Chapter 21
Chapter 21
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Vine
Chapter: 21
Chapter Title: Stairs to Glory (3)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
A fluffy duvet draped in fine fabric dyed a rose-red hue, an antique desk and chair exuding old-world charm, walls papered in luxurious plaid wallpaper.
Even though I had been granted the privilege of staying in a room straight out of a European film—complete with an elegant fireplace often seen in those movies and even a bell to summon servants if needed—I couldn't relax.
It was because the shackles of my damned commoner origins had finally been cast off, and the thrill and lingering emotion from receiving the Silver Knight's Sword Cross Medal before His Imperial Majesty the Emperor still hadn't faded from my heart.
And in just about five minutes, His Highness the Crown Prince would arrive to meet me, as per our appointed time.
I had checked the fit of my new dress uniform several times—the one prepared for me to wear at the victory parade and the ball that followed.
But due to my nerves, I found myself standing before the mirror once more, double-checking for any flaws.
After all, when meeting someone of high station, the most important thing was undoubtedly the first impression you made.
Failing to score points here would obviously jeopardize my future prospects—it was as clear as day.
While I waited in that already tense state, a man's voice came from beyond the door.
"Are you Captain Peter Jaeger? If the night feels lonely, shall I summon a beauty to ease your solitude?"
It might sound like the kind, discreet courtesy of a servant attending to a VIP.
But common sense dictated that no sane servant would bring a woman into the room of someone fresh from the battlefield, unless they openly requested it—especially after the tense and exhausting victory parade.
So, this was most likely a signal to mask the fact that His Highness the Crown Prince had summoned me. Still, just to be sure, I should respond in kind with an ambiguous phrase.
"Might I also meet someone of noble standing?"
"Even the most noble of persons graces this place. He wishes to meet you personally, Sir Jaeger. He's come fully prepared to entertain you, so don't refuse."
From the mention of 'the most noble of persons,' it was clear this fellow had been sent by the Crown Prince.
"Understood. I've changed into fresh clothes, so lead the way. I'm looking forward to the hospitality."
When he opened the door, there stood an elderly man in butler attire, wearing a meaningful smile.
I offered him a bow polite enough to avoid any awkwardness, considering his likely higher status, and the old man chuckled as he spoke.
"So you're the one His Highness the Crown Prince holds in such high regard. I tossed in a playful question for amusement, and you handled it with clever flexibility—quite entertaining. Haha! A treasure of the Empire! Hurry along now; if word gets out that you're meeting His Highness and it becomes gossip, it'll be a hassle for both of us!"
From then on, we hurried silently toward the place where the Crown Prince awaited, not exchanging a single word.
Guided by the old man into the room, I found His Highness the Crown Prince of the Reich Empire waiting for me.
Beautiful golden hair, sparkling blue eyes, fair and flawless skin, and impressive height.
Wealth, power, and striking good looks to boot—could anyone really have it all without it feeling like a cheat?
As such thoughts crossed my mind, I dropped to one knee in courtesy, and the Crown Prince smiled warmly, lowering himself to pat my shoulder.
"So you're that student platoon leader from the Rhineland Front. I'm delighted to finally meet you. I owe you a great debt, Jaeger—I'm truly grateful."
Indeed, without my exploits, the grand stage His Imperial Majesty had prepared for the Crown Prince would have been a disaster.
If I hadn't intervened, things would have played out as in the original novel: a few overzealous student platoon leaders going rogue, leading to a crushing defeat for the 7th Division and a retreat to Weinburg Castle.
The Crown Prince would have been branded for life as 'the incompetent who lost territory on his very first campaign.'
In that light, it was only natural for him to express gratitude.
Yet, whether in Korea or the Reich Empire, those in high positions might thank subordinates but rarely admitted owing them a 'great debt.'
Declaring such a debt was tantamount to proclaiming the subordinate as one's benefactor.
"Not at all, Your Highness. I merely fulfilled my duty as a commander of the Reich Empire. Please withdraw such undeserved praise."
"No, it's not mere politeness—it's my sincere feeling. But enough of that; let's move on to the main topic. Have a seat on the sofa there."
As I sat on the sofa at his words, the Crown Prince fixed me with an expectant gaze and continued.
"I'd love to praise your background and achievements in more detail, but I must attend the ball soon. We'll save that for another time. Straight to the important matter."
"Please speak, Your Highness."
"To become a respected emperor, one must steadily build accomplishments even as Crown Prince. That way, you can rule the great nobles—counts, marquises, dukes—without being swayed by them once you're on the throne."
Barring the era of absolute monarchy in France, no monarch was ever outright deposed for incompetence.
But like how an incompetent corporal gets chewed out by a private in the army, a parachute-appointed emperor often struggled to wield power before the great nobles.
Worse still, if the Crown Prince ascended without proper achievements...
"That first step was the recent battle for Rezin Castle. That's why I entrusted the 7th Division to Stefan—the most trustworthy among my generals—and sent him to the Rhineland Front. Without you, the outcome would have been catastrophic."
I said nothing in response.
Because, as the Crown Prince said, if Weinburg Castle had fallen, the Franco Republic would have used it as a key stronghold in the original story, steadily encroaching on the Reich Empire like a cancer.
In such a situation, feigning humility with 'Not at all' would only come off as rubbing it in.
"Imagine the Crown Prince's debut campaign ending with the 7th Division nearly annihilated, losing a city of over 30,000 residents—220,000 including the surroundings. A horrifying thought."
With that, the Crown Prince extended one hand to grip mine firmly, while pointing to the medal on his chest with the other.
"But thanks to you, those damned Franco bastards' division was annihilated—no, they lost three colonels and a brigade commander. Despite our blunder costing 3,000 men, we secured Rezin Castle—and I earned this Diamond Knight's Sword Cross Medal."
"Your praise is too generous. And it was only possible because Division Commander Stefan trusted me. Ultimately, it's due to Your Highness's discerning judgment in appointing him."
At my words, the Crown Prince glared at me with what seemed like anger.
But it was obvious his fury wasn't directed at Peter Jaeger, but at his own circumstances and the nobles opposing him.
"Is that how you see it? Yet already, rival great nobles are pushing puppets they can control to replace me as emperor. They're fixating on how Stefan—whom I personally selected—failed to control his subordinates, leading to the loss of 3,000 men. Some are questioning my judgment because of it. To overcome this, I need more military achievements."
With that, the Crown Prince placed a document before me and said,
"At least Stefan recognized your talent and stamped you as 'mine,' recommending you to me. I was seeking a reliable, capable young commander to serve me. I've prepared generous upfront payment to claim you as my man, Captain Jaeger. Bruno Castle on the border with Checovia, six villages, and 10,000 gold. Battalion operating funds will be separate, of course. But in next year's war, I need you to rack up outstanding merits—elevate my name so no one can challenge my position. Can you do it?"
Hesitating or refusing here would make me a fool despised by the future supreme powerholder.
Even jumping to another faction would brand me as a capable but ungrateful cur.
"Of course. But I have one request: Please use your influence to look favorably on my company's soldiers who wish to discharge, along with the NCOs and officers."
The Crown Prince gave a meaningful smile at my words.
"I understand perfectly what you mean—no trouble at all. And one crucial piece of advice: For the next few days, pretend to be ill and hole up in your room. Otherwise, nobles trying to poach you will hound you, putting you in an awkward spot."