After completing all necessary tasks in Saint-Toir—organizing the provisional occupation forces, transferring prisoners, and implementing the treaty—the 1st Provisional Corps, the 10th Corps, and a portion of the 8th Corps, including Friedrich and some of his staff, began their journey to Reinesberg.

Marching, a routine part of a soldier's life, was exhausting and monotonous, and it would be fair to say no one truly enjoyed it.

"Wait till we hit the taverns, just wait."
"I’ll have more to say than you when we get there."
"What nonsense are you spouting now?"

However, this was not a march toward death but a march to claim the rewards of survival and victory.
The soldiers’ morale was sky-high, and their steps were light.

"We must ensure the soldiers' efforts are properly rewarded."
"Don’t worry. Everyone knows the 8th Corps played a major role."

Friedrich, representing the 8th Corps soldiers left behind to oversee the occupation, spoke confidently. Despite his humble words, the broad grin on his face betrayed his joy.

In this merciless era of war, where the weak were scorned, and the empire was engaged in multiple battles, the first knot in their long thread of conquest seemed securely tied.

***

"The walls are in sight!"

Traveling leisurely along the Bildorneu River and others, it wasn’t long before we reached Reinesberg, despite our relaxed marching pace.

We marched in gleaming, polished armor.

“This is... quite the spectacle.”

I checked the minimap and saw a massive crowd gathered around the city gates.

“Hm?”
“It seems they’ve prepared a victory ceremony. There’s a large crowd at the gate.”

I shared the observation with Gerhardt and Friedrich as we continued our march.

“A victory ceremony? Just the thought is exhilarating.”
“With the long-standing Brotan Kingdom soundly crushed, a victory parade is only fitting.”

Having experienced many such events, Gerhardt responded much more calmly than Friedrich.

“Deputy Commander Viktor, what about you? Is this your first parade?”
“...Now that you mention it.”

The two turned their attention to me as I quietly walked alongside them.

“It is my first.”
“Your first? How fascinating. Aren’t you nervous?”
“This is a moment to honor our collective achievement. There’s nothing for me to feel nervous about.”
“Hahaha! I like that attitude.”

Though Friedrich posed the question, it was Gerhardt who burst into laughter. He had taken quite a liking to “Viktor.”

“You’ll experience many such events in the future. It’s not a bad idea to get used to them now.”
“...Thank you.”

I ignored the different meaning his words might carry and expressed my gratitude. I had prepared for such moments ever since entering the academy.

“Maybe I should follow Viktor more often. Just being around him feels like a guarantee for accolades.”
“Haha…”

While I felt a bit apologetic toward Friedrich, it was unlikely I’d return to the East.
With the Brotan Kingdom—the Empire’s sole significant adversary in the region—defeated, there was no longer any need for me there.

Even the remnants of its allies, the Illdemar Kingdom and the Kaen Kingdom, were incapable of recovering from their earlier failures. They posed no threat to the Empire. As long as Friedrich avoided missteps, they wouldn’t become a problem even if they united.

“Illdemar and Kaen aren’t nearly as dangerous as Brotan. As long as we don’t act rashly, unifying the East shouldn’t be difficult.”
“Does that mean Deputy Commander Viktor sees Friedrich as the future Governor of Eastern Unification? That’s quite impressive.”
“Governor? Oh no, I’m not fit for such a position.”

Waving his hands as though burdened by the thought of a bureaucratic role, Friedrich’s humility softened the conversation. As we walked, we reached a distance where the individuals gathered near the gate became distinguishable.

“...Hah.”

For the first time, Gerhardt, who had maintained his composure, let out a faint laugh.

“That carriage...”
“...Is Her Majesty herself here?”
“It seems so.”

At the forefront of the crowd stood a magnificent carriage adorned with the Empire’s signature purple, gold, and rubies symbolizing the royal family.

Drawn by four horses, the carriage lacked a roof, likely designed for the ceremonial purpose of allowing us to see the Emperor seated inside.

For the Emperor to personally welcome her victorious generals was a gesture laden with political significance. Known for her detachment from state affairs, this active approach marked a notable shift.

It was a good omen.

“Are all those soldiers here just to watch?”
“Even the city walls are packed.”
“...With the Emperor herself present, it makes sense. Has this happened before?”
“To my knowledge... rarely, if ever.”

Before I could ask, Friedrich’s question to Gerhardt answered my curiosity. Maintaining a calm demeanor, I approached the Emperor’s carriage.

“Hail General Gerhardt! Hail the victors!”

“Hurrah!”

As we neared the gate, the cheers of the gathered crowd engulfed us.

