I Was Mistaken as a Great War Commander

Two weeks later.

Although Daniel had been promoted to colonel, his duties themselves did not change significantly.

Aside from being able to handle more classified information than usual, his role as an operations staff officer remained unchanged.

For Daniel, who had worried about getting entangled in strange incidents, this was truly fortunate.

Inwardly relieved that his peaceful daily routine continued, Daniel thought to himself that he should lay low for the time being.

However, despite Daniel’s resolution, a summons arrived from the Imperial Family.

More precisely, it was a summons from the future Empress, Selvia.

[“If you have time, please visit the Imperial Palace.”]

These were the words written on the letter delivered by a chambermaid from the Imperial Chamberlain’s Office just as Daniel was about to leave work.

Although perplexed, since it seemed Selvia had urgent matters to discuss, Daniel conveyed his intention to visit now and followed the chambermaid.

Upon exiting the General Staff Headquarters, Daniel noticed a luxury sedan parked outside.

It was an Imperial carriage sent by Selvia, who knew Daniel could not refuse.

Letting out a wry chuckle, Daniel boarded the sedan, which then headed for the Imperial Palace.

After arriving at the Imperial Palace and disembarking from the sedan, Daniel followed the chambermaid into a detached palace, which was just as massive as the main palace, necessitating her guidance as they proceeded through the corridors.

After turning through several corridors, they reached a vast indoor garden.

Warm air flowed through the indoor garden, where ornamental plants and flowers bloomed in vibrant colors, and herbs like lavender and rosemary emitted a faint fragrance.

It was truly a terrestrial paradise created with immense labor and wealth.

Newly struck by the Imperial Family’s formidable resources, Daniel paused as he moved further inside the garden.

For he had spotted Selvia kneeling on the garden’s open grounds, playing with a dog.

“Good, well done.”

With a sharp gaze, Selvia gently stroked the dog’s head.

The dog was an impressively sleek and muscular Doberman Pinscher.

Had Selvia acquired a dog? As Daniel approached, the Doberman turned its head.

Grrrr.

It then bared its fangs, scrutinizing Daniel warily.

Causing Selvia, who had turned her gaze towards him, to notice Daniel’s presence.

With a thin smile, Selvia stroked the Doberman’s head and spoke.

“Don’t be wary. He’s a friend of mine.”

At this, the Doberman ceased its growling, as if understanding her words.

Finding this rather astonishing, Daniel spoke up.

“It’s very obedient, isn’t it?”
“Dobermans are known for their loyalty. Additionally, they are more intelligent than other breeds and have a sleek, handsome appearance, making them quite popular these days. So I acquired one as well.”

With a soft chuckle, Selvia lightly pinched the Doberman’s cheek.

“This one probably doesn’t mind being sold to the Imperial Family either. Not only is it well-fed, but it’s also doted upon by countless chambermaids daily. Moreover, its owner will become the Empire’s next Emperor, so one could say it’s truly fortunate.”

Releasing the Doberman’s cheek, Selvia rose and lightly turned her body.

Allowing Daniel to notice the red cape she wore over her left shoulder.

The red cape, made from what appeared to be premium fabric, featured an embroidered eagle crest in gold thread, exuding an aura of presence.

This shoulder cape was a ceremonial robe and symbol of authority bestowed upon the next Emperor.

Aware of Daniel’s gaze, Selvia narrowed her eyes softly.

“What does Colonel Daniel think?”
“…About what, may I ask?”
“About whether this Doberman is content with its current situation.”

From Selvia’s question, Daniel felt she was somehow probing him in a way.

‘She’s being evasive as always…’

Reminded of the Emperor’s attitude, Daniel replied solemnly.

“I think it would depend on the Doberman’s aspirations and temperament.”

After a momentary silence at Daniel’s meaningful response, Selvia nodded and gestured towards a nearby table.

On the table were expensive pastries and two cups of hot coffee.

“Let’s set aside the discussion about dogs for now and have some coffee, shall we?”
“I shall accept your kind offer.”

Placing his hand over his chest to express gratitude, Daniel walked with Selvia towards the table.

Selvia took a seat first, and Daniel sat across from her.

After needlessly adjusting his attire, Daniel examined Selvia’s face.

‘She’s wearing makeup…’

While light enough to be barely noticeable, the difference was evident to Daniel.

