The Emperor's Praise and the Major's Burden
Palan stepped forward slowly at the emperor's summons.
The emperor stood almost as close as he had during Palan's graduation from the training camp, where he'd placed second.
Nothing had really changed since then.
'It's only been a little over a year, anyway.'
Time felt agonizingly slow when you looked at it like this.
"Captain Palan Oclo, your achievements since commissioning have been nothing short of astonishing. Countless merits, countless accomplishments, and victories in battle."
"All of it was possible only thanks to Your Majesty's grace."
He bowed his head, flattering the emperor out of habit.
"I heard it was you who devised the strategy for this battle as well. When I learned that, I was certain. You will support the crown prince and lead the next generation."
The praise went on endlessly.
The two before him had received their medals and been done with it by now, but the emperor seemed genuinely moved.
"You're in the military now because it's wartime, but you have the potential to shine anywhere."
'Uh...? I don't have that kind of talent.'
He wasn't some genius who could thrive in multiple organizations.
Pure delusion. Total fantasy.
"Combining your merits from this battle, your service at Rimir Castle, and reforming the mess halls to boost soldier morale, I hereby award Captain Palan Oclo the First-Class Military Merit Medal."
With that, the emperor personally draped the golden medal around his neck.
'Wait, wasn't it supposed to be second-class...?'
The shock was enough to freeze his thoughts.
The crowd recovered faster than he did.
"Oclo!!! Oclo!!!! Oclo!!!!"
"Oclo!!! You're awesome!!! The empire's rising star!!!!"
The empire's citizens chanted his family name.
And the chaos didn't stop there.
Your great achievements have been recognized as a singular accomplishment.
+700p
You have claimed one of the highest honors available to a soldier.
+500p
If this war ends in victory, you will be recorded as a war hero.
"Your unwavering loyalty toward victory is a model for all the empire's youth. You are an exemplar for the empire. I look forward to your continued excellence."
"Y-Your Majesty, I am deeply grateful!"
"Additionally, I promote Captain Palan Oclo to Major and grant 30,000 gold as a reward. Continue bringing victory from the front lines."
Congratulations! Promoted to Major.
+300p
Your rapid promotions and exploits have been acknowledged.
+200p
You have now stepped onto the path of a true commander.
Every decision you make will sway the lives of hundreds. Bear this heavy responsibility with a soldier's spirit.
New items have been added in bulk to the shop.
System messages flooded his vision so densely he could barely see.
Adding it all up would be a nightmare.
But the thought looping in his head was something else entirely.
'Keep performing on the front lines...? Fuck.'
If not for the insignia, he might've swung a fist.
"I... I receive Your Majesty's command."
Feeling like he'd stepped in shit, he descended the platform.
"The war's heroes, eat, drink, and rest today. All costs are on me."
"We are deeply grateful, Your Majesty!!!"
The triumphant parade ended with the emperor's golden words.
Unfortunately, the end of the event didn't mean he could go straight home.
"Captain—no, Major now, I suppose. Congratulations on the first-class medal. You look even more impressive."
"It's the same except for the color. Where's the impressiveness?"
First-class was gold; second-class was blue.
"Want to swap?"
"That might be tempting."
"Haha! Can't even guess how far a major with a first-class medal will climb. Congratulations."
Thud! Thud!
Major Garen clapped him on the back, beaming as if it were his own achievement.
"I have zero plans to climb higher. Sorry I got the first-class while you didn't."
"What are you talking about? You devised the strategy—no, Major. Still doesn't roll off the tongue. Anyway, merits differ, so rewards do too."
"Thanks for seeing it that way."
Palan had worried Garen might feel slighted, but there was no sign of it.
'What a good guy.'
His character was impeccable, aside from the training psycho moments.
"Bro! Bro!!"
As Garen left and Palan fielded endless congratulations from strangers, a familiar voice charged toward him.
"Derek, good work out there."
"Nah. But a first-class medal? I was shocked when I heard."
"Me too. No clue why it's in my hands."
"You earned it with that insane strategy. And all the prior stuff. Congrats for real."
