FMRV | Chapter 22

The war had finally settled down. It was perhaps inevitable that the momentum of Memvern, having lost its main weapon, would be completely crushed. The Imperial Army took advantage of this and pushed forward, successfully driving them out of the eastern territories. Thus, this brief war ended in victory for the Imperial Army.

Despite starting with a serious tone, the war ended almost anticlimactically, but for the Imperial Army, victory was expected. Defeated, Memvern’s national power weakened significantly, and they had no choice but to kneel before the Empire. The proceedings for a merely nominal peace treaty proceeded smoothly.

“Everyone did well.”

Inside the Headquarters of the Imperial Army, Veil scanned the faces of the commanders, each holding their position with pride.

“I am truly glad that our military suffered minimal damage and that we could conclude the war so swiftly.”

The commanders bowed their heads as if on cue.

“So, how is Seth?”

“He’s receiving treatment in the infirmary. He was poisoned by the enemy’s dark magic, so now he’s focusing on treatment for that,” Leo explained.

Veil’s face darkened slightly at this news, but Seth wasn’t seriously injured. Before Luke secretly entered the mountain, Seth had led the 5th Division to carry out a mission in the Uric Mountains, but he was ambushed by a summoning magician hiding there.

“Most importantly, His Majesty was deeply impressed by this war.”

If this war were to be documented in history books, it would surely be titled ‘The War Won in the Shortest Time.’ The Imperial Palace had been greatly concerned upon hearing that Memvern had attacked with monsters. Yet, the war ended in just one day, which was the expected outcome.

“Above all, Theo, your contribution in this war was significant.”

“…You flatter me. It was a victory achieved together by all.”

“You could do with a little less modesty. Because you handled the magician using Memvern’s summoning magic in time, we could secure such a valuable victory.”

Mile, sitting next to him, and Loena, across, chimed in agreement.

“Yes.”

Theo simply bowed his head silently in response. Leo looked at him and then turned away.

“They’re going to send representatives to the Empire soon for the peace treaty. It should be settled rather quickly.”

In reality, what sounded like a peace treaty was nothing more than a coercive document filled with clauses that held no benefit for Memvern. From the Empire’s perspective, it was almost a blessing that Memvern had initiated the war, as they could now impose any unreasonable terms.

Because of this, neighboring nations criticized Memvern for recklessly provoking an opponent they could not defeat.

“Once the peace treaty is successfully concluded, there will be a ceremony at the Imperial Palace to commend our military efforts. Be aware of that.”

“Yes.”

“And once all this is over… I plan to retire from my position.”

This unexpected statement during the ordinary course of the meeting caused all the commanders to widen their eyes, all except Luke, who wasn’t there.

“Commander, what are you…?”

Theo asked, visibly shaken.

“I’m getting old, and I can’t hold this position forever. It’s important to know when to leave.”

“But…”

Of course, Veil’s retirement had been anticipated, but he still had just over a year left in his term. No one had imagined he would step down now, before completing his term.

“It’s good that everything with the Kingdom of Memvern is settling down while I’m still in command.”

Veil had intended to leave this prolonged issue with the Kingdom of Memvern as his last act. The two countries had been unable to agree on an end to the hostilities, let alone a truce.

Veil had focused on resolving this as his final responsibility as commander, but the war ended more smoothly than expected. Moreover, Memvern had not resisted further and had properly capitulated, likely resolving the issues between the two nations.

“The next commander will be decided soon after discussions with the elders and the Imperial Palace. Just so you know.”

Seeing the downcast faces of the commanders, Veil jokingly asked why they were already looking so gloomy when he hadn’t completely stepped down yet. The meeting then continued as smoothly as flowing water.

The only empty seat remained vacant.

“You seem to have a lot to say to me?”

Luke looked across at Pale, who, despite having piled his tray with food, kept glancing over.

“Ah, no.”

“If you’re curious about something, say it. I’ll give you three seconds.”

“Then…!”

Pale blurted out eagerly as the attention of other members poured in, but he quickly lowered his hand and spoke softly.

“Just one thing…”

“Ask quickly.”

“Is it true… you did that?”

Pale’s statement was riddled with gaps. He hadn’t specified what action he was referring to, but Luke didn’t ask for clarification.

