FMRV | Chapter 24

‘The next Commander in Chief is Theo Redrick, Commander of the 1st Division.’

When Luke heard those words, he felt a myriad of emotions. In the past, whenever he imagined this moment, he thought he’d feel nothing but happiness. After all, it meant he could finally let go of the heavy burden he’d carried for so long. Like holding a gift he’d waited forever to receive—something cherished and long-anticipated. But when Veil made the announcement, alongside the rush of satisfaction, there was an undeniable tinge of melancholy.

As Veil left the room, and the other commanders began offering their congratulations to Theo one by one, Luke stood there, blankly watching the scene unfold. It was only then that the realization began to sink in: he had delivered the story’s protagonist safely to the ending.

While the commanders congratulated Theo, they didn’t forget to glance at Luke, their looks loaded with unspoken messages. Luke didn’t need to guess what those stares meant. Soon, the grand, towering meeting hall was empty, leaving only Theo and Luke.

The two stood still, gazing at each other, as if by some unspoken agreement. Neither spoke. The heavy, awkward silence wrapped around them like a suffocating fog.

Theo seemed about to say something, his lips parting slightly, but then he froze. His eyes locked on Luke’s face, and before he could speak, Luke rose from his seat and walked out of the room. Theo remained standing there, stunned, even after Luke had left.

As soon as Luke stepped out of the meeting room, a summons from Veil arrived. Knowing Veil’s personality, Luke had expected this much.

“You called for me, Commander?”

When Luke entered the commander’s office, Veil, who had been gazing out the window, slowly turned to face him. With sunlight streaming through the window behind him, Veil looked as kind and warm as ever.

“Are you disappointed?”

The question came out of nowhere, blunt and straightforward, but it was so typical of Veil.

“To be honest… yes, I suppose I am.”

Luke’s candid response made Veil chuckle lightly. Of course, Luke had no real interest in the title of Commander in Chief, so he wasn’t truly disappointed. But for now, he played along.

“Yet, I don’t know why you look more relieved than disappointed.”

Veil’s laughter carried a hint of amusement as he spoke. Luke flinched slightly at the comment and quickly replied, “That can’t be true.” For a moment, he wondered if Veil had picked up on something, but Veil only continued smiling knowingly.

“Luke, I’m well aware of how much you’ve contributed to the Imperial Army. You and Theo clashing as rivals has been a driving force behind both of your growth.”

Luke remained silent, listening to Veil’s words. He had expected Veil to offer comforting remarks after losing the title, but something about Veil’s tone made it seem like he had a different agenda.

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

“…Excuse me?”

Luke couldn’t hide his confusion and asked again. Veil, now looking back out the window, continued with his enigmatic remarks.

“Theo needs someone like you. And frankly, so does this Imperial Army. That’s why I hope you’ll stay by Theo’s side as he takes over as Commander in Chief and help make the army stronger.”

“…Thank you for your kind words, Commander. I’ve been deeply grateful for everything until now.”

Even as he spoke, Luke knew he couldn’t agree to Veil’s request, not even out of politeness. He had no intention of staying in the Imperial Army. Whatever Veil’s intentions were, Luke’s role was complete. It was time to leave.

“If that’s your answer, then so be it. I have no right to stop you.”

Veil still wore his warm, understanding smile, as if he already knew what Luke intended to do.

“Well then, Commander, may I make one last request?”

[‘Theo Redrick, the Heart of the Empire, becomes the next Commander in Chief of the Imperial Army.’]

Citizens across the Empire stopped in their tracks, engrossed in newspapers. The announcement that Theo, interim head of the Redrick Ducal House, was to succeed Veil had sent waves of excitement throughout the Empire.

The military headquarters were no different. Changing the Commander in Chief was a monumental event, and the excitement surrounding Theo’s appointment was palpable.

“This is going to burn a hole through me.”

Luke found himself in an unexpectedly awkward situation. The news that Theo had been chosen also implied that Luke had lost, drawing all attention squarely on him.

