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Translator: Vine
Chapter Title: Meeting with the Prime Minister
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After revealing his identity, Daniel headed for the embassy, escorted by the Arcane Mobile Force with the utmost deference.
It was an unspoken pressure, a signal that since his personal safety was now secured, he should return to his original duties.
Entering the embassy as if stepping into a prison, Daniel, with a heavy heart, began preparing for the meeting with Bellanos's Prime Minister.
Thus, for three days, he worked on drafting a proposal to present to Bellanos's side, with the assistance of the deputy ambassador inside the embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Knock, knock—
The sound of papers being turned ceased at the knock echoing in the silent office.
Daniel, who had lifted his head, glanced around.
"…Deputy Ambassador. My memory's a bit fuzzy, but were we expecting any visitors at the embassy at this hour?"
The deputy ambassador, who had taken off his glasses, shook his head, looking flustered.
"Not that I'm aware of."
"Then who…"
Just as he was about to speculate about the visitor, another knock sounded.
"Lieutenant Colonel Daniel? It's me!"
From the voice, it was Lieutenant Colonel Hartmann, the chief of the Royal Guard's security detail.
Only then did Daniel feel relieved, and he spoke towards the door.
"Come in."
Granted permission, Hartmann opened the door and entered the office.
In his hand, he held a scroll with a reddish hue.
Seeing it, Daniel broke out in a cold sweat and rose from his seat.
'An imperial decree…!'
It was a scroll containing the Emperor's orders.
He had seen it before when he received a medal through Hartmann, so he was certain.
As Daniel rose from his seat, the diplomats and the deputy ambassador within the embassy also stood up.
"Well, this is…"
Seeing their reaction, Hartmann raised a hand and scratched his cheek.
"I didn't mean to cause a commotion. My apologies. I should have contacted you beforehand."
"Not at all. When it's His Imperial Majesty's command, there's no need to consider the convenience of a mere staff officer like myself."
On the surface, he was the epitome of a soldier.
Hartmann, who had been gazing steadily at Daniel, nodded.
"Then, let's get straight to the point. I shall deliver His Imperial Majesty's command."
Daniel, nodding, stepped forward to Hartmann and knelt on one knee.
As the deputy ambassador and the diplomats also knelt in deference, Hartmann untied the golden thread wrapped around the imperial decree.
Clearing his throat, Hartmann unfolded the imperial decree and spoke.
"Daniel Steiner, hear this! We are aware that after your vessel was sunk, you miraculously survived and regained consciousness on one of Bellanos's coastlines. Why then, did you not report this fact to the venerable Imperial Household in a timely manner?"
Something felt off.
As Daniel grew anxious, Hartmann continued.
"Though you claim to have hidden your identity out of fear of enemies in Bellanos, to Our ears, this is an absurd excuse. How could one who feared enemies operate clandestinely in Bellanos and seize confidential information? You yourself must know your actions are riddled with contradictions."
He had suspected it, and indeed, they were wary of him.
Realizing the situation was unusual, Daniel let out a low groan.
"Therefore, We intended to immediately recall you to answer for your transgressions, but Our daughter, who is currently serving as regent, pleaded desperately against it, causing Us to reconsider."
Selvia? The thought of surprise reared its head.
"Daniel Steiner. If the confidential information you have secured is truly valuable, We trust you will achieve excellent results in this diplomatic conference. Should you do so, in accordance with the Empire's fundamental principle of reward and punishment, We shall bestow upon you a reward, not a punishment."
In essence, it was a veiled threat, urging him not to engage in personal dealings with Bellanos's Prime Minister based on the confidential information he had obtained, but rather to contribute to the Empire.
For Daniel, who had no intention of making personal deals anyway, it wasn't a particularly unfavorable condition.
'The problem is…'
What if he failed to achieve results?
Recalling the Emperor's temperament, he displayed a political attitude of persistently warying against anyone who might become his or his daughter's political rival in the future.
'I must be a thorn in his side.'
Although unintended, he had accumulated achievements far beyond what was fitting for a mere officer.
He must believe I threaten imperial authority.
Therefore, it was clear that the moment he failed to achieve results, the Emperor would use it as an excuse to constantly harass him.
'Does he think I'll just take it lying down?'
There's a limit to how much one can suspect and test people.
'Before, he even suspected me of operating a private organization that didn't even exist…'
Daniel, deeming it excessive, made a decision.
He resolved that by successfully concluding this diplomatic conference, he would leave no room for criticism.
"…I understand what you mean."
With many eyes watching, Daniel bowed deeply.
"I will ensure no stain is brought upon His Imperial Majesty's honor."
Satisfied with his demeanor, Hartmann closed the imperial decree.
"I shall convey that to His Imperial Majesty. I trust you will dedicate yourself to your mission."
"Yes. I will strive to do so."
Hearing Daniel's reply, Hartmann turned and walked out.
Seeing him leave, Daniel slowly rose from his seat.
The deputy ambassador also stood up and dusted off his knees.
"It seems His Majesty is displeased. Still, it's a relief that he's taking mitigating circumstances into account…"
The deputy ambassador, who had been approaching Daniel with a playful remark, suddenly froze.
This was because Daniel's gaze, fixed on Hartmann's retreating back as he left the office, was far from ordinary.
As the deputy ambassador fell silent because of this, Daniel turned his gaze.
