I never intended it, but I enlisted in the military at a young age.
After awakening memories of my past life, I realized this world was inside a game. From that moment, I struggled desperately to survive.
〖Demon of the Battlefield〗
〖Sharpshooter of the Magic Bullet〗
〖The Emperor’s Mad Dog〗
As a result, I earned these ominous titles attached to my name.
I didn’t seek out these titles, but I lived with them rather contentedly.
What did it matter? The enemy feared me, and my allies praised me.
However, I couldn’t keep acting as the Emperor’s lapdog forever.
『The Empire will be defeated by the Allied Nations.』
The future, which could be summed up in a single line, was gradually becoming reality.
Maybe that’s why, in a way, I was glad when a battle defeat forced me to face the Emperor.
If the Emperor reprimanded me, I could simply bow, apologize, and resign.
After that, I’d change my identity and flee to some remote island—problem solved.
‘I’ve saved up quite a bit of money. Worst case, I could sell military secrets to the Allied Nations.’
No more hardships on the battlefield. From now on, I was set to enjoy a rosy life.
The thought made me want to laugh, but standing before the Emperor, I had no choice but to put on a guilty expression.
“Raise your head, Daniel Steiner.”
At the Emperor’s command, I looked up.
Selvia von Amberg.
She was the Empress who wielded absolute power over the Empire—and a tyrant who regarded human lives as mere insects.
Naturally, her personality was atrocious, leaving her only redeeming quality as her stunning appearance.
Even now, I couldn’t help but be drawn to her sapphire-blue eyes that resembled lapis lazuli and her golden hair that shone like rays of spring sunlight.
“You returned to the capital after losing three divisions, including the Mage Corps, at the Battle of Skeolan. This marks a massive loss for the Empire and a historical blunder.”
Good. All the Emperor had to do now was reprimand me!
Once she criticized me, I’d use it as an excuse to leave the military and start my happy new life!
“However, considering the enemy’s surprise attack, the confusion during the chain of command, and the fact that your efforts minimized the damage despite the retreat, your merits as a commander are recognized.”
Wait, what?
“Taking all factors into account, I shall award you the Empire’s First-Class Military Medal, the White Dragon Medal of Honor.”
For some reason, the Emperor didn’t seem to have any intention of letting me go.