After parting ways with the Princess, my platoon and I quickly cleaned ourselves up and waited for further orders.

As much as I wanted to get out of this godforsaken Northern Front as soon as possible, wrecking a jeep had come with its own set of bureaucratic hurdles to secure a replacement.

Eventually, I received a new vehicle from the Special Operations Company and immediately set out for the General Staff Headquarters.

Just like before, it took four days of nonstop driving to arrive at the grand entrance, marked by an ornate fountain.

Feeling the weariness of the journey, I opened the passenger door and stepped out, spotting my platoon members disembarking from their transport vehicles nearby.

Despite a few soldiers sporting bandages from injuries sustained during the ambush, they stood in neat squads before me, grinning as if they had already forgotten their wounds.

‘I suppose they’re just relieved there’s no need to worry about ambushes here. I can’t blame them.’

If I were in their shoes, I’d probably be wearing the same expression.

I took a moment to let my gaze sweep over each soldier before speaking.

“You all did well. Each of you fulfilled your duties admirably on the Northern Front. And even when faced with an unexpected ambush, you responded with composure. That deserves praise.”

“You worked hard too, sir!”

“I only wish we could’ve fought more! We should’ve blown off more of those bastards’ balls!”

The loud remarks from a couple of overly enthusiastic soldiers drew laughter from the rest of the platoon.

Normally, I would’ve given them a warning, but this wasn’t the time for that.

We’d just returned victorious, and I didn’t want to spoil the atmosphere.

“There’ll be plenty of opportunities to blow off the Allies’ balls in the future, so don’t worry. As for the rest of you… forget the speeches. Dismissed! Go enjoy your victory.”

The soldiers saluted sharply as I finished speaking.

After returning the salute, I turned toward the headquarters building, only to pause when Freen approached me hesitantly, looking like she had something to say.

“…What is it?”

My voice came out lower than I intended—probably from exhaustion—which caused Freen to flinch before gathering her courage.

“Lieutenant Daniel Steiner! I, um, wanted to discuss my future!”

“Hmm? Oh. You’ll be assigned to the headquarters’ direct command battalion. Unless otherwise summoned, stay there and continue training.”

“That’s not what I meant…”

Then what was it?

I stared at her silently, too tired to prod, and Freen took a deep breath before looking up at me.

“I… I want to become an officer like you!”

“An officer?”

“Yes! After fighting on the Northern Front, I feel strongly about serving the Empire—just like you!”

It was a bit sudden, but Freen becoming an officer was inevitable.

She was destined for it anyway, though this felt earlier than expected.

Normally, she would’ve spent more time as a private before deciding to pursue a commission.

I didn’t know what had prompted her change of heart, but there was no reason to refuse her.

“I’ll let command know you want to become an officer. Given your role in saving Her Highness during the ambush, your promotion should go through without much trouble.”

Freen’s eyes widened in surprise, as if she hadn’t expected me to approve so easily.

Then, she saluted me sharply.

“Thank you! Thank you so much, Lieutenant!”

I wasn’t sure it warranted that level of gratitude, but it didn’t feel bad either.

I nodded vaguely before heading into the headquarters building.

And the moment I stepped into the Operations Office, I was hit with the overwhelming urge to run away.

“Lieutenant Daniel! Or should I say Captain now? Hahaha! We’ve been waiting for you—all of us!”

Ernst, the Head of Operations, welcomed me enthusiastically as the rest of the staff burst into cheers.

Looking around, I saw everyone standing and clapping.

The worst part was the ridiculous decorations covering my desk—flowers, balloons, and even a new nameplate in the center.

[Operations Officer / Captain Daniel Steiner]

The nameplate looked noticeably fancier than before.

Before I could ask what the hell was going on, Ernst gestured to one of the soldiers nearby.

The soldier approached with a small box in both hands and presented it to me.

The box was all too familiar—it looked just like the one Captain Philip had given me before.

