It means he only bows his head to those he acknowledges. I am the undisputed ruler of the Empire, but my children are not. He must be carefully considering who to support.”

Bertram took a sip of water from the glass on the table and continued,

“In my opinion, he’s a wolf. Loyal only to the strong. But wolves are known to bite if they perceive their leader as weak.”

Johannes gulped.

“Your Majesty, are you saying…”

“Yes. He’s capable, but he’s a double-edged sword, difficult to handle. I don’t know which of my children will wield him, but the moment they show weakness, they will be bitten.”

In Bertram’s eyes, Daniel’s chilling gaze resembled that of his grandfather, who had usurped the throne.

Bertram put down his cup and looked at Johannes.

“Therefore, you must protect my children and ensure that this wolf doesn’t bare its fangs. Make sure that the Empire doesn’t fall into his hands.”

Johannes nodded and looked at the spot where Daniel had been standing.

‘A wolf that will devour the Empire…’

He wondered if it was just the Emperor’s baseless worry, but then, recalling Daniel’s gaze, he felt a chill.

Unconsciously tightening his grip on the sword at his hip, Johannes thought to himself that he hoped all these predictions were just the Emperor’s groundless fears.

———–

TL/N: This is the longest chapter of the series yet. Haa~