"Still feels undeserved. Thanks for the well-wishes, though."
Derek's pure joy warmed his heart.
Not everyone was celebrating, of course.
'Why are those bastards glaring like that?'
Young nobles in the VIP seats stared daggers, clearly uncomfortable.
No need to eavesdrop on their whispers.
'Jealous enough to die, huh?'
Like Tems Oclo, minus the blood ties.
"No way! I always knew you'd make it big. Not this big, but still."
"No idea myself. Hey, what's your schedule? Dinner if you're free?"
"I'd love to... but family stuff."
"Family first. Don't sweat it."
"Yeah, see you at the evening banquet."
"Huh...? Banquet? What's that?"
He'd planned to crash at home, but Derek dropped a bombshell.
"Not going? Tonight's the emperor's banquet for meritorious soldiers and nobles. You're definitely on the list."
"There... was something like that?"
"You didn't read the full event program, did you?"
Nope.
'Who reads that useless wall of text?'
No consideration for the reader, whoever wrote it.
"Pages after two looked skippable."
"The star of the show skimming the plans? Lucky I told you now."
'Damn right it's lucky.'
Parents might've reminded him at home, but skipping for a joyride? Headache city.
"Won't get much rest heading home now. Dress code military uniform?"
"Optional, but dress uniform's better. You're being honored as a soldier."
"Got it."
Time to dig out that uncomfortable dress uniform stashed somewhere.
"See you later!"
"Yeah, take care."
He sent Derek off, hopped into the carriage, and fled the scene.
"Haha! Outstanding! Truly outstanding!!!"
At the mansion, his father greeted him, grin splitting his face nearly to his ears.
"So this is the first-class military merit medal."
"Yeah. Not as flashy as I thought."
Honestly, he wasn't thrilled.
'Just discharge me already.'
What's a hundred medals worth if you die on the front lines?
"Staying level-headed amid great success—impressive. Excitement leads to rashness."
"Sure, whatever."
No need to correct the misunderstanding.
"Display it in the drawing room? Your thoughts?"
Drawing room it was.
Intentions transparent as glass.
'Yeah, what's the point hiding it in my room?'
Brag far and wide—that's the rule.
"Sounds good. Anywhere works for me."
"Any visitor steps in, sees it, and deflates. Haha! What fortune!"
Father looked drunk without a drop.
'Hold up, face is flushed. Pre-gaming on the way?'
Suspicious.
"Noblewomen will swarm you at the banquet. Handle wisely—no falling for a pretty face from a shady house."
Profit-loss calculus 24/7.
Impressive dedication.
"Obviously. Beauty doesn't pay bills. Why would I?"
"Right! Beauty fades. Wise beyond your hot-blooded years—no worries. Mingle and enjoy the social side too."
"Yes, Father."
Satisfied, Father patted his back.
"Urgent business—see you before the banquet."
"Not overworking?"
"Haha! Overwork? Family windfall like this—time for discount events to boost image and sales. Can't sit idle."
"Ah... right."
Speechless at the reason.
'Medal commemoration sale. Solid hook.'
Empire-wide blast incoming.
'Running a business ain't easy.'
Fresh respect as he headed to his room for two hours' respite...
"Young master, you're back. Time's short—basic makeup only..."
"Ah."
'Damn it.'
"Uncle!!!"
Rene threw herself at Eden, fresh from meeting Minister Rosen.
"Your Highness, it's been too long."
Eden's stiff tone made Rene pout.
"Uncle, what's wrong? Bad news? It's been almost a year. Master said something, huh?"
"Nothing like that. Just tired."
"Then let's grab food!"
She tugged his arm hard, but he didn't budge.
"Banquet's soon. Eat now, and you'll be too full."
"Skip eating then. Time with you matters more!"
"Can't do that, Your Highness."
His voice held zero emotion.
Rene's face crumpled.
"Why not! I want to be with you. And you have to attend the banquet too!"
"How could I? Not my place. You know that."
"Why always..."
Frustrated, she trailed off, unable to continue.