Faint light flickered in the mana preservation zone as Theo and Luke successfully completed their warp.
“Ugh, I feel sick.”
“What’s wrong? Are you unwell?”
As Luke clutched his chest and groaned, Theo hurried over with concern.
“No, it’s just the air, the humidity, the atmosphere… It’s stifling…”
Luke’s words were overly dramatic as he surveyed the familiar surroundings of the headquarters—his first ti returning in nearly nine months. The air here carried a distinct scent, one that resurrected mories of grueling training sessions and aching exhaustion.
Certain slls, like the wind or the air itself, have a way of triggering vivid recollections. Though it was difficult to explain, Luke’s sudden discomfort was likely tied to such mories.
“Complaining already?”
A quiet chuckle ca from above.
“You really do have a childish side sotis.”
“What? When did I—?”
Luke’s head shot up, but as his eyes t Theo’s soft smile, he faltered, feeling oddly flustered.
Unable to retort, Luke stood there, tongue-tied, while Theo tilted his head slightly and reached out to ruffle Luke’s hair. Theo’s large, calloused hand awkwardly brushed through Luke’s locks, and the sensation at the crown of his head made Luke unconsciously bite his lip.
Lately, the atmosphere between them seed to shift inexplicably whenever they were together. Why? In the past, they would have barely exchanged a passing glance, or Theo would have coldly brushed off Luke’s provocations.
Granted, Luke no longer needed to fulfill the role of antagonist, so there was no reason to remain excessively wary of Theo. In fact, he was willing to maintain a decent relationship. However, ever since Theo’s strange comnt in the estate library yesterday, Luke found himself hyper-aware of every interaction, his actions becoming awkward and stilted.
Deep down, Luke already knew—this wasn’t just Theo acting differently. Whatever the cause, if he simply behaved as usual, there shouldn’t be a problem.
And yet, why wasn’t he shaking off Theo’s hand? Why did it feel… pleasant? Irritated by the realization, Luke spiraled into frustration, only to be distracted by the sound of approaching footsteps.
“Commander.”
Leo and Roena appeared, standing at attention as they saluted Theo.
“Thank you for your efforts on the inspection.”
Both spoke in even tones, but their gazes naturally shifted to the unexpected figure standing beside Theo.
“But… why is Luke here…?”
“Hello.”
Luke raised a hand in a brief, casual greeting. Even Roena, usually unflappable, widened her eyes in visible surprise.
“Well, it’s… complicated.”
Once again, Luke opted for his usual tactic: a vague, all-encompassing phrase to brush off any explanation.
“Wait, is Luke rejoining us?”
For so reason, Leo’s face lit up with enthusiasm, while Luke’s expression twisted into a grimace.
“I’d rather you insult , Leo.”
“I’ll explain Luke’s situation during the eting. Both of you, return to your stations and prepare.”
“Yes, sir!”
Roena imdiately turned and walked away, undoubtedly filled with questions but prioritizing Theo’s orders. Leo, about to follow her, suddenly stopped and turned back.
“Commander. I respectfully request that you refrain from any fights with Luke while he’s here.”
“Fights?”
Theo frowned, puzzled.
“If you start by attacking his head, even Luke wouldn’t survive the blow.”
Leo’s gaze settled squarely on Theo’s hand, still resting atop Luke’s hair. Both Luke and Theo froze for a mont, realizing the misunderstanding. Leo had apparently interpreted the head-patting as so kind of prelude to combat.
Who could have anticipated such a scene? Theo Redrick, ruffling Luke’s hair? Impossible, yet here it was.
“Well, I’ll be off to prepare for the eting.”
With a faintly amused smile, Leo turned and disappeared into the distance.
“See? Now I’ve been dragged into another weird misunderstanding because of you.”
Luke swatted Theo’s hand away, clearing his throat awkwardly.
“My apologies. You were acting cute, and I reacted without thinking. I’ll be more careful in the future.”
“C-cute…?”
Luke’s eyes widened in disbelief, his words catching in his throat. When had Theo beco this… infuriating? And why couldn’t he seem to control his own reactions to it?
“You’re insufferable.”
