I Was Mistaken as a Great War Commander-Chapter 89

While a large-scale search operation was underway in Vellanos, Princess Selvia spent her time in the expansive indoor garden of the imperial villa.

“…”

Walking along a pathway lined with red and white poinsettias, Selvia’s steps were sluggish.

Her usually bright blue eyes were devoid of life, gazing down at the poinsettias without focus.

From a distance, her maids watched her with concern, whispering amongst themselves.

"Isn’t she going to collapse at this rate?"

"I’m so worried. She’s been skipping meals, saying she’s lost her appetite…"

"Meals aren’t the only issue. I heard the head maid advised Her Highness to retire to her chambers after working on state affairs all day, but she insisted on coming to the villa instead, saying she wasn’t tired."

One of the maids sighed deeply.

"It’s probably because of Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner, right? She’s been like this ever since the diplomatic vessel attack."

"You think so too? I just wish she’d recover soon…"

The maid stopped mid-sentence, closing her mouth abruptly.

The Imperial Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jobenv, was approaching.

The maids quickly bowed their heads as Jobenv addressed them in his characteristic polite tone.

"Ladies, where is Her Highness the Princess?"

"Her Highness is walking along the pathway with the poinsettias," one of the maids replied.

Jobenv turned his head and spotted Selvia, deep in thought as she gazed at the flowers.

Nodding in acknowledgment, he expressed his gratitude with a gesture and walked toward her.

"Your Highness."

Hearing the voice from beside her, Selvia turned her head.

Recognizing Jobenv, she blinked absentmindedly.

"…What brings you here at this hour? I thought the next meeting was tomorrow."

"I apologize for disturbing you, but I’ve come to deliver news from Vellanos."

"Vellanos? Very well. Did the fleet arrive safely?"

Jobenv nodded.

"The Prime Minister of Vellanos accepted the Empire’s demand to open its borders. Refusing would have worsened diplomatic relations with the Empire and drawn accusations of supporting terrorists, so it was the obvious choice."

A faint smile appeared on Jobenv’s lips.

"Thanks to that, the Imperial fleet arrived safely at Tentarbachem, a port city in Vellanos, at eight o’clock this evening. The disembarked troops have commenced a large-scale search operation as per your orders, and the Vellanos government has pledged its cooperation."

Despite the favorable developments, Selvia’s expression remained unchanged.

She had already anticipated these results; what mattered to her now was not the process but the outcome.

Aware of this, Jobenv cleared his throat and spoke again.

"I believe I have good news to share, Your Highness."

"…Good news?"

"Yes. Colonel Hartmann, chief of the Imperial Guard participating in the search, sent a telegram reporting that it’s highly likely Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner is still alive."

Selvia’s lifeless eyes widened in shock.

Frozen in place, she took a deep breath before speaking.

"What do you mean? Please explain in detail."

"Of course. Following the fleet commander’s orders, the troops began their search along the coastline. Considering the possibility that Lieutenant Colonel Steiner might have drifted ashore and survived, searching the coastline was the top priority."

"And?"

"Colonel Hartmann reported finding Lieutenant Colonel Steiner’s military uniform. It appears he changed clothes in a nearby shack and left the uniform behind to conceal his identity."

Swallowing hard, Selvia asked urgently, "What about injuries? Was he hurt?"

"No, Your Highness. The uniform had no tears or bloodstains, indicating he wasn’t injured. Additionally, since he likely walked to Tentarbachem after changing clothes, it suggests he hasn’t suffered any physical impairments."

In short, it was highly probable that Daniel Steiner was alive and active in Tentarbachem, unscathed.

Thank goodness.

Life returned to Selvia’s eyes as she let out a sigh of relief, placing a hand over her chest as if a weight had been lifted.

Thank goodness…

Unbidden, tears welled in her eyes.

The thought that she might see Daniel again filled her heart with overwhelming emotion.

Taking deep breaths to steady her trembling body, Selvia suddenly recalled something odd.

Why had he abandoned his uniform and changed clothes?

If he’d gone to Tentarbachem City Hall in uniform, he could have sought assistance.

Pondering the matter, a realization struck her.

Daniel must have determined there were traitors in Tentarbachem collaborating with the enemy.

If he couldn’t even trust City Hall, concealing his identity made perfect sense.

Poor man…

In Selvia’s eyes, Daniel Steiner was fighting alone in a distant foreign land, unable to distinguish friend from foe.

He must be wandering the streets even now, trembling in fear.

The thought brought tears to her eyes.

Wiping them away with the back of her hand, Selvia turned to Jobenv.

"Relay this to the fleet commander in Tentarbachem."

Her demeanor transformed, her gaze sharp with the authority of a ruler.

"Ensure that Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner’s safety is secured at all costs."

*****

"Haha! Is that really true?"

Contrary to Selvia’s concerns, Daniel was enjoying himself at Lef’s mansion, deep in conversation.

Although he had been momentarily startled to learn that Lef’s father was the Prime Minister, it didn’t seem like a big deal.

After all, as long as he didn’t meet Lef again after today, there would be no further entanglements.

Taking advantage of the invitation, Daniel decided to entertain Lef by sharing various stories. Lef, in turn, seemed to enjoy his tales, openly sharing her own past in return.

