"The victorious generals, Gerhardt Weisshilt of the 10th Corps, Viktor of the 1st Provisional Corps, and Friedrich Günther of the 8th Corps, are entering!"

As the doors to the audience hall opened, the three generals, dressed in their formal uniforms, stepped inside.

"..."

The nobles waiting inside turned their eyes toward the generals.

Some looked at them with genuine admiration, proud of the Empire's victory. Others, however, wore cold or hostile expressions, wary of the growing influence of the military leaders.

Among them, the harshest gazes were aimed at Viktor, the rising general. Theodore’s eyes, in particular, burned with animosity, jealousy, and disdain as they followed Viktor.

Yet, neither Gerhardt nor Viktor paid the looks any mind, maintaining their composure as they confidently walked toward the throne. Friedrich, however, clenched his fists tightly, his tension evident as he followed.

Before the throne, Gerhardt knelt on one knee, bowing deeply before the Empress.

"Your servant, Gerhardt Weisshilt, along with two others, has arrived."
"We greet Your Majesty."
"We greet Your Majesty!"

Gerhardt's voice resonated throughout the hall, and both Friedrich and Viktor knelt as well, bowing their heads.

A brief silence followed.

— Swoosh.

Luise rose gracefully from the throne, her gaze sweeping over the kneeling generals.

"Loyal generals of the Draconian Empire. You are the heroes who have led us to victory in this war and brought the Brotan Kingdom to its knees."

Her eyes lingered on Viktor for a moment before she began to descend the steps, her voice steady and regal as she addressed Gerhardt.

"Gerhardt Weisshilt, Duke of the Empire."

At her words, Gerhardt raised his head slightly.

"With your extraordinary leadership and command, you have brought victory to the Empire. In recognition of your years of service and accomplishments, I bestow upon you the title of Grand Marshal of the Draconian Empire."

The title of Grand Marshal, which had until now existed only in name, was finally being conferred. Gerhardt stiffened, momentarily unable to hide his surprise.

Luise took a ceremonial sword from a maid standing nearby.

"As a symbol of my trust, I present you with this sword. Your commands on the battlefield shall be my commands, and any challenge against you shall be a challenge against me."

Though Gerhardt had long commanded the respect of all imperial generals, this was the first time his status as Grand Marshal was formally acknowledged. His hands trembled slightly as he carefully accepted the sword with both hands.

"...Thank you, Your Majesty."

"And furthermore," Luise continued without pause, her voice unwavering despite Gerhardt's trembling response, "we shall erect a monument in your honor, ensuring that the name Gerhardt Weisshilt will forever be celebrated as one of the Empire’s greatest generals."

The audience hall erupted in applause as Gerhardt, overwhelmed, bowed his head deeply. His voice cracked with emotion as he spoke.

"Thank you... thank you, Your Majesty! I will dedicate my life to bringing glory to the Empire!"

Luise then turned her gaze to Friedrich.

"Friedrich Günther, Count of the Empire."

With a visibly nervous expression, Friedrich raised his head.

"Your valor has paved the way for our success in this war. Your leadership and the efforts of the 8th Corps have played a vital role in defeating the Brotan Kingdom's forces. Therefore, I elevate your title from Count to Marquis and appoint you as governor of the occupied Brotan territories. Once stabilization is complete, Anyak will be granted to you as your domain."

Friedrich’s eyes widened in shock at the unexpected reward.

Anyak was one of the most strategic and wealthy locations in the newly occupied territories, with a massive port and critical trade routes passing through the region.

Luise handed him a golden insignia.

"Continue to serve as both the shield and sword of the Empire. I look forward to your future achievements."
"I will never forget Your Majesty's grace!" Friedrich said, bowing deeply as applause and murmurs rippled through the audience.

Finally, Luise turned her attention to Viktor, who remained kneeling.

"Commander Viktor."

Her voice softened as she called his name, and as Viktor raised his head, she gazed at him silently for a moment before speaking again.

"There were many doubts surrounding you. Some questioned your loyalty after joining the Empire, while others doubted the capability of the 1st Provisional Corps and your leadership. Yet you have proven them all wrong."

Viktor considered responding but hesitated, and Luise continued.

"In the report written by Grand Marshal Gerhardt Weisshilt, your name appeared at every critical juncture—strategy, tactics, command, diplomacy, and negotiations. You played a pivotal role in every step toward our victory."

As her praise grew lengthier, Theodore and his faction visibly bristled. Some nobles whispered discontentedly, unhappy that Viktor's commendation surpassed even that of Gerhardt and Friedrich. However, no one dared openly oppose the Empress.

