I Was Mistaken as a Great War Commander Chapter 103

The sight of the two won staring at each other was so out of place that it felt outright uncomfortable.

Was this what it felt like to sit on a bed of thorns?

‘I don’t really know why they’re fighting, but…’

Thinking he should diate, Daniel forced a smile and spoke up.

"Whether it’s silverware or goldware, they’re both used for als, are they not? In the end, the choice of tableware is simply a matter of personal preference, so there’s no need to argue over it."

Both won’s gazes turned to Daniel.

Since their looks were anything but friendly, he felt a cold sweat forming on his back without realizing it.

"Personal preference, you say?"

The first to break the silence was Selvia.

"Then, Lieutenant Colonel Daniel, which would you choose—gold or silver?"

The intent behind the question was clear enough to send a chill down his spine.

Just as he was starting to regret getting involved, the imperial orchestra changed its tune.

Where the previous lody had been leisurely, the new one carried a slightly faster tempo.

Judging by the brightened atmosphere of the piece, it was the signal for the highlight of the banquet—the dance.

Seeing this as an opportunity to change the subject, Daniel quickly steered the conversation.

"My, ti has flown by. If possible, may I have the honor of witnessing Your Highness’s dance?"

Selvia wasn’t pleased with how deftly Daniel dodged the question like a slippery snake, but she decided to let it slide this ti and nodded.

"If you’ll be my partner, then I don’t see why not. Shall we dance together?"

"If that is Your Highness’s wish, I would be honored."

As Daniel rose from his seat, Selvia followed suit.

Casting a brief side-glance at Lucy, Selvia then took Daniel by the arm and led him to the center of the hall.

Near the Christmas tree, n and won had already paired off and begun enjoying the dance.

"Daniel."

As they walked toward the dance floor, Selvia slightly parted her lips.

She had been about to tell him that she found his aide suspicious.

But she quickly shook her head.

There was no benefit in spreading uncertain claims.

Instead, she chose to ask a different question.

"Have you ever considered joining the Imperial Guard?"

Her voice trembled slightly, unlike her usual self.

Daniel, who had just taken Selvia’s hand for the waltz, responded.

"Colonel Hartmann made the sa offer once before. I’m afraid my answer remains unchanged."

Hearing his response, Selvia gently bit her lower lip.

She respected his decision, but she couldn’t completely hide her disappointnt.

Finding that reaction rather curious, Daniel spoke again.

"…Your Highness. Is sothing the matter?"

Of course, sothing was.

As the next emperor of the Empire, Selvia was in the process of consolidating all power.

Power, by its nature, was sothing that demanded loyalty from those under its rule.

In that process, Selvia felt an emptiness.

She had a vague sense that the nobles at the heart of the Empire did not truly follow her.

Power continued to concentrate around her, yet it was to the point where she could no longer tell whether it was truly her own.

Even those who currently called themselves her allies—she could not discern their true intentions.

That was why she wanted soone she could trust by her side.

Soone who had saved her life twice and had not hesitated to stand against the prince.

‘But…’

Voicing such anxious thoughts was no different from whining.

For the one who would beco emperor, it was an unseemly display.

An emperor must rule and lead all.

She could not afford to show weakness.

Suppressing her thoughts, Selvia let out a bitter smile.

"It’s nothing."

At that mont, the orchestra’s performance swelled, and the two began to move their feet.

Selvia’s steps were so practiced that they carried the air of soone long since tired of the dance.

Compared to her, Daniel’s movents were a little clumsy, but to an outsider’s eye, he didn’t look bad at all.

"You dance quite well."

"Didn’t Your Highness once say that one must at least know how to waltz if they don’t want to be looked down upon?"

Recalling her own words, Selvia gave a small nod.

The mory of that moonlit night when they had danced alone was sothing she could never forget, even if she wanted to.

"A student who rembers their lessons well deserves a reward. Tell , Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner—do you have anything you desire?"

There was, in fact, one thing.

"Since Your Highness ntions a reward, then I shall be bold enough to make a request. If possible, would Your Highness grant the order to return to the battlefield?"

Selvia’s swift steps ca to an abrupt halt.

As a result, Daniel nearly tripped over his own feet, but he managed to recover his balance in the end.

"…Your Highness?"

Confusion flickered through Selvia’s blue eyes.

She caught her breath, which had grown ragged from the dance, and looked up at Daniel.

