I Was Mistaken as a Great War Commander

Why was the Imperial Princess posing as a war correspondent deep within the battlefield?

Feeling a strong sense of dissonance, Daniel soon feigned a composed expression and extended his right hand.

“Pleased to meet you. I’m First Lieutenant Daniel Steiner, acting Operational Planning officer from the General Staff Headquarters.”

If the Princess was concealing her identity and present on the northern front, she must have her reasons.

Blurting out, “Your Highness, is that not you?!” would only lead to an undesirable outcome.

Celvia scrutinized Daniel before extending her hand to shake his.

“War correspondent Ravi Emilia. Please feel free to call me Ravi.”

With a nod, Daniel shook her hand and released it.

He figured maintaining the courtesy expected towards a war correspondent would be enough to avoid unnecessary suspicion.

“Then, now…”

Daniel turned to Heinz and spoke.

“Could you please explain the operational overview?”

Feeling burdened by Celvia’s gaze, he spoke to divert the topic.

However, from Heinz’s perspective, Daniel inquiring about the operational overview before even resting from their journey made him seem like an unyielding sort.

‘As expected, he’s no ordinary individual.’

With this thought, Heinz nodded and turned his body.

“Follow me. I’ll give you a brief mission briefing.”

Following Heinz into the tent, the first thing that came into view was a tactics table with an operational map laid out.

Along the walls, soldiers were seated in front of radios, waiting for communications.

Beside them, a blackboard displayed a photograph of a high-ranking Allied officer, with detailed personal information and recent activities written below.

As Daniel examined the blackboard, Heinz spoke up.

“He’s the adjutant to the Allied Northern Front Army Commander, Colonel Jeremy Stringer. Our target for elimination in this mission.”

Daniel turned to Heinz with a skeptical expression, as if questioning how they could assassinate such a heavily guarded figure.

Put in the same position, Heinz might have worn a similar expression.

Letting out a low chuckle, Heinz explained:

“As you know, the northern front was formed when the Kingdom of Eldresia joined the Allied Nations, invading Imperial territory with three divisions of ignorant barbarians.”
“But the Imperial forces did not falter.”
“Correct. Gloriously, we even overwhelmed the Allied forces and reclaimed most of the lost territory. In that process, while the enemy’s leadership retreated en masse, some remained to continue the fight.”

Here, Heinz made his point clear.

“Delaying tactics.”

Heinz nodded at Daniel’s remark.

“I don’t wish to praise the enemy, but it was a wise choice. Thanks to Colonel Jeremy’s delay, the Allied Northern Front leadership could withdraw without significant losses. In contrast, he became isolated.”

Heinz let out a low, derisive chuckle.

“Colonel Jeremy may be wise, but he doesn’t seem courageous. Upon confirming the leadership’s retreat, instead of fighting to the last, he chose to withdraw as well.”
“A cowardly rat, it seems.”
“Yes. According to reports, that cowardly rat recently deployed two battalion-strength forces into battle before slipping away with a company-sized guard to the rear lines.”

The Central Intelligence Bureau had detected this and issued orders to Heinz, who was operating on the frontlines.

“To summarize the high command’s orders: set a trap along the rat’s escape route and wait to eliminate him. Do you understand?”

It was simple and straightforward, comprehensible even to a fool.

To get to the main point, Daniel opened his mouth.

“Then, what are the expected escape routes?”

As if waiting for this, Heinz picked up a pointer and indicated the operational map on the tactics table.

Potential escape routes were marked in red pen.

“The first route is the Drokenberg Plateau. With its high elevation and sparse population, it’s ideal for evading pursuit. Moreover, unless they use roads, crossing the plateau is the quickest way back to Allied territory.”

Tap. Heinz pointed to another location.

“The second expected route is to head northwest, cross the mountain range, and enter the snowy mountains. By circumventing Lake Aldera and hiding in the forested areas, aerial reconnaissance becomes impossible, making it optimal for concealed movement.”

Having finished the explanation, Heinz put down the pointer.

“Unfortunately, we must choose one of these two likely routes for our ambush. Dividing our forces increases the chances of missing Jeremy.”

As if testing him, Heinz asked, “In your opinion, which route do you think Jeremy will take?”

Stroking his chin, Daniel stared intently at the operational map.

‘Wait a moment. This is…’

An opportunity for a dishonorable discharge, wasn’t it?

‘If I propose an alternative and deliberately botch the operation, my evaluation will undoubtedly plummet. And if I demonstrate my incompetence in front of the Princess…’

A dishonorable discharge would be assured! It felt like fireworks were going off in his mind.

Inwardly smiling, Daniel feigned solemnity and shook his head.

“In my assessment, Colonel Jeremy will choose neither of those routes.”

Daniel’s outright rejection of his superior Heinz’s opinion left the tent in silence.

Nearby, Celvia observed Daniel with seeming interest.

However, Heinz merely furrowed his brow in bewilderment.

“Could you clarify what you mean?”
“Yes. From my perspective, it seems Jeremy will attempt to escape through the Edelkrahl Ravine.”
“…The Edelkrahl Ravine? That’s preposterous. It’s an area we mined at the start of the war to halt the Allied advance. Jeremy is well aware of that.”

Raising his head, Daniel looked at Heinz.

“Precisely because it’s a preposterous method, Jeremy will choose the Edelkrahl Ravine. Do you think he doesn’t realize he must exploit the Empire’s vulnerabilities to survive?”

