"The commander, I give you this order as your emperor. Assemble a dedicated task force within the military to take full responsibility for investigating this case."
"Yes, Your Majesty. Upon returning to headquarters, I will appoint a suitable leader and form the task force."
"No, that’s not what I ant. You misunderstood. I want you to handle this personally. Lead the investigation task force yourself and oversee every detail. You started this matter—it wouldn’t be proper to delegate it to your subordinates. You must step forward."
Theo mulled over the emperor's words. Even the usually reserved ministers had been taken aback, their eyes darting nervously.
A leader, by definition, is soone who surveys their organization from the highest vantage point, understanding its intricacies.
This principle held true for the military as well. Unlike previous commanders, Theo was known for his hands-on approach, directly involving himself in much of the military’s day-to-day operations. Yet, he was still the supre commander of the Imperial Army.
"But, Commander, you already have significant responsibilities," soone remarked.
"And leading a task force yourself? What exactly does His Majesty an by such an order?"
As one captain after another voiced their concerns, Luke also nodded in agreent. Cedric, the emperor, was known for his unconventional decisions, but no one had expected his audacity to extend to a matter as sensitive as this.
What was the reasoning? Was it because Theo’s abilities were the most reliable? Or could it be an attempt to keep Theo in check?
The prominence of the Imperial Army had grown considerably, from subjugating monsters to warti operations. Naturally, the people of the empire offered their support and respect to those on the frontlines who defended them.
When Theo, relatively young, had first been appointed as commander-in-chief, skepticism toward the military had been widespread. However, over ti, public opinion shifted. While the frequency of monster outbreaks had increased, damages were declining. The mbren War had even ended in record ti.
Public pride in the Imperial Army had never been higher, bolstered by glowing reports about Theo's leadership in the press. As the heir to the highly regarded Redrick ducal family, Theo’s rising stature might have appeared threatening to those within the palace.
Was this why Cedric had gathered the ministers to issue such a direct order? If this operation failed in any way, it could irreparably harm Theo’s reputation.
Theo glanced briefly at Luke, who was deep in thought.
"Given the gravity of this matter, His Majesty likely wanted the most capable person to handle it. There’s no need to worry. I was already deeply concerned about this case, and since I am as familiar with the situation as Luke, I am fully qualified."
"But qualifications aren’t the issue, Commander. There’s no precedent for this in military history," Leo pointed out, his usual easygoing deanor replaced by evident unease.
"Even so, there’s no violation of military law. Nowhere does it say the commander-in-chief cannot personally lead a task force."
Leo opened his mouth as if to object, then closed it again, muttering under his breath.
"There’s no need for concern. I will continue managing my responsibilities as commander-in-chief alongside this mission, and it will not cause any disruption. Leo."
"Yes, sir."
"For this operation, I plan to mobilize the 7th Division under your command. The task force will consist of you, , Luke as an advisor, and selected mbers of your unit. Draft a list of personnel by this morning and submit it for approval."
"Understood, Commander."
The eting concluded on that note. The captains paid their respects to Theo before leaving the room. Even Sion had departed to handle the paperwork that would allow Luke to officially operate as an advisor within headquarters.
"This is different from before," Luke said once they were alone.
"Back then, you didn’t know the full scope of the case or how large it would grow. As commander, you could act independently, but now things are different."
Even during the previous inspection, Theo hadn’t anticipated the chaos that would unfold. He had only been investigating the reduced frequency of high-level monster subjugations at the Calum branch when he stumbled upon the larger conspiracy.
"Now, you’ve completed the inspection, returned to your duties as commander, and submitted a formal report to the palace," Luke added.
"That’s correct," Theo acknowledged.
Theo watched Luke as he passionately vented his frustrations, a faint trace of amusent in his expression. When Luke got angry, a small furrow ford between his brows—it was endearing. His sharper-than-usual gaze was also endearing. And those lips, endlessly spouting grievances, were just… endearing.
"Isn't assembling and organizing a task force within the commander's authority?" Luke argued.
"But even a commander's authority doesn't surpass imperial decree," Theo replied calmly.
"Then why doesn't the Emperor just tell you to handle all the military's affairs by yourself?"
In any organization, procedures and laws typically dictate actions. Yet, it seed the headquarters was filled with people idly passing ti, leaving the supre commander to shoulder a double burden.
"Even without His Majesty's order, I would have been deeply involved in the task force's work anyway. It's actually more convenient for to take full responsibility."
"Doesn't it bother you? The Emperor might be trying to keep you in check with this order. You said the ministers were reluctant to provoke Welharun, didn't you? Or maybe it's just an outright insult to the commander of the military, delivered in front of everyone in the palace."
Theo nodded slightly. It was true that the Emperor had personally instructed him to lead the investigation. While the exact reasons remained unclear, Luke's theory was plausible.
"And don't assu the Emperor's support for your proposal was genuine. At this point, it's obvious—he’s testing you."
Luke slamd his fist on the table, the dull thud resonating from the fine wood. But what followed was unexpected—Theo's soft laughter.
"What's so funny? You're laughing at a ti like this? I'm telling you, you're being insulted!"
Luke glared at Theo, who was smiling faintly, as though he genuinely found the situation amusing.
"Sorry," Theo said, his tone light. "It's just surprising to see you so angry on my behalf."
Luke paused, realizing he might have overreacted. The more he dwelled on the Emperor's decree, the more he interpreted it negatively, which had stirred his anger.
"Luke."
"What now?"
"Regardless of the Emperor's intent, the fact remains that I have to step forward and resolve this matter."
Luke raised his head sharply, about to retort, but his gaze locked onto Theo’s. Sitting with sunlight streaming in from the window behind him, Theo’s eyes appeared sharper and more resolute than ever.
"Even if His Majesty’s intent was to keep in check or test , isn't the answer simple? All I need to do is succeed," Theo said matter-of-factly.
"What?" Luke blinked.
"Whether it’s uncovering Welharun’s betrayal or dismantling the conspiracies of corrupt forces, if I resolve it all, there’s no problem for ."
Theo’s voice carried the calm assurance of soone stating an inevitable outco. "If it’s a test, I just have to pass it perfectly."
Luke flinched at the words. Theo was always unnervingly rational. Even now, instead of wasting ti speculating on the Emperor’s motives, he was focused on reality. His attention was solely on the imdiate situation, and his resolve was already set.
Perhaps such decisiveness was possible only for soone who had unwavering faith in himself.
Luke suddenly understood why Theo’s black eyes often seed unnervingly clear. Theo Redrick was a man of imnse determination. It was that steadfast will that had brought him through the thorny path of military life to where he stood now.
Luke recalled a fleeting thought he’d once had: What if I just went all in and competed with Theo for the commander’s position? Forget the original storyline and go for a villain-winning ending.
"…It makes sense why you’re the protagonist," Luke muttered.
But even if he had been serious about such an ambition, Luke realized now, he could never have taken Theo’s place. Seeing Theo in this mont only reinforced that truth.
"What did you say?" Theo asked.
"You," Luke replied, "you’re rational to the point of being terrifying. That, too, is a kind of madness, you know?"
Theo’s lips curved in a faint smile. "Well, with you getting angry for , I think the balance evens out. You're emotional, after all."
Luke let out a short, incredulous laugh. It wasn’t wrong.
"Luke, in that sense, you and I might just be…"
The sudden pause made Luke narrow his eyes warily. "What now?"
"Destined."
Luke groaned. "You’ve got to be kidding ."
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