Chapter 16

After parting ways with the princess, my squad and I washed ourselves briefly and waited.

While I desperately wanted to get out of this godforsaken northern front as quickly as possible, the administrative procedures for receiving support became necessary, thanks to us spectacularly destroying a jeep.

Afterward, we were assigned a vehicle from the Special Operations Company, and I immediately headed for the headquarters.

As before, it took us four straight days of travel to arrive at the entrance of the headquarters, complete with a grand fountain.

Feeling the wear of the journey, I opened the passenger door and got out, catching sight of my squad members disembarking from nearby transport vehicles.

The quickly assembled soldiers gathered instinctively into squad units in front of me without any prompting.

Here and there, I could see soldiers with bandages on their bodies—perhaps from injuries during the raid—but they wore smiles on their faces, as if forgetting they were even hurt.

'They're probably relieved that they don't have to stay on edge about raids here. I understand.'

If I were a soldier, I'd be making the same expression.

I relaxed a bit and took in each of their faces before opening my mouth.

"You've all worked hard. You each carried out your duties admirably on the northern front. Furthermore, despite the unexpected raid, your calm and decisive response deserves high praise."

"You worked hard too, Lieutenant!"

"I'm just upset we didn't get to fight more! We should've blown up more of those bastards' balls!"

The loud voices of a couple of rowdy soldiers stirred laughter among the group.

Normally, I would've reprimanded such behavior, but this was immediately after a victorious return.

I didn't want to ruin the warm atmosphere.

"There will be plenty of chances to blow up the Union's balls in the future, so don't worry about that. And all of you… oh, never mind. What's the point of a lecture? Dismissed. Go and enjoy the victory."

When I finished speaking, the soldiers snapped off crisp salutes.

After returning their salute, I was about to head into the headquarters to report when I paused.

It was because Frien approached me, looking like she had something to say.

"…What is it?"

My voice came out low, probably because I was tired.

Frien looked a bit intimidated but quickly summoned her courage and spoke up.

"Second Lieutenant Daniel Steiner! I—I wish to discuss my future!"

"Hmm? Oh. You and the others will now be part of the Headquarters Direct Battalion. Unless headquarters calls for you, just train there."

"That's not what I meant…."

Then what? I looked at her, feeling impatient, and Frien took a deep breath before looking up at me.

"To be frank, I, too, wish to become an officer like you!"

"An officer?"

"Yes! The combat on the northern front made me strongly desire to contribute to the Empire like you, Lieutenant!"

It was a bit sudden, but becoming an officer was the natural path for Frien.

The timing was just a little early. Normally, you'd have to hold the rank of Private First Class and spend some time before considering becoming an officer.

I didn't know what had changed her mindset so quickly, but there was no reason to deny her.

"I'll inform the higher-ups that you wish to serve as an officer. Considering your achievement of saving Her Highness during the raid, the transition should be relatively smooth."

Frien looked genuinely shocked that I gave my permission, then saluted me energetically.

"Thank you! Thank you so much, Lieutenant Daniel!"

I wasn't sure it warranted this much gratitude, but it didn't feel bad.

Nodding roughly, I resumed my steps into the headquarters.

The moment I stepped into the Operations Office, I felt an overwhelming desire to escape.

"Lieutenant Daniel! Or rather, should I call you Captain now? Hahaha! Anyway, we've been waiting for you—all of us!"

Ernst, the Operations Staff Chief, greeted me, and the other staff officers erupted in cheers.

Looking around, I saw everyone standing and applauding.

The highlight, however, was my desk in the operations office, decorated with flowers and balloons.

It was shoddily done—probably by soldiers—but in the middle sat a new nameplate.

[Operations Officer / Captain Daniel Steiner]

The nameplate looked strangely fancier than before.

Before I could even ask what this was all about, Ernst gestured to a nearby soldier.

The soldier approached with a small box, offering it to me with both hands.

I knew this box well. It looked similar to the one Captain Philip gave me last time.

"Congratulations on your promotion, Captain Daniel Steiner!"

Of course, I thought as much. When I opened the box, a captain's badge and epaulets lay neatly inside.

As I stared down at them with a grim expression, Ernst smiled with satisfaction.

"I told you to make a name for yourself, but I never imagined you'd wrap things up this splendidly. On top of that, sacrificing your life for Her Highness the Princess! Even the high-ranking officials upstairs no longer see you with suspicion!"

…This was the first time I'd seen Ernst smile so brightly.

Well, a subordinate's achievements were his achievements, too, so of course, he'd be in a good mood.

For me, the dream of retiring had just taken another step backward, and I couldn't help but sigh internally. But I couldn't show my true feelings in front of so many people.

"It's too kind. I merely did what any soldier of the Empire should do."

So, with a smiling face, I shook Ernst's hand. That was the best I could do.

The week after my promotion was filled with busy days.

Most of that busyness came down to human relationships.

Thanks to two consecutive promotions, I became something of a celebrity within headquarters, and invitations poured in from those who wanted to associate with me.

Most of them approached under the pretext of sharing a meal, but their intentions were shallow.

It was blatantly obvious that they were trying to recruit me to bolster their military faction's prestige.

Considering the politicians tied to these factions, I couldn't afford to get involved in their swamp—not even a toe.

So, I turned down every invitation under the excuse of being too busy, which seemed to greatly please my Operations Staff Chief, Ernst.

On my way out of the officer's mess one day, he grabbed me and started chatting again.

"And then, do you know what my daughter said? She told me she'd defeat the Union troops herself, so I shouldn't go to work tomorrow and just play with her. How adorable…"

Ernst, who was known for avoiding small talk, never hesitated to bring up family stories when talking to me.

In other words, he showed favoritism only toward me… which, honestly, was a bit burdensome.

The favor of a direct superior could be awkward at best, especially when it bordered on personal matters.

Just as I began wishing I could cut the conversation short, I heard a shout from behind.

"Daniel Steiner! You damned devil of a bastard!"

I flinched at the loud voice and turned around to see a Union officer in uniform, tied up with rope, glaring at me.

"You piece of garbage! You filthy, despicable trash—!"

The officer tried to charge at me, but a soldier kicked him behind the knees.

"Guh!"

The Union officer fell clumsily to the ground.

The soldier who kicked him looked apologetic and bowed his head slightly toward me.

I waved a hand to signal that it was fine, and the soldier hoisted the Union officer back up, scolding him loudly.

As I watched, I asked in confusion.

"Who is he…?"

"Oh, right. The Northern Army said they were transferring high-ranking prisoners to headquarters today. That must be him. You know him well, don't you? You captured him yourself."

I nodded.

This was the officer from the operation to eliminate Colonel Jeremy—the one who yelled at his soldiers to surrender after taking a bullet.

'I recall his rank being major….'

While I mulled it over, Ernst clicked his tongue.

"I hear he's a field-grade officer, so we've been trying to accommodate him somewhat. Since he worked in the Union's intelligence bureau, it would be ideal to recruit him, but it hasn't been easy."

I see. Watching the Union officer being dragged away by two soldiers, a good idea suddenly crossed my mind.

"…Sir."

"Hmm? What is it?"

"If it's alright, may I handle his interrogation myself?"

Ernst blinked in surprise, then tilted his head.

"It's not impossible, but you'll have even more work on your plate."

"That's fine. I think it's worth the effort."

Ernst let out an impressed sigh.

"What shining patriotism. Truly, it makes me feel small in comparison."

His chest visibly swelled as he nodded in approval.

But in truth, I was planning the exact opposite of patriotism, grinning to myself wickedly.

'This might just….'

I might be able to escape the Empire without facing a dishonorable discharge.