FMRV | Chapter 11

The Investigation Department. As the name suggests, it was a temporary division established to investigate various incidents within the military. Since not every day brought a scandal requiring internal investigation, the department was created and dissolved on a whim, depending on necessity. It could suddenly appear and then disappear just as quickly.

This time, the department was formed to look into a case involving military supplies of significant importance. And the one leading the charge was none other than the Commander of the 1st Division, Theo Redrick.

Not long after Luke met with Fail, he went to the Investigation Department on his own and confessed to all the “crimes.” He admitted to all the allegations, including using Fail to embezzle supplies.

“So, is it all true?”

“That’s what I’m telling you. My colleague in the Investigation Department said Commander Luke barged in last night and admitted everything.”

As this news spread, the Imperial Army was thrown into chaos. Just like a sponge rapidly absorbing water, word of Luke’s confession spread like wildfire. Scandals, being the perfect fuel for gossip, traveled even faster in such circumstances. And the so-called noble military, the proud defenders of the Empire and the Imperial Palace, was no exception to this rule.

“Wow… So he really did that just to curry favor with the nobles? And he used his subordinate for it?”

“Not sure. They haven’t revealed much about his motives or methods yet. Honestly, I hope he gets a good reckoning this time…”

“Hey, quiet.”

One soldier standing in the corridor nudged his colleague. Curious as to why, he turned his head—only to see Luke approaching with his usual calm expression.

“Good day, Commander.”

The two soldiers, feeling guilty for their gossip, straightened up and saluted with exaggerated formality. The military, after all, was a strict hierarchy. No matter one’s age or background, lower-ranked soldiers could never be disrespectful to their superiors. In fact, even badmouthing a superior had to be done discreetly, lest they get caught. Stories of soldiers punished for insulting Luke had spread before, making them all the more cautious.

“You’ve all been working hard.”

“Pardon? Oh, not at all, sir.”

“Nonsense. Gossiping behind a superior’s back is no easy task, you know.”

Luke nodded as if understanding, and the soldiers—who had been badmouthing him with such enthusiasm moments earlier—froze, their shoulders stiffening. It was obvious now that they had been caught.

Luke continued, “I’ve done it plenty myself, so I get it. But you should be more careful around the other commanders. Anyway, keep up the good work.”

With that, Luke casually strolled past them. Once he was out of sight, the soldiers let out the breaths they’d been holding, only to immediately resume complaining. Even though Luke had let their gossip slide, they didn’t seem to realize how unusual his leniency was.

“Ugh, what a day.”

Luke yawned and stretched as he walked down the corridor. Suddenly, a thick hand shot out from the side and grabbed him by the collar before he could react. The grip was vice-like, and Luke’s body was pulled forward with startling force.

“Ugh—”

Luke’s back slammed into the wall. Instinctively, he spread his hand wide, ready to counterattack. Military training emphasized quick responses to ambushes, and in the heat of the moment, Luke’s body reacted before his mind could process the situation.

He began to channel his magic but stopped when he recognized the person in front of him. With a deep sigh, he let his hands drop.

“…Isn’t this a bit much for a greeting?”

The one gripping his collar was none other than Theo. Holding Luke’s collar firmly but not painfully, Theo stared down at him.

“Using force outside designated areas is prohibited. Surely you haven’t forgotten that.”

“…”

Theo didn’t respond. His brows furrowed slightly, and a controlled but sharp anger simmered in his dark eyes.

“What’s this about? You want to spar? You know I’ve got my hands full right now. Maybe later—”

“Why did you confess?”

“What?”

“I heard from the investigators. Last night, you stormed into their office and confessed to everything.”

Theo hadn’t been present during the confession. He would have only learned about it this morning from the team handling the cleanup.

“What’s with the interrogation? I did it, so I admitted it. Do you need more of a reason?”

“When I interrogated you, you flat-out denied everything. Why the sudden change?”

At the time, Luke had only suspected the true culprit and had needed more evidence to piece together the truth. Denying everything had been a strategic move to buy time. After all, he hadn’t committed the crime himself.

But now, Luke knew. He understood the real story behind the incident, Fail’s situation, and his struggles. Once he learned all this, there was no way he could turn his back on him. He couldn’t abandon a subordinate who had sacrificed so much for his sick mother while working in a dangerous unit that didn’t suit him.

Luke couldn’t simply dismiss Fail, not after seeing how much he’d endured. As much as he might play the villain, he wasn’t heartless.

Still, being a villain could also mean doing whatever it took to achieve his goals. In this case, claiming responsibility for the embezzlement fit perfectly with the role of the villain.

“I realized it wasn’t worth denying. Simple as that.”

“That’s all? That’s the reason you changed your mind?”

“…Yeah.”

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

“You were still under investigation. And yet you confessed. Why?”

Theo’s grip tightened slightly. His expression, while calm, betrayed his simmering anger. Was he upset about Luke’s confession? Or was it something else?

“Theo, let go of me.”

Luke swatted Theo’s hand away.

“Does my confession bother you?”

“What are you saying?”

“The way you’re acting, it’s like you have a problem with it.”

Theo’s face grew even more serious, almost pained.

“That’s ridiculous.”

“Then I’ll be going. No point in dragging this out since I already confessed. We’ll talk more at the trial.”

Luke gave a casual wave and continued down the corridor, looking far too nonchalant for someone in his position.

The underground hall of the Imperial Army headquarters housed a large meeting chamber. It wasn’t an ordinary conference room. This was a military courtroom used for internal trials, separate from the courts overseen by the Imperial Palace.

After the Investigation Department completed their work, the military trial would begin immediately, with all relevant parties and commanders present, along with the Commander in Chief. Because Luke had confessed, the trial commenced even before the investigation was fully concluded.

“Let us begin the trial.”

Veil Winium’s deep voice echoed through the chamber. His expression was unusually somber. Known for his fatherly demeanor toward the soldiers, Veil was clearly displeased with this incident—especially since it involved a division commander.

Luke sat alone at the right-hand table, while the other commanders occupied the left. Everyone was present except for Leo of the 7th Division, who had other obligations.

“Now, let’s hear a summary of the investigation.”

Theo stood to deliver a detailed explanation of the incident. He outlined how Luke had ordered Fail to steal enchanted crystals and sell them to a noble family.

As Luke listened, he realized the investigation hadn’t uncovered the identity of the noble family involved.

“Luke, do you admit to these crimes?”

Veil asked.

“Yes, Commander. I have no excuse.”

Luke bowed his head, and the other commanders, except for Theo, clicked their tongues. Mile, in particular, smirked with a smug satisfaction.

“I’m disappointed.”

It was a brief remark, but coming from Veil, it carried considerable weight. Known for his positivity, Veil’s criticism was a rarity.

“Why did you do it?” Veil asked.

“Commander, if I may,” Mile interrupted, “Commander Luke has always been desperate to ingratiate himself with the nobles. There’s no need to waste time asking why—just deliver the punishment—”

“Mile, I asked Luke.”

Veil’s voice was heavier than usual, making Mile flinch.

“Even if Luke stands here as a criminal, we cannot strip him of the right to explain himself. Hearing his reasoning is part of this trial.”

“I agree.”

Surprisingly, it was Theo who spoke in support. Luke’s eyes widened slightly. Well, wasn’t that interesting? Playing the good guy for Veil’s approval, huh? Clever move.

“In that case, I’ll be honest.”

Luke’s lips curled into a sly smile, ready to play his part to perfection.