Chapter 61
Chapter 61
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 61
Chapter Title: The Emperor's Triumphal Welcome
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After wrapping up all the tasks in Saint Touar—organizing the provisional garrison for the Brotan Kingdom, repatriating prisoners, implementing the agreement, and more—the 1st Provisional Legion, 10th Legion, Friedrich from the 8th Legion, and part of his staff set off toward Rainesberg.
No one enjoys the grueling, monotonous routine of a march, which is as much a part of a soldier's life as breathing.
"Just wait 'til there's a feast waiting for us. For real."
"I've got more to say about that than you do."
"What're you on about?"
It wasn't a death march; it was a victory lap to claim their rewards for surviving.
The soldiers' spirits were sky-high, their steps light as air.
"We have to secure every bit of what's owed to these men who've fought so hard."
"Don't worry. Everyone knows the 8th Legion's contributions were massive."
Friedrich, who had stepped up as the 8th Legion's representative since they were stuck holding the provisional garrison, talked a big game, but his face split into a grin worthy of the occasion.
In this brutal age of endless war, where idleness invites contempt, the empire still had multiple fronts burning.
But at least, the first button was buttoned perfectly.
"The walls are in sight!"
Traveling down the Bildornew River and other waterways, we took it leisurely, yet Rainesberg came into view sooner than expected.
We marched in our polished armor, shining like new.
"...This is getting real."
Checking my minimap, I spotted crowds gathering around the gates.
"Hm?"
"Looks like they're preparing a triumph. The gates are packed."
I mentioned it to Gerhard and Friedrich walking beside me.
"A triumph? My heart's already racing."
"We crushed the Brotan Kingdom after that long standoff. A triumph's only fitting."
Gerhard, no stranger to these events, took it far more calmly than Friedrich.
"What about you, Victor, Acting Commander? First triumph for you too, right?"
"...Come to think of it."
They turned their questions to me as I walked quietly alongside.
"First time."
"First? That's wild. Not nervous?"
"It's a stage to recognize all our achievements. Why would I be?"
"Hahaha! That's the spirit—I like it!"
Friedrich had asked, but Gerhard burst out laughing.
I've sensed it before, but he really seemed to take a shine to "Victor."
"You'll be at plenty more of these. Might as well get used to it now."
"...Thank you."
I brushed off the odd ring in his words about "plenty more" and expressed my gratitude.
I've been prepared for this since enrolling in the Officer Academy.
"Wish you'd invite me along sometime. Just trailing Legion Commander Victor feels like it'd rack up merits."
"Haha..."
Sorry, Friedrich, but with the Brotan Kingdom—the only eastern power that could challenge the empire—now fallen, I doubted I'd return east.
They wouldn't need me anyway.
The Kingdom of Ildmar had vanished before it could act, and Kaen, still reeling from defeats against them, was no match for the empire.
As long as Friedrich didn't drop the ball, even united, they posed no threat.
"Ildmar and Kaen aren't as dangerous as Brotan. No need to rush—unifying the east should be straightforward."
"If Acting Commander says so, does that make you Governor-General of the East, Legion Commander Friedrich? Impressive."
"Ugh, Governor-General? That's not for me."
As Friedrich waved off the administrative role with a grimace, we drew close enough to make out the faces in the crowd at the gates.
"...Well, damn."
Gerhard, unflappable until now, let out a dry chuckle at the sight of the welcoming party.
"That carriage..."
"...Is that His Majesty coming out personally?"
"Seems like it."
At the head of the procession stood a lavish carriage adorned with the empire's purple dyes, gold, and the imperial rubies.
The open-top carriage, drawn by four horses and clearly built for a triumph, let us glimpse the Emperor aboard.
The Emperor personally greeting the triumphant generals carried heavy political weight.
For a ruler who'd shown zero interest in state affairs, this was aggressively proactive.
A good sign.
"Are all those soldiers just here to gawk?"
"Walls are packed solid."
"Whew... With His Majesty out here. Ever happen before?"
"Not that I recall."
Friedrich beat me to asking Gerhard, so I kept my cool and approached the Emperor's carriage.
"Triumphant General Gerhard forever!"
"Hooray!"
The closer we got, the more the crowd's cheers washed over us.
Inexperienced soldiers fidgeted with their helmets and bowed their heads; veterans savored it, waving back.
Once we reached her carriage.
