I Was Mistaken as a Great War Commander-Chapter 125

Underground Weaving Factory

Pallentia Branch, Allied Nations

“So, in the end, instead of dealing a blow to Daniel Steiner, we actually elevated his status?”

Seated in the office chair, Branch Director Theobald spoke with evident displeasure.

Before him, the informant, Platt, lowered his head.

“If you look at the results, yes.”

Theobald let out a low sigh at Platt’s response.

They had believed that supporting the nobility’s efforts to politically isolate Daniel Steiner would be successful, yet the outcome had been disastrous.

‘Beyond disastrous...’

A public opinion favorable to Daniel Steiner had formed, making the situation even more difficult.

‘If this continues, Count Kaledra’s fears might come true—Daniel Steiner could seize control of the Empire.’

With their most formidable opponent, Emperor Bertham, now too old to govern effectively, the biggest variable for the Allied Nations was not the next emperor, Princess Selvia, but Daniel Steiner.

From his intervention in Eldresia’s affairs to his continuous disruption of Allied strategies, Daniel Steiner had persistently thwarted their plans.

‘...He must be eliminated before he gains even more power.’

If they failed to act, there was no telling what kind of damage Daniel Steiner could inflict upon the Allied Nations.

Just from the way he turned the nobility’s attacks to his advantage, it was clear—Daniel Steiner was more meticulous and unpredictable than they had anticipated.

Now, it was easy to understand why Count Kaledra had been willing to abandon their connection to the neutral state of Belanos just to eliminate Daniel Steiner.

“There’s no other choice.”

Pallentia Branch, located in the very heart of the Empire’s capital, had always operated under the principle of utmost secrecy. But now was the time to act.

“Platt. You will assassinate Daniel Steiner.”

At the mention of assassination, Platt slowly lifted his head.

Though he was accustomed to following orders from higher-ups, this was not a command he could simply acknowledge and move past.

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

“A person like Daniel Steiner wouldn’t fall victim to an assassination so easily. If anyone approaches him intentionally, he will certainly be on guard. Furthermore, by his side...”

Platt hesitated.

He wasn’t sure if he should mention Lucy Emilia, the notorious traitor, in front of Theobald.

Understanding what Platt was about to say, Theobald let out a low chuckle.

“Yes, the legendary spy with ◈ Nоvеlіgһт ◈ (Continue reading) the codename ‘Red Silk’ defected and now guards Daniel Steiner. As long as that woman remains by his side, his assassination will be nearly impossible.”

No matter how skilled Platt was in assassination, he was no match for Lucy Emilia, the woman once known as the Crimson Reaper, a killer responsible for hundreds of deaths.

She had mastered every assassination technique known, and any attempt to eliminate Daniel Steiner in her presence would be instantly detected.

But Theobald had not given the order without understanding that fact.

“On the other hand, if Daniel Steiner is separated from Lucy’s protection, he becomes a viable target.”

“That is true, but even without Lucy Emilia’s protection, Daniel Steiner is known to be extremely cautious. I don’t know if I can lower his guard...”

“You can. Soon, there will be a perfect opportunity to approach him naturally.”

A place where Daniel Steiner would be vulnerable, without Lucy by his side?

Platt thought deeply before a realization dawned upon him.

“...The coronation ceremony?”

Theobald nodded.

“Exactly. Only those invited by the Imperial Family can attend, meaning Lucy won’t be present. Additionally, after the coronation, there will be a customary banquet. Since attending the banquet is an expected courtesy to the new emperor, Daniel Steiner will be there.”

Banquets were social battlegrounds where political and business figures, tangled in a web of interests, wore masks of civility and strengthened their ties.

It wouldn’t be unusual for these elite figures to present gifts to Daniel Steiner, who was rising as a powerful force within the Empire.

And that was precisely what Theobald intended to exploit.

“Platt, you will disguise yourself as a minor imperial official eager to curry favor with Daniel Steiner. If he shows interest, all you need to do is offer him a simple gift.”

“A gift? What kind of gift?”

“A bottle of the finest whiskey—laced with ricin.”

Ricin.

A highly lethal poison.

Considering Daniel Steiner’s well-known taste for whiskey, he wouldn’t suspect a thing.

There was indeed a strong chance of success.

Even in the worst-case scenario—where Daniel Steiner refused the gift—the mission carried no great risk for Platt.

Having listened to the full plan, Platt bowed his head.

“I will carry out the mission.”

