Chapter 0 - Discharge is not easy
It was not intended, but I joined the military from a young age.
After awakening the memories of my previous life, I realized that this world was like a game and worked tirelessly to survive.
As a result, I gained intimidating nicknames in front of my name:
“The Devil of the Battlefield”
“The Archer of Mathan”
“The Emperor’s Fierce Hound”
Although I didn’t seek these nicknames, I lived satisfactorily.
The enemies feared me, and my allies praised me. What more could I ask for?
However, I couldn’t continue being the Emperor’s vanguard.
The future, which can be explained in one sentence – “The Empire is defeated by the Allied Nations” – was gradually becoming a reality.
Perhaps that’s why I was secretly glad to face the Emperor after a battle defeat.
If the Emperor blamed me, I would kneel down, apologize, and resign. Then I could wash away my identity and escape to a remote island. Everything would be okay.
‘I’ve saved quite a bit of money. If needed, I could even sell military secrets to the Allied Nations.’
No more hardships on the battlefield. A rosy life was about to unfold.
It was almost laughable, but since I was summoned before the Emperor, I had to look remorseful.
“Raise your head, Daniel Steiner.”
At the Emperor’s voice calling my name from the throne, I lifted my head.
Celvia von Amberg.
She was the Empress who held absolute power over the Empire and a tyrant who regarded human lives as insignificant as flies.
Unsurprisingly, her only redeeming quality was her beautiful appearance, as her personality was outrageous.
Even now, I was drawn to her azure eyes resembling aquamarines and her golden hair like sunbeams of spring.
“You led the retreat of three divisions, including the Mage Division, from the Battle of Sceoran and returned to the homeland. This is a great loss for the Empire and a historical blunder.”
Good. If the Emperor just continues to blame me, it’ll be fine!
Using the Emperor’s rebuke as an excuse, I can leave the military and start a happy daily life!
“However, considering that the Battle of Sceoran was due to an enemy ambush, there was confusion in the command process, and although you retreated, your efforts minimized the damage, I hereby acknowledge the military merits of the commanding officer.”
But then…
“In summary, I shall bestow upon you the Empire’s highest military honor, the White Dragon Medal of Valor.”
For some reason, the Emperor didn’t seem to have any intention of letting me go.