I Was Mistaken as a Great War Commander - Chapter 125

Basement of a textile factory.

Allied Nations Palentia Branch.

"So you're saying that not only did we fail to inflict damage on Daniel Steiner, but we actually elevated his status?"

Theobalt, the branch head, sitting in a chair in the office, spoke with displeasure.

In response, the informant Platt bowed his head.

"That's the result, yes."

Theobalt sighed deeply at Platt's answer.

They had lent their strength expecting the nobles to succeed in politically isolating Daniel Steiner, but the outcome was miserable.

'Beyond miserable...'

It was troubling that public opinion favorable to Daniel Steiner had formed.

'If this continues, as Count Caledra feared, Daniel Steiner might even take control of the empire.'

Now that Emperor Bertram, who had been the most difficult opponent, had stepped down from governing due to age, the biggest variable for the Allied Nations was not the next emperor, Celvia, but Daniel Steiner.

After all, Daniel Steiner had been interfering with the Allied Nations' plans at every turn, starting from the Eldresia Kingdom incident.

'...We must eliminate him before he gains even more power than he has now.'

If they failed to do so, it was impossible to gauge what damage Daniel Steiner might inflict on the Allied Nations.

Just looking at how he had reversed the nobles' attacks to his advantage, Daniel Steiner was more meticulous and unconventional than expected.

By now, Theobalt fully understood Count Caledra's intention to eliminate Daniel Steiner even at the cost of giving up the connection with the neutral country of Bellanos.

"There's no choice."

Although the Palentia branch, located in the heart of the empire, aimed to operate as covertly as possible, now was the time to take action.

"Platt. I want you to assassinate Daniel Steiner."

At the word assassination, Platt slowly raised his head.

Although Platt was obedient to orders from superiors, assassination was not a word that could be taken lightly.

Especially when the name Daniel Steiner was attached to the word assassination.

"Someone like Daniel Steiner won't easily fall to assassination. If we approach intentionally, he'll certainly be on guard. Moreover, by Daniel Steiner's side is..."

Platt trailed off.

He was unsure whether he should mention the name of the defector, Lucie Emilia, in front of Theobalt.

Knowing what Platt was trying to say, Theobalt chuckled softly.

"Yes. The legendary spy with the codename Red Thread has defected and is protecting Daniel Steiner. As long as that woman is by his side, assassinating Daniel Steiner will be nearly impossible."

No matter how skilled Platt might be at assassination, he was no match for the abilities of Lucie Emilia, who had taken hundreds of lives and was known by the alias Red Reaper.

It was clear that any assassination attempt would be seen through in front of Lucie, who had mastered all assassination techniques.

However, Theobalt hadn't ordered Daniel Steiner's assassination without knowing this.

"Conversely, this means that if Daniel Steiner is separated from Lucie's protection, he can be assassinated at any time."

"That's true, but I understand that Daniel Steiner is a person with strong caution even without Lucie Emilia's protection. I'm not sure if I can break down his guard..."

"You can. Soon, there will be a place where you can naturally approach him."

A place where he could naturally approach Daniel Steiner without Lucie by his side? After pondering for a moment, Platt soon had a realization.

"...Are you referring to the coronation?"

Theobalt nodded.

"Yes. Basically, only those invited by the imperial family can attend, so Lucie won't be there. Also, after the coronation, a banquet is traditionally held. As attending the banquet is a courtesy to the emperor, Daniel Steiner will attend."

A banquet was a social gathering where political and business figures, entangled in complex interests, wore masks and built friendships with each other.

So it wouldn't be strange for political and business figures to try to curry favor with Daniel Steiner, who was emerging as a power in the empire, by presenting various gifts.

Theobalt aimed for precisely this point.

"Platt, you should approach disguised as a low-ranking imperial official who wants to impress Daniel Steiner. If Daniel Steiner shows interest, you just need to give him one gift."

"By gift, you mean?"

"Top-quality whiskey laced with ricin. Given his fondness for whiskey, he'll likely drink it without even suspecting it contains poison."

It certainly had potential.

Even if it failed, it wasn't a particularly dangerous mission for Platt.

