NOVEL WEB Chapter 52
As soon as the day broke, Daniel began preparing to return to the archipelago.
He had certainly drunk a fair bit, but not enough to be hindered the next day, so there was no significant difference in his outward appearance.
If anything, the only difference was that his dark circles were a tad more pronounced.
Regardless, thanks to the consideration of Colonel Kalfren, the assistant to the Army Commander, Daniel’s direct command company was able to board perfectly functioning military vehicles.
Thus, after departing from the Army Command Headquarters, Daniel was able to arrive at the archipelago following a ten-day journey.
As soon as the military jeep carrying Daniel entered the archipelago, the citizens burst into cheers, scattering flower petals they had prepared by hand.
This was all thanks to the news that Daniel had secured negotiations with the kingdom.
Not particularly pleased, Daniel made excuses about being tired and chose not to react.
Of course, the citizens’ warm welcome didn’t diminish just because Daniel didn’t respond.
Even at the entrance of the General Staff Headquarters, citizens had lined up, waving signs with various praise written on them, making Daniel feel a bit dizzy.
However, once he stepped inside the General Staff Headquarters, which was a restricted area for civilians, he felt relieved that they could not follow him inside.
“Hey? Isn’t that Her Highness the Princess over there?”
That was until he heard Prien’s words.
Daniel, who had his eyes closed, opened them to look out the window and let out a low grunt.
Just as Prien had mentioned, Princess Selvia was indeed at the front entrance of the General Staff Headquarters, alongside Colonel Hartman, who was the Chief of Imperial Guard.
‘I have a rough idea of why she’s here…’
But it wasn’t like the Princess had to come and meet him in person, right?
Just as Daniel was pondering this, the jeep at the front began to slowly stop.
As he opened the door and stepped outside, Selvia turned her head from her conversation with Hartman.
Selvia was clad in a uniform that belonged to an imperial officer, but not only was the fabric different, it was a pure white rather than black.
Moreover, where the rank insignia should have been, there was instead a pattern of an eagle symbolizing the royal family.
Considering all the ornate embellishments, it could be said that she was wearing a uniform meant solely for royalty.
They say that grace comes from attire.
As Selvia approached in the royal uniform, not only Prien but even Lucy appeared to be tensed.
Daniel was tense as well, but fatigue from his long journey slightly overshadowed his nerves.
“Your Highness.”
As Daniel saluted, Selvia approached with a carefree smile.
“Why did you take so long to come? I’ve been waiting for you…”
Selvia started to say but suddenly cleared her throat mid-sentence.
It seemed she felt it was inappropriate to say such things in front of so many people.
“Captain Daniel? I’ve heard about your military contributions on the battlefield. I believe my father wishes to see you regarding that?”
“Yes, I’m aware.”
“Then it should be quick. My father wishes to see you at the palace, as the distance isn’t far, we can make it there quickly.”
Now? The surprise caught Daniel off guard, and after a brief silence, he said,
“Your Highness, do you mean right now?”
At Daniel’s question, Selvia sighed softly, looking apologetic.
“I know, I realize this isn’t the right time. But my father is critically ill. He has hardly any clear days within a month. So he wants to see you while he’s still in his right mind.”
Daniel was aware that the Emperor’s illness had worsened, but he hadn’t expected it to be this severe…
‘Still, I didn’t think it was to the point of losing his sanity…’
Thinking that there was no choice, Daniel nodded.
“Understood. I will follow Your Highness.”
“Thank you. And there’s something important I need to discuss with you… No, we can talk about it on the way. Come with me.”
Selvia started walking towards the limousine parked at one side of the General Staff Headquarters.
There, a neatly dressed driver was waiting, bowing slightly while holding the back door open.
Although it was slightly intimidating, Daniel couldn’t ignore the Princess’s suggestion.
Following Selvia, he climbed into the limousine, and as the driver closed the back door and took his seat, he smoothly pressed the accelerator.
As the limousine slowly pulled away from the General Staff Headquarters, Prien let out a sigh and crossed her arms.
“I thought I could at least celebrate your achievements with a party, but as soon as we arrived at the General Staff Headquarters, you were swept away by Her Highness.”
Lucy, standing next to Prien, silently watched the back of the limousine without affirming or denying anything.
Then, as if struck by a sudden idea, she turned to Prien.
“Cadet Prien, were you perhaps quite popular with the boys?”
“Hmm. I wouldn’t say it wasn’t the case. I’ve received a few confessions, after all. But we never actually dated.”
“Then what do you think was the reason for your popularity?”
“Well… perhaps I looked weak? I was quite timid during my time at the church. Maybe they felt like they wanted to protect me. Or…”
Prien shrugged her shoulders once.
