Chapter 24: Chapter 24

"The next Commander-in-Chief is Captain Theo Ledric of the 1st Division."

When Luke heard those words, he felt a whirlwind of emotions. In the past, when he imagined this moment, he thought he’d feel nothing but relief. After all, it would mark the end of a long-standing burden. It should’ve felt like finally receiving a gift he had been waiting for. But when Veil made the announcement, along with the swelling sense of completion came an unexpected, faint pang of disappointment.

As Veil exited the room and the other captains began to congratulate Theo one by one, Luke stood there in a daze, observing it all. Slowly, the realization began to sink in—he had successfully handed the protagonist of this story his rightful ending.

Even as the captains exchanged pleasantries with Theo, they didn’t forget to glance at Luke, their gazes saying what their words didn’t. He understood the unspoken messages all too well. Soon, the grand and opulent meeting hall emptied, leaving only Theo and Luke behind.

The two of them stared at each other, as if on cue. Neither spoke, and the air between them grew heavy with awkward silence.

Theo’s lips parted slightly, as if to say something, but his gaze faltered when he looked at Luke’s face. Before he could utter a word, Luke stood up, turned on his heel, and walked out of the room. Theo remained frozen in place, staring after him in silence.

As soon as Luke stepped out of the meeting hall, he received a summons from Veil. Knowing Veil’s personality, he had somewhat expected this.

“You called for me, Commander?”

When Luke entered the Commander’s office, Veil was gazing out the window. At Luke’s greeting, he turned slowly, bathed in sunlight streaming through the glass. He wore the kind of warm, gentle smile that seemed almost out of place.

“Are you disappointed?”

The question came bluntly, directly from the man who had just named someone else as his successor. But this, too, was so very typical of Veil.

“To be honest… yes, I am,” Luke replied, his tone even.

Veil chuckled softly at his response. Though Luke genuinely felt no disappointment about not being chosen for the title, his role demanded that he continue playing his part, even here.

“But for some reason, you look relieved to me,” Veil remarked, amusement laced in his voice.

Luke flinched slightly at the comment. He couldn’t help but respond with a reflexive, “Of course not.” A tiny part of him worried that Veil might have seen through him, but the Commander merely continued smiling.

“Luke, I’m well aware of how much you’ve contributed to the Imperial Army. While you and Theo clashed often as rivals, I believe that dynamic played a significant role in both of your growth.”

Luke remained silent, listening carefully. He had expected Veil to offer him words of consolation for not being chosen, but it seemed the Commander had a different purpose in mind.

“I think you and Theo are indispensable to each other.”

“…Excuse me?”

Luke couldn’t hide his confusion and instinctively voiced his doubt. Veil, now gazing back out the window, continued speaking in his enigmatic manner.

“Theo needs someone like you, Luke. And, frankly, so does the Imperial Army. That’s why I hope you’ll stay by Theo’s side and help him strengthen this organization.”

“...Thank you for the kind words. And for everything, Commander.”

Luke couldn’t bring himself to lie and promise to stay. Whatever Veil’s reasoning for making such a request, Luke couldn’t grant it. His role was finished. There was no turning back now.

“If that’s your answer, then I suppose there’s nothing I can do. It’s not my place to stop you, after all.”

Veil’s smile remained unchanged, his gaze calm and understanding. It was as if he already knew what Luke intended to do and respected his decision without needing it spelled out.

“In that case, Commander, may I make one final request?”

***

["Theo Ledric Named Next Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Army"]

Across the bustling streets of the Empire, citizens paused mid-step, eagerly poring over newspapers. The announcement of the new Commander-in-Chief, Theo Ledric, heir to the Duke of Ledric, sent ripples across the entire nation.

The news sparked equal excitement within the military headquarters. A change in leadership was a monumental shift for the organization, and the soldiers were abuzz with anticipation for Theo’s official inauguration.

“This much attention, and they’ll burn a hole in my face.”

Luke, however, was enduring an unexpected ordeal because of it. Theo’s appointment as Commander-in-Chief essentially meant Luke had “lost,” and the attention from that conclusion had fallen squarely on him.

Even a simple walk near headquarters was enough to draw stares and whispers from passing soldiers. Some openly gawked, as if Luke were a famous stage actor from the capital’s theaters. The fervent gazes felt unbearably oppressive.

“Everyone’s so passionate about the Commander-in-Chief transition, aren’t they?”

“…And why are you still following me around, Fale? Your role as my watchdog is over.”

