I Was Mistaken as a Great War Commander

Daniel was able to reach Tentarbahm, the port city of Velanos, after walking for about three hours.

Upon entering the city center, merchants selling food and goods from street stalls were commonly seen amidst the relatively low-rise buildings.

Whether due to the pleasant weather or Velanos’s climate being less affected by winter, the overall atmosphere was agreeable.

‘Not bad. This passes the mark.’

Evaluating the climate of the country he would reside in for an extended period, Daniel gave a faint smile.

‘If identity laundering succeeds, should I open a bakery here? No, being a port city, it might be risky since Imperials could frequently visit, so I should head inland…’

As Daniel was planning how to live his new life, he suddenly furrowed his brow.

‘The issue is money.’

The ‘identity laundering’ required to lay the foundation for his plans was quite costly.

From what Daniel knew, identity laundering was not simply a matter of obtaining forged identification documents.

First, he needed to secure a social security number from the government and acquire a passport.

Additionally, he would have to open a bank account and register a residence before truly embracing his new identity.

Naturally, such complex procedures required a substantial sum of money.

Not only would he need funds to bribe officials, but lobbying politicians would also be necessary.

A significant portion would also go towards paying commissions to brokers who facilitate the entire process.

‘So, how should I earn the money…?’

Part-time jobs? Finding employment would be difficult.

Even in this era, basic identification verification was standard.

And if he did find jobs that did not require identification, the pay would likely be meager.

Moreover, the risk of getting entangled in incidents or accidents could not be ruled out.

‘Places that don’t verify identification are inevitably shady.’

Believing that earning enough through ordinary means for identity laundering would be challenging, Daniel was stroking his chin as he walked.

“Hey! When did I say anything wrong? That scammer really deserves it!”
“Causing a ruckus won’t convince anyone after losing money. I clearly warned you. If you make another scene in my establishment, I’ll kick you out.”

Daniel lifted his head towards the commotion happening at a distant tavern.

A well-dressed woman with black hair seemed to be arguing with someone who appeared to be the tavern’s owner.

The woman’s stature was slightly shorter than average for a female, but her aura exuded a commanding presence that could overwhelm an adult man.

“A ruckus? Me calling out that scammer in your tavern is a ruckus? Is it about the money? If it’s money, I can give you as much as you want, so deal with that bastard…”
“Ma’am! If you brought evidence to prove he’s a scammer, I would understand! But without any proof, if you cause a fuss over losing at gambling, what am I supposed to say?”

As the tavern owner countered with reason, the woman could not refute him and stood there fidgeting.

Looking down at the woman with pity, the tavern owner grasped the doorknob.

“I don’t enjoy treating a customer like this either. Go out and get some fresh air. Come back when you’ve calmed down.”

With those words, the tavern owner slammed the door shut.

The woman’s solitary figure standing before the closed door was utterly forlorn.

‘What a pity. I should lend her a hand.’

Catching the scent of money, Daniel approached as the woman sensed his presence and turned her gaze towards him.

“…What?”

Eyeing Daniel sharply, the woman momentarily paused.

Daniel placed his hand on his chest as he regarded her.

“Allow me to introduce myself as a problem-solver who helps retrieve lost funds. I overheard your conversation with the tavern owner, and it seems you were swindled. Am I correct?”
“Ah…”

As he was not wrong, the woman nodded her head awkwardly.

Perceiving an opportunity, Daniel gave a faint smile and bent his knees to meet her gaze.

“In that case, how about entrusting the matter to me? If you provide the initial funds, I will retrieve all your lost money. However, there is a condition.”
“A condition?”
“Upon success, I will only take half the retrieved amount as my commission. If I fail? I will compensate you the full amount. How about it? It’s a risk-free deal, is it not?”

While the prospect of giving him half seemed outrageous to the woman, the promise of full compensation in case of failure did mean she would not incur any losses.

Intrigued, the woman gave a small nod, prompting Daniel to extend his hand with a smile.

“My name is Rivelard. I look forward to working with you.”

Of course, it was an alias.

At the same time, in the Imperial Palace’s grand council hall.

