I Was Mistaken as a Great War Commander

Upon hearing Daniel’s response, Erwin inadvertently let out a sigh of disbelief.

‘Not sure? After constructing such a perfect occupation zone?’

Wasn’t that excessive modesty?

To be frank, this place seemed more like Imperial territory than the Kingdom’s, given how welcoming the citizens were towards the garrison troops.

Yet, witnessing Daniel refraining from boasting of his achievements, Erwin could only admire his humility.

However, unaware of Erwin’s inner thoughts, Daniel merely flashed an awkward smile.

“Colonel. It’s quite chilly out. Shall we head inside to continue our discussion?”
“Ah, let’s do that.”

With a nod, Erwin followed Daniel into the headquarters building.

Guiding Erwin to the reception room inside, Daniel began explaining the city policies he had implemented as the acting garrison commander to facilitate the handover.

To aid understanding, Lucie provided Erwin with the relevant documents, while Prien served him coffee brewed with premium beans.

After reviewing the documents for a while as he sipped his coffee, Erwin let out a wry chuckle.

“Splendid. If I could grade your performance as acting garrison commander, I would give you a perfect score. My only complaint would be that there is nothing left for me to do, as you have accomplished everything so flawlessly that mere maintenance is sufficient.”
“You flatter me too much.”
“Not at all, Major Daniel Steiner! You have truly performed your duties in an astonishingly capable manner. I shall make sure to convey this to General Staff Headquarters.”

Though Daniel did not wish for his evaluation to rise further, he could not refuse his superior.

With a resigned expression, he gave a single nod before speaking.

“I appreciate your kindness, Colonel. Since the handover seems complete, I should begin preparations to return to the Capital.”
“The Capital, you say?”
“Yes. I have been away on operational duties for quite some time. As you know, the Northern Front is not only cold but the food does not suit my palate, making it quite arduous.”

Understanding Daniel’s sentiment, Erwin let out a laugh.

“It is indeed challenging for those born and raised in the Empire to adapt to foreign cuisines. Even during my time on the Eastern Front, I often found the food grueling.”
“…I seem to have made an inappropriate remark. Compared to the meals you consumed amidst the flying shrapnel on the front lines, mine were quite luxurious.”
“No, no, it’s quite alright. I did not mean to make light of your circumstances. It was merely an anecdote. However, regarding your desire to return to the Capital, I do have some unfortunate news to convey.”

Unfortunate news? Puzzled, Daniel looked on as Erwin retrieved a scroll from his coat and handed it to him.

“These are operational orders from General Staff Headquarters, instructing me to deliver them to you.”

Consequently, Daniel could only break out in a cold sweat.

He had expected to return upon completing his mission, but new operational orders?

‘Just what are they asking of me now?’

While he wished to protest, as a subordinate, he had no choice but to obey orders.

With trembling hands, Daniel accepted the scroll, untied the crimson ribbon, and unrolled the document.

───────────

《Imperial General Staff Headquarters》
Order No. D-513
Date: August 14, 1944
Subject: Front Line Deployment of Headquarters Direct Command Unit

• Orders

Major Daniel Steiner, currently commanding the Headquarters Direct Command Unit in Nordia, is to detach a company-sized force capable of vehicle transport.

Board the vehicles with the detached company and reach the headquarters of the 3rd Corps, currently stationed on the Northern Front, by 1600 hours on August 21, 1944.

Upon arrival at the Corps Headquarters, await further instructions in a standby state. It is advised to act in accordance with the Corps Commander’s subsequent orders.

You are ordered to carry out this mission swiftly and accurately as per these instructions.

Imperial General Staff Headquarters.
Deputy Chief of Operations, Major General Cedric Vendell.

───────────

After reading the orders, Daniel raised his hand and wiped his face.

‘Deputy Chief, why are you doing this to me…?’

It was the moment Daniel’s modest wish to return to the Capital and live a comfortable, prosperous life shattered into pieces.

If it were Erwin’s poor attempt at humor, that would be preferable, but the Deputy Chief’s seal was stamped on the orders.

Hence, there was no denying the authenticity of these orders.

‘Since the orders have been issued, I suppose I must comply.’

This time, the arrival deadline was clearly stated, leaving no room for delays.

‘The only consolation is…’

Based on the orders alone, it seemed like a simple troop deployment.

