With the Imperial forces having captured the three strongholds of Aniak, Montpieu, and Saint-Toir, the Empire’s officers gathered at the main fortress of Aniak, where the Dragonia Empire’s flag now flew high, to discuss their next course of action.

“Now is the perfect time to push forward!”

“The Kingdom’s failure to send reinforcements to these critical strongholds shows just how strained their resources must be!”

Several officers, emboldened by their successive victories, called for further advance, but...

“You’re suggesting that we don’t need to advance further?”

“Yes. The Kingdom of Brotan has long relied on natural barriers like the Vildorne River and the Crejon Mountains to protect itself. But now that they’ve lost control of these strongholds, those barriers will trap them, turning into a prison that blocks their expansion.”

“Exactly. Even if we only secure the rear towns, stabilize our supply lines, and fortify our defenses, the Kingdom will feel immense pressure.”

Viktor and Friedrich, who had played a central role in the recent victories, both advocated halting further advances.

“The Kingdom’s territory is still vast! We can’t let them regroup!”

“Though our losses were relatively low, it doesn’t mean our soldiers can keep fighting. They’re exhausted from the long marches and battles, and our supplies aren’t as abundant as they could be.”

“But—”

“Our initial goal was to defend our strongholds near Rochelle and secure a foothold, not to destroy the Kingdom of Brotan. We’ve exploited the enemy’s weaknesses and taken favorable positions; now is the time to hold and observe.”

“...”

Given Viktor and Friedrich’s significant contributions to the campaign and the logic of their arguments, the other officers found it difficult to counter their points.

“I’m inclined to agree. Our current achievements already exceed expectations; now is the time to pause,” Gerhardt added, endorsing their recommendation. Thus, the Empire’s forces resolved to focus on defense rather than advancing further.

“See to the repairs on the walls,” Gerhardt instructed.

“Yes, sir!”

After assigning tasks to each officer, Gerhardt addressed Viktor with a hint of a smile.

“Before we end the meeting... Viktor, what’s the enemy’s status?”

“They are reinforcing their forward positions, but the numbers are small—nothing we need to worry about. It seems they are preparing defenses, erecting wooden barricades and reinforcing their walls in response to our recent advances.”

“Does that mean we don’t need to fear an attack anytime soon?”

“Correct. Even if they were to gather forces for an offensive, they’d have to cross open plains, making it impossible for them to approach undetected.”

“...Understood.”

Reassured that there was no immediate threat, Gerhardt stroked his chin, lost in thought.

“Could it be...?”

Recognizing Gerhardt’s contemplative expression, officers who had long served under him exchanged knowing glances, recalling one of his well-known principles. They waited eagerly for him to speak, and, as they anticipated, Gerhardt finally declared:

“Release the supplies of wine. I’ll permit drinking tonight.”

“Really?”

The officers’ faces lit up with joy. Gerhardt’s rule was to allow drinking only after a battle was truly concluded, so his permission signified that victory was assured.

“However, don’t disturb the civilians, and avoid excessive drinking.”

“Understood!”

“We’ll keep it quiet in the barracks!”

“Those on duty, hold out for just today. You can drink to your heart’s content tomorrow.”

“Got it, sir!”

The officers responded loudly, their voices full of excitement at the prospect of victory and the rare chance to enjoy a drink. Watching the jubilant officers, Gerhardt couldn’t help but smile.

“Heh... It makes you that happy?”

“Of course, sir!”

“Absolutely!”

“Thank you, sir!”

“Don’t worry; I won’t force you to drink with me.”

“No, sir! It would be an honor to share a drink with you!”

“No need for flattery. Go and celebrate with the troops.”

Putting aside his usual stern demeanor, Gerhardt chatted lightly with the officers.

“Well then, go on! Ah, was my presence holding you up? My apologies.”

“Haha!”

“No, sir!”

“Oh, don’t pretend. I’ll leave you be.”

With a light-hearted joke, Gerhardt left the meeting room, and the other officers quickly followed suit.

“Commander Viktor! How about a drink together to celebrate our victory?”

Friedrich, who had become more casual with Viktor recently, suggested sharing a drink before leaving the meeting room.

“...I’m sorry. I still have a few things to finish up.”

“Is that so? I’ll go on ahead, then.”

“Yes.”

Friedrich gave Viktor a final glance before departing.

“...”

After everyone had left and the room was silent, Viktor sat quietly for a moment longer before rising.

---

As he walked back toward the barracks of the 1st Provisional Corps, he fell deep into thought.

*Step, step.*

Drinking and rest.

Both are things I don’t particularly enjoy.