"According to the Grand Marshal’s report, you were a capable strategist in meetings, a brilliant commander on the battlefield, and even excelled in diplomatic negotiations and post-war arrangements. Marquis Friedrich Günther, what are your thoughts? Do you find the Grand Marshal’s report to be accurate?"

Still kneeling, Gerhardt smirked subtly, while Friedrich looked momentarily flustered before responding.

"No."
"...Hmm?"

Luise raised an eyebrow, clearly caught off guard by his blunt reply.

"I have not read the report," Friedrich clarified, "but I can say with confidence that whatever it contains, it does not fully capture the achievements of Commander Viktor."

"Oh?"

His voice was steady and sincere as he added, "I believe his contributions far exceed what could be described in mere words."

"Well then, there is no need to hesitate further. Bring it forward," Luise commanded.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

A servant stepped forward, carrying a wooden box, which Luise opened.

"Commander Viktor, I hereby elevate the 1st Provisional Corps to my personal Red Dragon Corps, with you as its commander. You shall serve as my hand and show the strength of the Empire to our enemies."

From the box, she retrieved a neatly folded flag bearing the image of a red dragon with outspread wings against a purple background.

Luise handed the flag to Viktor, her smile bright.

The flag carried a weighty history—when Luise announced her intention to create a personal corps, many nobles saw it as a threat to their power and resisted fiercely. Yet, through her resolve and Gerhardt’s support, she had overcome their opposition.

"For the glory of the Draconian Empire, I will give my utmost," Viktor said, accepting the flag with a deep bow.

As Luise smiled faintly at the sight of his expression, Theodore, watching from the sidelines, exchanged displeased whispers with his allies.

"Long live the Draconian Empire! Long live Empress Luise Zainburg!" Gerhardt’s triumphant voice rang out, leading the hall into cheers.

"Long live! Long live!"

Amid the celebratory atmosphere, Luise concluded, "This evening, a banquet has been prepared in your honor. Be sure to attend."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"
"Understood!"

With that, the ceremony came to an end.

"Marquis Günther!"
"Ah... it feels strange to hear that. Ha, ha!"

After informing the soldiers of the Red Dragon Corps’ new status, I attended the victory banquet alongside Anna.

The brightly lit hall buzzed with the chatter and laughter of nobles. Plates were swiftly replenished by attentive servants, ensuring no one went without.

"Could you tell us more about the battle at Apitello Lake?"
"Yes! You’ve been avoiding the topic..."
"...Hmm."

Circulating through the lively banquet, I sipped fruit juice to push back the faint sense of discomfort.

"Is something the matter, Commander?"

Anna, in her crisp uniform, approached with a calm expression. Despite her usual stoicism, her slightly flushed cheeks suggested the effects of the wine in her hand.

"Anna."
"Are you not enjoying yourself, sir?"

Her short brown hair swayed as she tilted her head, the movement seeming larger than usual, likely due to the alcohol.

"I am."
"You seem worried about something. Are you truly enjoying this?"
"...I am."

While I genuinely felt good, there were indeed concerns weighing on my mind.

The creation of the Red Dragon Corps and my appointment as its commander were clear signs of Luise’s promise to fully support my path. However, her recent changes in demeanor and actions toward the Empire unsettled me.

Her commanding presence during the victory march and ceremony was a far cry from how she had behaved in the game. The establishment of a personal corps, a symbol of imperial power, raised questions.

Was this part of her promise, or did she have another agenda? Though it didn’t seem immediately concerning, I couldn’t shake the curiosity about her true intentions.

— Clink.

"Hm?"

Something bumped against my hand, interrupting my thoughts.

"When one has too many worries, this is the best remedy."

Anna offered me a glass of fruit wine, her tone uncharacteristically light.

"Is that so? Hmm, maybe."
"Over there, it’s quieter—"

Before she could finish her

suggestion,

"...Hah, this is..."
"...!"
"What’s going on?"

A growing commotion drew my attention.

The crowd parted rapidly, making way.

"Commander Viktor, so this is where you’ve been."

Through the gap stepped Luise, resplendent in a crimson dress.

"Good evening, Your Majesty."
"Good evening. And you are... the Commander’s lover?"

"...! No, Your Majesty. I am Viktor’s adjutant, Anna."

For once, Anna seemed flustered, quickly bowing deeply after taking a steadying breath.

"An adjutant? Hmm. It seemed like you intended to spend time with him. Could you wait for a moment? I have something to discuss with him privately."
"...You don’t need my permission for that."
"Thank you."

After a brief, polite exchange, Luise turned back to me.

"Come. I know a good place."
"Yes, Your Majesty."

Ignoring the faint reluctance in Anna’s response, the curious stares of the crowd, and the rising whispers, Luise walked ahead confidently.

I followed her at a measured pace.