Chapter 130
Chapter 130
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 130
Chapter Title: The Banquet Table is Set (3)
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The Lion's Den, within the Imperial Palace of the Reich Empire.
This room, symbolizing the Empire's mighty dignity like a lion, served as the banquet hall where the Emperor gathered the Minister of Military Affairs and generals to discuss the next war.
Marble lion statues were carved and placed throughout the room, alongside various swords and suits of armor, while the central table, set for the feast, was laden with an array of dishes and fine liquors.
However, only our brigade's field-grade officers and above were present in this room—no captains or lower, and certainly no enlisted men, had taken a seat.
Saying it this way might make it sound like the Emperor lied by excluding them from the banquet he personally hosted, so let me clarify.
Even at a feast arranged by the Emperor himself, distinctions were inevitable based on rank and status—in the venue, the food served, the furnishings, the very atmosphere.
So by now, the junior officers were enjoying the Imperial Household's banquet in their own designated spots, while soldiers and NCOs reveled in theirs.
"Lieutenant Colonel Werner, are you seriously getting promoted to colonel this time? You'd be climbing right up there with the highborn nobles—no jealousy needed."
"Hey now, is colonel a rank that falls into your lap so easily? And this lieutenant colonel just turned forty. Plenty of proper Academy nobles are still scraping by as majors at that age—this is success enough."
"So the senior battalion commander has no thirst for stars of his own?"
"What're you saying? That's fighting talk! By the time Brigadier General Jaeger pins on his fourth star, I'll have at least one shining on my shoulder."
Even as custom held us back from touching food or drink until His Imperial Majesty arrived to offer his praise.
Lieutenant Colonel Werner was already drunk on the vibe, his tongue loosened.
Ha... This was a place for celebration and rewards, sure—but I had a feeling punishment was coming my way too. What kind would it be?
Nothing severe enough to snag my military career, of course.
Still, mulling over what it might be left me a touch uneasy.
As I pondered, the doors swung open to the blare of trumpets.
"His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of the Reich Empire arrives! All pay homage!"
At the call, the officers who'd been chattering away spun toward the doors as one, dropping to one knee and bowing their heads.
In step, the Emperor entered the Lion's Den, his voice solemn and commanding.
"All of you, raise your heads."
Lifting my gaze, I saw the Emperor honoring our brigade—the greatest contributors to this expedition—with his presence.
Not the purple cloak and golden crown I'd glimpsed a few times before, but full plate armor adorned in gold, a sword at his side, and a baton of pure gold in hand.
For me, with my modern memories keeping reverence for the Emperor somewhat muted, it was one thing—but among the officers around me who saw him as God's own lion, faces already teetered on tears.
Werner in particular was biting down hard, eyes brimming, on the verge of outright sobbing from sheer emotion.
The Emperor, clearly delighted by the reception, broke into a warm smile.
"You fought with true valor and honor this time. Thank you, my knights. Nothing gladdens me more than to command warriors like you."
True, there were infantry officers here unaffiliated with knightly orders, and folks like me holding titles above mere knight.
But custom deemed majors and above as knights regardless, and every noble from baron to duke was a knight at heart—so the words rang true.
Besides, his armor signaled he came not as the Empire's ruler, but as supreme commander of all its soldiers and captain of its knights.
With no more lengthy speeches forthcoming, he signaled his accompanying Grand Chamberlain to get on with the merit awards.
The Grand Chamberlain unrolled a scroll and proclaimed.
"We now announce the rewards for the 12th Brigade's exploits in the Eastern Expeditionary Force. First: Brigadier General Peter Jaeger, commanding officer of the 12th Brigade, step forward!"
I advanced to represent the rest, halting a couple paces from the Emperor and dropping to one knee as the Grand Chamberlain read aloud in a booming voice.
"Solely devised the foundational war plans against the Franco Republic. Led some four thousand of his own troops in Hatin Forest to halt over ten thousand enemies, annihilating them to secure operational victory. Thereafter captured the enemy commander-in-chief personally at the Battle of Crecy Plains, and in peace negotiations ably supported Chief Negotiator General Venner to steer terms favorably for the Empire. These deeds defy measure."
Finishing the edict at my side, he drew breath, then declared even louder.
"Thus, I, Ferdinand von Reich, Emperor of the Empire, repay the valor and loyalty of Brigadier General Jaeger. He is hereby promoted one rank to major general."
With that, the Emperor took the two-star insignia from the cushion his attendant held gingerly.
He unpinned my old shoulder boards and affixed the new ones himself.
Reward gold and fiefs for our war service awaited, plus punishment for beheading Baron Granz—but nothing would top the thrill surging through me now.
I'd become a division commander, the dream of every ROK officer, wielding power to shift mountains with a mere scowl.
"Though humble my service, I pledge body and soul to the Empire."
The Emperor's face took on an almost amused cast.
"What you've done is more than enough. From here on, spare a thought for your own health too. A major general is the Empire's treasure."
The Grand Chamberlain pressed on.
"In addition to this promotion, to honor Brigadier General Jaeger's feats: the city of Strasbourg and its environs are granted as fief; ten thousand gold in reward; and sword and shield bearing the imperial crest—thus concluding his honors."
I'd thought nothing could surpass the rush of pinning on major general and taking division command.
Yet His Majesty's boundless, ever-surprising grace left me stunned.
Strasbourg's fields lay wasted from our scorched-earth tactics, true.
But thirty thousand dwelt within its walls alone, seventy thousand counting surrounds—and its fief? Over a hundred thousand souls.
Prime land, renowned even in the Republic.
Combining it with my prior holdings put my wealth on par with the Empire's storied noble houses.
Sure, the lands I'd gifted the Empire dwarfed it—but this generosity?
Money worries? A thing of the past.
As I drowned in the moment, the Grand Chamberlain's tone turned stern once more.
"However: though evidence clear that Baron Granz sought to rape a Franco village maiden amid war, as family head, Brigadier General Jaeger executed him on the spot without military tribunal. A hot-blooded act. Thus, one month's suspension is declared: no leaving the capital, no official duties. Reflect deeply."
So he said—but from the edict-reader himself to His Majesty, not a whiff of true reprimand.
Just warm smiles saying, "Kick back for your promotion—easy."
Non-military matters? Fair game for a carefree month, no meddling.
"Thus conclude honors for Brigadier General Peter Jaeger. Next: Lieutenant Colonel Laura von Venner..."
By rights, as brigadier, mine alone should've sufficed.
Yet His Majesty had heralds read every merit down to the junior majors present, and for the standouts, personally clapped shoulders with private words of encouragement before departing.
And naturally, Laura and Major—no, Lieutenant Colonel—Anastasia were among them.
Once the Emperor and his retinue had gone, leaving us alone.
Lieutenant Colonel Werner filled his glass to the brim with potent wine, hoisting it skyward.
"To our great Emperor His Imperial Majesty, the Reich Empire, and Major General Jaeger! Cheers!"