Chapter 131
Chapter 131
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Vine
Chapter: 131
Chapter Title: The Crown Prince's Request (1)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The day after the banquet, I headed off to meet His Highness the Crown Prince.
This was because, no matter which prince's faction you joined, once you'd pinned on your stars and become a general—or an administrative inspector equivalent to a brigadier general—it was standard practice to pay a courtesy call every time you got promoted.
His Highness must have worried I might not know this custom, because he kindly sent a servant with this message:
"I happen to have some free time tomorrow. I'd love to share a cup of tea with you. But if you're feeling under the weather from a hangover, we can reschedule."
It might sound optional at first glance, but skipping it would offend His Highness, so I had to go.
Lost in such idle thoughts, I followed the butler's guidance through the mansion until we reached the door to His Highness's study.
"Your Highness, Colonel Jaeger has arrived."
His Highness replied with a voice so joyful it carried clearly through the door.
"Bring him in at once. Hurry!"
With that, the door swung open, and His Highness greeted me like he was about to embrace me, clapping me on the shoulder.
I was momentarily flustered by his sudden familiarity when he beamed and gestured to the desk laden with tea and refreshments.
"Truth be told, I've been waiting for you these past few days. And when I heard the 12th Division was coming to the capital, I had merchants fetch the finest black tea from the East. Come, sit."
"Thank you for thinking of me so kindly."
"Nonsense. It's the least I can do. Thanks to your exploits, the Empire scored another massive victory and claimed even more territory than expected. How could I, as Crown Prince, not treat you properly?"
We settled into small talk as I took a sip of the black tea. A tangy aroma, like steeped cherries, filled my nostrils.
And with it came a soothing calm, just as His Highness had said—this was indeed top-grade from the East.
"I never dreamed I'd enjoy such fine tea."
"I brought it in specially because I know you like tea, hoping you'd appreciate it. I'll send a canister home with you to share with your wife."
"I'm sure my wife, Lieutenant Colonel Laura, will love it."
Laura enjoyed tea as much as I did, so she'd surely treasure this gift from His Highness.
Even now, still recovering from the mental strain of the war, she'd melt if I brewed her a cup and massaged her shoulders.
We chatted for about an hour more when His Highness suddenly smiled at me and said,
"Speaking of which, you're so straightforward—almost stubbornly so. That summary execution of Baron Granz during the expedition? That was risky. My heart nearly stopped when I heard."
In truth, executing Baron Granz publicly was my way, as a member of His Highness's faction, to eliminate any leverage our enemies might hold over him through me.
Even with my commoner background as a flaw, by my mid-twenties, with a viscountcy and brigadier general's rank, my value had peaked.
I could walk into any faction and claim a senior role, but I ruthlessly killed that baron in accordance with law and principle—a declaration that I wouldn't side with the nobles and that my fate was now in His Highness's hands.
Though he scolded me verbally, His Highness's face radiated satisfaction, like a grandmother doting on her adorable grandson.
"I'm sorry. I'm still young and short on patience."
He grinned broadly and replied,
"No harm done. Just don't do it again. That Granz scum would have gotten the death penalty at a military tribunal anyway. Though I do have one regret."
As far as I could tell, executing Granz gave him no reason for regret whatsoever.
"It's a shame a bold, manly fellow like you doesn't indulge much in drink or women. At your age, a general enjoying the fairer sex wouldn't draw criticism. Now that you're a colonel, you could join me and the other generals for some fun. I couldn't very well invite Colonel Jaeger to places like that before."
This was something I heard often from all the generals—except my father-in-law and division commander, Marquis Venner.
They praised my abilities but lamented my lack of "manly" vices.
On this continent of Europa, a man's philandering was broadly tolerated unless it involved illegitimate children with women not even kept as concubines.
Someone like me, sticking to monogamy, must seem awfully ascetic and stuffy.
Even His Highness, bound by his station, was only about three years my senior...
With few subordinates of matching age and caliber besides me, he must be joking around like this.
"Instead, I'll always deliver the best results."
"That's a given with you. Haha. You've never disappointed me once. Ah, we've chatted too long. Now, about that favor I wanted to ask..."
Just as His Highness was about to make his request, someone knocked and spoke.
"Your Highness, forgive the interruption during your conversation. Major Max, formerly in charge of your guards, is here to offer thanks. What shall I tell him?"
"Colonel Jaeger, it seems Major Max is here to thank me for last night's drinks—to celebrate your victory and the young officers' bright futures. Let him in briefly."
I nodded, though the name rang a bell.
When Major Max entered, I recognized him at once.
It was Major Max von Venner, heir to the Marquis Venner family—the one I'd first seen at my wedding to Laura.
"Ah... am I interrupting Your Highness and Colonel Jaeger?"
"Haha. Aren't the three of us all close? Come on in."
"Then, if you'll excuse me."
His Highness clapped the major on the shoulder—just as he'd done to me—to lighten the mood, then said,
"Haha. So, how'd the rest of last night go?"
But my brother-in-law—Major Venner—replied stiffly, clearly mindful of my rank four grades above his.
"Thanks to your concern, it went well."
"Good to hear. I saw you leave with two women on your arms, so I figured you'd be out cold until the day after tomorrow."
"When Your Highness personally bought the drinks and watched over our fun, how could I delay my thanks? Majors Otto, Friedman, Schultz, and Witmann had planned to visit today too, but since you're with Colonel Jaeger, I'll tell them to come tomorrow."
"Very well. And take this with you."
With that, His Highness pulled a canister of black tea from under his desk—three grades below what I'd received—and handed it over.
"It's a gift I got. They say it's decent for sobering up. You still look a bit flushed—have a cup and clear your head."
"Thank you."
At a glance, it might seem His Highness had casually drunk with young officers last night, and they'd dropped by for thanks without knowing I'd be here, chatting amiably in my presence.
But common sense dictated that someone of His Highness's stature wouldn't open his door to a mere major during a private meeting just for old times' sake.
The message he was staging for me was clear:
"I have other favored young officers besides you. Watch your step."
Not a grave warning, but a nudge to be more cautious.
Plus, despite being Marquis Venner's heir, Major Max wasn't even invited to sit for tea.
"Even as Venner Marquis's heir, your standing doesn't compare to Colonel Jaeger's."
A massive pressure to not get cocky on personal ties.
The main topic hadn't even come up yet—what on earth did he summon me for?
As I pondered, Major Max stiffly exited.
"Now, to the point. Since you've made colonel, there's something I'd like you to do. It shouldn't be too hard for you."
...Hearing that, I was certain. This would be anything but easy.