In that case, he would only need to join the Corps and bide his time.

‘As long as it’s not a special operation, the Headquarters Direct Command Unit wouldn’t be committed to the front lines.’

Had it been a special operation, it would undoubtedly be an arduous undertaking, but that did not appear to be the case.

The currently advancing Imperial forces had entered a temporary lull.

In such a state, to conduct a special operation against the Kingdom insisting on a final stand would be tantamount to a death sentence.

Logically, it seemed evident that he would remain in a ‘standby’ state with the Corps until the war with the Kingdom concluded, after which he would return to the Capital.

His return to the Capital would merely be delayed by a few weeks.

‘And yet, for some reason…’

Daniel could not shake a sense of unease.

3rd Corps Headquarters.
The Corps Commander’s Office.

“Hmm…”

Lieutenant General Karl Peter Krau narrowed his eyes as he studied the strategic map and operations board mounted on the wall.

‘They have abandoned the front lines and committed all forces to defend the capital.’

At first glance, it seemed the Kingdom’s forces had fled in fear, but to Karl Peter, it appeared to be a rather strategic move.

The Imperial forces could not simply advance recklessly just because the Kingdom’s forces had retreated from the front lines.

‘Our supply lines and logistics cannot keep up.’

The daily consumption of supplies by a corps was beyond imagination.

Failure to deliver those supplies in a timely manner would not only undermine morale but also disrupt operational command.

Hence, the Imperial forces could not advance until their supply lines were properly established.

Even after occupying over half of the Kingdom’s territories, their supply lines were still entangled, and the moment they pursued the retreating enemy, the risk of supply disruptions became extremely high.

Thus, the Imperial forces had been forced into a temporary lull.

‘The Kingdom’s forces will likely use this reprieve to reorganize their units.’

Perhaps they were even requesting aid from their Union allies.

If the Union provided support, it would become problematic.

Even if the Union fortunately did not intervene, the situation remained troublesome.

By the time the Imperial forces secured their supply lines and resumed their advance, the Kingdom’s forces would have completed their reorganization.

‘They will undoubtedly put up a fierce resistance.’

While the Imperial forces would not be defeated, they would suffer immense casualties.

At minimum, thousands, and at most, tens of thousands of soldiers would perish.

This would effectively weaken the Empire’s national strength, prompting General Staff Headquarters and Karl Peter to seek an armistice.

The Kingdom had initially complied, sending their Foreign Minister, but the negotiations had already collapsed twice.

The reason was the Empire’s demands were simply too outrageous.

Hence, Corps Commander Karl Peter had implored His Majesty the Emperor to moderate the negotiation terms, but to no avail.

The rationale was that no mercy should be shown to the treacherous Kingdom, which had attempted to tear at the Empire’s flanks like a hyena.

If that was the case, the only remaining option was an all-out offensive to capture the capital.

However, with the Empire’s strength already being drained by the stalemate on the Eastern Front, was it truly prudent to declare total war against the Kingdom?

As Karl Peter’s concerns deepened, General Staff Headquarters had recommended a particular individual.

‘…Major Daniel Steiner.’

They had notified him of their intent to send the talent who had achieved remarkable military merits in Nordia to the Corps.

‘Which meant…’

It was tantamount to urging him to appoint Daniel Steiner as the armistice negotiator.

Understanding General Staff Headquarters’ intentions, Karl Peter had furrowed his brow in disbelief.

The negotiations had already collapsed despite the assistance of numerous military advisors.

No matter how many military merits a newly promoted major had accrued, what could possibly change by appointing such a junior officer as the lead negotiator?

‘However…’

If it was a talent recommended by the Deputy Chief of Operations, Major General Cedric Vendell of General Staff Headquarters, there must be a reason.

Since this was an extraordinary situation, a new approach might uncover a breakthrough.

‘This may well be the final negotiation attempt.’

Could he truly entrust the fate of the war to Daniel Steiner?

After taking a deep breath with his eyes closed, Karl Peter slowly opened them.

He had made up his mind to take a gamble akin to a roll of the dice.

Not because he trusted Daniel Steiner, but because he trusted the brilliance of Cedric Vendell, who had devised countless operations leading the Imperial forces to victory.

‘Cedric, I shall put my faith in this wildcard you have dealt.’

The die had been cast.

Countless lives now rested in Daniel Steiner’s hands.