Daniel’s unwavering demeanor momentarily left Heinz at a loss for words.

However, Heinz had no intention of indulging Daniel’s obstinacy.

“Lieutenant, the Imperial military values rationality above all. The Special Missions Unit is not so idle as to entertain your gambles.”
“If those are the commanding officer Captain Heinz’s orders, I shall accept them. However, you must be prepared.”
“…Prepared, you say?”

In response to Heinz’s question, Daniel unflinchingly stated:

“Even if I am temporarily assigned to the Special Missions Unit, I am still operating under the direct command of headquarters. If Colonel Jeremy escapes due to your judgment, I will have no choice but to report this fact to the General Staff Headquarters.”

Daniel implied that the General Staff was watching, leaving Heinz with a sense of pressure.

Indeed, Daniel was adept at leveraging his background.

After a low sigh, Heinz managed to open his mouth.

“Lieutenant. You mustn’t speak carelessly. If Jeremy doesn’t show up at the Edelkrahl Ravine, how do you intend to take responsibility?”
“I am prepared to accept any disciplinary action. Furthermore…”

After a momentary pause, Daniel continued.

“Please allow me to take only my platoon and set an ambush in the Edelkrahl Ravine.”
“…Are you suggesting a single platoon can defeat Jeremy’s company?”
“Yes. Due to the prolonged battles on the northern front, Jeremy’s company must have lowered morale and be nearing their physical limits. Add the terrain’s characteristics, and my platoon should be more than capable of defeating them.”

If Daniel’s words were true, it would be possible to divide the unit and set ambushes in two locations simultaneously.

Gazing into Daniel’s confident eyes, Heinz glanced at Celvia.

Celvia, who had been smiling with interest, nodded, prompting Heinz to furrow his brow and permit Daniel’s presumption.

“Very well. Since you insist, I’ll grant you operational approval. When the time is right, take your platoon and set an ambush in the Edelkrahl Ravine.”
“Yes. Thank you.”

Saluting perfunctorily, Daniel turned and exited the tent.

Only then did the air constricting his breath seem to loosen.

‘What a serpentine fellow…’

As Heinz watched Daniel’s departure, the nearby Celvia spoke up.

“Captain Heinz. What is your impression of Daniel?”

Shifting his gaze, Heinz bowed his head slightly.

“Your Highness. In my view, he is an excellent soldier. He seems to possess independent situational judgment, as well as remarkable decisiveness and courage. However, I cannot consider him an admirable human being.”

In Heinz’s eyes, Daniel lacked any respect for others.

Claiming he could carry out the operation with just his platoon? It only appeared as a desire to monopolize the merit.

A demon willing to drive himself and his subordinates to ruin, solely for the sake of promotion.

That was the extent of Heinz’s impression of him.

“Therefore, Your Highness, I implore you to reconsider making Daniel Steiner a part of your forces. He is a man incapable of respecting others. From experience, such individuals cannot be trusted.”

While Heinz advised sincerely, it only seemed to pique Celvia’s interest further.

“Captain Heinz. There is no dog or human in this world that cannot be tamed.”

Celvia’s eyes narrowed softly as she observed the spot where Daniel had exited.

“Furthermore, whether he truly lacks respect for others is something I shall judge for myself.”

The next day, Edelkrahl Ravine.

‘It’s freezing…’

I shivered atop the ravine cliff.

Despite wearing an officer’s winter coat, the chill pierced through my clothing.

‘I wish I could quickly botch this mission and return to headquarters…’

Secretly sniffling, I glanced around to see Prien surveilling the ravine through binoculars and Celvia seated on a fallen log.

The rest of the platoon members were camouflaging themselves using snow and dry twigs.

‘…But why did Celvia come along?’

She seemed intent on maintaining her war correspondent act, holding a Leica camera, but frankly, it was preposterous.

What war correspondent dressed so impeccably? From her blouse to her coat and pants, everything was expensive designer wear.

She likely had no idea how costly her attire was, considering she always dressed like that.

Regarding her with the thought that she was utterly out of place, our eyes met.

Seeing Celvia about to speak, I hurriedly turned my head and cleared my throat.

“Any sign of the enemy?”

Prien shook her head at my words.

“None, Second Lieutenant Daniel Steiner.”

Yes, it was only natural that none were sighted.

This was the operational area I had insisted upon through sheer stubbornness.

A place I had come to with the goal of a dishonorable discharge, no less.

‘Why would Colonel Jeremy come here? Unless he’s insane…’

While the ravine’s terrain allowed for stealthy shadow-based movement, being ambushed from both cliffs would put them at a overwhelming disadvantage.

Moreover, Colonel Jeremy was well aware that the Empire had mined the ravine, making the chances of him coming here even slimmer.

As such, my operation was a complete failure.

No, it wasn’t just a failure. Since I had practically extorted the commanding officer Heinz into approving this operation, severe criticism was to be expected.

‘With the Princess directly witnessing my incompetence, it will be a perfect failure.’

Where there is crisis, there is opportunity, they say. Who would have thought that by coming to the northern front for an unwanted accelerated promotion, I would seize the chance for a dishonorable discharge?

Satisfied with the situation, I couldn’t help but smile inwardly.

“Se, Second Lieutenant Daniel Steiner!”

Wondering what the commotion was, I turned to see Prien removing her eyes from the binoculars and looking up at me.

“Just as you said, Lieutenant! Colonel Jeremy’s company is entering the ravine!”

…Wait, what did you say?