‘Well, with the regency beginning, she’ll have to make public appearances…’

Wearing subtle makeup would be beneficial in numerous ways.

However, contrary to Daniel’s expectations, Selvia’s fundamental reason for wearing makeup was not that.

Savoring the aroma of her coffee while scrutinizing Daniel’s face, Selvia felt inwardly dissatisfied.

‘I took the trouble to doll myself up today…’

She had asked the head chambermaid to apply makeup popular with men, even wearing earrings to enhance her looks without being overly ostentatious, yet Daniel seemed oblivious.

‘Oh well…’

Her intention for this meeting was not to attract Daniel’s romantic interest, so it didn’t matter much.

After taking a sip of coffee and setting down her cup, Selvia spoke.

“Colonel Daniel. Are you particularly interested in international affairs?”

Likewise taking a sip, Daniel set down his cup.

“Given my profession, I constantly maintain an interest.”
“Then you must be aware that the Republic and Federation have recently sided with the Allied Nations in condemning the Empire.”
“Yes, regrettably so.”

Ever since Count Calredra had advocated fighting against the Empire two weeks prior, the international community had been slowly turning its back on the Empire.

In a sense, it was only natural.

No nation in this world desires the emergence of a overwhelmingly dominant superpower.

And if that potential superpower, the Empire, was additionally embroiled in war? The other powers could only conclude that they would be next if the Allied Nations fell.

Fear begets war.

The great powers had no choice but to take up arms and subdue the Empire before it grew too powerful.

“The Empire cannot avoid a world war.”

By now, not only the Imperial military but also the Imperial ministers and cabinet members must have noticed the world’s concerning trajectory.

This was not merely a concern for the upper echelons.

Through news outlets, Imperial citizens had also heard about the Empire’s gradual isolation.

It was highly likely that everyone was still reeling from the shock of having to wage war against the world.

However, Selvia, the future Empress, could maintain her composure amidst these developments.

Thanks to Daniel, she had already known a world war was imminent.

“In that case…”

Selvia regarded Daniel with a serious gaze.

“We must begin preparations for the world war. It will be too late if we wait until after the Republic and Federation join the conflict.”
“Do you have any specific plans in mind?”
“No specific plans, but we must do what we can. First, we need to raise taxes to increase our budget… but we cannot raise them excessively.”

The prolonged war had already gradually increased the citizens’ fatigue.

Raising taxes excessively at this juncture could breed distrust towards the nation.

In the worst case, riots or civil war might even break out, so utmost caution was necessary.

“Since there are limits to taxation, I plan to issue war bonds. The problem is that it won’t be easy to get civilians to purchase these war bonds.”
“Because many citizens do not wish for the war to continue any further.”
“Exactly. So what I’m currently considering is appointing a public speaker who can explain to the citizens why the war must continue, in conjunction with issuing the bonds. What are your thoughts, Colonel Daniel?”

Without any particular objections, Daniel nodded.

“It’s a good approach. Since gaining public trust is essential, bond issuance and public speaking are bound to be closely related. Then the selection of the public speaker becomes crucial.”
“That’s my concern as well. Who would be a suitable orator?”
“If I may offer my advice, seek someone who has recently achieved military or political accomplishments. Someone the citizens can easily recall when mentioned.”

Selvia nodded.

“And?”
“It would be better if the orator has an appealing appearance. I don’t mean they have to be handsome. They should have a demeanor that most people find agreeable. Humans tend to rely on visuals, so they are more likely to trust the words of someone with a neat appearance over someone who lacks it.”

Leaning forward, Selvia placed her hands on the table.

“Hmm. Any other criteria?”
“To leverage authority and charisma, it might be a good idea to present someone from the military. It would be even better if they have actual combat experience. Even if some falsehoods must be mixed in to sell the bonds, the citizens would not perceive their words as lies…”

Realizing something amiss mid-sentence, Daniel fell silent.

From the logical points he had laid out, it seemed apparent who the most suitable orator would be.

‘Could it be…’

Had Selvia summoned him from the very beginning with this intention?

Just as Daniel broke out in a cold sweat, sensing Selvia’s gaze becoming increasingly intent, she spoke.

“Colonel Daniel.”

Her viscous tone made Daniel doubt his hearing.

With half-lidded eyes, Selvia licked her lips with an intrigued expression.

“In my view, you seem to meet all the criteria.”

Causing Daniel to feel an urge to scream.