At dawn, Daniel began preparing to return to the capital.

Although he had drunk quite a bit the night before, it hadn’t been enough to leave any noticeable effects the next day.

The only real difference was the slightly darker circles under his eyes.

Thanks to Lieutenant Colonel Carl Fren’s consideration, Daniel’s headquarters company was able to ride in well-maintained military vehicles.

Departing from the corps headquarters, Daniel finally arrived at the capital after about ten days of travel.

As soon as Daniel’s military jeep entered the city, citizens erupted into cheers and showered the streets with flower petals they had prepared in advance.

News of Daniel’s successful negotiations with the Kingdom had already spread widely throughout the capital.

Annoyed by the attention, Daniel used fatigue as an excuse to avoid reacting.

Of course, the citizens’ enthusiasm didn’t fade just because Daniel didn’t respond.

Even at the entrance of the General Staff Headquarters, crowds were waiting with banners full of praise, waving them so much that Daniel felt dizzy.

However, once inside the restricted area of the headquarters—where civilians weren’t allowed—he was finally able to relax.

“Wait—look over there. Isn’t that Her Highness the Princess?”

At least, that was the case until Frien spoke.

Opening his eyes and looking out the window, Daniel let out a low sigh.

Just as Frien had said, Princess Selvia was standing in front of the headquarters’ main gate, accompanied by Colonel Hartmann, the chief of her royal guard.

‘I can already guess why she’s here….’

But was it really necessary for the princess to personally greet him?

As Daniel pondered this, the lead jeep slowly came to a stop.

When Daniel stepped out, Selvia, who had been talking with Hartmann, turned her head toward him.

She was dressed in the Imperial officer’s uniform, but unlike the standard black, hers was a pristine white made of superior fabric.

Instead of a rank insignia, her uniform bore the imperial eagle, the symbol of the royal family.

With all its luxurious embellishments, it was a uniform that only royalty were permitted to wear.

Perhaps dignity really did come from one’s attire.

As Selvia, clad in the royal uniform, approached, even Frien and Lucy appeared visibly tense.

Daniel was no exception, though his nerves were slightly dulled by the exhaustion of the long journey.

“Your Highness.”

Daniel saluted, and Selvia approached with a bright, innocent smile.

“Why did you take so long? Do you know how long I’ve been waiting for—”

She cut herself off mid-sentence and cleared her throat.

She must have realized it would be inappropriate to act so casually in front of others.

“Major Daniel Steiner? I’ve heard all about your achievements on the battlefield. I’m sure you’re aware that my father wishes to meet you.”

“Yes, Your Highness. I’ve been informed.”

“Good. Then let’s not waste time. His Majesty is waiting for you at the palace. It’s not far—we’ll get there quickly.”

Now? Daniel was caught off guard and hesitated briefly before speaking.

“Your Highness… right this moment?”

Selvia let out a quiet breath, her expression softening with an apology.

“I know. I know this is improper. But my father’s condition is critical. He only has a few days each month when his mind is clear. He wants to meet you while he’s still lucid.”

Daniel was aware that the Emperor’s health had been deteriorating.

‘I didn’t think it was so bad that he could barely stay coherent….’

Seeing no other option, Daniel nodded.

“Understood. I’ll accompany you, Your Highness.”

“Thank you. Oh, and there’s something important I need to talk to you about as well—but we can discuss that on the way. Follow me.”

Selvia turned and walked toward a limousine parked near the headquarters.

A chauffeur in a formal suit stood by the open door, bowing deeply.

It was overwhelming, but Daniel couldn’t refuse the princess’s request.

Following her, Daniel climbed into the limousine. Once the chauffeur closed the door, he entered the driver’s seat and gently pressed the accelerator.

Watching the limousine slowly leave the headquarters, Frien crossed her arms and sighed.

“I thought we’d get to throw a party to celebrate Major Steiner’s achievements, but as soon as we arrived, Her Highness snatched him away.”

Beside her, Lucy remained silent, simply watching the limousine disappear in the distance.

Then, as if struck by an idea, she turned to Frien.

“Cadet Frien. Were you popular with men?”

“Hmm? Well, I suppose so. I did receive a few confessions. I never dated anyone, though.”

“Why do you think you were popular?”

Frien tilted her head thoughtfully before shrugging.

“Maybe I looked fragile? Back when I lived at the church, I was pretty timid. They probably wanted to protect me. Or maybe…”

She smirked.

“Maybe they thought they’d get a chance if they were nice to me. Men are wolves, after all. You know, if a woman pretends to be drunk, men supposedly can’t resist showing their true instincts, right?”

