Chapter 11: Chapter 11

The Investigation Department—an entity that was neither permanent nor stable—had a very specific purpose: to investigate various incidents within the military. Since cases requiring its establishment didn’t arise often, the department was created and dissolved as needed, following internal protocols. It could appear out of nowhere and just as suddenly vanish.

This time, the incident involving Luke was tied to military supplies of significant importance. As a result, an investigation department was immediately formed, led by none other than Theo Ledric, Captain of the First Division.

Not long after Luke met Fale, he went to the investigation department alone and admitted to all the "crimes." He claimed full responsibility, confessing that he had ordered Fale to embezzle the supplies.

“So, it’s all true?”

“Yeah, that’s what I’m saying. My buddy works in the investigation department, and he told me last night that Captain Luke barged in and confessed to everything.”

The news spread through the Imperial Army like wildfire. Just as a sponge soaks up water, rumors of Luke’s confession spread rapidly. Scandals, especially juicy ones, always traveled fast, even within the noble and disciplined ranks of the army meant to defend the empire and the imperial palace.

“Wow… So he did all that just to curry favor with the nobles? And he even used one of his subordinates to pull it off?”

“I’m not sure. They haven’t released the exact motive or the details of the scheme yet. But I hope he gets what’s coming to him…”

“Hey, keep your voice down.”

One soldier nudged his comrade’s side as they exchanged hushed whispers in the hallway. Turning to see why, they spotted Luke walking towards them with his usual composed expression.

“Good day, Captain!”

Perhaps feeling guilty for their gossiping, the two soldiers saluted with extra enthusiasm. Military organizations were built on strict hierarchies, where respect for rank was paramount. Regardless of age or noble lineage, lower-ranked soldiers were expected to show deference to their superiors. This also meant that if they wanted to badmouth someone, they had to ensure they wouldn’t get caught. The two soldiers had heard of others being punished for such missteps, and they were quick to stiffen up.

“You’re working hard,” Luke said casually.

“Uh—yes, sir! Not at all, sir!” one of them stammered.

“No, really. Gossiping behind your superior’s back must be exhausting,” Luke remarked with a knowing nod.@@novelbin@@

The soldiers froze, their shoulders stiffening as they realized they hadn’t been as discreet as they thought. Panic flashed across their faces for a moment, but Luke simply continued.

“I’ve done plenty of that myself. But you should be more careful around other captains. Keep up the good work.”

With that, Luke walked away down the hallway. As soon as he was out of sight, the soldiers exhaled heavily, relief flooding over them. They immediately resumed their earlier gossip, now venting even more intensely about Luke’s attitude.

“Man, what a pain…”

Luke yawned as he strolled down the corridor. Suddenly, a large hand shot out from a side passage, grabbing him by the collar. Before he could react, Luke was yanked forward with immense force, slamming into the wall.

“Ugh…”

Instinctively, Luke spread his palm, ready to summon his magic. Military training drilled soldiers to respond to surprise attacks with heightened reflexes. Even within the Imperial Army, it was second nature for Luke to assume a defensive posture. However, upon seeing the assailant, he let out a heavy sigh and relaxed.

“What’s with the overly aggressive greeting?” he muttered.

The hand belonged to Theo, who was now holding onto Luke’s collar, gazing down at him with a penetrating stare.

“Physical altercations outside designated areas are prohibited. You haven’t forgotten, have you?” Luke said, his voice tinged with sarcasm.

Theo remained silent, his dark eyes narrowing slightly. Though his expression remained composed, there was a sharp, simmering anger behind his gaze.

“What’s your problem? Are you seriously challenging me to a fight right now? Look, I’m in the middle of a mess here. Can’t we do this later—”

“Why did you confess?”

“What?”

“I heard from the investigators. Last night, you went to their office and admitted to everything.”

Theo hadn’t been present when Luke barged into the investigation department. The remaining staff had been wrapping up their reports when Luke arrived. Theo had likely only heard the details this morning.

“What kind of question is that? I confessed because I did it. Do I need a better reason?”

“That’s quite a change in attitude from when I questioned you earlier. Back then, you denied everything.”

At that point, Luke had only suspected who the real culprit was. Piecing together evidence to uncover the truth required time, and outright denial was the safest course of action in such a precarious situation. After all, he hadn’t committed the crime.