"It’s true! How else could I escape from this damned mansion? You have to develop the ability to leap over walls, bribe the staff who are supposed to monitor you, and turn them to your side."

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Hearing the conclusion of Lef’s "Great Mansion Escape," Daniel shook his head with a laugh.

"I couldn’t have gone that far. I probably would’ve resigned myself to my circumstances."

"Resignation is defeat. That’s how I see it."

"That’s a good piece of advice, depending on how you take it. But it seems it’s getting late…"

Glancing at the wall clock, Daniel gave an awkward smile.

"It’s quite late. If we keep talking, we’ll go on until dawn."

"…I’m fine with that. Honestly, I think we get along pretty well. Say, why don’t you stay here for the night? We have plenty of spare rooms. Or better yet, work for us at the mansion. I can arrange a proper identity for you and offer you a generous salary. What do you say?"

It was a tempting offer, but Daniel had no choice but to refuse.

The thought of wandering around the mansion only to encounter the Prime Minister filled him with unease, as it could easily lead to trouble.

"I appreciate the offer, but I must decline both," Daniel replied politely.

Lef’s eyes narrowed at his refusal.

"Fine. So, unlike me, who’s stuck here, you’re a free spirit, huh?"

"I think there’s a misunderstanding. I’d argue that you, who regularly escape the mansion, are closer to true freedom than I am. Freedom, after all, fundamentally stems from resistance against oppression."

Lef let out a small chuckle.

He had a way of turning even unpleasant truths into words that were impossible to dislike.

"Alright, I’ll stop holding you back. I’m sure there’ll be another chance to meet."

At her signal, Lef clapped her hands twice, prompting the butler, Vanbresh, to enter the dining room, holding the eye patch Daniel had worn earlier.

"I’ll escort you back to your accommodations."

Nodding, Daniel rose from his seat.

As he prepared to follow Vanbresh, Lef grabbed his sleeve.

"Wait a second. Don’t you have anything you’d like to say to my damn father? He’s still the Prime Minister, after all. It could be your chance to climb the ladder."

Climb the ladder? Daniel’s life had been far too tumultuous to be swayed by such a superficial notion.

For someone who dreamed of opening a quiet bakery in the countryside, this so-called "opportunity" was unnecessary.

Still, it seemed Lef wouldn’t let him leave without saying something, so Daniel offered a simple response.

"Tell him to govern wisely."

"That’s it? How dull…"

Lef clicked her tongue but nodded as if she instinctively understood there was no point in holding him any longer.

"It was a good time. If we get the chance, let’s meet again."

"Yes, if the opportunity arises."

Daniel bowed politely in response.

Of course, he had absolutely no intention of meeting the Prime Minister’s daughter ever again.

*****

Wearing the eye patch and guided by Vanbresh, Daniel boarded the car. After about an hour’s drive, they arrived at the inn.

"You may remove the eye patch now," Vanbresh said.

Nodding, Daniel removed it, immediately recognizing the familiar structure of the inn outside the window.

Vanbresh opened the car door, and Daniel stepped out naturally.

As Daniel exited, Vanbresh gave a deep bow.

"Thank you."

His overly respectful demeanor conveyed genuine gratitude.

"It’s been a long time since the lady laughed so much. It’s all thanks to you, Mr. Rivelard."

Feeling flustered, Daniel waved his hand dismissively.

"Not at all. It was a meaningful time for me as well, being treated to such exquisite delicacies. And the lady’s wit is quite remarkable—never a dull moment."

"I’m honored you think so. Well then…"

Straightening up, Vanbresh gave one final bow before returning to the car.

As the engine hummed and the vehicle disappeared into the alley, Daniel slipped his sunglasses back on and began walking.

Now…

Thinking it was no longer safe to remain in Tentarbachem, Daniel pushed open the inn’s door.

The moment he stepped inside, a wave of dread washed over him.

In the lobby stood an Imperial officer accompanied by soldiers, arguing with the innkeeper.

"Have you seen this man?"

"I told you, no! Why would someone like that stay at an inn like this?"

"Look again, carefully. You never know…"

In the officer’s hand was a flyer bearing a portrait.

That’s…

Breaking out in a cold sweat, Daniel instantly recognized himself.

He’d suspected the Empire would send troops, but this was far quicker than he’d anticipated.

I can’t be caught here.

Just as Daniel began to retreat quietly—

"Hm?"

Sensing movement, the officer turned his head.

Daniel halted mid-step, instead walking into the inn as naturally as possible.

Attempting to head toward his room, he felt several eyes follow him.

Please…

He prayed silently for a miracle, but none came.

"You there," the officer called, halting Daniel in his tracks.

The officer scrutinized the portrait and Daniel’s face, his expression growing increasingly suspicious as he approached.

"We’re conducting a large-scale search operation. Could you assist us? Do you know a man named Daniel Steiner?"

Daniel clenched his teeth discreetly.

If he were caught, he’d be forcibly returned to the Empire—a place where his adjutant spy sought his life, where fanatical subordinates and a distrustful emperor reigned.

Returning was out of the question.

Taking a deep breath, Daniel turned to the officer, his face composed.

"Hmm. Daniel Steiner…"

Though his mind raced, his decision was swift.

"Who’s that?"

If it had come to this, he would simply play dumb.