That day, he didn’t think Pale would fail to notice that he had disappeared, possibly sneaking onto the battlefield. Yet he hadn’t instructed him to keep silent because he trusted Pale. Seeing him now hesitantly ask confirmed that his trust hadn’t been misplaced.

“What’s important? It’s important that the war is over.”

Luke paused for a moment then buried his nose in his tray.

That day, Luke had come down from the mountains alone and returned to headquarters. Even though he was supposed to be under punishment, he had participated in the battlefield, which Theo had noticed. Prepared for any consequences, he had braced himself, considering the gravity of the matter.

However, Theo had ultimately not disclosed Luke’s participation. The credit for capturing the summoning magician naturally went to Theo, the only one who had hurried to the scene. Seth had been incapacitated in battle, so it was only natural that Theo was the ‘only’ one. Moreover, it seemed Seth couldn’t quite remember that Luke had been in the mountains that day, probably affected by the dark magic.

“Still… it’s a huge relief you weren’t caught.”

Pale, now seemingly more compliant, made Luke feel somewhat less frozen inside.

“Don’t you feel wronged?”

“What?”

“That it was your doing… but the credit went to someone else.”

Probably because the person who ended up with the credit was Theo, Pale seemed even more cautious around him. The two were, quite literally, rivals.

“I’m furious. I feel like I could go crazy with frustration, but what can I do? If they found out I moved during suspension, I’d be stripped of my rank. I did act rashly, blinded by the opportunity for achievement.”

Luke spoke freely, finishing his meal. His comment about acting rashly was half-serious. It was astounding, even in hindsight, how he had rushed into the war without thinking.

“Commander, don’t worry. I’m on your side.”

Pale’s words made Luke pause. That was new; it felt like hearing a newly born child encounter their mother tongue for the first time.

“Don’t be greedy just because you got a share of the bounty. Don’t go around talking about this. It’s an order.”

Luke shook his head in disbelief, rising from his seat, leaving behind Pale who was still grinning. Just yesterday, they were in a dangerous, bloody battlefield, and now the peaceful midday sunlight was unbelievably warm on his face.

‘Really disappointing, Luke.’

As he aimlessly looked up at the sky, Theo’s words from the previous day echoed in his ears. Oddly, they stuck in his mind and wouldn’t fade.

How had he felt when he heard those words? It was definitely different from usual. But why? These questions had followed Luke since last night. He had faced scorn and outright condemnation from others without being affected before. The deeds he had committed were prepared for criticism, and he had diligently played his part, which is why they hadn’t impacted him much.

But why that one sentence from Theo yesterday clung so persistently was beyond him.

“What’s he going to do if he’s disappointed? I had no choice.”

Luke muttered to himself. Yes, it was just a strange feeling, nothing had changed. What he needed to do, the direction he pursued, nothing was different.

“So, Commander Theo was the one who…”

A murmuring from afar reached his ears. Turning his head, he saw Theo approaching the cafeteria with a few members of the 1st Division.

“Ah… Hello.”

The members noticed Luke and saluted. Theo’s steps also halted. The contrast between Theo, surrounded by his division members, and Luke standing alone was stark. Soon, the members began to awkwardly glance between the two.

“Go on in first.”

“Yes… Yes!”

As if they had been waiting for that permission, the members quickly scurried into the cafeteria, leaving the two alone. Theo glanced down at Luke’s hands, neatly wrapped in white bandages.

“Didn’t I say I wouldn’t talk about breaking my suspension? If I had, you could have thrown me out.”

The tone was taunting, but it was a genuine curiosity. Why hadn’t Theo reported his breach?

“I don’t do dishonorable things like some people. Especially not climbing higher through shallow means.”

“You sure took full advantage of my accomplishment though.”

“If you want, I can make it known even now.”

A chill air flowed between them. The atmosphere was completely different from when they had last been in the square together.

“Theo, you’re right. I don’t know the duty or purpose. All I want is to elevate myself through position, honor, and power.”

The delayed responses that he hadn’t managed to retaliate with on the mountain spilled out.

“Whether you’re disappointed in me or not, I don’t care.”

“Fine, I’ve heard you. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

They both moved at the same time, neither sparing a glance as they passed. They simply brushed past each other, coldly, as if returning to their respective places.