After parting ways with the Princess, my platoon and I quickly cleaned up and waited for further orders.
As much as I wanted to leave this godforsaken Northern Front as soon as possible, wrecking a jeep came with its own bureaucratic hurdles before I could get a replacement.
Eventually, I received a new vehicle from the Special Operations Company and set out immediately for the General Staff Headquarters.
Just like before, it took four days of nonstop driving to reach the grand entrance marked by an ornate fountain.
Weary from the journey, I opened the passenger door and stepped out, spotting my platoon disembarking from their transport vehicles nearby.
Despite a few soldiers still nursing bandages from injuries sustained during the ambush, they stood in neat squads, grinning as if their wounds had already faded from memory.
I guess they're just relieved there's no more ambushes to worry about. Can't blame them.
If I were in their place, I'd probably be smiling the same way.
I took a moment to look over each soldier before speaking.
"You all did well. You fulfilled your duties with honor on the Northern Front, and even when ambushed, you held your ground. You deserve recognition."
"You worked hard too, sir!"
"I just wish we'd had the chance to blast a few more of those bastards' heads off!"
A couple of overly enthusiastic remarks drew laughter from the rest of the platoon.
Normally, I'd have warned them to keep it professional, but now wasn't the time.
We had returned victorious. Let them enjoy the moment.
"There'll be more chances to blow the Allies to pieces, so don't worry. As for the rest of you—no speeches. Dismissed! Go enjoy your victory."
They saluted sharply.
I returned the gesture and turned toward the HQ building—only to pause when Freen approached hesitantly.
"…What is it?"
My voice came out rougher than I intended—probably from exhaustion—which made Freen flinch before gathering her courage.
"Lieutenant Daniel Steiner! I... I wanted to talk about my future!"
"Huh? Oh. You'll be assigned to HQ's direct command battalion. Unless summoned otherwise, stay there and continue training."
"That's not what I meant..."
Then what was it?
I stared silently, too tired to pry, and Freen took a deep breath.
"I… I want to become an officer like you!"
"An officer?"
"Yes! After everything on the Northern Front, I want to dedicate myself to the Empire. Just like you!"
It was a little sudden, but not surprising. Freen was destined to be an officer anyway—this just came earlier than expected.
Normally, she would have served longer as a private before making that decision.
Whatever pushed her, there was no reason to stop her.
"I'll notify command. Considering your role in saving Her Highness during the ambush, your promotion shouldn't be a problem."
Her eyes widened in shock, clearly not expecting such easy approval.
Then she saluted sharply.
"Thank you! Thank you so much, Lieutenant!"
I wasn't sure that level of gratitude was warranted, but it didn't feel bad.
I gave a vague nod and entered the building.
The moment I stepped into the Operations Office, I felt an overwhelming urge to run.
"Lieutenant Daniel! Or should I say Captain now? Hahaha! We've been waiting for you!"
Ernst, the Head of Operations, greeted me with open arms as the entire staff erupted into cheers.
Looking around, I saw everyone clapping—and my desk absurdly decorated with flowers, balloons, and a polished nameplate:
[Operations Officer / Captain Daniel Steiner]
Before I could ask what was going on, Ernst gestured to a soldier, who approached with a small box held carefully in both hands.
It looked exactly like the one Captain Philip had once given me.
"Congratulations on your promotion, Captain Daniel Steiner!"
So this was it.
I opened the box. A captain's badge and shoulder boards rested neatly inside.
I stared with a grimace, but Ernst just grinned.
"I told you to go out there and make a name for yourself, but I didn't expect this. You risked your life for the Princess! The higher-ups are convinced. No one dares doubt your abilities now."
This was the first time I'd seen Ernst smile so brightly.
I guess it made sense. My success made him look good too.
I sighed inwardly. My dream of early retirement was slipping further away.
But with so many eyes on me, I couldn't show how I really felt.
"You flatter me. I only did what any soldier of the Empire would."
I forced a smile and shook his hand.
The week after my promotion was a blur.
Most of it was social nonsense.
With two promotions in quick succession, I had become a mini-celebrity at HQ. That came with endless "invitations."
They always disguised them as friendly meals or drinks, but their motives were clear—they wanted to recruit me into their factions, which were deeply tied to political power.
So, I made a point to avoid every invitation, using my packed schedule as an excuse.
Oddly enough, Ernst seemed pleased with my evasiveness.
He even cornered me one day outside the mess hall.
"You know what my daughter told me? She said she'd go beat up the Allies herself so I wouldn't have to work anymore! Isn't that cute?"
Ernst was usually all business. Yet, for some reason, he now shared personal stories regularly.
It meant he liked me.
Honestly? It made me uncomfortable.
A superior's favor could be just as dangerous as their scorn.
I was just figuring out how to end the conversation politely when—
"Daniel Steiner! You damn devil of a bastard!"
The sudden shout made my shoulders jolt.
I turned and came face-to-face with an Allied officer in restraints, snarling at me like a mad dog.
"You piece of shit! You filthy, cowardly son of a—!"
He lunged, only to be kicked in the knee by one of the escorting soldiers.
"Ugh!"
The officer hit the ground face-first.
The soldier looked embarrassed and bowed quickly.
I raised a hand to signal it was fine, and he hauled the officer up again with a sharp order.
I looked at the man, puzzled.
"Who is he…?"
"Oh, right. Northern Front said they were sending a high-value prisoner. Looks like he's the one. You captured him, didn't you?"
I nodded.
He was the one who surrendered after I shot Colonel Jeremy.
I think he was a major.
While I was still thinking, Ernst clicked his tongue.
"They're treating him well since he's an officer, but it's tricky. He worked in Allied intelligence. If we could turn him, he'd be a huge asset."
Interesting.
I watched him being dragged away, and suddenly, an idea came to mind.
"…Chief."
"Hm? What is it?"
"Would it be possible for me to handle his interrogation?"
Ernst blinked, surprised, then tilted his head.
"It's not impossible, but it'll add even more work to your schedule."
"I don't mind. I think it'll be worth it."
Ernst whistled.
"What a patriot. Truly admirable."
He nodded, clearly impressed.
But my thoughts weren't patriotic at all.
This might be it…
I smirked.
I might've just found my ticket out of the Empire—without needing a dishonorable discharge.