"Commander," General Kael asked carefully, "what brings you here?"
"I'm only here for a bottle of water."
"Sir…" He hesitated. "Who do you need the water for? Is it for you, sir?"
"Too many questions."
My tone became slightly irritated.
"My apologies, Commander."
General Kael immediately stiffened, as though he had seen death itself.
"Waiter, bring a bottle of water," General Vex ordered calmly.
A waiter hurried over with a bottle.
"Here you are, sir."
He handed the bottle to General Vex, who then passed it to me.
I gave a small nod before turning away.
Then I suddenly stopped.
I turned back toward the room.
"Members of the 202nd Infantry Battalion, stand."
Thirty-five soldiers immediately rose from their seats.
Out of one hundred and fifty.
I sighed.
"Return to your barracks and sleep. The 202nd Infantry Battalion departs for Dravencross City tomorrow."
I narrowed my eyes slightly.
"Or did your unit leader fail to inform you?"
"Negative, sir!" one soldier shouted immediately.
"Then why are you here?"
Silence. Complete silence.
"I will personally command your battalion during this operation. I need you in peak condition. Return to your barracks," I ordered coldly.
"Sir, yes sir!"
The soldiers immediately rushed out of the cafeteria.
I turned toward General Kael.
"General Drenor Kael, is the Anti-Air Battalion under your command?"
"Yes, sir."
"You will report to my office at 2330 hours sharp."
I turned away.
"Understood?"
"Yes, sir."
General Vex placed a hand on General Kael's shoulder as I left.
When I arrived at the training grounds, I found Lieutenant Fren asleep on the ground.
"Miss Fren," I said quietly, "do you still wish to accompany me?"
"Y-Yes… Commander…" she murmured in her sleep.
I sighed.
Then I carefully lifted her into my arms and carried her toward my office building. After entering, I walked into my private quarters and gently placed her on the bed. I removed her boots before pulling the blanket over her. The bottle of water rested beside the bed on the small table nearby. I quietly exited the room and carefully closed the door behind me.
Finally.
My plan was already in motion. I walked toward my office and sat down in my chair. The clock read 2202 hours. I picked up the reports and resumed my work. Time passed quickly.
Soon—2330 hours.
A knock echoed through the office.
"Enter, General."
General Kael entered quickly.
As he reached for the door to close it, I spoke.
"General. Close the door slowly."
"Yes, sir."
He obeyed immediately.
"Sir," he began, "if this concerns the behavior of the 202nd Infantry Battalion, I will personally oversee their punishment—"
I raised my hand, stopping him mid-sentence while continuing to read the reports before me.
Once I finished, I slowly placed the documents down.
"General Kael," I said calmly, "there is currently a girl sleeping in my room."
His expression instantly changed.
"The girl's name is Lieutenant Fren. She is nineteen years old."
Confusion replaced his earlier anxiety.
"Sir… what exactly do you mean by that?"
I sighed and handed him a report.
The moment he read the name, recognition appeared on his face.
Marry Fren.
He looked between me and the report several times before finally speaking.
"Sir…"
"Yes, General?"
"Why are you interested in this girl? And why is she sleeping in your room?"
A brief pause followed.
"Are you…?"
"No, General," I interrupted immediately. "There is no romantic relationship."
I leaned back slightly.
"She continued irritating me about joining the Dravencross operation. She insisted on participating."
"I see…" He cleared his throat awkwardly. "Then I will ensure she receives appropriate punishment."
"No need."
I crossed my arms.
"My bedroom remains unused most of the time. I rarely sleep there anyway. She may use it temporarily."
A faint smile appeared on my face.
"And in return, she will clean the room. One stone, two birds."
"Right…"
It was painfully obvious that General Kael did not fully believe me.
"And ensure that no bells ring tomorrow morning."
I looked directly at him.
"Only tomorrow. Understood?"
"Yes, sir."
Though his tone suggested hesitation.
"Why the expression?" I asked calmly.
"Because, sir…" he replied carefully, "from my perspective, you are giving Lieutenant Fren special treatment."
"And that may damage your image."
I smiled faintly.
"Are you questioning my authority, General?"
"Yes… and no."
I let out a quiet chuckle.
"Do you wish to know why I am doing this?"
"Yes, sir."
"Because I want to protect her."
I stood and walked toward the couch before gesturing for him to sit.
Once we were both seated, I continued.
"She wishes to enter the battlefield without understanding the full extent of war."
My expression darkened slightly.
"The trauma. The fear. The injuries."
I looked down briefly.
"She is still a child."
I leaned forward slightly.
"She may have bloomed as a person… but not for the battlefield."
I looked directly into his eyes.
"You understand, correct?"
"Yes, sir."
General Kael nodded slowly.
"As you wish."
He stood up and prepared to leave.
"General."
He stopped.
"Ensure she does not wake before 1200 hours."
A small sigh escaped him.
"Sir… I know what 1200 hours means."
For the first time that day, I smiled slightly.
I gestured toward the door.
He left quietly, carefully closing the door behind him.
Eventually, exhaustion overcame me once again.
Still wearing my uniform, I laid down on the couch and drifted to sleep.
0730 hours.
I woke slowly.
As expected of General Kael.
Efficient as always.
I washed my face before changing into another uniform.
It was a fitted black operative uniform designed for battlefield command rather than ceremony. The double-breasted coat fit tightly against my frame, lined with silver buttons and sharp white trim that emphasized precision and authority. Silver chains rested across my chest beside the insignia of command, while embroidered markings along the sleeves displayed rank without the need for words. The reinforced trousers were tailored for movement and tucked neatly into polished combat boots. White gloves concealed my hands, adding to the cold and disciplined appearance the uniform was meant to project.
Every detail of the attire served a single purpose—
Authority.
Intimidation.
Absolute control.
I quietly stepped out of my room and headed straight toward the main gate of the base.
There, Colonel Kavira Sten was already overseeing the troops and managing the logistics.