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Translator: Vine
Chapter Title: Let's Not Do Anything for a While
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It's dangerous, so let's not do anything for a while.
Two weeks later.
Daniel had been promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, but his duties hadn't changed significantly.
Aside from being able to handle a greater number of confidential documents than usual, his role as a staff officer remained the same.
For Daniel, who had been worried about getting entangled in strange incidents, this was truly a relief.
Daniel, secretly relieved that his peaceful routine continued, thought to himself,
that he should lie low for as long as possible.
However, Daniel's resolve was rendered meaningless when a message arrived from the Imperial Palace.
More precisely, it was a message from Sylvia, the next in line to the throne.
'If you find yourself with some free time, please visit the Imperial Palace.'
These words were written on a letter delivered by a lady-in-waiting from the Inner Court who had personally come to find him at quitting time.
It was absurd, but it seemed there was an urgent matter to discuss, so Daniel conveyed his intention to visit immediately and followed the lady-in-waiting.
Stepping out of the Staff Headquarters, Daniel saw a luxurious sedan parked outside.
It was an imperial vehicle sent by Sylvia, who knew Daniel wouldn't be able to refuse.
Daniel let out a hollow laugh and got into the sedan, which then headed for the Imperial Palace.
Upon arriving at the Imperial Palace, Daniel exited the sedan and followed the lady-in-waiting into a separate palace building. It was as large as the main palace, so he had no choice but to be guided by her.
After turning through several corridors, they arrived at a vast indoor garden.
In the indoor garden, where warm air flowed, foliage plants and flowers bloomed in a riot of colors, while herbs like lavender and rosemary diffused a subtle fragrance.
It was truly an earthly paradise, created by pouring in immense labor and money.
Daniel, reflecting anew on the immense power of the Imperial Family, paused as he moved further inside.
He had spotted Sylvia kneeling in a clearing in the garden, playing with a dog.
"Good boy. Well done."
Sylvia gently stroked the head of the dog, which had sharp eyes.
The dog was a Doberman, impressive with its glossy black fur and sturdy build.
Had Sylvia kept a dog? As Daniel approached, the Doberman turned its head.
Grrrrrr—
It then bared its teeth, wary of Daniel.
This caused Sylvia to glance sideways and notice Daniel.
Sylvia, a faint smile on her lips, stroked the Doberman's head and spoke.
"Don't be wary, little one. He's my friend."
As if it understood her words, the Doberman stopped growling.
Daniel, secretly amazed by this, opened his mouth.
"It's very obedient, isn't it?"
"Because it's a highly loyal breed. Besides, compared to other dogs, its intelligence is high, and its sleek, handsome appearance makes it quite popular these days, I'm told. So I brought one in myself."
Sylvia let out a soft laugh and gently pinched the Doberman's cheek.
"This one probably doesn't dislike being sold to the Imperial Family. Not only is there an abundance of food, but it's adored by countless ladies-in-waiting every day. And to have its owner be the future Emperor of the Empire... one could say it's blessed beyond measure."
Sylvia released the Doberman's cheek, stood up, and lightly turned her body.
Thanks to this, Daniel could see.
the red mantle Sylvia was wearing over her left shoulder.
The red mantle, which looked to be made of luxurious fabric at a glance, boasted an embroidered eagle crest made with golden thread.
That shoulder mantle was a type of ceremonial robe bestowed upon the future sovereign, a symbol of power.
Noticing Daniel's gaze, Sylvia softly narrowed her eyes.
"What are your thoughts, Lieutenant Colonel Daniel?"
"...About what, Your Highness?"
"I'm asking if this Doberman is satisfied with its situation."
Daniel felt as though Sylvia's question was subtly probing him.
'Like father, like daughter, then...'
Feeling a similarity to the Emperor's demeanor, Daniel replied awkwardly.
"I suppose that would depend on the Doberman's aspirations or temperament."
At his meaningful reply, Sylvia was silent for a moment before nodding.
Then, she gestured toward a nearby table.
On the table, expensive pastries and two cups of hot coffee had been prepared.
"Let's put the dog talk aside for now. How about some coffee?"
"I would be honored to accept your hospitality."
Daniel, expressing his gratitude by placing a hand over his chest, walked with Sylvia to the table.
Sylvia sat down first, and then Daniel took a seat opposite her.
Daniel, needlessly adjusting his uniform once, took a moment to observe Sylvia's face.
'She's wearing makeup...'
It was faint, almost imperceptible, but Daniel could discern the difference.
