I Was Mistaken as a Great War Commander-Chapter 158

Moved by Daniel Steiner’s address, Regiment Commander Telberet willingly pledged to join the 7th Magitek Armored Division.

When word of this reached the Division, suspicion lingered. In response, a detachment of guards was dispatched—led by none other than Intelligence Officer Major Phelp.

Their caution was not unwarranted. After all, the very regiment sent to capture or eliminate Daniel Steiner was now suddenly volunteering to join forces. It was only natural to suspect a trap.

However, upon arriving at the Armored Regiment, Phelp quickly realized the offer of allegiance was no ruse.

“Come to think of it, it always seemed strange for a direct order from His Majesty. Declaring martial law made sense, but everything that followed...”

“I was deployed at the time. We were told to seize the National Propaganda Bureau for the sake of the Capital’s security, but the order didn’t sit right with me. What does internal security have to do with propaganda?”

“Are you saying even the Defense Commander has sided with the traitors?”

The sentiment was widespread throughout the Armored Regiment: an unspoken but growing distrust in the situation unfolding at the heart of the Empire.

“You heard what Colonel Daniel Steiner said, didn’t you? The Capital’s teeming with collaborators.”

“Still... to believe the Intelligence Bureau has joined them? That’s hard to swallow.”

“You dumb bastard. Why would Colonel Daniel lie about something that could easily be exposed? If it backfires, there’s no undoing it.”

“I didn’t mean it like that, I just—”

“Just what? Don’t tell me you’re siding with those damn collaborators?”

Even the mere act of questioning the narrative earned soldiers verbal lashings: “Are you seriously doubting Colonel Daniel Steiner?”

The casual, unfiltered support Phelp overheard as he walked through the regiment’s camp left a sharp impression.

“General... what exactly did you say to them? What sort of words could possibly have turned these men so completely to our cause? I can’t fathom it.”

It defied all understanding. But one thing was clear: Daniel Steiner had succeeded in persuading them.

“When we discussed this at yesterday’s briefing, I truly believed he was being reckless...”

Back when Daniel first declared he would confront the Armored Regiment alone and attempt to win them over, Phelp had tried everything to stop him.

Yes, it was a move that could yield extraordinary results if successful—but the risk was immeasurable.

The other staff officers had also pleaded with Daniel to reconsider, knowing he /N_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t/ was putting his life on the line.

But Daniel had been immovable, convincing them there was no other viable path. And so he departed—alone.

Up until that moment, the staff had been preparing contingency plans, debating the logistics of an elite extraction mission in case Daniel failed.

But in hindsight, all that concern had been unnecessary.

“There’s no denying it anymore. I can’t help but respect the man.”

A soldier with tactical intellect is not so rare; one who pairs that with courage—who charges toward a cause regardless of personal risk—is uncommon, but not unheard of.

There are even those who seem born to be politicians rather than officers, using their wit and eloquence to maneuver through power.

But a man who possesses all of that—brilliance in strategy, charisma in speech, and the conviction to risk everything for a greater cause?

This was the first time Phelp had met such a man.

“I could never do what he did. And now, I finally understand why they call him a war hero.”

It was in that moment that Phelp felt absolute certainty in their decision to support the retreat.

Resolved never to question Daniel Steiner’s judgment again, Phelp quickened his pace.

He had questions, of course—but more than that, he wanted to secure Daniel’s safety. For the Empire's sake and for his own peace of mind.

Arriving at the Armored Regiment’s command tent with his escort, Phelp pushed open the door and stepped inside.

But Daniel Steiner was not there.

Instead, seated at a desk, immersed in paperwork, was a middle-aged colonel—presumably the commander of the Guard’s Armored Regiment.

Sensing movement, Telberet removed his reading glasses and looked up.

He blinked a few times at the unfamiliar officer before a flicker of recognition crossed his face.

“Ah. So you must be the one the 7th Division sent to confirm the situation.”

Rising from his chair, Telberet straightened his uniform and approached, extending a hand.

“I am Telberet, commander of the Guard Division’s Armored Regiment under the Defense Command. Or rather, I suppose we’re now a subordinate unit of the 7th Magitek Armored Division, since I’ve officially transferred command to Colonel Daniel Steiner.”

Phelp hesitated, but then grasped the offered hand.

“Major Phelp, Intelligence Officer, 7th Magitek Armored Division. We welcome your cooperation.”

After a brief handshake, Phelp continued.

“Where is the General at the moment?”

“Colonel—no, General Steiner is currently with the communications officer, inside the comms truck. Said he had a message to deliver to the Capital.”

“I see.”

Phelp was about to leave, but paused mid-step.

A question had suddenly come to mind.