Even just walking near the headquarters caused passing soldiers to whisper and openly stare at him. Luke felt like an actor in a famous theater play, the kind of performer who couldn’t escape the intense gazes of his audience. It was overwhelming.

“Everyone’s so fired up about the new Commander, huh?”

“…But, Pale, why are you still following me around? Your job as my watchdog is over.”

“Well… I mean… who else would eat with you, Commander?”

Pale, looking like a nervous wreck, mumbled in a mosquito-like voice but still managed to say everything he wanted. Ever since the embezzlement incident, Pale had seemed to feel indebted to Luke and stuck close to him whenever he could, despite having been reassigned to the administrative division.

“You’ve got some nerve for a subordinate.”

Luke sighed deeply, too tired to push him away anymore.

As they walked, a group of soldiers passed by, glancing at Luke and whispering again. Pale, noticing the tension, nervously tried to gauge Luke’s mood. At this rate, an outburst seemed imminent.

Pale shot a silent warning glare at the soldiers, but it had no effect. To his surprise, Luke didn’t react at all, letting the soldiers pass by without even sparing them a glance.

“Commander… are you okay?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, it’s against protocol for ordinary soldiers to gossip about a Commander…”

Luke had been quick to reprimand and punish soldiers for such behavior in the past, but lately, he seemed to let it slide. His indifference to the rumors and whispers felt out of character, as if he had already dismissed them as insignificant.

“What’s the point of reacting? Let’s go.”

Pale slowed his pace, watching Luke’s back. There was something unsettling about his demeanor—a strange, unfamiliar air that felt as though Luke had no attachment to anything anymore.

After the peace treaty with Memvern was finalized, Veil and the Imperial Army’s commanders were invited to the palace. The Emperor personally awarded medals to the military, acknowledging their contributions to the successful agreement. As expected, Theo stepped forward in Veil’s place to receive the honors. Though not officially inaugurated, Theo’s status as the next Commander in Chief was undeniable, and Veil had already begun to pass on his duties without hesitation.

“Though your formal inauguration hasn’t taken place, my expectations for you are great. Lead the Imperial Army well.”

“I will carry out your orders.”

Theo knelt before the Emperor, grasping his hand. Watching from behind, Luke felt a strange heat stir within him, like a proud parent witnessing their child graduate at the top of their class. He finally understood why parents cried at school ceremonies—they weren’t just noisy; they were genuinely moved.

After the ceremony, the army grew busier preparing for Theo’s inauguration. It was as much a farewell to Veil as it was a celebration of the new Commander, so every detail had to be perfect.

Luke continued his daily routine at headquarters—training, attending meetings, and keeping up appearances. His outward composure led to murmurs that he was simply pretending to be fine.

Not once during that time did he speak to Theo. Their last encounter was at Veil’s meeting. Whether by coincidence or fate, they never crossed paths during training or anywhere else. Even if they passed each other on the street, they didn’t so much as exchange glances.

On the day of the inauguration, Luke donned his formal uniform—a decorative outfit reserved for special events. It took an irritatingly long time to dress properly, given all the embellishments.

“…This is really the end.”

He stared at two items on his desk: an envelope containing his resignation letter and the insignia of his rank as Commander. After a moment’s hesitation, Luke tucked both into his coat. The inauguration was an hour away, but there was one place he needed to visit first.

“…Oh, crap.”

As he stepped outside, he was startled to see someone blocking his path. Scowling, he demanded, “What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be rehearsing?”

Why was Theo, who should have been at the venue, standing outside his door? Luke forced himself to calm down and asked.

“Luke.”

“What?”

“Do you… have anything you want to say to me?”

“Nope.”

Luke tilted his head, confused. Theo lowered his gaze, hesitating. Just as he was about to speak, a loud voice called out from a distance.

“Commander! Why are you here? You need to come now!” Philip came running, waving urgently.

“They’re calling for you.”

Luke gestured toward Philip with his chin. “I’ve got things to do, so I’ll head out. See you at the ceremony.”

Turning on his heel, Luke walked away. Theo’s gaze lingered on him, heavy and unwavering, but Luke didn’t notice.