I fear that alcohol would expose my hidden vulnerabilities. It’s not that I’ve never drunk before or that I lose control when I do, but rather that it makes it difficult to maintain the “Viktor” persona.

Knowing what lies beneath, I hesitate to touch a drink.

Rest is similar.

Perhaps it’s just the way I am. My mind is constantly filled with thoughts, most of which aren’t optimistic.

When I’m idle, I tend to focus not on what I’ve achieved, but on what I haven’t.

Can I keep doing this well… No. Have I been doing well at all?

During the aftermath of battles, it gets worse. Seeing the names of those I spoke with marked as deceased on reports…

“Oh, Commander Viktor!”

“...Hm?”

A sudden voice broke through his thoughts.

A lieutenant in tall leather boots was approaching him with a group of soldiers.

“Lieutenant Hans Meyer of the 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment!”

“...10th Cavalry Regiment?”

“Yes, sir!”

Returning his salute, Viktor instinctively adjusted his collar, checking if his expression betrayed any of his internal thoughts. Fortunately, he still wore his usual faint smile, so he slightly adjusted his expression and looked at Hans.

“What is it?”

“Well…”

The lieutenant hesitated, his words coming slowly, and Viktor felt a new unease rising. But then—

“Commander! Thank you!”

One of the soldiers behind Hans suddenly bowed deeply, shouting his thanks.

“Thank you so much!”

“Thank you, sir!”

The soldier’s call seemed to ignite a chain reaction, and the rest of the soldiers echoed their gratitude.

“...What is this about?”

“I’ll explain, sir.”

Seeing Viktor’s confusion, Hans stepped forward.

“Our cavalry regiment has trained and fought together for a long time. We’re a close-knit group.”

“...”

“We’ve long been prepared to sacrifice ourselves for the Empire. We take pride in facing challenges, but there’s one thing we all fear.”

He paused, collecting his thoughts.

“Being left behind by our own.”

“...Left behind?”

“With our visors down, we have to rely on narrow vision, and our comrades’ signals are often lost in the noise of battle. No matter how well-drilled we are, as we charge through enemy lines, some of us inevitably get separated.”

The soldiers behind him nodded in agreement.

“Dying at the hands of the enemy is honorable, but watching a comrade fall behind and die alone is… it’s horrifying. I still can’t forget the guilt of making eye contact with a friend left behind.”

Hans, clearly emotional, wiped the corners of his reddened eyes.

“But under your command, Commander, it was completely different.”

“...”

“When the battle began, we could all hear your voice, as if receiving a divine command. After each successful charge and regrouping at the rear, seeing our entire squad together... it was an incredible feeling.”

“Hmm…”

“At first, I thought it might be my imagination, but talking to the other squad leaders, they had the same experience. We all agreed it was thanks to you.”

Hans bowed deeply once more.

“I wanted to thank you personally if I had the chance. Thank you for not letting us become mere casualties, for allowing us all to experience an honorable death. Truly, thank you.”

“Thank you, Commander!”

… I was speechless.

I opened my mouth to respond, but no words came.

“...I should be the one thanking you.”

I managed to utter those words before heading quickly toward the barracks of the 1st Provisional Corps, feeling as though I was escaping.

*Flap.*

“Commander, you’ve arrived! Everyone’s been waiting.”

“...Anna.”

Opening the tent flap, I saw Anna and the officers of the 1st Provisional Corps gathered around a large, unopened barrel of wine.

Each of them held a cup, with an empty one placed in the center, identical to the ones they held.

“Sir, now that you’re here, can we finally open it?”

“Please allow us, Commander! Deputy Anna was adamant that we wait for your permission…”

“Vice Commander Alexandrov, are you saying you would have drunk without the Commander’s permission?”

“N-No, of course not!”

Anna, Alexandrov, Boris…

Watching them laughing and chatting lightened my mood.

“Haha.”

I smiled as I pried open the cork on the wine barrel.

“Pass me a cup.”

Pouring a drink for myself, I held out my hand to Anna.

“...Commander?”

Anna, who knew I rarely drank, looked at me in surprise before smiling and handing me a cup.

“Thank you.”

“There’s more hard work ahead; it’s the least I can do.”

“Oh,

 Commander, showing your softer side?”

“I suppose. Alexandrov, hand me yours too.”

“Oh, thank you, sir! ...A bit full, don’t you think?”

“What, don’t want it?”

“Oh no, not at all.”

After filling the other officers’ cups as well, I raised mine.

“To our continued efforts! Cheers!”

“Cheers!”

“Hurrah!”

Together, we celebrated the joy of victory.

“Commander, tell us honestly. Isn’t this better than the Kingdom of Rus?”

“...Haha.”

I had to keep my guard up to avoid any slips, but it was a good time.