FMRV | Chapter 23

“Philip, these days…”

“Yes?”

Milo, a senior soldier from the 1st Division, approached Philip, who was resting during a break in training.

“Don’t you think the Commander has been acting a bit strange?”

“Are you talking about Commander Theo?”

“Yeah.”

Both of their gazes naturally shifted to Theo, who was still actively sparring with some of the livelier soldiers and overseeing their training.

“What exactly do you mean?”

“Well… how should I put it? He seems more intense than usual.”

“Hmm…”

The two men started staring at Theo with identical expressions. Now that Milo mentioned it, it was true. Theo had never approached any training half-heartedly, but recently, his enthusiasm seemed particularly over the top. It was almost as if he was forcing himself to exert more energy than necessary.

“Now that you say it… he has been acting odd lately.”

Hearing this from Philip, who often assisted Theo as his adjutant and spent the most time around him, made Milo’s eyes gleam with curiosity.

“Really?”

“Yes. Take the Commanders’ training session last time, for instance. I happened to attend because I was helping to organize things, and that was when Commander Theo faced Commander Luke.”

The Commanders’ training session was a rare event where the commanders would gather and spar against one another. It was practically a tradition for Theo and Luke to face off at least once during these sessions, so there was nothing particularly surprising about it. Moreover, Luke’s suspension had already been lifted for a month now.

“But honestly… that day was something else.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well… I don’t know if this is the right way to put it, but it felt like they were seriously trying to kill each other.”

Philip shivered at the memory of that day. Normally, the Commanders’ training sessions were never that intense. The purpose was to coordinate moves, observe attack patterns, and offer constructive feedback, not to go all out trying to win. If it had been a real fight, the training ground would have been obliterated.

When Theo and Luke faced off, their usual sparring intensity was only slightly higher than with others. But that day, the magic they unleashed and the force of their blades were on a completely different level.

“What?”

Milo raised his voice in surprise, prompting Philip to wave his hands hastily.

“Oh, I just meant they were both incredibly serious about it. That’s all.”

“Must be because they’re both thinking about who the next Commander in Chief might be.”

“Yes, that’s probably it.”

The peace agreement with Memvern was finally nearing its conclusion. This treaty had significantly elevated the status of the Heinern Empire while pushing Memvern even lower.

It was widely known throughout the Imperial Army that Commander Veil intended to pass down his position once everything was settled. As a result, the atmosphere among the soldiers had been restless lately. A change in leadership was a significant event, but that wasn’t the only reason for the tension.

Who would be the next Commander in Chief?

The two leading candidates were Theo and Luke. Most of the soldiers supported Theo, as he was impeccable in both character and ability. However, there were whispers predicting Luke’s victory as well, given his numerous achievements on countless battlefields as a Detached Unit Commander, not to mention his recent exposure of corruption within the Harnes family.

Still, Theo’s pivotal role in the victory over Memvern had solidified the majority’s belief that he was the natural choice for the next Commander in Chief.

“So, who do you think it will be?”

“Who? Of course, it’s Commander Theo!” Philip, Theo’s number one fan, answered vehemently, making Milo laugh heartily.

“Milo, Philip! Break time is over!”

Theo’s booming voice echoed from a distance, and the two men hurriedly jumped to their feet.

The conference room, filled with commanders, was bustling with discussion as Theo led the regular meeting.

“Withdrawing the main forces from the Eastern Division seems a bit premature.”

“But the peace treaty is already in its final stages. Keeping them there is unnecessary.”

As usual, Theo and Luke were at odds, their sharp opinions causing the other commanders to sigh deeply.

“Didn’t we get stabbed in the back last time because of this kind of complacency?” Luke retorted, striking at Theo’s pride.

“This treaty is proceeding through proper formalities between the two nations. That kind of statement is inappropriate here.”

“You know I didn’t mean it like that. All I’m saying is that there’s no harm in being cautious. We can withdraw the troops after the treaty is officially signed.”

“Many of the troops deployed to the Eastern Division are already exhausted from the prolonged war with Memvern. We need to consider their fatigue as well.”

Arguments between Luke and Theo during meetings were nothing new. However, it was rare for them to glare at each other and prolong their verbal sparring this much. The other commanders wanted to intervene, but neither gave them the chance.

“Besides, keeping excessive forces in the Eastern Division could be perceived as a threat to the treaty.”

“I believe it’s a justified measure for the Empire.”

“Enough!”

Leo, who had been quietly observing the heated debate, slammed the table. Known for his carefree and nonchalant attitude, Leo’s sudden intervention surprised everyone.

“I get what you’re both saying. So why not compromise?”

Everyone’s attention shifted to Leo.

“Theo’s right; we shouldn’t overdo it. But Luke has a point too—there’s no harm in being careful. So how about this: we recall half the main forces from the Eastern Division and implement a three-shift rotation for the remaining troops? That way, we address both the soldiers’ fatigue and any potential concerns about the treaty.”

Both Theo and Luke fell silent, seemingly agreeing with Leo’s proposal.

“If it were any other day, you two would’ve come up with this solution yourselves. Let’s not get too worked up, okay?”

“…Fine. We’ll proceed with Leo’s suggestion. Does anyone have objections?”

The commanders nodded in agreement, and with that, the meeting concluded. It was the final agenda item, after all.

“As you all know, there will be a meeting presided over by the Commander in Chief next week. Don’t be late,” Theo reminded them. Everyone nodded and began leaving the room, aware of the significance of that meeting. It would mark Commander Veil’s last official appearance and the announcement of the next Commander in Chief.

As Luke was the first to leave the room, Leo sidled up to him.

“Commander Luke, I’ve been curious since last time—what happened to your hand?”

Leo pointed to Luke’s right hand, making him flinch. The wound was deep, and the lingering dark magic had caused it to fester, prolonging the healing process.

“Oh, I just got hurt in the dorms. Nothing serious,” Luke replied casually, brushing it off. Leo either didn’t care to pry further or decided not to, simply nodding.

“Well, next week will finally put an end to your endless feud, huh?”

At Leo’s remark, Luke suddenly stopped in his tracks. He turned his head to gaze blankly out the window.

“One of you will become the next Commander in Chief.”

“…Yeah.”

The moment had finally arrived—the moment he had long anticipated since realizing he was in this world. Most likely, the position would go to Theo. No, it should go to him. Despite Luke’s own competence and achievements, the conservative elders would never choose him. Even if Veil’s intentions were unclear, the title of Commander in Chief fit Theo much better.

Once Theo assumed the role, Luke planned to leave this wretched unit behind for good.

“Luke?”

“Ah, I’m coming.”

But for some reason, his chest felt tight. Like a thorn had lodged itself deep inside, pricking him with discomfort. Shaking off the unease, Luke resumed walking.

Whatever the case, his goal hadn’t changed. Witness the happy ending and disappear.

And as time swiftly passed, the awaited moment drew closer. In the final meeting, Commander Veil officially named Theo Redrick as his successor.