“Well, it’s just… if I don’t, you wouldn’t have anyone to eat with, Captain…”

Despite his timid demeanor, Fale managed to say exactly what he wanted. Ever since the embezzlement incident, Fale had seemingly developed a sense of guilt toward Luke. Even after being transferred to the Administrative Division, he constantly found excuses to stick close to him.

“You’ve got some nerve, saying whatever you please to a captain.”

Luke sighed deeply, too exhausted to bother trying to shake Fale off anymore.

Just then, a group of soldiers passed by, stealing glances at Luke as they went. Fale instinctively glanced at Luke, ready to defuse an outburst if necessary. By now, he thought, Luke’s irritation must have reached its peak.

Fale tried sending the soldiers a silent glare, a clear knock it off, but his warning was obviously ignored. To his surprise, however, Luke didn’t even acknowledge them. He simply let them pass without so much as a glance.

“Captain… are you alright?”

“What are you talking about?”@@novelbin@@

“Well, it’s just… regular soldiers badmouthing their captain is completely inappropriate, not to mention—”

It wasn’t just a breach of decorum; it was outright insubordination. In the past, Luke had been quick to punish any soldier caught gossiping about him, often reprimanding them on the spot.

But lately, Luke seemed different. He ignored the whispers behind his back, treating the offenders as though they didn’t exist at all.

“What’s the point of reacting to every little thing? Let’s go.”

Fale’s steps slowed as he trailed behind Luke. There was something strange and unfamiliar about the way Luke carried himself. His demeanor felt distant, detached—like someone who had no attachments left in this world.

***

After the peace treaty with Mambern was officially signed, Veil and the Imperial Army’s captains were invited to the Imperial Palace. In recognition of their pivotal role in the treaty, the Emperor awarded medals to the Imperial Army’s leadership. Representing the army during the ceremony, Theo stepped forward in Veil’s stead. While his formal inauguration had yet to take place, Theo’s designation as the next Commander-in-Chief had already been finalized, and Veil handed over his duties without hesitation.

“Though your official inauguration is still ahead, I have great expectations for you. Lead the Imperial Army wisely,” the Emperor said.

“I will serve to the best of my ability,” Theo replied, kneeling as he clasped the Emperor’s hand.

From the back, Luke watched the scene unfold, a strange warmth stirring in his chest. Was this what it felt like to see a well-raised child excel at their academy graduation? He had never understood the parents who cried noisily during ceremonies, but at this moment, he found himself empathizing with them.

After the medal ceremony, the Imperial Army grew busier than ever, preparing for the new Commander-in-Chief’s inauguration. The event was as much a retirement ceremony for Veil as it was Theo’s inauguration, and the military was determined to make it a grand affair.

Meanwhile, Luke spent his days as he always had, carrying out his duties at headquarters without any signs of disturbance. He trained, attended official events, and maintained an air of normalcy. His composed demeanor led some to speculate behind his back, wondering if he was simply putting on a front.

He hadn’t spoken a single word to Theo since the meeting presided over by Veil. Coincidentally—or perhaps intentionally—their units never overlapped during training sessions. Even if they happened to cross paths on the streets, they passed by each other without so much as a glance.

Finally, the day of the inauguration arrived. Luke donned a ceremonial uniform distinct from his usual attire. Laden with intricate decorations, the outfit was cumbersome, and simply getting dressed took far longer than he would’ve liked.

“…This is really the end,” Luke murmured, his gaze falling on two items resting on his desk. One was an envelope containing his retirement request, and the other was the insignia of his rank as a division captain. He tucked both into his coat pocket. The inauguration was scheduled to begin in an hour, but there was somewhere he needed to stop by first.

“Whoa, you scared me.”

Stepping outside, Luke was startled to find someone standing in his path. His expression soured when he realized who it was.

“You… what are you doing here? What about the rehearsal?”

Why is he in front of my office instead of at the ceremony venue? Luke calmed his racing heart and asked.

“Luke.”

“What.”

“Don’t you… have something you want to say to me?” Theo asked.

“Nope.”

Luke tilted his head quizzically. Theo averted his gaze, seeming to wrestle with something unspoken. Before he could respond, a familiar voice called out from the distance.

“Captain! Why are you here? You’re needed at the venue!” Philip shouted as he hurried over.

“They’re calling you.” Luke jerked his chin in Philip’s direction, his tone indifferent.

“I’ve got things to do, so I’ll be going now. See you at the inauguration.”

Without waiting for a response, Luke turned and walked away. Theo’s gaze lingered on him, heavy and unrelenting, but Luke didn’t notice.