“It’s been a while since I’ve heard that. Co on, let’s go.”
Luke muttered complaints under his breath but still followed closely behind Theo.
***
The atmosphere in the conference room at headquarters was unusually tense. The reason was simple—the seat at the head of the table, which had been empty for so ti, was now occupied once again.
“…This concludes my report.”
Roena sat down and began organizing her docunts. The report she had just presented covered the situation at headquarters during Theo’s absence, along with the agenda items discussed in prior etings.
Using Roena’s detailed account as a starting point, Theo asked questions and received answers, ticulously filling in the gaps from his ti away.
“Understood. Let’s proceed to the next item…”
“Commander!”
At that mont, both Mile and Leo shot their hands up into the air, almost as if competing to reach higher. Their sudden, almost aggressive gesture caught the attention of the other captains, who looked on in bewildernt.
Neither seed pleased about their synchronized interruption, glaring at each other before speaking simultaneously:
“Why was Luke on the warship?”
“Why is forr Captain Luke here at headquarters?”
“What? That guy’s here at headquarters?”
Mile’s face twisted into a scowl. Leo turned to him sharply, admonishing him to choose his words more carefully during a formal eting, and sparks began flying between the two n.
Theo sighed lightly, observing their antics. Catching onto his discomfort, Roena intervened with a sharp tone.
“Both of you, lower your voices.”
The two n, realizing they had crossed a line, coughed awkwardly and lowered their heads. The other captains, anwhile, exchanged uncertain glances, clearly confused by the sudden ntion of Luke’s na.
“This eting has a specific purpose,” Theo said, his voice dropping to a commanding tone. “No more questions until I’ve finished my explanation.”
The weight of Theo’s voice, coupled with his serious expression and unwavering gaze, instantly silenced the room. The captains, instinctively straightening their postures, swallowed hard. When Theo took on this deanor, the atmosphere beca heavy with tension, almost palpable.
“During my inspection of the Calum branch, I detected movents from a disruptive faction threatening the Empire.”
The faint sound of chairs creaking echoed through the room as the captains reacted to the unexpected news. While their initial shock was evident, they quickly reined in their emotions. This wasn’t the ti to lose composure.
Theo proceeded to outline the details of his findings with precision.
“Although we have yet to definitively identify them, it is our responsibility as the military to uncover the truth and resolve the issue. Protecting the Empire is our duty.”
Everyone in the room nodded in agreent.
“This information is classified. It must not reach the soldiers or the public.”
Should the citizens of the Empire learn of this, it would undoubtedly cause widespread panic. Moreover, secrecy was crucial to ensure the success of upcoming investigations.
“Currently, those privy to this information are limited to myself, the captains present, Calum branch head Kalon, His Majesty the Emperor, and a select few ministers.”
Theo paused briefly before adding, “And one more individual. During my investigation in the west, I received assistance from soone.”
He gestured toward Sion, who was seated near the door, diligently recording the minutes of the eting. Understanding Theo’s cue, Sion rose and opened the door.
“You may enter now.”
Every pair of eyes in the room turned toward the doorway. As the door swung open, a cascade of shimring silver hair caught the light, and Luke stepped inside.
“Could you not make this so dramatic? It’s embarrassing,” Luke muttered, running a hand through his disheveled hair with an exaggerated sigh.
The mont he spoke, the previously silent captains erupted into murmurs. Mile and Seth frowned deeply, while Roena, who had already seen Luke earlier, remained calm and unaffected. Leo, on the other hand, practically sparkled, gazing at Luke with the eager excitent of a puppy spotting its owner. The remaining captains appeared bewildered, exchanging uncertain glances.
“What am I, the star of a masquerade ball or sothing?”
Luke muttered in irritation, clearly uncomfortable with his theatrical entrance. The entire situation felt unnecessarily grand and humiliating to him.
“If this were a ballroom, you’d undoubtedly be the star, Luke,” Theo remarked. “Your looks are dazzling enough for it.”
“…”
Theo’s comnt silenced the room instantly. The captains, who had been murmuring amongst themselves just monts ago, froze in stunned silence.
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