The Price of Ignoring the Warning
The Price of Ignoring the Warning
Regimental Commander Telberet, having heard Daniel's speech, willingly decided to join the 7th Armored Division.
The 7th Armored Division, upon hearing the news, could not dismiss its suspicions and first sent Intelligence Staff Officer Pelf, accompanied by an escort.
It was understandable, as the Guards Armored Regiment, which had come to arrest and kill Daniel Steiner, had suddenly offered to join up, leaving no choice but to suspect a trap.
However, Pelf, upon visiting the Armored Regiment, could tell that the news of their joining was not part of a deception operation.
"Come to think of it, it was strange for it to be His Majesty the Emperor's order. The declaration of martial law I could understand, but the moves after that..."
"I was out in the field at that time. They told us to occupy the State Propaganda Department for the security of the capital. I followed the order, but I couldn't understand it. What does security have to do with the State Propaganda Department?"
"Then are you saying the Defense Commander also took part in the betrayal?"
That was because distrust regarding the capital's situation was widespread throughout the Armored Regiment.
"Did you hear what Colonel Daniel Steiner said? The capital is teeming with collaborators."
"Even so, isn't it hard to believe the Intelligence Department took part in the betrayal?"
"You dumb bastard. Why would Colonel Daniel tell a lie that would be exposed? If it backfires, there's no turning back."
"No, I'm just..."
"Just what? You on the side of those collaborator bastards?"
And the moment anyone voiced a doubt, they were rebuked with something like, 'Dare you doubt Colonel Daniel Steiner?'
The friendly voices heard everywhere gave Pelf, who was walking through the Armored Regiment's camp, a fresh shock.
'Division Commander? What on earth have you done here? I cannot fathom what words you gave them to make them side with us.'
It was an incomprehensible phenomenon, but one thing was certain: Daniel Steiner had succeeded in persuading them.
'When we talked during the meeting yesterday, I thought he was being unreasonable...'
When Daniel insisted on visiting the Armored Regiment alone and persuading them, Pelf had been horrified and tried to stop him.
Saying that while it would be a tremendous advantage if he succeeded, it was too dangerous.
It was a decision that might have cost him his life, so the other staff officers also begged Daniel to reconsider the plan.
But Daniel convinced the staff officers by saying there was no other way, and left alone.
Until then, the staff had been arguing heatedly that they needed to plan a rescue operation using elite troops in case Daniel Steiner failed, but it turned out to be needless worry.
'Truly, I cannot help but respect him.'
During one's military service, one could easily meet soldiers with outstanding resourcefulness and strategy.
Brave soldiers who cared little for their own lives for the sake of purpose and the Great Cause were not common, but one could see them occasionally.
One could also easily see soldiers so perceptive and eloquent that one wondered why they had become officers instead of politicians.
But a soldier who was outstanding in strategy, skilled in speech, and brave enough to prioritize the Great Cause over his own life was, without a doubt, the first of his kind he had ever seen.
'I would never have been able to act like that. It makes perfect sense why he is hailed as a war hero.'
It was the moment his confidence solidified in his decision to help Daniel Steiner and head to the capital.
Thinking that he should never raise an objection to Daniel Steiner's opinion in the future, Pelf quickened his pace.
Since he had a few questions, and for safety's sake, he wanted to secure Daniel Steiner's safety.
Thus, accompanied by the escort, Pelf arrived at the Armored Regiment's command tent, opened the entrance, and went inside.
However, Daniel Steiner was not inside the tent.
Because only a middle-aged colonel, seemingly the commander of the Guards Armored Regiment, was sitting at a desk doing paperwork.
Regimental Commander Telberet, sensing someone's presence, took off his glasses and raised his head.
Telberet, blinking a few times at the unfamiliar officer, had a small realization.
"Ah. I heard the 7th Armored Division was sending someone to verify, and I take it that's you."
Telberet rose from his seat, adjusted his attire once, approached Pelf, and extended his hand.
"I am Telberet, leading the Guards Armored Regiment of the Defense Command. Since I have transferred command authority to Colonel Daniel Steiner, it can now also be called the Armored Regiment under the 7th Armored Division."
Pelf, slightly dazed for a moment, grasped his hand.
"I am Major Pelf, Intelligence Staff Officer of the 7th Armored Division. We welcome your joining."
After a light handshake, Pelf continued.
"By the way, where is the Division Commander?"