"Your subject Gerhard Weissilt returns from his mission by the decree of the great Luise Zeinburg, Your Majesty."
Gerhard dropped to one knee and reported; Friedrich and I knelt behind him.
The troops, save those in the rear with the wounded, knelt in perfect ranks.
"We pay homage to the Emperor!"
"We pay homage to the Emperor!"
"Hooray!"
Cheers erupted from Friedrich and me, then swelled endlessly from the crowd.
"Victory! Victory for the empire!"
"Long live Empress Luise! Long live General Gerhard!"
"..."
The roar went on for a while before cutting off abruptly.
-Clack. Clack. Clack.
Soon, the click of heels on stone.
"These heroes who've earned the greatest merits shouldn't kneel like this. Rise, all of you."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Her voice rang out close by, and we looked up.
"...!"
She'd descended the carriage and stood before Gerhard.
I took in her ruby-encrusted golden crown and the ruby-tinged red off-shoulder dress embroidered with golden thread.
An ambiguous face might've been overwhelmed by the finery, but Luise's charismatic, superhuman beauty shone right through.
"Gerhard Weissilt, Duke, Commander of the Eastern Brotan Front and Legion Commander of the 10th Legion. Your leadership and command secured this war's victory. Your name will live in the empire's history, remembered by all."
"All glory to Your Majesty's grace."
Luise praised Gerhard first; his loyalty unwavering, he replied humbly.
Smiling, she approached me.
"Victor, Acting Commander of the Brotan Front and Legion Commander of the 1st Provisional Legion."
She called my name with a deep smile.
"Your name featured in every report from Duke Weissilt. Words fall short for your legion's feats; your loyalty and ability are beyond question."
"I shall give my all, Your Majesty."
I bowed my head in reply.
"Friedrich Günter, Marquis and Legion Commander of the 8th Legion. Your boldness in seizing the enemy's weakness forged this triumph. You were the empire's sturdy shield and sharp sword."
"Your Majesty's praise humbles me—it's my honor."
Luise finished with Friedrich, who couldn't hide his grin, then addressed us all.
"Loyal soldiers of the empire! This victory is born of your courage and devotion! Raise your heads! You stand in a proud moment for the ages!"
"...!"
"Hooray!"
"Long live the Empress!"
"Long live the Dragonia Empire!"
She spared no one, not even the troops behind the officers.
The crowd roared again; she nodded and raised a hand to quiet them.
I had no idea what happened while we were away, but she showed no trace of lethargy or languor.
Every move gripped the soldiers and the masses tight.
"Today, our triumph symbolizes the Dragonia Empire's might and unity."
Luise turned gracefully toward the carriage, then glanced back at Gerhard.
"This carriage was prepared for you, the heroes of this victory. Won't you ride?"
Gerhard pondered briefly.
"Your Majesty, if I may be so bold—please allow me to march with the troops. Without them, there'd be no victory. I wish to step in time with them."
He knelt again to plead.
"I too wish to share this glory with my comrades! Please grant it!"
I knelt behind him, head bowed; Friedrich followed suit.
Luise considered.
"...Joyful. Who could refuse so noble a refusal? Your will touches me—how could I compel you?"
"Your Majesty...!"
She smiled, satisfied.
"Yet I can't forgo sharing this victory's joy. So."
Her words unfinished, I swallowed hard, awaiting.
"I shall march with you to the palace."
"...!"
Murmurs rippled through the crowd at her declaration.
"Hooray!"
"Long live Empress Luise!"
"Long live!"
For the soldiers especially, marching in triumph with the Emperor was the highest honor.
They cheered and chanted her name.
No noble dared step forward through the fervor to dissuade her.
They stiffened, averted eyes, or whispered among themselves.
"Truly, thank you, Your Majesty! I, Gerhard, am deeply moved! With you among us, no greater honor exists!"
Gerhard's cry sealed it.
"The empire moves by all our strength. And."
Luise spoke words laced with political savvy, her gaze shifting to me briefly.
It felt almost tangible, that intense stare.
"I especially wish to share this joy with you all. Come, let's go."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
No time to parse her intent—she stepped off with Gerhard.
"..."
Coming out personally, insisting on sharing the joy by marching with the generals.
No matter how I turned it, it felt like a bid to bolster her authority and power.
Pondering her motives, I hurried to fall in behind Gerhard.
"...?"
Just before she moved, it seemed she winked at me.
Imagination?