“Commander, if it’s not inappropriate—I’d like to ask something.”

“Of course. It’s not like I’ve anything urgent to do before tomorrow. Ask away.”

“Thank you. I’m curious—what exactly did the General say that led not only the soldiers, but even you, to side with the 7th Division?”

It was not a difficult question.

“He gave a speech,” Telberet said plainly. “The General laid out, in clear and simple terms, why a man leading the 7th Division could not possibly be betraying the Empire. Then he accused the Intelligence Bureau of treachery—and I couldn’t find it in myself to disagree. If they’ve turned, it means someone even higher is backing them.”

“That’s all?”

A sharp question.

Telberet chuckled softly and shook his head.

“Far from it. Even if the Intelligence Bureau were guilty of betrayal, if Daniel Steiner were a man of no consequence, I would’ve followed the Defense Commander’s orders. As you may know, I have family in the Capital. I have too much to lose to gamble on lofty ideals.”

“And yet, you still chose to stand with the General.”

“Of course I did. Because Daniel Steiner is not a man of no consequence. He instinctively knows how to wield his own status, how to win the hearts of the people. And now that he commands a military force... well, you can imagine the rest.”

As Phelp remained silent, Telberet’s eyes narrowed, growing serious.

“Listen carefully. The Capital will soon have a new master. Right now, the nobles play at ruling, but it won’t be long before Daniel Steiner takes it for himself. He already has the Emperor’s trust—and the people’s.”

“...”

“I’ve seen it with my own eyes. That’s why I’m siding with him. Like I said, I have much to lose. And if I want to protect what’s mine, I’d be a fool not to align myself with the next sovereign. The men may be inspired by the General’s speech, but me? I’m here for more practical reasons.”

Not for patriotism. Not for principle. Telberet’s motives were self-preserving—family, power, and position.

That was what loyalty meant to him—and exactly what Daniel Steiner had counted on.

But to Phelp, who held a deep and genuine respect for Daniel, the words left a bitter taste.

“The General does not seek power. He acts only for the good of the Empire. You clearly don’t understand that.”

“Acts for the Empire? I won’t argue. But regardless of intent, Daniel Steiner will inevitably wield power. He’s too vital not to.”

“If he does, it’ll be for the Empire’s sake.”

Seeing Phelp’s unwavering loyalty, Telberet let out a low laugh.

“As I said—I don’t deny that.”

****

Meanwhile, at the Intelligence Bureau’s Communications Command Center.

“Still no contact...?”

Deputy Director Pelliston—now the de facto power within the Bureau since the declaration of martial law—gnawed at his fingernail, unable to suppress his growing anxiety.

“If the 7th Magitek Armored Division had attacked the Guard Division’s Armored Regiment as Duke Belvar planned, then we should have received a transmission by now...”

Dozens of telegraphs and wireless sets crackled and clicked, as agents bustled back and forth through a haze of overlapping static and chatter—yet from none of them came word from the Armored Regiment.

He had not anticipated that silence could be so terrifying.

This content is taken from freёnovelkiss.com.

Just as Pelliston was sinking into that unease, an officer raised his hand from across the room.

“Deputy Director! Incoming message from the Guard Division’s Armored Regiment!”

“Is that true?!”

At last. It’s finally here. The moment of reckoning.

Pelliston rushed over, snatched up the transmitter’s receiver with shaking fingers, and spoke with forced authority:

“This is Deputy Director Pelliston of the Imperial Intelligence Bureau, Communications Command. Identify yourself.”

But no voice came from the other end.

Pelliston, irritated and on edge, jabbed the transmit button and snapped,

“Is the signal degraded? If so, check atmospheric conditions and reinitiate the transmission. Otherwise, state your name and the purpose of your call.”

After a brief silence, a single beep pierced the air—followed by a cold, unwavering voice:

— This is Colonel Daniel Steiner, commanding the 7th Magitek Armored Division.

Pelliston involuntarily sucked in a breath.

“...Daniel Steiner?”

Before the shock could even register fully, a deeper terror began to take root.

“If Daniel Steiner is speaking from within the Guard Division’s Armored Regiment...”

Then that could only mean one thing: the Regiment had refused orders from High Command and chosen to side with him.

One of the worst-case scenarios was no longer hypothetical—it had happened.

While Pelliston stood frozen, unable to respond, the voice on the other end returned—low, cold, and sharp as a blade:

— If you're listening, inform Duke Belvar.

His mouth ran dry.

His entire being screamed to terminate the connection—but he lacked the courage to act on it.

— The moment I return to the Capital...

As Pelliston’s hand trembled, Daniel's voice rang out again—firm, final, merciless:

— ...he will bear witness to Hell itself.