I Was Mistaken as a Great War Commander

Chapter 67

Prince Arno, having lost his entire support base in an instant due to Daniel Steiner’s actions, was left with no choice but to surrender.

With Arno abandoning the succession struggle, Selvia was able to extend her influence within the capital and the imperial palace without any opposition.

About a month later, Emperor Berthram, who had been observing everything from afar, decided that waiting any longer was meaningless. Using the pretext of selecting an heir, he summoned the empire’s key figures to the palace’s grand hall.

Naturally, Daniel Steiner was among those invited as one of the “empire’s key figures.”

While receiving an invitation to witness such a monumental decision was considered a great honor, Daniel himself found the event more uncomfortable than anything else.

‘I’d rather be back at my quarters, sipping coffee and reading a book…’

Spending his precious weekend like this felt absurd.

Letting out a quiet sigh, Daniel scanned the surroundings.

The grand hall of the palace, adorned with elegant and refined architecture, was filled with ministers of the court, including Duke Belvar.

Lined up alongside them were high-ranking military officers and ministers responsible for governing the nation.

For Daniel, awkwardly wedged among such powerful figures, the experience was nothing short of excruciating.

‘A lot of them seem to be glaring at me…’

No one spoke to him, but he could feel the side glances.

It was only natural for the higher-ups to direct hostility toward a mere major who somehow secured a seat in the palace’s grand hall.

Deciding it was best to avoid unnecessary eye contact, Daniel focused his gaze forward.

Seated upon the throne, wearing a white uniform symbolizing the imperial family, was Emperor Berthram.

The frail appearance Daniel had witnessed in the emperor’s private chambers was nowhere to be seen. Clad in royal regalia, Berthram exuded authority.

“Raise your heads, my children.”

At Berthram’s solemn voice, Selvia and Arno, both kneeling on the red carpet, raised their heads.

They, too, wore white uniforms that marked their status as royalty.

“I trust you both know why I’ve summoned you here before these distinguished leaders of the empire.”

Hearing Berthram’s words, Selvia and Arno swallowed nervously.

Though their reactions were the same, Selvia’s eyes glimmered with triumph while Arno’s radiated defeat.

“As everyone here is aware, my failing health prevents me from properly overseeing the affairs of state. So let us dispense with formalities and get straight to the point. Today, my successor will be chosen.”

No one in the hall was surprised. The decision had been anticipated for some time, so the crowd simply waited in silence.

Berthram, seemingly pleased by the quiet, gazed down at his children.

“Are you both prepared to accept my decision?”
“I am prepared,” Selvia replied without hesitation.

Arno, however, took a moment before muttering,

“…I am prepared.”

Satisfied with their responses, Berthram gave a slight nod and declared,

“Then I shall now name my successor. Selvia von Amberg!”

Selvia rose to her feet at the sound of her name.

Berthram continued,

“I have recognized your abilities and deemed you worthy of becoming the next emperor. Will you prove that my foresight was not mistaken?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I will prove it without fail.”

“Good. From this moment onward, you shall inherit my will and work tirelessly for the imperial family and the empire. Always remember to respect all citizens and strive to bring forth a just reign.”

Berthram’s gaze swept the room.

“Have you all heard? From this day forward, my successor is Selvia von Amberg!”

His words were both an announcement and a command to throw full support behind Selvia as the future empress.

Understanding the emperor’s intent, everyone in the hall bowed their heads in unison.

— “Yes, Your Majesty!”

Their unified voices resonated throughout the hall.

Satisfied, Berthram’s sharp eyes scanned the room before he spoke again.

“With the successor named, it is time for her to start learning governance. I plan to entrust Selvia with the authority of regency. What are your thoughts?”

The word “regency” caused a brief stir among the audience.

Before anyone could speak, Duke Belvar stepped forward and bowed deeply.

“Your Majesty, might it not be premature for Her Highness to assume regency? I believe it would be better for Your Majesty to continue overseeing state affairs for a while longer.”

Berthram’s expression sharpened.

“Duke Belvar, do you mean to overwork a dying man until I collapse? Do you seek my death?”

Belvar, sensing danger, bowed even lower.

“I spoke out of turn, Your Majesty. Please forgive my rudeness.”

With Belvar retreating, the rest of the audience kept their mouths shut.

Berthram, enjoying the silence, made his decision clear.

“Since there are no further objections, I will proceed with the regency. Nine days from now, Selvia will begin assisting me in governing the empire. Be sure to prepare accordingly.”

The room once again bowed their heads in unison.

— “Yes, Your Majesty!”

Having swiftly secured their agreement, Berthram waved a hand, signaling the end of the assembly.

“Now, you are all dismissed.”