“…What?”

“Huh? Are you even listening? Drunk women are defenseless. It’s the easiest time for men to act on their instincts—wait.”

Why is she asking me this? Frien furrowed her brow as she looked at Lucy.

“Second Lieutenant Lucy, you’re not planning to do something to Major Steiner, are you?”

Lucy flinched.

For a moment, she thought her mission had been exposed.

Avoiding Frien’s gaze, she mumbled quietly.

“…No.”

Watching Lucy’s awkward response, Frien thought to herself.

‘This woman is absolutely terrible at lying.’

Frien didn’t know what Lucy was hiding, but one thing was clear—there was no way she was a professional spy.

*****

News of the ceasefire negotiations led by Daniel Steiner naturally reached Nordia as well.

Upon hearing the news, Hamthal, the leader of the secret society Black Crows, immediately convened a council meeting. The heads of each branch responded to the summons without exception.

Candle flames flickered calmly atop the candlesticks that adorned the table.

In the heavy atmosphere, Hamthal confirmed that all the branch leaders were present and began speaking.

“Thank you for attending without complaint despite the sudden summons. As some of you might have already guessed, I’ve called this meeting regarding the recent ceasefire agreement.”

The branch leaders silently acknowledged his statement.

“As you all know, the success of the ceasefire agreement has freed Nordia completely from the Kingdom’s oppression. The citizens are rejoicing that they no longer need to bow to the whims of the nobility.”

A satisfied smile formed on Hamthal’s lips.

“That’s not all. Discrimination against people of color has disappeared, and taxes have been reduced to an astonishing degree. It’s no exaggeration to say that a city built for its citizens has been born.”

“This is all thanks to…”

Hamthal nodded at the man in the black robe who had spoken.

“Yes. It’s a miracle brought about by Daniel Steiner. All of us owe him a great debt. Don’t you agree?”

The branch leaders hesitated briefly before nodding in agreement.

Because it was the truth.

“Daniel Steiner has fulfilled our long-standing wish. What no one could achieve over the past ten years—what even the gods did not grant—was realized by Daniel Steiner.”

Hamthal’s smile faded as he narrowed his eyes solemnly.

“And so, from this moment on, I intend to repay the debt we owe to Daniel Steiner. What do you all think? Will you act like beasts, taking his gift for granted?”

One by one, the branch leaders shook their heads.

Seeing this, Hamthal raised his voice.

“Then, the Black Crows must now act as Daniel Steiner’s shadow. Ensuring his survival will undoubtedly benefit not just us, but the entire world.”

To Hamthal, Daniel Steiner was a prophet.

While others had hesitated, afraid of the consequences of challenging deeply rooted corruption, Daniel Steiner had stepped forward and destroyed those injustices as if it were the most natural thing to do.

But Hamthal knew.

Prophets throughout history had always faced persecution.

There was no guarantee that Daniel Steiner wouldn’t face threats to his life.

Thus, Hamthal intended to use the power of the Black Crows to secure Daniel’s survival.

“Since everyone seems to be in agreement, let me explain. Starting now, the Black Crows will relocate all branches to the capital. We will thoroughly investigate whether there are any forces plotting against Daniel Steiner.”

“And what if we find hostile forces during the process?”

“We’ll suppress them, even if it requires force.”

Although the command might have seemed extreme, the branch leaders simply nodded in understanding.

Some of them even smiled.

After all, for the past ten years, the branch leaders had frequently fought the private armies of nobles. Using force was hardly unusual for them.

However, not everyone agreed with Hamthal’s orders.

The man in the black robe, deep in thought, finally spoke up.

“But is it even possible to relocate the branches to the capital? We’re still citizens of the Kingdom…”

He trailed off mid-sentence.

A sudden realization struck him.

“…I see. Since the Kingdom has ceded Nordia, we’re now citizens of the Empire. They’ll likely accept any applications for nationality changes.”

With the risk eliminated, there was no longer a reason to reject Hamthal’s proposal.

Hamthal nodded at the man and then looked around at the other branch leaders.

“Now that the discussion is over, let’s proceed to the vote. Raise your glasses if you agree with the motion.”

At Hamthal’s words, the branch leaders immediately raised their glasses of wine.

The man in the black robe also raised his glass, and the branch leaders spoke the purpose for which the Black Crows had been founded.

— For the day when hatred and discrimination are eradicated from the world.

Seeing the unanimous decision, Hamthal smiled and raised his own glass.

“And for Daniel Steiner as well.”