“Noah Willard. Step forward.”
At the call, I took one step.
Three civil officials sat beyond a long desk.
Piles of documents, inkwells, and white light through the window—it was the complete opposite of the battlefield.
“In consideration of your achievements on the western front, formal approval has been granted for the promotion of you, heir to House Willard.”
As the official spoke dispassionately, the soldiers waiting in a corner of the room began to move.
“You’re hereby commissioned as a brigadier general in the Royal Army.”
A small box opened, and a new rank insignia was taken from it.
An official received it from a soldier, approached me, and silently fastened it to my chest.
The metal was cold.
“Any objection?”
“None.”
“Very well. Promotion directly to brigadier general is unprecedented, but it recognizes your great achievements on the western front and the contribution expected from your future military service.”
A seal was stamped onto a document.
As the dry sound echoed, the official continued in a businesslike tone.
“You’ll now proceed to the eastern front as an aide to Her Highness the Second Princess. We expect you to demonstrate there the same ability you displayed in the west.”
…A princess.
The Second Princess was, if I remembered correctly, famous for being extremely capable.
“That’s all. You may leave.”
The important matter of commissioning me as a brigadier general—and as an officer about to serve the Second Princess—ended with nothing more.
There was no salute and no congratulatory address. The ceremony was far too simple.
“Excuse me.”
I bowed and left the room.
“…Phew.”
Walking down the corridor, I touched the insignia on my chest.
It bore none of the battlefield’s mud or blood.
The battlefield was far away, and the heartland still retained an air of peace.
“I’m back, Sister Shia.”
Lost in thought, I returned to our guest room in the royal castle.
“Mm! Welcome back!”
Sister Shia was waiting inside.
I wasn’t free enough to remain long in the Willard Marquisate. I had to visit the capital and then go to the eastern front.
But I couldn’t leave Sister Shia behind when she seemed close to her emotional limit.
So she had traveled with me as far as the capital.
“…Brigadier general.”
She stood, hurried toward me, and noticed the insignia on my chest.
“Quite a promotion. My first rank is brigadier general. I suppose that’s what one expects from a marquis family.”
“Even I began as a major. This is extraordinary.”
“Of course! I distinguished myself on the western front. Hehe—I was worth a thousand soldiers too, you know. I’m a Willard, after all.”
“…You didn’t push yourself too hard, did you?”
Her familiar expression crumbled, revealing anxiety.
“Of course not. There would be no point if I died.”
I answered firmly to reassure her and gently embraced her.
“I’m your little brother. I’m not so fragile.”
“…Yes, that’s right. I believe you. Please don’t die.”
“…I promise.”
What right did I have to say that?
I kept the thought from showing and released her.
“Why don’t we go sightseeing in the capital? It’s been a long time for you, hasn’t it?”
I was finished wearing the stiff military uniform for now.
I removed my cloak, hung it up, and changed clothes.
“Sightseeing? It feels a little late for that. I worked here until I was sick of the place.”
“It may look different when you have no work to do.”
“Perhaps. Well, if I can walk around with Noah, I don’t care what we do.”
“Hehe. I’m glad to hear that.”
I finished changing from my uniform into simple clothes that made me look like a commoner, then changed my shoes.
“All right. Let’s go.”
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