'Well, she *is* acting as regent now, so she'll have to be active in public...'
It would probably be better for her to wear at least light, basic makeup for various reasons.
However, contrary to Daniel's assumption, that wasn't the fundamental reason Sylvia had put on makeup.
Sylvia, pretending to savor the coffee's aroma while observing Daniel's face, was secretly displeased.
'I went to some trouble to doll myself up today, but...'
She had asked the head lady-in-waiting for makeup that was popular with men, and even put on earrings that were noticeable but not excessive, yet Daniel seemed oblivious.
'Well...'
Her intention for today's meeting wasn't to win Daniel's romantic favor, so it didn't particularly matter.
Sylvia took a sip of coffee, then set her cup down and spoke.
"Lieutenant Colonel Daniel. Are you quite interested in international affairs?"
Daniel, who had also taken a sip of coffee, set his cup down.
"Due to the nature of my profession, I always keep a close watch."
"Then you must be aware that recently, the Republic and the Federation have sided with the Allied Nations in condemning the Empire."
"Yes. Unfortunately so."
Ever since Count Caledra declared a fortnight ago that they must fight against the Empire, the international community had been slowly turning its back on the Empire.
In a way, it was only natural.
No nation in this world desires the emergence of a hegemonic power that vastly surpasses them.
But the Empire, a potential hegemonic power, is even at war? They couldn't help but conclude that if the Allied Nations fell, they would be next.
Fear is what breeds war.
The great powers had no choice but to take up arms to suppress the Empire before it grew any larger.
"The Empire will not be able to avoid a world war."
By now, not only the Empire's military, but also the imperial ministers and various departmental secretaries, must have noticed the unusual global trend.
This wasn't merely a concern of the upper echelons.
Even the citizens of the capital had heard through the news that the Empire was slowly becoming isolated.
Most likely, everyone was still reeling from the shock of having to wage war against the world.
However, Sylvia, who was to become the next sovereign, managed to maintain her composure amidst all these developments.
This was because, thanks to Daniel, she already knew that a world war was coming.
"In that case..."
Sylvia looked at Daniel with serious eyes.
"We must begin preparing for a world war now. If we wait until the Republic and the Federation join the conflict, it will be too late."
"Do you have any specific measures in mind?"
"No specific measures, no. But we must do everything we can. First, we need to increase taxes to expand our budget... but we can't raise them excessively."
As it is, with the war dragging on, the fatigue felt by the citizens is gradually increasing.
At this point, raising taxes too much could lead to increased public distrust in the state.
In the worst case, riots could break out or a civil war could erupt, so we must be extremely careful.
"Since there's a limit to tax rates, I intend to issue war bonds. The problem is, it won't be easy to get civilians to purchase them."
"Because many citizens don't want the war to continue beyond its current state."
"Exactly. So what I'm thinking now is, simultaneously with issuing bonds, we should appoint a speaker who can explain to the citizens why the war must continue. What do you think, Lieutenant Colonel Daniel?"
Daniel nodded without any particular objection.
"That's a good approach. Issuing bonds and delivering speeches are closely related when it comes to gaining public trust. So, the selection of the speaker will be crucial."
"That's what I'm worried about too. Who would be best to put on the podium?"
"If I may be so bold as to offer advice, you should seek out an individual who has achieved significant military or political accomplishments relatively recently. It should be someone whose name readily comes to mind for citizens when mentioned."
Sylvia nodded.
"And?"
"Someone with a refined appearance would be preferable. I don't mean conventionally handsome. Their impression should be one that can win the favor of most people. Humans tend to rely on what they see, so they trust the words of someone with a neat appearance more than those who do not."
Sylvia leaned forward, resting her hands on the table.
"Hmm. Any other conditions?"
"To leverage authority and charisma, putting forward someone from the military would also be a good method. It would be even better if they had actual experience on the battlefield. Even if they mix in some falsehoods to sell the bonds, citizens won't perceive their words as lies..."
Daniel, sensing something amiss mid-sentence, closed his mouth.
Laying out the conventional wisdom, he suddenly realized who the most suitable person for the speaker's role was right now.
'Could it be...'
Had Sylvia intended this from the very beginning when she asked him to come?
It was then, as Daniel felt Sylvia's gaze become subtly persistent, that he broke out in a cold sweat.
"Lieutenant Colonel Daniel."
A syrupy voice made him doubt his ears.
Sylvia, her eyes half-lidded, parted her lips with an expression of intrigue.
"It seems to me that you meet all the criteria."
As a result, Daniel felt like screaming.