Chapter 1: Chapter 1
"Although it wasn't my intention, I joined the military at a young age.
At that time, after awakening the memories of my past life, I realized that this world was the setting of a game and worked tirelessly to survive.
〖Demon of the Battlefield〗
〖Sharpshooter of Enchanted Bullets〗
〖The Emperor's Mad Dog〗
As a result, I earned fearsome titles that were attached to my name.
Although they weren't titles I sought after, I was somewhat content with them.
What was there to complain about when my enemies feared me and my allies praised me?
However, I couldn't continue being the emperor's lackey forever.
『The Empire will be defeated by the Allied Nations.』
The future, which could be summarized in a single line, was gradually becoming a reality.
Perhaps that's why I was inwardly glad to face the emperor after losing a battle.
If the emperor reprimanded me, I could simply bow down, apologize, and resign.
After that, I could wash my identity clean and escape to some remote island, and everything would be perfect.
'I've saved up a decent amount of money. If worse comes to worst, I can sell military secrets to the Allied Nations.'
I was done with the exhaustion of the battlefield. From now on, I planned to live a rosy life.
It was almost amusing, but since I had been summoned to the emperor's presence, I had no choice but to wear a guilty expression.
"Raise your head, Daniel Steiner."
At the emperor's command, calling my name while seated on the throne, I lifted my head.
Selvia von Amberg.
She was the empress who held absolute power over the empire and a tyrant who treated human lives like flies.
Naturally, her personality was abominable, and her only redeeming quality was her stunning appearance.
Even now, I couldn't help but be drawn to her azure eyes, reminiscent of lapis lazuli, and her golden hair, like sunbeams in spring.
"You returned from the Battle of Sceolan after retreating three divisions, including the Mage Corps. This is a significant loss for the empire and a historical blunder."
Good. All the emperor had to do now was reprimand me!
Using the excuse of being reprimanded by the emperor, I could escape from the military and begin a happy, carefree life!
"However, considering that the Battle of Sceolan was initiated by the enemy's surprise attack, that there were communication errors in delivering orders, and that despite the retreat, your efforts minimized the damage, I acknowledge your contributions as a commander."
And yet.
"Taking everything into account, I will bestow upon you the Empire's highest military honor, the White Dragon Medal of Valor."
For some reason, the emperor didn't seem to have the slightest intention of letting me go."