"Deputy Ambassador. We need to drastically revise the proposal."
"Pardon? I thought this was the most appropriate proposal… Should we lower our demands?"
"No. Raise them."
At the command to raise the demands, the deputy ambassador flinched.
He feared Bellanos's side wouldn't accept it.
The deputy ambassador hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"Are you sure about this?"
"We must. Everything…"
Daniel exhaled slowly, narrowing his eyes sharply.
"I will take full responsibility."
*
On the day of the meeting, at the Prime Minister's official residence reception room.
'The Prime Minister is beyond this door.'
Standing before the reception room door, Daniel nervously adjusted his tie.
His hand, holding a briefcase, unnecessarily tightened its grip.
'I've finished assessing what kind of person the Prime Minister is.'
According to information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he lacked political acumen but was gentle and warm by nature.
Given that he displayed a particularly kind demeanor towards children, earning him high public trust, he surely wished to remain a good father to his own daughter.
From that perspective, Daniel held a good card.
'Because I know about the Prime Minister's illegitimate child, whom he keeps hidden.'
Nevertheless, he didn't want to use this as leverage to blackmail the Prime Minister.
'However…'
What Daniel needed to worry about right now wasn't the Prime Minister, but the Emperor of the Empire.
The moment he failed to achieve results in this meeting, Daniel's position would become awkward.
If the meeting failed, the Emperor would find all sorts of reasons to put a leash on Daniel.
Therefore, from Daniel's perspective, he had to somehow lead this meeting to a successful conclusion.
To do so, he needed to become a somewhat ruthless person.
'I apologize. But this is the only way for me to survive.'
Daniel, having silently begged the Prime Minister for forgiveness, took a deep breath and opened the door.
Inside, Lowell, Bellanos's Prime Minister, was seated on a sofa, sipping whiskey.
Next to Lowell, attendants in suits stood at ease, their holsters containing pistols strapped on.
'Coming to the meeting place early to drink whiskey…'
It was as if he was desperate to show that he was in a relaxed situation.
It was likely an action taken to gain the upper hand in the conversation, but to Daniel, it looked nothing more than a frightened man putting on a facade.
Nevertheless, Daniel approached without showing any outward reaction, and Lowell set down his whiskey glass and rose from his seat.
"Oh. Welcome, Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner. I heard you've had quite a rough time."
"It was quite chaotic, thanks to the terrorists."
The two naturally shook hands and smiled.
However, neither of them was truly smiling.
"It is clear that our failure to properly protect our territorial waters was our mistake. Allow me to apologize in advance. We intend to make several proposals favorable to the Empire regarding this matter…"
"That's appreciated, but we would like to present our proposal first. We believe it would be more conducive to narrowing down our respective positions."
"Well, have it your way."
Daniel, having finished the handshake, withdrew his hand and added.
"Ah, by the way, before we begin the formal discussions, would you mind if I recounted some of my experiences, just to ease the tension, Prime Minister?"
"What kind of story?"
"Well, when I was shipwrecked, I happened to meet a truly beautiful young lady."
At the mention of "young lady," a crack appeared in Lowell's composure.
However, as if it was something he had anticipated, he quickly regained his calm.
"It sounds like this will be a private matter. For both of us, that is. So, perhaps it would be best to dismiss the others?"
"Of course."
Lowell nodded and gestured to his attendants.
The attendants bowed to Lowell and then exited the reception room in an orderly fashion.
Confirming that no one else was listening, Lowell let out a slightly ragged breath and glared at Daniel.
"Listen here. I know what you're thinking. But this is, after all, a transaction between the Empire and Bellanos. Do not bring private matters into this conference. Understood?"
Daniel merely smiled without replying.
That empty silence made Lowell anxious.
Daniel was adept at using the fact that sometimes, silence spoke louder than any words.
As the silence continued to wear on him, Lowell, growing increasingly impatient, finally decided to back down.
"Alright. How about this? It would be best to discuss matters concerning my daughter separately, after the meeting has concluded. That way, we can find common ground, can't we?"
Daniel was still smiling.
So, his initial composure was indeed a smokescreen.
Knowing that the other side was desperate, there was no need to hesitate.
"It seems the Prime Minister is mistaken about something. This is a matter concerning the child of a person responsible for an entire nation. One cannot simply disregard international relations."
"Daniel Steiner!"
Lowell, who had inadvertently shouted, spoke, no longer concealing his agitation.
"Just because you're a war hero, do you think you're someone important?! You are nothing but a mere staff officer, a mere diplomatic envoy! And what stands before you now is Bellanos's Prime Minister! Do you think this is a place where you can put on airs?!"
Lowell had shouted to intimidate Daniel, but he had chosen the wrong opponent.
Daniel, however, merely let out a silent laugh, as if he had heard a humorous joke.
He then waved his hand dismissively.
"It seems you're misunderstanding something. The position of a diplomatic envoy is not one that can be suppressed by the word 'mere.' A diplomatic envoy, fundamentally, is someone who represents the Empire and meets with the heads of other nations."
Composing his smile, Daniel stared intently at Lowell.
A terrible silence fell between the two.
Overwhelmed by his presence, Lowell's eyes trembled for a moment.
"Therefore, in this very room…"
Daniel, who had been gazing at Lowell for a while, spoke with a serious expression.
"I am the Empire."