“They have all arrived, Your Royal Highness.”

At Hartman’s words, Celvia, seated on the elevated platform, raised her head.

On either side of the long rectangular table in the grand council hall stood the figures known as the Empire’s leadership, standing tensely.

Individuals who would normally find it challenging to gather in one place were present, thanks to Celvia issuing an emergency cabinet convocation after dismissing the party leaders from the National Assembly.

They were all observing Celvia, the future Empress, as traces of tears were visible on her cheeks.

Evidence that Celvia had been holding back her tears alone in this hall for the past three hours.

In the tense atmosphere, Celvia slowly parted her lips.

“…Let each of you report.”

Among those carefully watching her, the first to speak was Schiller Dynes, the Minister of the National Propaganda Department.

“I had ordered the directors of the news and broadcasting departments to keep the information under wraps until the facts were confirmed, but it was insufficient. I could not prevent the news from spreading, and as a result, the citizens are currently in turmoil and outrage.”

Next, the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency spoke.

“Your Highness. Immediately after the diplomatic vessel’s sinking, the Central Intelligence Agency attempted to determine the origin of the initial orders, but it was not easy. Assuming it was the Allied Nations’ doing, we investigated not only their official but also unofficial departure times, but found no records matching the incident.”

Celvia’s chilling gaze fell upon the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

“Are you implying it was not the Allied Nations’ doing?”
“No, that’s not it. I merely wish to inform you that there is a high probability the submarine departed from a harbor other than those belonging to the Allied Nations. As such, it may be premature to definitively label it as ‘terrorism by the Allied Nations.'”

The Director of the Central Intelligence Agency hung his head, sweating profusely.

Unable to watch further, the Minister of National Defense interjected.

“Your Highness. The Director of the Central Intelligence Agency is not entirely wrong. Until the incident is clarified, it would be advisable to refrain from rash actions. Directing our anger towards the Allied Nations could be postponed until after the investigation.”

Celvia’s gaze shifted to the Minister of National Defense.

“Investigate the incident?”
“Yes. As you are aware, the diplomatic vessel’s sinking occurred within Velanos’s territorial waters. Therefore, there is a high probability that one of Velanos’s naval commanders allowed unknown terrorists to enter their waters. We must first identify who that individual is. Additionally…”

The Minister of National Defense lowered his head.

“According to the naval strategists, we cannot rule out the possibility that Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner is still alive.”

After a brief silence, Celvia urgently inquired.

“Is that true?”
“Yes. While the probability is low, considering the ocean currents at the time, the possibility cannot be entirely dismissed. If Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner was on the deck rather than inside the ship, was relatively far from the torpedo’s impact point, and fell into the sea before the vessel sank…”

The Minister of National Defense raised his previously lowered head.

“They say he may have reached one of the Velanos coastlines near the incident site. Of course, as I mentioned, the probability is extremely low, but the possibility exists.”

The Minister of National Defense’s words caused a stir among the cabinet members.

While most dismissed it as implausible, Celvia wished to cling to even the slightest glimmer of hope.

Gripping the armrests tightly, Celvia issued her command.

“Immediately form a fleet bound for Velanos. We will conduct a large-scale search operation.”

Silence enveloped the grand council hall.

Everyone present understood the gravity of Celvia’s words.

Among them, the Minister of National Defense spoke with difficulty.

“Your Highness. While your order is justified, this involves entering another nation’s territorial waters with a fleet. We can expect backlash from Velanos. Additionally, to conduct a search operation with military forces, we would need Velanos’s consent. It may be advisable to send a negotiation team first…”

The Minister of National Defense trailed off, realizing Celvia’s gaze was belittling him.

Silencing the minister, Celvia spoke.

“What is needed now is not negotiation but a message. So convey this to them.”

As Celvia rose from her seat, the ministers and directors unanimously lowered their heads.

“The moment Velanos refuses to open their territorial waters to the Empire’s fleet departing for the investigation…”

Commanding the cabinet, Celvia narrowed her eyes sharply, burning with cold fury.

“Velanos will be treated the same as the terrorists.”