I Was Mistaken as a Great War Commander

With Daniel Steiner instantly stripping the Crown Prince of his entire support base, the Crown Prince had no choice but to reluctantly wave the white flag.

Thanks to the Crown Prince relinquishing the succession struggle, Selvia could exercise her influence within the Empire and Imperial Palace without any issues.

Around a month later, Emperor Bertram, who had been observing everything from afar, deemed further waiting meaningless and summoned the Empire’s important figures to the Grand Hall of the Imperial Palace under the pretext of selecting the heir.

Naturally, the “Empire’s important figures” included Daniel Steiner as well.

While being invited to the Imperial Palace when a matter of national importance was to be decided was an immense honor, Daniel himself found the occasion rather uncomfortable.

‘I’d rather return to my quarters, have a cup of coffee, and read a book…’

What was he even doing here on this golden weekend?

Letting out a silent sigh, Daniel surveyed his surroundings.

Inside the Grand Hall of the lavish yet sophisticated Imperial Palace architecture, the court ministers, including Baron Velbar, had all gathered.

Additionally, the core figures of the military, the high-ranking officers, and the ministers responsible for the nation’s affairs stood in rows.

Awkwardly interspersed among them, Daniel felt like he was sitting on a bed of nails.

‘Many seem to be glancing in my direction too…’

Although no one addressed him directly, they were watching Daniel sidelong.

As a mere major, it was only natural for these esteemed figures to give him the stink eye for occupying a place in the Grand Hall of the Imperial Palace.

Thinking it unwise to make eye contact, Daniel steadfastly gazed ahead.

There, Emperor Bertram sat upon the imperial throne, clad in the white uniform symbolizing royalty.

As the saying goes, “Clothes make the man,” for his frail appearance from the bedchamber was nowhere to be found.

“Raise your heads, my children.”

At Bertram’s stern voice, Selvia and Arno, who had been kneeling on one knee upon the red carpet, lifted their heads.

Selvia and Arno, too, wore the white uniform symbolic of royalty.

“I believe you both understand why I have summoned you before these eminent leaders guiding the Empire.”

At Bertram’s words, Selvia and Arno gulped hard.

Although their actions were identical, Selvia was savoring a sense of elation, while Arno felt defeated.

“Due to my worsening illness, everyone here knows that I cannot properly attend to state affairs. So let us dispense with the formalities. Today, my successor shall be born in this place.”

Since everyone was already aware, they remained silent without surprise.

Seemingly pleased by the silence, Bertram let out a low chuckle as he looked down upon his children.

“Are you two prepared to accept my decision?”
“I shall accept it.”

Selvia’s response was immediate.

However, Arno hesitated slightly before speaking.

“I shall… accept it…”

Having received his children’s acquiescence, Bertram nodded once and spoke.

“Then let us now decide the heir. Selvia von Amberg!”

Called upon, Selvia rose from her spot.

Seeing this, Bertram continued.

“I have discerned your ability and foreseen you possess the makings to become the next Emperor. Can you prove that my insight was not mistaken?”
“Yes, Your Imperial Majesty. I shall undoubtedly prove it.”
“Good. In that case, from now on, you must carry on my will and work for the Imperial Family and the Empire. Also, remember to respect the citizens and usher in a righteous reign.”

After addressing Selvia, Bertram surveyed his surroundings.

“And have you all heard? The one who shall succeed me is Princess Selvia von Amberg!”

Since the heir had been decided, he was telling them not to raise any more objections and to pledge their full support to the future Empress, Selvia.

Understanding the Emperor’s intent, they all bowed their heads in unison.

— Yes, Your Imperial Majesty!

Their unified voices resounded majestically within the Grand Hall.

After sweeping them with his sharp gaze, Bertram spoke again.

“Now that the heir has been chosen, I must instruct her in state affairs before it is too late. I intend to entrust Selvia with the regency. What are your thoughts on this?”

At the mention of a regency, a momentary stir rippled through the hall.

As everyone hesitated to respond rashly, Baron Velbar stepped forward and bowed his head.

“Your Majesty. I believe a regency may still be premature for Her Highness the Princess. I humbly think it would be proper for Your Imperial Majesty to continue overseeing state affairs for a bit longer.”
“Baron Velbar. That is rather impudent of you. For someone whose lucid days are fewer than mine, you would have me toil to the grave overseeing state affairs?”

The flustered Baron Velbar lowered his head further.

“I have spoken out of turn, Your Imperial Majesty. Please forgive my disrespect.”

As Velbar took a step back, the others remained silent as well.

After briefly enjoying the quiet, Bertram spoke.

“It seems there are no more objections, so we shall proceed with the regency. From eight days hence, Selvia shall assist me in overseeing state affairs. Take note of this.”

The people in the Grand Hall bowed their heads once more in unison.

— Yes, Your Imperial Majesty!

Having swiftly secured their consent, Bertram waved his hand as if he had said his piece.

“Now, you are all dismissed.”

At Bertram’s words, the ministers and officials bowed their heads and slowly exited the Grand Hall.

Afterward, the officers and businessmen filed out in turn, but Daniel, who held the lowest rank among them, simply stood still, awaiting his turn to leave.