The ministers and officials slowly exited the hall, followed by generals and corporate leaders.

As the lowest-ranking officer present, Daniel remained in place, quietly waiting for his turn to leave.

Berthram, watching him from the throne, wore a thoughtful expression.

‘Most of the people here likely don’t realize it.’

To those unfamiliar with palace politics, Daniel Steiner seemed no more than a loyal subordinate—an obedient pawn acting under Selvia’s orders.

But Berthram, having observed the series of incidents, knew better.

Daniel Steiner hadn’t been following Selvia’s orders.

He had been following his own will.

‘So… … .’

It was not Selvia who had made herself the heir to the throne today.

Nor was it Emperor Berthram.

From beginning to end, it had been Daniel Steiner who orchestrated everything.

‘The man who claimed to have no interest in politics…’

Berthram let out a hollow laugh, shaking his head in disbelief. Then, raising a hand, he beckoned to the Chief Chamberlain standing nearby.

“Your Majesty, did you summon me?”

“Yes. Do you see that man over there? The one with the major’s insignia?”

“Yes, I see him clearly.”

“What do you think of him at first glance?”

The Chief Chamberlain blinked a few times before tilting his head slightly.

“If you’re referring to his appearance, he looks a bit thin but handsome. Judging by the dark circles under his eyes, he seems like a young man burdened with responsibilities. Perhaps someone who worries about the future of this nation.”

Berthram nearly burst out laughing.

Daniel Steiner? Worrying about the future of the nation? It was the most ridiculous thing he had heard all day.

The Chief Chamberlain broke into a nervous sweat, unsure why Berthram was laughing so suddenly. After regaining his composure, the emperor finally spoke again.

“You never fail to amuse me. In any case, deliver a message to that man. Tell him I want to have a word with him at the shooting range.”

Though uncertain about the meaning behind the emperor’s laughter, the Chief Chamberlain bowed politely and nodded.

***

A short while later.

Daniel, who had been preparing to leave, was stopped by the Chief Chamberlain and led to the palace’s shooting range.

There, he found Emperor Berthram holding a double-barreled shotgun.

‘...Why did he bring me here?’

Suspicion and tension simmered beneath the surface.

Keeping his guard up, Daniel approached the emperor and saluted.

“Your Majesty. I was told you wished to see me.”

“Oh? Ah.”

Berthram returned the salute in a playful manner before resting his finger on the shotgun’s trigger.

His gaze remained fixed on the open sky above the grassy field.

“Apologies for summoning you so suddenly. Have you ever tried trap shooting?”

“A friend of mine used to enjoy it back in our cadet days, so I’ve only heard about it.”

“Then this is the perfect chance to learn. Watch carefully.”

No sooner had Berthram finished speaking than a sharp whistle rang out, and two clay targets soared into the air.

Without hesitation, Berthram raised the shotgun and fired twice.

Bang! Bang!

Both targets shattered mid-flight.

Satisfied, Berthram lowered the gun.

“It’s a simple sport. Given your marksmanship, I’m sure you’ll find it easy.”

“...Your Majesty? Am I to assume you called me here just to enjoy some shooting?”

“Of course not. This is merely a way to build camaraderie.”

Berthram cracked the shotgun open, ejecting two spent shells, which clattered to the ground.

A servant approached and handed him fresh cartridges.

“The primary reason I called you here is to reward you.”

“...A reward, Your Majesty?”

“Yes. You went above and beyond for my daughter’s sake. I’ve always wanted Selvia to become emperor, so I’m deeply grateful for your efforts.”

Berthram leisurely reloaded the shotgun as he spoke, sliding the cartridges into the chambers.

“So, I plan to reward not just you but also those who assisted you. That is, if you’re willing. Would you mind telling me who they are?”

Wearing a warm smile, Berthram closed the shotgun and raised it again.

At his signal, the servant stepped back, and the targets were launched once more.

As Berthram’s eyes followed the clay disks, Daniel hesitated.

“Your Majesty? If you’re referring to the capture of the prince’s secret organization… that was purely a stroke of luck. I don’t have any other names to offer.”

The disks flew through the air.

Berthram instinctively fired twice, shattering both targets again.

Lowering the shotgun, he ejected the spent shells.

“Major Steiner.”

As the shells hit the ground, Berthram glanced back at Daniel, shrugging his shoulders.

“This isn’t a request—I’m giving you an order.”

A cool breeze swept through the range.

After a brief pause, Berthram continued.

“Tell me—who are the people that supported you, and what do they do?”

Though Berthram’s lips still carried a smile, his eyes had turned cold and calculating.

Noticing the subtle shift, Daniel’s instincts immediately kicked in.

‘This isn’t…’

This wasn’t about giving out rewards.

It was something else entirely.