Should Have Chosen a Better Bar
Should Have Chosen a Better Bar
No matter how many times he turned it over in his mind, that had never been a simple question about his political views.
After all, it was no exaggeration to say that Daniel Steiner's current influence rivaled that of the Emperor himself.
Daniel himself would be well aware of that fact.
'Even so, asking me a question like that...'
It was tantamount to being told to choose whether to cooperate or not.
Pelf, who had never imagined he would be caught up in a political struggle, hesitated to answer.
Daniel, who had been quietly watching Pelf, slowly rose from his seat.
"Major Pelf. What do you believe constitutes service to the national interest?"
This time, it was a comparatively easier question to answer.
Pelf took a deep breath, composed his voice as much as he could, and then spoke.
"...For a soldier, I believe serving the national interest means leading a battle to victory."
"Then how exactly does leading a battle to victory translate into serving the national interest?"
"There may be multiple reasons, but when it aligns with strategic objectives, it raises the morale of our citizens and stabilizes the nation."
Daniel nodded as though the answer was reasonable.
"A good answer. Then, allow me one more question."
Daniel, who had stepped away from his work desk and walked over to Pelf, lowered his voice.
"If the enemy of the state resides within, how do you believe a soldier ought to act?"
"That would not be within my purview..."
"I asked you. Major Pelf."
Daniel's sharp gaze pressed down on him like a suffocating weight.
Pelf swallowed dryly and forced himself to look straight ahead as he opened his mouth.
"...If an enemy within is an entity that harms the stability of the nation, I understand that it is proper to take action."
As if satisfied with Pelf's answer, Daniel nodded lightly and turned around.
"Major. In my view, the internal enemy is the corrupt politicians. The late Emperor, out of deference to the nobles, granted them far too much power. This is the result. Are those who don't know their place not arbitrarily judging military affairs and stabbing us in the back?"
With every step Daniel took, the distinct click of his boots echoed clearly.
"The Imperial Army is capable. Even now, they are fighting hard against the Republic and the Allied Nations on the front lines. And what of the politicians? They squabble over their own interests in the peace forged by countless soldiers bleeding and dying on the battlefield. Does this seem normal to you?"
Reaching the window, Daniel gazed outside.
Cloudless, clear weather graced the buildings of the Imperial Capital.
It was a world apart from Penbark, where thanks to the shelling, one could hardly find a single intact building.
"No matter how great a victory we achieve in the future, the politicians in this cage will simply divide into factions and clamor noisily. Is that what you wish for, Major?"
Listening to Daniel's words, Pelf found himself moved in spite of himself.
From a soldier's perspective, it was impossible to look kindly upon politicians who sat in the safe capital while raising problems with the military.
"...I, too, am aware that some politicians are deeply problematic. However, is there not an absence of method? In any case, the members of the parties are people elected by the citizens. Oppressing them could easily be seen as oppressing the people."
It was not an incorrect statement.
Without just cause, it would be Daniel himself who would face the backlash.
But Daniel had not brought this up without a plan.
"Would it not suffice to simply convince the people?"
Pelf hesitated for a moment, but soon grasped Daniel's intentions.
In the silence that settled over the room, Daniel, who had been staring out the window for some time, gave his order.
"Contact the Central Nationalist Party. Tell them that Daniel Steiner of General Headquarters wishes to see their party leader."
"...To the Central Nationalist Party, you mean?"
"Yes. I intend to make them a proposal."
Pelf, who had been hesitating, finally bowed his head deeply toward Daniel.
"I shall relay your message."
He had decided to bet that Daniel would make the Empire a better place.
*
That evening, at a pub on the outskirts of the Imperial Capital.
"Look here. No matter how much money we got paid, isn't messing with Daniel Steiner going too far?"
Malve, the editor-in-chief of the Independent News Agency Belbelbel, frowned at the words of Derren, his publisher and friend.
"What's gotten into you all of a sudden? We took the money together!"
"I took it because they gave it to me, but I just feel uneasy about it. I mean, it's Daniel Steiner, right? There are all sorts of grim rumors going around that he eliminates anyone who gets in his way..."
"Will you look at this pathetic man!"
Malve let out a boisterous laugh, as if he found it utterly preposterous.
"In your younger days, you acted like you'd fight even if you were thrown into a lion's den, and now you've turned into a complete coward! It's so pathetic it brings tears to my eyes!"
