Chapter 14 - He Is a Trustworthy Person
After Daniel reunited with Princess Celvia, the situation took a dramatic turn in their favor.
Thanks to Daniel’s orders, the platoon members who had disembarked and dispersed rejoined the reinforcements sent by the Special Missions Unit at the forward base, and they literally swept aside the Crown Prince’s forces disguised as Allied soldiers.
Moreover, with Captain Heinz requesting additional support, reconnaissance helicopters and fighter jets from a nearby air squadron joined the fray, leaving the Crown Prince’s forces with no chance of victory.
From the outset, they were a small force deployed for a swift operation.
Even the Special Missions Unit’s reinforcements alone would have been too much for them, let alone the addition of the air squadron, sealing their defeat.
Backed into a corner, the Crown Prince’s soldiers chose to commit suicide as if by prior agreement, bringing the situation to a close.
And now.
Daniel and his platoon stood in formation in the forest clearing, maintaining an ‘attention’ stance.
In the center of the clearing, before the transport helicopter that had landed, Celvia blinked her azure eyes as she observed them.
‘Indeed. Excellent soldiers follow an excellent commander…’
Daniel and his platoon members were all covered in grime.
This meant they hadn’t hesitated to engage the Crown Prince’s soldiers.
Of course, apart from Daniel, none of them likely knew they had fought the Crown Prince’s men, but still.
“First Lieutenant Daniel.”
Glancing around at the platoon members, Celvia’s gaze met Daniel’s.
She gestured for him to approach, and Daniel strode over.
“You called for me?”
With a nod, Celvia raised her hand and whispered into Daniel’s ear.
“Keep what you saw and heard today to yourself. Others must not learn of my brother’s involvement in this matter.”
“…Understood. Without evidence, recklessly accusing the Crown Prince would only invite backlash.”
“Precisely. It’s nice that we understand each other so well.”
Her voice sounded mellifluous as it reached his ear directly.
After softly conveying her words, Celvia stepped back.
“Then I shall return to the capital. While I would have liked to travel to the General Staff Headquarters and converse with you further… it seems this matter has grown larger than expected, so I must hasten my return.”
The situation had indeed escalated. By now, news of the Princess being ambushed would have spread like wildfire throughout the military high command in the capital.
It was thanks to Captain Heinz judging the situation as perilous and requesting support from the air squadron.
In any case, without a prompt return, Celvia would undoubtedly face the scrutiny not only of the current Emperor but also the noble vassals.
Fully understanding Celvia’s position, Daniel bowed his head.
“It was an honor to meet you. I shall look forward to the day we can meet again.”
Celvia offered a faint smile in response to Daniel’s courteous words.
“We’ll meet again soon.”
Her words carried a subtle implication.
Before Daniel could react, Celvia turned and boarded the transport helicopter.
Confirming Celvia’s boarding, the Imperial Guards respectfully boarded and closed the door.
After one of the Guards informed the pilot of their full boarding, preparations for takeoff commenced.
The helicopter’s propellers began spinning, emitting a thunderous noise as they displaced the air – or rather, the ground itself would be a more accurate description.
Scattering the snow accumulated in the clearing, the airborne helicopter immediately took flight towards the capital.
“……”
Inside the helicopter, Celvia sat and gazed down through the window.
Far below, Daniel and his platoon could be seen saluting the departing helicopter.
Silently observing them, Celvia turned her gaze towards an Imperial Guard inspecting his weapon.
Emblazoned on the Guard’s shoulder was the golden wing insignia symbolizing the senior protector of the Imperial Guard.
Colonel Hartmann Edelstein.
He was the commanding officer overseeing field operations for the Imperial Guard, a renowned field-grade officer who had made a name for himself as a killing machine.
The tale of him mowing down enemies on the bullet-ridden battlefield with a single sword was often recounted when describing Hartmann’s legend.
Yet if there was one existence that even this killing machine feared, it was none other than Celvia von Amberg, who now fixed him with an impassive gaze.
Ordinarily, the granddaughter-like Celvia appeared only adorable and pretty, but when she stared intently like this, clearly wanting something, it sent an unsettling chill down one’s spine, even without knowing her intentions.
And Hartmann could not afford to simply ignore her.
To incur Celvia’s displeasure would be quite torturous for Hartmann.
Despite the stark difference in their social standings, Hartmann genuinely regarded Celvia with a special fondness akin to a granddaughter.
Thus, he had to reveal one more piece of information he had learned.
After clearing his throat, Hartmann spoke in a rather serious tone.
“Your Highness, if you truly intend to recruit First Lieutenant Daniel Steiner as an ally, it seems unnecessary to test his loyalty.”
Celvia blinked in confusion at his sudden remark, prompting Hartmann to continue.
“First Lieutenant Daniel Steiner said to the Crown Prince’s soldiers, ‘That half-wit Crown Prince can never become Emperor.’ He further asserted, ‘The one destined to become Emperor is the Princess.'”
Celvia’s eyes widened.
As she had arrived late to the scene, this was the first time she had heard of Daniel making such a statement.
“…Is that true? That First Lieutenant Daniel said those words?”
“Yes. Everyone here heard them.”
The Imperial Guards nodded in affirmation.
Seeing this, a faint smile graced Celvia’s lips.
“I see. So First Lieutenant Daniel said that…”
Her trailing words prompted Celvia to shift her gaze outside the window, looking down towards the ground.
Although the distance from the clearing had grown too far for them to be visible, Celvia’s gaze instinctively searched for Daniel.
“Hmm. He said those words, did he…”
For reasons unknown, Daniel’s statement seemed to have greatly pleased her.
‘Are you delighted to have gained a new talent?’
Though she appeared more elated than usual.
‘Could it be that you view First Lieutenant Daniel as a romantic interest…?’
No, that was unlikely. Celvia, having endured so much torment from her own brother, was as cold as stone when it came to matters of romance.
Regardless of the reason, seeing Celvia wearing an expression befitting her age was a truly pleasing sight for Hartmann.