I Was Mistaken as a Great War Commander

The Next Morning
Glorious Sacred Flame Cathedral – Chapel

“Even in the Old Testament, God commanded us to love our neighbors as ourselves. This is one of the many ways we can witness His divine guidance in our lives…”

As Pastor Belaf delivered his sermon, Daniel and Freyen sat quietly in the pews, whispering to each other.

“Are you really planning to deal with those shameless ingrates?”

Freyen’s voice was filled with disbelief.

Daniel let out a dry chuckle and nodded.

“Of course. No matter how small a spark may be, it’s best to extinguish it early. Regretting it after it turns into a wildfire would be far too late, don’t you think?”
“But your plan is far too dangerous. What if they turn into a violent mob…?”
“A mob, you say?”

A faint smile curled at the corners of Daniel’s lips.

“Lieutenant Freyen, they’re not a mob. They’re nothing more than a flock of sheep, blindly following the shepherd’s provocation. No matter how many sheep gather, they’ll never be able to tear apart a wolf.”

Even though he was fully aware of the approaching anti-war protestors, Daniel’s expression remained utterly unshaken.

Freyen, watching him in silence, could no longer suppress her curiosity and asked,

“…Do you have some kind of plan?”
“If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be sitting here, now would I?”

Daniel paused briefly before continuing,

“Listen carefully, Freyen. Do you know what frightens sheep the most? It’s the scent of a wounded wolf’s blood. Because they have no way of knowing what that wounded wolf might do next.”
“Blood…? What do you mean?”
“I have a man planted among the protestors. When the demonstration starts getting out of hand, he will throw a brick at my head.”

Freyen’s mouth parted slightly in shock at how casually Daniel revealed such a thing.

Looking around warily, she leaned in and whispered,

“A brick? Colonel, that could seriously injure you.”
“Don’t worry. The brick’s clay ratio has been reduced, and the sand content increased. Also, the firing temperature was lowered, making it brittle and easy to break.”
“Even if it’s fake, it’s still dangerous. You will get hurt.”
“That’s the idea.”

Daniel’s indifferent response left Freyen at a loss for words.

Sensing her confusion, Daniel glanced at her from the corner of his eye and spoke with quiet amusement,

“Didn’t I just tell you? The thing sheep fear the most… is the scent of a wolf’s blood.”

****

Meanwhile, in front of the Glorious Sacred Flame Cathedral, nearly a thousand protestors stood with picket signs, chanting their slogans.

“The Glorious Sacred Flame Cathedral must stop worshiping warmongers!”
“We do not want war! Only murderers desire war!”
“Daniel Steiner, who denies peace, must step down!”