"Colonel Daniel... no. If you mean the Division Commander, he went to the communication truck with the communications officer. He said he had something to convey to the capital."
"Understood."
Pelf, about to step towards where Daniel was, hesitated.
Because a question suddenly occurred to him.
"Regimental Commander. If I may, might I ask a question?"
"Of course. Since I have nothing to do until tomorrow, feel free to ask as many as you like."
"Thank you. I am curious what the Division Commander said here that convinced not only the soldiers but you, the Regimental Commander, to join the 7th Armored Division."
It was not a difficult question.
"It was a kind of speech. The Division Commander clearly explained the reasons why he, leading the 7th Armored Division, would not betray the Empire. Furthermore, I could not help but agree that the Intelligence Bureau had committed treason. Because for the Intelligence Bureau to betray, there must be a bigger backer."
"Is that all?"
It was a sharp question.
Telberet let out a low laugh and shook his head.
"Far from it. Even if it were true that the Intelligence Bureau committed treason, if Daniel Steiner were an insignificant figure, I would have followed the Defense Commander's orders. As you know, I have family in the capital. I had too much to lose to act for the Great Cause."
"Yet, you chose to side with the Division Commander."
"That's only natural. Because Daniel Steiner was not an insignificant figure. He instinctively knows how to wield his background and win the hearts of the masses. What do you think will happen now that such a man has gained an army?"
As Pelf remained silent, Telberet narrowed his eyes seriously.
"Listen well. The master of the capital will soon change. Right now, the petty nobles are acting as masters, but before long, Daniel Steiner will seize control of the capital. With the support of not only His Majesty the Emperor but the people as well."
"......"
"I saw it. That is why I intend to side with Daniel Steiner. As I said earlier, I am a man with much to lose. Even to protect what I have, it is only natural to attach myself to the new power. Of course, the soldiers seem to have been quite moved by Colonel Daniel's speech, though."
It was not about loyalty or the Great Cause, but acting for family and personal interests.
That was the meaning of the word 'loyalty' that Telberet held in his heart, and it was also Daniel's aim.
But Pelf, who deeply respected Daniel Steiner, did not take Telberet's words kindly.
"The Division Commander is not someone who pursues power. You do not know, Regimental Commander, that he is someone who acts solely for the Empire."
"For the Empire, you say. I won't deny that. But regardless of being for the Empire, Colonel Daniel will inevitably wield power."
"That too will be for the Empire."
Telberet, seeing Pelf's loyalty, let out a low laugh.
"Did I not say it? That I do not deny it is for the Empire."
*
Meanwhile, at the Intelligence Bureau Communication Headquarters.
'Still no contact.'
Deputy Director Feliston, who had risen as the real power in the Intelligence Department after martial law, could not overcome his anxiety and bit his nails.
'If the 7th Armored Division had attacked the Guards Armored Regiment according to Duke Belvar's plan, there should have been contact by now...'
Amid dozens of radios and telegraph machines, the Intelligence Bureau personnel were busy producing noise, but no news from the Armored Regiment came from anywhere.
He never knew that having no news could feel so unsettling.
As Feliston was groaning, an officer raised his hand.
"Deputy Director! Contact has come from the Guards Armored Regiment!"
"Is that true?"
Thinking that what he had been waiting for had finally come, Feliston quickly approached and picked up the radio transceiver.
"This is Deputy Director Feliston of the Imperial Intelligence Bureau Communication Headquarters. Identify yourself."
However, no voice came from the other side.
Wondering what was going on, Feliston pressed the transmit button and spoke somewhat irritably.
"Is the reception sensitivity poor? If so, check the weather conditions and re-transmit. If not, identify yourself and state the purpose of your communication."
After a short silence, a beep sounded.
— This is Colonel Daniel Steiner, commanding the 7th Armored Division.
Upon hearing who it was, Feliston unconsciously held his breath.
'...Daniel Steiner?'
Even before he could recover from the shock, a sense of dread crept over him.
'The fact that Daniel Steiner is making contact from the Guards Armored Regiment...'
It was essentially the same as the Armored Regiment rejecting the higher-ups' orders and joining Daniel Steiner.
One of the worst possible scenarios had turned into reality.
While Feliston could not bring himself to answer, a grim voice came through the radio.
— If you are listening, inform Duke Belvar.
His mouth went completely dry.
He wanted to cut the communication, but he just couldn't muster the courage.
— As soon as I return to the capital.
As Feliston trembled, Daniel continued resolutely.
— He will witness hell.