"I mean, it's not like I'm making things up."
"Derren! You dumb bastard! Do you really believe Daniel Steiner has some kind of private organization? That's just a rumor cooked up by gossiping busybodies who love to talk about others."
Malve clicked his tongue loudly and picked up a sausage, biting off a piece.
"And what reason do we have to tremble in fear? We haven't exactly lied, have we? Besides, no matter how big Daniel Steiner is, he can't just attack journalists easily."
"How do you explain the Imperial Daily incident then?"
"Man, during the Imperial Daily thing, the public sentiment was grim because of that dumb bastard Duke Belvar. That's not the case now, so why are you borrowing trouble and being scared?"
Derren opened his mouth as if he had more to say, but then simply shrugged his shoulders.
He figured that at this point, having already taken the job and published the article, it was meaningless to voice any more unease.
"Fine. Maybe you're right. We did receive a lot of money, so it's not like I can just do nothing but complain. Hoo. First, I need to go drain the main vein."
With that, Derren stood up from his seat and walked toward the restroom.
He seemed quite drunk, as the way he staggered along was rather comical.
"A guy who can't even hold his liquor, what's got him so drunk today..."
Malve smirked, then turned his attention away and took another bite of sausage.
As he was taking a sip of beer, a man walked over from the other side.
The sight of a dark-skinned man dressed smartly in a suit like some kind of aristocrat was incongruous.
Frowning, Malve watched the man as he drew closer and closer.
"Why is he coming this way..."
He was muttering to himself in puzzlement when the man came to a stop in front of the table.
As Malve looked up, the man took off the fedora he was wearing and placed it over his chest.
"A pleasure. Forgive me for the sudden introduction, but are you Mr. Malve, the editor-in-chief of the Independent News Agency Belbelbel?"
The man's smiling face was inexplicably chilling.
Malve had no idea how this man knew who he was, but he answered regardless.
"What of it?"
"I'm relieved I came to the right place. I shall join you for a moment."
Before he could even get Malve's permission, the man sat down on the opposite side of the table.
Displeased by this, Malve furrowed one eyebrow.
"Look here. I know the late Emperor enacted the Anti-Racial Discrimination Act, but I'm still not used to eating at the same table as black folks. So I'd appreciate it if you'd just fuck off."
Despite the insulting remark, the man did not lose his smile.
"I understand. Rest assured, I shall leave after just two questions."
"What makes you think you can ask me... Haah. Fine. What are you curious about? Ask quickly and then fuck off."
"Very good. Then, I shall ask my first question."
The man said as he placed his fedora on the table.
"Why did you run an article about Brigadier General Daniel Steiner?"
Malve's brow furrowed.
"What articles I choose to run is up to me, the editor-in-chief. What, are you some kind of Daniel Steiner fan? Did you come here to pick a fight with me?"
"I understand once more. Then, the second question."
The man, who had raised his head, quietly stared at Malve.
"Do you have any intention of issuing a correction for the article?"
The man's cold gaze induced a subtle tension.
However, having already taken the money, Malve had no intention of correcting the article.
"Are you trying to threaten me right now? Did Daniel Steiner send you? I don't know exactly who you are, but you'd best cut the bullshit. Others might be afraid, but I'm not scared of Daniel Steiner."
"Not scared, you say."
As if to say "I see," the man nodded at Malve's words and clapped his hands once.
Just as Malve was wondering what he was doing, Derren, who had gone to the restroom, returned to the table.
The problem was that Derren had not returned alone.
"Mmph! Mmmph!?"
Men in suits were holding Derren's arms, a gag stuffed in his mouth.
Having apparently been seized while taking care of his business, Derren was in his underwear and had a look of pure terror on his face.
"What... what is the meaning of this?"
Panicked, Malve shot up from his seat, looked around, and shouted.
"Fuck! This crazy bastard is threatening people! Someone, anyone, please call the police!"
But no one responded.
"Didn't you hear me? This black man is trying to kill my friend!"
He shouted again, but the people in the pub paid him no mind, as if he were an invisible man.
Only the sounds of laughter and chatter continued to be heard.
Only then did Malve, his hands trembling, gain a dim realization.
All the patrons in this pub were the man's people.
It felt as if he had sobered up instantly.
A flustered Malve slowly turned his head, and his eyes met those of the man, who had risen from his seat.
"How about it."
The man smiled lightly.
"Do you feel the fear now."