Awkward Interviews and a Maid-Filled Villa
Once the tedious explanations wrapped up, there was a light interview.
"I heard you took second place at the Imperial Academy. Does that mean you've mastered all the basic weapons?"
"Yes, sir."
"Haha! We've got some real talent joining our unit!"
I swallowed a hollow laugh at the legion commander's offhand remark. Talent, my ass. Weapon skills were basic for anyone who'd completed the academy's graduation course. Why's a guy who should know better saying this?
"Uh... how are your parents doing...? No, no, that's not right. You don't ask about the imperial family's health. Forget I... just forget it."
"......"
In truth, these interviews were meant for grilling new recruits on their personal details to keep in mind. But since I was a princess, digging into that was heavily restricted. With Elina glaring daggers in real-time, he couldn't ignore the optics either.
The result? Nutrient-free small talk back and forth until the legion commander ran out of steam and stood first.
"Come to think of it, I've got work piling up."
"......"
"Good luck out there."
Next up was the battalion commander.
"Well, I suppose it's about time you headed to the company."
"......"
"Uh... good luck."
A clear dismissal. And so, we made our way to the 3rd Company.
"Anyway, welcome to our company. I have high expectations for you."
The company commander shot me a subtle look, like the tension from before had never happened. It was that familiar gaze I'd seen plenty of times living as a princess: cut me some slack, please. I just shrugged without a word. If you've got the skills, I'll remember you first. If not, you're out of luck.
"Since it's your first day, the platoon leader will show you around the unit. And starting tomorrow, you're on official duty. Got it?"
"Yes, sir."
"And this is just an old man's worry... but while racking up merits matters in military life, the most important thing is not getting hurt."
"I know. Thank you for your concern."
"Right. Abso-lute-ly do not get hurt."
I knew full well that me getting hurt would be his loss. And with my status, it'd blow up into something huge. Still, no real worries. Anyone dangerous would step up instead, and this was a rear-guard unit anyway—what could go wrong?
As soon as we stepped out of the company commander's office, the company admin section came into view. Soldiers pretending to be busy while avoiding eye contact—it was almost endearing. Amid them, one person stood from his seat with a face full of genuine delight.
"This is our company's supply officer, Sir Milo Brick. Supply officer, this is Arselia Rosenhardt, who'll be joining as 3rd Platoon's deputy platoon leader."
"I already know her, Sir Balheim."
"Yes, she's the princess. But right now, she's an Apprentice Knight..."
"Not like that—I mean I really know her."
The supply officer stepped forward for a handshake, leaving the puzzled platoon leader behind.
"Long time no see. Almost two years, right?"
"Spot on. Instructor... I mean, supply officer, you've got even more freckles now."
"My skin's weak to the sun."
Milo Brick had been my swordsmanship instructor at the Imperial Academy. He was popular with students for his kindness and high teaching standards, but an accident during training left him with a leg injury, forcing him out of the instructor role. I'd lost track of him after that—never thought we'd reunite here.
"Good to see your face. Take care of yourself while you're posted here."
"You too."
"Oh, right. Your issued supplies are already sent to your quarters. Go check them out."
I smirked at his shooing gesture and left the admin section. I could feel the platoon leader, who'd been standing awkwardly, hurrying after me.
"Didn't know you already knew the supply officer."
"I didn't expect to run into him here either."
"......"
"......"
"Ahem, well, since the supply officer mentioned it, let's head to your quarters and check those supplies."
"Understood."
"This will be your quarters."
The "barracks" the platoon leader showed me was a country villa fit for nobles on a quiet vacation. Naturally, I was taken aback the moment I saw it. Way bigger than I'd imagined.
I'd figured as a princess with Elina—a woman—they'd give us separate quarters. And that it wouldn't be some slapdash building. But this was overkill. This was the army. Did they think this fit in around here? And for just me and Elina, it was huge. How were we supposed to clean and maintain it?
Thankfully, unnecessary worry. The platoon leader knocked, and maids and servants swarmed out like they'd been waiting.
"Welcome, Your Highness."
"Uh... hi?"
"We'll attend to you comfortably during your stay."
I just blinked and turned to Elina.
"Elina."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Wasn't it just gonna be you and me?"
"Come on, how could I handle Your Highness's entourage alone?"
No, I'd thought it was just you since you came alone at the start. Like at the academy.
"The academy had female students and professors. Fine environment, so I managed solo. But this is an all-male unit—how could I?"
Uh... yeah... kinda makes sense now. Guess I'd been too stuck in my past-life military mindset since it was the army. Thought it'd be like women's BOQ or something.
"Change into your uniform inside and come back out. I'll wait here."
"Yes, sir."
I headed in per his order. The interior was spotless. No idea when the maids had arrived, but cleaning and setup were done.
"Your Highness's living areas are mainly on the second floor."
"So you all stay on the first?"
"Yes. Oh, the head maid's room is on the second floor too, so no need to come down for anything."
"Got it... wait. Head maid? Who's that?"
The answer came from behind—Elina, failing to hold back her grin.
"No way... you?"
"That's right, Your Highness. Elina Verdia is the head maid of this house!"
...This is what they mean by end times?
"Your Highness? You're not thinking anything weird, are you?"
We'd known each other too long. She could read me from a glance. But no way I'd admit it.
"Huh? No, just that you're my age—seems early for head maid."
"I thought so too. But last night, Her Majesty the Empress summoned me."
"Mother did?"
"Yes. Her Majesty's worry for you! How could I ignore a mother's heart fretting over her daughter heading far away again? Her Majesty took my hands and..."
I ignored Elina's rambling and headed upstairs. Once she got going, she wouldn't stop—best to tune her out.
"......"
She'd follow with puffed cheeks, like always.
Anyway, up on the second floor, I checked my room first. Layout like my academy days: bed size, desk and bookshelf for personal study. Knight quarters, so a weapon rack too. Standard issue sword, three daggers, armor, gear—and space for personal weapons. Table and sofa for tea, and out the window, my private training ground.
But why a vanity? Sure, grooming mattered for noble ladies in this era, but army? Face paint was camo cream here—charcoal or mud.
"Where's the closet? Need to change."
"In the wardrobe room. I'll fetch it."
Wardrobe room? For uniforms and armor?
I voiced the doubt, and the answer was ridiculous.
"The wardrobe currently holds 7 combat uniform sets, 3 dress uniforms, 7 sleepwear sets, plus dinner attire, formal wear, accessories—over 200 pieces total."
Overkill. Dinner and formal wear in these mountains? Accessories? Planning forced banquets or what?
While I gaped, a maid brought combat fatigues: clean white base with red and black accents. Perfect fit for mobility, as expected for custom imperial tailoring.
Changing made enlistment hit home. Bantering formally earlier felt half-joking; now, mindset snapped into place.
I grabbed the belt from the rack: sword left, three daggers right. Standard for knights, who carried personal arms.
Done changing. Time to head out.
"Elina, stay here, get briefed on duties, greet the others."
"I can't come with you?"
"Handle head maid stuff."
"Yesss."
I waved to the maids seeing me off on the first floor and stepped out. Outside, the platoon leader lounged in the front yard—our eyes met.
"...Hm, dressed sharp and proper."
"Yes, sir."
"On to the next spot."
"Where to now?"
"3rd Platoon barracks. Time to meet the troops."
Oh. This should be interesting. Wonder what kind of crew's waiting.