FMRV | Chapter 49

A long silence filled the air, but Pale, now certain of Luke’s reaction, slammed his teacup down in shock.

“Didn’t you say you were going to live a carefree life?”

“Well… listen, there were circumstances, okay?”

Luke raised his hand as if to calm Pale down and began explaining the events of the Ruben house incident from a few months ago. He detailed how he had taken down a high-level monster during that time and how, fearing the complications that would arise if the Western branch soldiers discovered him, he had slipped away. After all, he had no intention of getting entangled with his former workplace.

But that wasn’t the end. Since settling here, Luke had encountered monsters several times—whether it was in Conenium Square or other towns he visited. Each time, he couldn’t resist eliminating them. Dodging the soldiers who inevitably showed up at these sites was an exhausting task, but he had managed to avoid being caught so far.

“If you weren’t planning on doing military work anymore and just wanted to live quietly, you should’ve left it to the army. They would’ve handled it,” Pale said with exasperation.

Luke gave an awkward laugh, feeling as though Pale’s words were a direct hit. Was this guy always so sharp with his truths?

“I know. It’s not that I don’t trust the Imperial Army. It’s just… before I realized it, I’d already acted.”

When Luke left the Imperial Army, he had sworn never to take up such a role again. He had resolved to live as an ordinary, decent citizen. But his body refused to obey his mind, and the monsters he encountered were always high-level threats he simply couldn’t ignore.

“Anyway, it’s not like I’ve taken down that many. Who knew it would cause such a stir?”

“Well, all the monsters you’ve taken down were high-level ones.”

Luke felt like he was being scolded by Pale, and the worst part was, he couldn’t refute it. He raised his voice, declaring that from now on, he wouldn’t step in, no matter what monster appeared. However, Pale’s expression suggested he didn’t believe that at all.

“Forget it. Let’s talk about something else,” Luke grumbled, waving his hand dismissively. Pale, deep in thought, finally opened his mouth with some hesitation.

“Commander… is there nothing you’re curious about?”

“I already asked. You said your mom’s doing well, and you got a promotion.”

“No, not about me.”

Luke tilted his head, clearly not understanding what Pale was getting at.

“Like, about the headquarters…”

Ah. Luke finally caught on and let out a low sigh.

“Well, I’m sure it’s running just fine. The Empire seems peaceful enough.”

“Yes, of course! I’m sorry, it was silly of me to bring that up. You probably don’t have any good memories of the place anyway.”

Good memories, huh? Luke stared blankly at his coffee cup. The dark liquid reflected his unfocused face, and as the image blurred, memories of his time in the Imperial Army flashed before his mind like illustrations in a storybook. Among all those memories, one figure stood out the most.

“…How’s Theo doing?”

That guy he trained with every morning and night, fought alongside during operations, clashed with during meetings, and exchanged glares with whenever they crossed paths. Oddly enough, Luke found himself curious about him. Not the other Detached Corps members, not the other commanders like Leo or Mile—just him.

“Oh, uh, he’s doing well. He seemed to adjust quickly to his position as Commander-in-Chief,” Pale said, looking slightly surprised that Luke had brought Theo up. He explained how Theo had even been working to improve some of the Imperial Army’s long-standing bad habits, changing the meeting systems and making efforts to personally appear at them.

“Of course. Sounds like he’s doing well,” Luke said with a faint smile. But the upward curve of his lips looked hollow. It wasn’t the confident, spirited smile he usually wore.

“He hasn’t… looked for me, has he?” Luke half-joked, but Pale visibly flinched, looking guilty.

“Well, actually… after you left, Commander Theo called me in.”

Pale seemed conflicted, as if he wasn’t sure whether to continue.

“Why?”

“He… asked if I knew where you were living and wanted me to tell him.”

Luke blinked slowly, digesting the words. Why would that guy want to know where he was? Was he planning to visit? The thought felt strange, almost as if Theo had tried to track him down after he left the Imperial Army.

“Of course, I didn’t tell him,” Pale assured him.

“Why would he ask you that…?”

“Well, I heard rumors… They weren’t exactly flattering. Some people thought your timing for retiring was… irresponsible.”

Luke wasn’t surprised. He hadn’t left without expecting backlash. His reputation had already been rock-bottom, so sinking further didn’t really matter to him.

“Some of the other commanders even brought it up during meetings, saying that Commander Luke’s resignation was too reckless.”

Luke finally understood why Theo had been looking for him. He probably wanted to lecture him, to scold him about his irresponsible decision, telling him that running away because he didn’t make Commander-in-Chief wasn’t something a soldier should do. That was undoubtedly it. The realization made something in Luke’s chest deflate, like a balloon slowly losing air.

“Thanks for telling me,” Luke said, nodding slowly. “Pale, since you’re on long leave, make sure to enjoy the upcoming festival.”

Yeah, what’s the point in dwelling on Theo? Luke had played his role, brought the story to its conclusion, and chosen his own exit.

“Alright, I’ll do that,” Pale replied.

And so, Luke resolved once more to focus on his current life.

The Conenium Square Festival was one of the most notable regional festivals in Kyleum, held in Herba. Its scale was large enough to attract visitors from outside the region, lasting for three days. The festival featured various performances, food, and unique Western products, as well as a range of activities.

“So many people,” Pale said, marveling at the crowded square. Unlike Ludrain Square, where zones were sharply divided by social class, this festival allowed everyone to mingle freely.

“They say the first and second days are the busiest.”

It was Luke’s first time enjoying this festival. Though he had grown up in this area, his family had never been well-off enough to afford the luxury of attending such events. And after his parents passed, attending festivals became even less of a priority.

Luke shared tidbits about the festival with Pale based on information he’d gathered. Pale, meanwhile, stopped abruptly, pointing at something.

“Commander, are those flowers from your garden?”

His gaze fell on the beautiful flowers adorning the square’s architecture and the massive sign announcing the festival.

“Yeah, they are. My garden had exclusive rights,” Luke said proudly.

Pale looked impressed, his eyes sparkling. Luke silently acknowledged that Chess’s influence had played a part, but he wasn’t about to mention that.

“The Commander is… really good at everything.”

“What’s with the flattery? I’ve told you, I’m not your Commander anymore,” Luke said, rolling his eyes.

“But still… You left the army and immediately adapted to a new life. It’s amazing.”

Luke scratched his head, feeling awkward. He wasn’t used to compliments. Harsh words and criticisms? Sure, he’d heard plenty of those. But praise? That was uncharted territory.

“Alright, stop. That’s enough.”

Embarrassed and feeling his ears turn red, Luke finally flicked Pale’s forehead lightly to stop him. If he listened any longer, his face might turn beet red.

“Ow… That’s mean, Commander.”

“What was that? Complaining now?”

“Well, you did say you’re not my Commander anymore…” Pale retorted cheekily.

Luke laughed out loud at that, drawing glances from passersby. The sun reflected off his silver hair, making it shine, and his radiant smile turned heads.

“Is something wrong, sir?” someone nearby asked.

Not far away, a man stopped in his tracks, staring in the direction of Luke’s laughter.

“…No, it’s nothing,” Theo said, shaking his head.

“Let’s continue.”

“Yes, this way, Commander,” the soldier said.

As Theo strolled through Conenium Square, he walked in the opposite direction of where Luke was.