In the worst case, Daniel Steiner would simply refuse the gift.

Having heard the entire plan, Platt bowed his head.

"I will carry out the mission."

The day of the coronation.

The cathedral prepared inside the imperial palace.

'It certainly seems to be a major national event...'

Upon arriving in the vehicle sent by the imperial family, there was already a large crowd gathered in front of the cathedral.

Amidst the swarming crowd, a wide red carpet was laid out so long that its end couldn't be seen, and countless individuals who appeared to be imperial guards were lined up on both sides.

All of them were wearing dress uniforms and carrying ceremonial swords, which seemed to represent the authority of the imperial family.

As Daniel was looking at this grand scene through the car window, the door of the back seat opened.

"We have arrived. You may get out now."

Daniel nodded and got out of the car, and someone who appeared to be an imperial chamberlain approached.

"Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner. We've been waiting for you."

As the main entrance of the cathedral could not be used except by Celvia, who was to become the emperor, the chamberlain guided Daniel to the back door.

Entering through the back door of the cathedral, the dome-shaped interior decorated with stained glass was revealed.

Under the stained glass that colored the brilliant sunlight in various hues, numerous high-ranking officials were positioned, quietly engaging in casual conversation in a dignified atmosphere.

Some people cast glances at Daniel, but he didn't react.

He knew their gazes weren't entirely friendly.

"This way."

So Daniel moved, relying on the chamberlain's guidance.

After walking for a while, he joined a group of people wearing military uniforms, which appeared to be a group of soldiers invited by the imperial family.

"Oh! If it isn't our hero, Daniel Steiner!"

As Ernst, the head of the Operations Staff Department, spoke to him first, the surrounding gazes focused on them.

Most of them were generals who carried themselves with an air of importance.

Feeling somewhat burdened, Daniel quietly replied while glancing around.

"...So you were invited too, Department Head."

"Of course. Thanks to you, it seems the imperial family views me favorably. After all, your achievements are my achievements too."

Ernst, who jokingly said he might soon be promoted, was telling Daniel about how things were going when it happened.

"Everyone, please be quiet! Her Highness the Imperial Princess is entering!"

The shout of Lieutenant Colonel Hartman, who was in charge of the chief imperial guard, spread in all directions.

Thanks to this, not only the high-ranking officials in the cathedral but also the political and business figures all stood up at once.

As a strange tension settled in, the doors of the cathedral began to open.

Beyond the open doors, Celvia appeared, wearing ceremonial robes decorated with gold thread and jewels.

Unlike usual, Celvia was wearing an exceptionally long cape, with six maids behind her, dressed in white dresses, holding the cape to prevent it from touching the ground.

"..."

Thinking it was time, Celvia stepped inside, and the choir on the second-floor balcony of the cathedral began to sing along with music.

Aaah─

As sacred music echoed, Celvia crossed the cathedral, treading on the red carpet.

Bertram, who had been watching Celvia's approach with satisfaction while seated on the throne, stood up and removed the golden crown he was wearing.

As the Pope received the crown, Bertram stepped aside, and Celvia went before the old Pope, knelt, and bowed her head.

The Pope proclaimed Celvia as the new emperor of the empire and gave his blessing on behalf of God.

Then, he poured holy oil on Celvia's head and placed the crown symbolizing her status as emperor on her.

Celvia, now wearing the crown, stood up and sat on the throne.

Those who witnessed the birth of the empire's new emperor all knelt and bowed their heads in unison.

From the high-ranking officials symbolizing authority to the commoners who had nothing, all were performing the same action without distinction.

This was one of the rituals symbolically showing that the emperor of the empire ruled over all people.

As the choir's singing ended, everyone gathered in the cathedral shouted as if on cue.

"May eternal glory be upon the reign of His Majesty the Emperor!"

Amidst the united voices ringing out, Emperor Celvia gazed steadily at one particular spot.

A hint of warmth could be felt in the indolent and authoritative gaze characteristic of one who had reached the pinnacle of power.

Where that gaze was directed was the hero of the empire and lieutenant colonel of the General Staff Headquarters.

Daniel Steiner was positioned there.