“Maybe they thought if they treated me well, they might get a chance? After all, boys are basically wolves. You know how they say men show their instincts when they pretend to be drunk?”
“…Why?”
“Huh? Are you listening to me? A woman who’s drunk is like a defenseless state, right? It’s the easiest time for men to show their instincts… Wait a minute.”
Why am I asking this? As Prien looked at Lucy with a puzzled expression, she furrowed one eyebrow.
“Lieutenant Lucy, you’re not trying to do something to Captain Daniel, are you?”
At Prien’s question, Lucy flinched slightly.
Did she slip up about her mission?
After hesitating, Lucy turned her gaze and mumbled in a small voice.
“…No.”
Seeing her expression, Prien thought,
‘This person really can’t lie to save her life.’
While unsure of what past Lucy was hiding, Prien determined that she was definitely not a spy.
*
The news that the armistice negotiation had been secured by Daniel Steiner naturally reached Nordia.
Upon hearing the news, Hamtal, the leader of the Secret Society Black Crow, immediately convened a council, and the leaders of each branch responded to the summons from the headquarters without fail.
The candles atop the candlesticks adorning the table flickered calmly.
As Hamtal confirmed that all the branch leaders had gathered in the solemn atmosphere, he opened his mouth.
“Thank you for attending despite this sudden summons. You probably have an idea of why I called you together.”
The branch leaders expressed their agreement through silence.
“As you all know, with the success of the armistice negotiations, Nordia is now completely free from the oppression of the kingdom. The citizens no longer need to consider the nobles, and they were cheering.”
A satisfied smile crept across Hamtal’s lips.
“Not only that, but discrimination against colored people has vanished, and taxes have drastically decreased. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that a city for the citizens has been born.”
“All of this is…”
At the words of a man dressed in a black robe, Hamtal nodded.
“Yes. It is a miracle brought about by Daniel Steiner. We all owe him a debt of gratitude, don’t we?”
After a brief hesitation, the branch leaders each nodded in agreement.
It wasn’t an incorrect statement.
“Daniel Steiner has granted us our wish. He has fulfilled our desire, which no one could reach for the past ten years. This is a desire only Daniel Steiner, not a god, could grant.”
With the smile fading, Hamtal narrowed his eyes seriously.
“So now, from this moment on, I intend to repay the favor we owe to Daniel Steiner. What do you all think? Will you continue to consider the favor received as just a matter of course like complacent beasts?”
One by one, the branch leaders shook their heads.
Seeing this, Hamtal raised his voice.
“Then from now on, the Black Crow must operate as the shadow of Daniel Steiner. Preserving his life will undoubtedly benefit us and the world.”
Hamtal believed that Daniel Steiner was a prophet.
While others had dared not speak against the long-standing bad habits for fear of backlash, Daniel Steiner had naturally stepped forward and eliminated them.
But Hamtal knew.
Prophets had always faced persecution from the world.
There was no guarantee that Daniel Steiner wouldn’t face a threat to his life either.
Thus, Hamtal thought to use the power of the Secret Society Black Crow to secure Daniel’s survival.
“Since it seems everyone agrees, let me explain. From now on, the Secret Society Black Crow will transfer its branches to the archipelago. After that, we will thoroughly investigate if there are any factions attempting to slander Daniel Steiner.”
“What will you do if slanderous factions are discovered in that process?”
“I will suppress them by force if necessary.”
Although it could be seen as an overly violent command, the branch leaders merely nodded in understanding.
Some were even smiling.
For the branch leaders who had fought often against the nobles’ soldiers over the past ten years, using force was not an exceptional item.
However, not everyone agreed with Hamtal’s statement.
After pondering deeply, the man in the black robe spoke up.
“However, is it possible to move the branches to the archipelago? We are still citizens of the kingdom…”
The man trailed off mid-sentence.
A faint realization passed through his mind.
“…I see. Now that the kingdom has ceded Nordia, we are now citizens of the Empire. If you wish to change your nationality, you will be accommodated.”
With the danger eliminated, there was no longer any reason to refuse Hamtal’s proposal.
Nodding once at the man, Hamtal looked around at the branch leaders.
“Since the discussions are over, let’s proceed to a vote. Those in favor of the main agenda, raise your glasses.”
As soon as Hamtal finished his statement, the branch leaders lifted their glasses filled with wine.
As the man in the black robe raised his glass as well, the branch leaders chimed in unison with the purpose of the Secret Society Black Crow.
─ For the day when hatred and discrimination that pervades the world shall be eliminated.
Seeing the unanimous agreement among the branch leaders, Hamtal smiled as he raised his glass.
“Also, for Daniel Steiner.”