Inexperienced soldiers scratched their helmets and avoided eye contact, while seasoned veterans basked in the adulation, waving proudly.

When we finally stood before her carriage, Gerhardt knelt with one knee to the ground.

“Your Majesty, Gerhardt Weisshilt, Commander of the Brotan Expeditionary Army, has returned as ordered after fulfilling your command.”

Following his lead, Friedrich and I knelt, as did the soldiers in neat rows behind us, save for those tending to the injured in the rear.

“We salute Her Majesty!”
“We salute Her Majesty!”
“HURRAH!”

Starting with Friedrich and me, the salute echoed, swelling into a seemingly endless roar of acclaim.

“Victory is ours! The Empire triumphs!”
“Hail Empress Luise! Hail General Gerhardt!”

But just as the applause reached its peak, it abruptly stilled.

-Tap. Tap. Tap.

The sharp sound of boots striking the ground resonated clearly.

“These men have accomplished great deeds. Leaving them kneeling would be improper. All of you, rise.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

Lifting my head toward her voice, I saw Empress Luise step down from her carriage to stand before Gerhardt.

Adorned with a golden crown studded with rubies and wearing a crimson off-shoulder gown embroidered with golden thread, her presence was dazzling.

Her charisma and unearthly beauty overshadowed even the opulence of her attire.

“Gerhardt Weisshilt, Commander of the Eastern Campaign and General of the 10th Corps. Your leadership and strategy have secured this victory. Your name will be etched into the annals of our Empire’s history.”

“All of this is thanks to Your Majesty’s grace.”

Luise first commended Gerhardt, whose loyalty shone in his humble response. With a smile, she turned to me.

“Viktor, Deputy Commander of the Eastern Campaign and General of the 1st Provisional Corps.”

Calling my name, her smile deepened.

“Your name appeared frequently in the Duke’s reports. The achievements of your corps are beyond commendation, and your loyalty and capability are beyond doubt.”
“I will continue to give my utmost, Your Majesty.”

Bowing deeply, I responded with measured humility.

“Marquis Friedrich Günther of the 8th Corps. Your vigilance and valor in exploiting opportunities brought forth this glorious result. You have been the Empire’s steadfast shield and its keen blade.”
“Your Majesty’s praise is the highest honor.”

Friedrich, barely able to suppress his grin, graciously accepted her words. Turning next to the gathered soldiers, she spoke.

“Loyal soldiers of the Empire! This victory is born of your courage and dedication! Raise your heads! You stand as part of a moment that will be forever etched in the Empire’s history!”

“...!”
“HURRAH!”
“Hail the Empress!”
“Hail the Draconian Empire!”

Even the soldiers stationed further back joined in the thunderous cheer.

After a moment, Luise raised her hand to quiet the crowd. Her movements displayed none of the lethargy or indifference she was once known for. Her every action was deliberate, calculated to inspire unity and strength.

“Today, this victory parade will stand as a symbol of the Draconian Empire’s strength and unity.”

With a graceful turn, Luise began walking back to her carriage but paused, turning to look at Gerhardt.

“This carriage was prepared for the heroes of this victory. Would you not ride it with me?”

After a brief hesitation, Gerhardt knelt again.

“Your Majesty, it may be an impertinent request, but may I walk with the soldiers? Without them, this victory would not have been possible. I wish to march alongside them.”

“I too wish to share this moment with my comrades! Please grant us this honor!”

Following suit, Friedrich and I knelt as well.

After a moment of contemplation, Luise smiled.

“...Such a heartfelt refusal. How could I deny such a noble request?”

“Your Majesty...!”

Her smile widened with satisfaction.

“But I, too, wish to partake in the joy of victory with all of you. Therefore.”

I held my breath, waiting for her response.

“I will walk with you to the Imperial Palace.”

“...!”

Her declaration sent a wave of murmurs through the crowd.

“HURRAH!”
“Hail Empress Luise!”
“Hail the Empire!”

For the soldiers, marching alongside the Emperor was an unparalleled honor. Their cheers and chants of her name filled the air.

Amidst the jubilant atmosphere, no noble dared to speak out against her decision. Most averted their gazes or whispered amongst themselves.

“Thank you, Your Majesty! I, Gerhardt, am deeply moved! To march with Your Majesty is the highest honor!”

Gerhardt’s proclamation cemented the moment.

“The Empire moves forward through the collective strength of all. And.”

Her gaze briefly rested on me, a penetrating look that seemed almost tangible.

“I wish to share this joy with you all. Let us march together.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

Without further delay, she began walking alongside Gerhardt.

“...?”

Just before she moved, it felt as though she had winked at me.

Was it just my imagination?