Seated upon the imperial throne, Bertram’s gaze grew pensive as he observed Daniel.

‘Most of those gathered here today must be unaware.’

Those lacking political acumen likely viewed Daniel Steiner as merely Selvia’s closest aide.

A capable steed acting upon the Princess’s orders.

However, having contemplated the incidents that had transpired, Bertram knew better.

Daniel Steiner had not acted according to Selvia’s will but his own established intentions.

‘Hence…’

It was not Selvia herself who had made her the Emperor’s heir today in this place.

Nor was it Bertram, the Emperor.

From beginning to end, it was solely the individual named Daniel Steiner who had taken the lead in everything.

‘The one who claimed to have no interest in politics…’

Finding it absurd, Bertram let out a scornful chuckle and raised his hand, snapping his fingers.

At this, the Lord Chamberlain, who had been waiting nearby, approached.

“Your Majesty. You called for me?”
“Yes. Do you see that man over there? The one with the major’s insignia.”
“Yes, I see him.”
“What is your impression of his outward appearance?”

After blinking silently, the Lord Chamberlain tilted his head.

“In terms of his appearance, he seems a handsome but somewhat frail-looking man. And the dark circles under his eyes suggest he has a heavy workload. He appears to be a young man concerned about this country’s future.”

That Daniel Steiner was concerned about this country’s future? Amused by such a ludicrous statement, Bertram let out a hearty laugh.

Bewildered by the sudden laughter, the Lord Chamberlain broke out in a cold sweat. Suppressing his mirth, Bertram opened his mouth.

“The Lord Chamberlain never fails to amuse me. In any case, go to that man and convey this: Let’s have a little chat at the shooting range.”

Unable to comprehend the laughter’s meaning, the Lord Chamberlain simply nodded obediently.

Shortly after.

Daniel, who had been about to leave, was summoned by the Lord Chamberlain and brought to the shooting range located in one section of the Imperial Palace.

At the firing line of the shooting range, Emperor Bertram held a double-barreled shotgun in his hands.

‘…Why was I called to a place like this?’

Amid the perplexity, a sense of tension arose.

Approaching Bertram with caution, Daniel saluted.

“Your Imperial Majesty. I was told you summoned me.”
“Hm? Ah.”

Upon noticing Daniel, Bertram playfully returned the salute and placed his hand on the shotgun’s trigger.

His gaze was fixed upon the clear blue sky above the grassy field ahead.

“My apologies for the abrupt summons. Tell me, have you ever tried trap shooting?”
“During my cadet days, I merely heard about it from a friend who enjoyed trap shooting.”
“Then you can learn from me this time. Watch closely.”

No sooner had Bertram finished speaking than a whistle sounded, and two clay pigeons soared high into the sky.

Spotting the pigeons instantly, Bertram raised his shotgun and rapidly pulled the trigger.

Bang! Bang!

The scattered shots effortlessly shattered the two clay pigeons.

Satisfied with hitting his targets, Bertram lowered his shotgun.

“It’s a sport like this. Judging by your marksmanship, you’re likely better than me, so it shouldn’t be too difficult.”
“…Your Majesty? May I assume you summoned me here to enjoy shooting together?”
“Of course not. This is merely a trifling activity to foster camaraderie with you.”

As Bertram lowered the shotgun’s barrel, two spent casings popped out and fell to the ground.

Seeing this, an attendant approached Bertram and handed him fresh ammunition.

“My primary purpose in summoning you is to bestow a commendation.”
“…A commendation, you say?”
“Yes. You worked hard for my daughter’s sake this time, didn’t you? As someone who secretly wished for Selvia to become the Empress, I am truly grateful for your efforts.”

After receiving the ammunition from the attendant, Bertram leisurely reloaded the shotgun with practiced motions.

“As such, I intend to commend not only you but also those who assisted you this time. Of course, only if you are amenable to it. So could you tell me who they are?”

With a friendly smile, Bertram raised the barrel to complete the reloading process.

Next, Bertram signaled with his hand, prompting the attendant to step back.

His gaze was once again fixed upon the empty sky above the grassy field, likely awaiting the next clay pigeon’s release.

Regarding his demeanor from the side, Daniel spoke with an air of discomfort.

“Your Majesty? If you’re referring to those who helped me apprehend the Crown Prince’s secret organization, I have nothing more to say beyond sheer luck playing a part.”

A clay pigeon soared into the air.

Instinctively raising his shotgun, Bertram rapidly pulled the trigger.

Simultaneously with the muzzle flash, the two clay pigeons were once again blasted into scattered fragments.

After confirming the hit, Bertram lowered his shotgun, allowing two spent casings to pop out.

“Major Daniel.”

As the casings hit the ground, Bertram shrugged his shoulders and looked towards Daniel.

“I am not asking you a question right now. It is more akin to an order. So I shall ask again.”

A gentle breeze blew in from afar.

After a brief silence, Bertram continued.

“Tell me just what kind of forces assisted you and where they are from.”

Although Bertram’s mouth was still smiling, his eyes had grown coldly stern.

From that subtle change in expression, Daniel could be certain.

‘This is…’

Definitely not a question asked for the purpose of bestowing commendations.