But now, Luke knew the full story—he understood the truth of what had happened and why Fale had acted as he did. Knowing all that, how could he turn his back on a subordinate who had struggled so much for his family? No matter how ruthless he tried to be, Luke couldn’t abandon him.

Still, as a villain, he could spin this narrative in another way. Villains didn’t hesitate to use any means necessary to climb the ranks or achieve their goals. If someone had to take the blame for the military embezzlement scandal, who better than himself?

Colluding with nobles to secure power? That sounded perfectly fitting for a villain.

“After thinking it over, I realized denying it wouldn’t do me any good.”

“That’s it? That’s the only reason you suddenly decided to confess?”

“Yeah, that’s it.”

Luke paused for a moment. There was no need to explain everything right now.

“You were still under investigation. Yet, you confessed. There has to be more to it. Why did you admit to the crime?” Theo pressed.

Strangely, Theo’s grip on Luke’s collar tightened. While it was natural for the protagonist to despise the villain’s actions, something about Theo’s demeanor felt off. He wasn’t accusing Luke of the crime itself but rather fixating on the reason behind his confession.

“Let go, Theo,” Luke said, swatting Theo’s hand away.

“Are you upset that I confessed?”

“What?”

“I’m just saying—you seem more bothered by my confession than anything else.”

Theo’s expression grew even more serious, his brow furrowing deeply.

“…That’s ridiculous.”

“Well then, can I leave now? Since I’ve already confessed, there’s no need for you to interrogate me or for me to explain anything further.”

“Then why did you do it?”

“Hmm… Let’s save that for later. Maybe at the trial.”

With a casual wave, Luke turned and walked away, his demeanor far from that of someone burdened by guilt.

***

Beneath the headquarters of the Imperial Army was a large assembly hall. It wasn’t an ordinary meeting room but a military courtroom. Unlike the judicial system directly overseen by the Imperial Palace, this space was designated for the military’s internal trials. Every individual present and every case judged here were exclusively tied to military affairs.

When an incident occurred, an investigation department was formed to uncover the truth. Once their findings were ready, a military trial was convened. These trials included those involved in the case, division captains, and the Commander-in-Chief. Since Luke had confessed to his crimes outright, the trial was scheduled even before the investigation was completed.

“Let’s begin the trial.”

The low voice of Veil Winniam, the Commander-in-Chief, echoed through the hall. His expression was unusually somber. Known for treating his soldiers like his own children, Veil was visibly displeased about the unfortunate scandal. The fact that the accused was a division captain only worsened his mood.

Luke sat alone at a table on the right side of the hall, while the other captains occupied the left. All division captains were present, except for Leo of the 7th Division, who had other pressing duties.

“Let’s hear the investigation summary.”

Theo, leading the investigation, rose to present the details of the case. He outlined how Luke had ordered his subordinate Fale to steal communication crystal orbs and sell them to a noble family.

As Theo explained, Luke listened carefully, noting that the report didn’t mention which noble family had received the stolen orbs. It seemed that part of the truth had yet to be uncovered.

“Luke, do you admit to orchestrating all of this?”

Veil’s voice carried a weight that filled the room.

“Yes, Commander-in-Chief. I have no excuses.”

Luke bowed his head, his tone calm but firm. The captains, excluding Theo, clicked their tongues in disapproval. Among them, Myles smirked smugly, his lips curling upward in satisfaction.

“Disappointing.”

The simple statement from Veil hit like a hammer. A man who rarely spoke harshly, his words carried immense weight.

“I want to know why. Why did you do this?”

“Commander! Forgive me for interrupting, but Captain Luke has always been desperate to curry favor with the nobility. I don’t think there’s any need to ask for his reasons. Wouldn’t it be better to move straight to sentencing—”

“Myles, I asked Luke.”

Veil’s voice was heavier than ever, silencing the room. Myles, caught off guard, flinched slightly.

“Even though Luke stands here as a defendant, we do not have the right to strip him of his voice. Hearing his thoughts and intentions is a crucial part of this trial.”

“I agree,” Theo said, unexpectedly chiming in. Luke’s eyes widened slightly in surprise.

Well, well, Luke thought, trying to score points by siding with the Commander, are we? Not bad.

“In that case, I’ll be honest,” Luke said, a hint of amusement curling his lips. If this was the stage set for him, he’d play his role to perfection.

His smile was charming, captivating, and just the right touch of defiant.