"I don’t understand. You want to return to the battlefield? Even after what happened in the waters of Vellanos?"

It wasn’t that Daniel didn’t understand her concern.

But if things went wrong, what had happened in Vellanos could very well happen again—this ti within the capital.

Of course, he couldn’t just tell the princess, “Your father is making my life miserable.”

So instead, Daniel forced an awkward smile and made up an excuse.

"Your Highness, though you have secured the position of heir, dostic sentint is not entirely favorable. There are even absurd rumors that I, Daniel Steiner, am the one pulling the strings of the imperial family."

"And what of it? Why should I care about the nonsense of street rabble?"

"It is nonsense. However, when one dog starts barking, the others tend to join in. And once they begin barking, their owner will start looking for the cause."

Daniel gently clasped Selvia’s hand.

"That’s why I believe the best course of action is for Your Highness and to maintain a distance that is neither too close nor too far. By sending to the battlefield, you can make it clear to everyone that Daniel Steiner is nothing more than a soldier."

His proposal was simple—sending Daniel, who had barely survived Vellanos, back to the front lines would quell the suspicions of the nobility.

It was a perfectly reasonable suggestion, but Selvia couldn't help but be seized by guilt.

"…Are you telling to send you to your death with my own hands?"

To Selvia, it seed as if Daniel was making a great personal sacrifice for her sake.

In truth, he was rely struggling to survive, but there was no need for him to reveal that. With a resigned air, he replied,

"This is the only way for both Your Highness and to survive."

That part, at least, was sincere.

Receiving his unwavering gaze, Selvia remained silent for a mont before speaking again.

"Then promise one thing."

"What is it?"

"Promise that you won’t die. And that you’ll co see on the day of my coronation."

Daniel had no intention of dying in the first place. Smiling, he nodded.

"I give you my word, Your Highness."

****

Lucy had been observing Selvia and Daniel’s private conversation from a distance.

She couldn’t tell what they were discussing, but she could tell it was serious.

After all, Selvia had abruptly halted the dance to speak with Daniel in hushed tones.

Just as she wondered what they could be talking about—

"Lucy Emilia."

A familiar voice called from behind.

Lucy didn’t need to turn around to know who it was.

Theobald Vernot.

He was the director of the Palentia branch of the Allied Nations' intelligence agency.

"You’ve been given a recall order. Pack your things and return as soon as possible."

Lucy’s shoulders stiffened.

Choosing her words carefully, she took a deep breath before responding.

"I refuse."

It was sothing no spy should ever say, yet Theobald neither reprimanded nor raised his voice.

He rely furrowed his brows as he gazed at Lucy’s back.

"Is it because of Daniel Steiner? Has that man bewitched you?"

"…No."

"Then what’s your reason? If you were in your right mind, betraying the Allied Nations wouldn’t even be an option."

At his shaless remark, Lucy clenched her teeth.

"The Lucy Project."

"…"

"You wouldn’t dare claim ignorance, would you? Until everything becos clear, I have no reason to remain loyal to the Allied Nations."

There was no reply.

Perhaps caught off guard, Theobald remained silent for a mont before finally speaking.

"You’ll regret this decision."

With that, he slowly stepped back.

Only after he had disappeared did Lucy release the tension in her body and look ahead—only to blink in surprise.

Daniel was walking toward her alone, the dance having ended.

Finding it strange, Lucy asked,

"Lieutenant Colonel Daniel? Where is Her Highness?"

"Ah. She has many people to et after the banquet, so I couldn’t keep her any longer. But…"

Daniel tilted his head in curiosity.

"Just now, weren’t you speaking with a man?"

Lucy hesitated, debating whether to answer truthfully, before shaking her head.

She didn’t want to drag Daniel into her personal matters.

"He asked to dance. I declined."

"…Was that necessary? You could enjoy yourself while you're here."

"I never formally learned how to dance, so I wouldn’t find it enjoyable."

"I see."

Feeling an odd sense of pity, Daniel reached out to Lucy.

"Then allow to teach you. There’s still so ti before the banquet ends."

Lucy hadn't expected to be invited to dance and looked up at Daniel in surprise.

After a brief hesitation, she took his hand.

Feeling the warmth of his touch, Lucy gazed at Daniel and smiled faintly.

"If you wish it, I will gladly follow."

Bathed in the moonlight streaming through the windows, Lucy knew one thing for certain.

She would never regret this choice.