****

The Day of the Coronation

Grand Cathedral, Imperial Palace

‘It certainly seems like a significant national event...’

Arriving in a royal carriage sent by the palace, Daniel Steiner took in the scene outside the grand cathedral.

A vast crowd had already gathered before its towering façade.

A long, luxurious red carpet stretched endlessly, flanked on both sides by an uncountable number of Imperial Guards, all clad in full-dress uniforms and ceremonial swords.

The sheer number of guards and their perfectly coordinated formation embodied the majesty of the Imperial Family.

As Daniel watched the grand spectacle unfold through the car window, the door beside him opened.

“We have arrived. You may step out now.”

Daniel nodded before stepping out of the vehicle.

As soon as he did, a palace official approached him.

“Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner. We have been expecting you.”

Since only Princess Selvia—the soon-to-be emperor—was permitted to use the cathedral’s main entrance, the palace official led Daniel through the back entrance.

Upon stepping inside, he was greeted by the sight of a vast domed interior, adorned with stunning stained-glass windows.

The sunlight filtering through the stained glass bathed the space in brilliant colors, casting a sacred glow upon the numerous high-ranking officials gathered below.

Despite the subdued and dignified atmosphere, quiet conversations filled the space.

Several individuals turned their gazes toward Daniel, but he paid them no heed.

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He knew all too well that their expressions were not entirely welcoming.

“This way.”

Following the palace official’s guidance, Daniel walked forward.

After a short distance, he found himself among a group of uniformed officers—military personnel who had also been invited by the Imperial Family.

“Oh! If it isn’t our hero, Daniel Steiner!”

The voice belonged to Ernst, the Chief of the Operations Staff. His enthusiastic greeting immediately drew attention.

The surrounding officers were mostly generals, men accustomed to carrying themselves with pride and authority.

Finding the sudden attention somewhat burdensome, Daniel kept his response brief, glancing around cautiously.

“...It seems you received an invitation as well, sir.”

“Of course. Thanks to you, the Imperial Family seems to view me favorably. After all, your achievements are also a reflection of my own.”

Ernst let out a hearty laugh, joking that he might be up for a promotion soon.

As he continued sharing bits of gossip about the political landscape, a sharp voice suddenly rang out across the cathedral.

“Silence, all! Her Highness, the Imperial Princess, is entering!”

The words came from Lieutenant Colonel Hartmann, the chief bodyguard of the Imperial Guard.

Immediately, the high-ranking officials and influential figures within the cathedral all rose from their seats.

A peculiar tension filled the air as the grand doors of the cathedral slowly swung open.

Beyond the threshold, Princess Selvia appeared, dressed in ceremonial robes woven with gold thread and adorned with precious gems.

Unlike her usual attire, she wore an exceptionally long mantle, carried by six attendants clad in white gowns, ensuring that the fabric never touched the ground.

“......”

The moment Selvia stepped forward, the choir stationed on the second-floor balcony began to sing, accompanied by an orchestral performance.

Aaaaa—

The sacred hymn resonated throughout the grand cathedral as Selvia strode across the crimson carpet, making her way toward the altar.

From his throne, Emperor Bertham watched her with satisfaction, a pleased smile on his face.

Then, rising from his seat, he removed the golden crown from his head.

The Pope, standing solemnly beside the throne, accepted the crown from Bertham, who then stepped aside.

Selvia knelt before the aged Pope, bowing her head.

In a clear, unwavering voice, the Pope proclaimed her the new Emperor of the Empire and bestowed the blessings of the divine upon her.

Following the proclamation, he anointed her forehead with sacred oil before placing the golden crown upon her head—an undeniable symbol of imperial authority.

Crowned at last, Selvia rose from her kneeling position and ascended the throne.

At that moment, the gathered nobles, officials, and commoners alike all fell to their knees, lowering their heads in unison.

From the highest-ranking aristocrats to the most impoverished peasants, none were exempt from this act of reverence.

It was a deeply symbolic gesture, a ritual reaffirming the emperor’s divine right to rule over all.

As the choir’s hymn reached its final notes, the entire assembly raised their voices as one.

“Eternal glory to Her Majesty’s reign!”

The thunderous chorus of voices echoed throughout the grand hall.

Amidst the waves of unwavering loyalty, Emperor Selvia’s gaze settled upon a single figure.

Her expression, one of composed authority, carried an underlying warmth—an emotion that could only be described as personal.

Her eyes were fixed on Daniel Steiner.

The Empire’s hero.

The Lieutenant Colonel of the General Staff.