“Congratulations on your promotion, Captain Daniel Steiner!”

So that’s what this was.

Opening the box, I saw a captain’s badge and shoulder boards neatly arranged inside.

I stared at them with a grimace, but Ernst simply smiled in satisfaction.

“I told you to go out there and make a name for yourself, but I didn’t expect you to pull it off so brilliantly. You even risked your life for the Princess! The higher-ups won’t dare question your abilities anymore.”

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

Well, it made sense. My accomplishments reflected positively on him as well.

Meanwhile, I let out an internal sigh, realizing my dream of early retirement had just slipped even further away.

But with so many eyes on me, I couldn’t show my true feelings.

“You flatter me. I only did what any soldier of the Empire would’ve done.”

So I forced a smile and shook Ernst’s hand—the best I could do under the circumstances.

*****

The week following my promotion was a blur of activity.

Most of it revolved around navigating social interactions.

Having been promoted twice in quick succession, I had become something of a celebrity within the General Staff Headquarters. And with celebrity status came an endless stream of “invitations.”

The offers were always framed as casual meals or drinks, but the ulterior motives were transparent.

It was obvious that they wanted to recruit me to strengthen their military factions, which were deeply tied to political power struggles.

With that in mind, I made a conscious effort to dodge all invitations, citing my busy schedule as an excuse.

Interestingly, Ernst, my direct superior, seemed to find my evasive attitude rather pleasing.

He even cornered me outside the officers’ mess hall to regale me with yet another family anecdote.

“So, do you know what my daughter said to me the other day? She told me she’d go and take care of those Allied bastards herself so I wouldn’t have to go to work the next day. Isn’t that adorable?”

Ernst was notoriously all business—he had no reputation for small talk.

Yet, for some reason, he never hesitated to share personal stories with me.

It was a clear sign that he liked me.

And frankly, it made me uncomfortable.

A superior’s favor could be as burdensome as it was beneficial—especially when it extended beyond professional matters.

I was just beginning to think of a polite way to cut the conversation short when—

“Daniel Steiner! You damn devil of a bastard!”

The sudden shout from behind me made my shoulders jolt.

Turning around, I found myself face-to-face with an Allied officer in uniform, bound in restraints, glaring daggers at me.

“You piece of shit! You filthy, cowardly son of a—!”

The officer lunged forward, only to be kicked in the back of the knee by a soldier escorting him.

“Ugh!”

The Allied officer collapsed face-first onto the ground.

The soldier who had kicked him looked flustered and quickly bowed his head to me.

I raised a hand to signal that it was fine, and the soldier promptly dragged the officer to his feet while barking orders at him.

Watching the scene, I finally spoke up, puzzled.

“Who is he…?”

“Oh, right. The Northern Front reported that they were transferring a high-ranking prisoner to headquarters today. Looks like that’s him. You should recognize him—you captured him yourself.”

I nodded in understanding.

This was the same officer who had surrendered after I took the first shot during the operation to eliminate Colonel Jeremy.

‘I think he was a major.’

While I was lost in thought, Ernst clicked his tongue and continued.

“I hear they’re trying to treat him well since he’s an officer, but it’s been difficult. Apparently, he worked in Allied intelligence, so he’d be quite the catch if we could turn him.”

Interesting.

I watched the Allied officer being dragged away and suddenly had an idea.

“…Chief.”

“Hmm? What is it?”

“Would it be possible for me to handle his interrogation?”

Ernst blinked in surprise before tilting his head.

“It’s not impossible, but you’d be adding even more work to your plate.”

“I don’t mind. I think it’ll be worth it.”

Ernst let out a low whistle.

“What an exemplary patriot. Honestly, it’s humbling.”

He nodded his approval, clearly moved by my supposed dedication.

But in reality, my thoughts were anything but patriotic.

‘This might just be it...’

I couldn’t help but smirk to myself.

I might finally have found a way to escape the Empire—without resorting to a dishonorable discharge.