Word of the incident spread rapidly throughout the Imperial Army. What had been discussed solely in the commanders’ meeting was now known to nearly every soldier at headquarters within just a few hours. The rumors were damning: Captain Luke had allegedly embezzled military supplies to curry favor with influential nobles, and, worse yet, he was denying the accusations.

Bad news always traveled faster than any other kind, and Luke was acutely reminded of that painful truth.

“Wow, that’s bold. How could he even think of pulling something like that?”

“Probably figured he could get away with it because he’s a captain.”

“Or maybe he planned to pin it on one of his subordinates if things went south.”

“He’s pulling every trick in the book to take down Commander Theo and become the next Commander-in-Chief.”

And so, Luke became the hottest topic in the Imperial Army. Though he’d always attracted attention, this time it was particularly intense. The soldiers’ reactions were universally the same:

“Knew you’d pull something like this.”

Not a single person stepped forward to defend him with, “Luke wouldn’t do that.” To everyone, Luke was now not only guilty of embezzlement but also trying to frame a subordinate to cover his tracks. He couldn’t exactly blame them either—it was a reputation he had largely cultivated himself.

“What happens if it turns out Captain Luke really did it?”

“No idea. It’s been ages since a commander made such a colossal blunder. But since Commander Theo is in charge of the investigation, we should just wait and see.”

Among the whispers was a growing sentiment that it might be better if Luke was removed altogether. Hearing such remarks, Luke found himself thinking:

“Come to think of it, getting booted right about now might not be such a bad idea.”

After the meeting, Luke confined himself to his room in the dormitory. He had been strongly "advised" to refrain from leaving—a suggestion that felt more like an outright order. Defying it wasn’t an option.

“Theo seems capable of managing just fine without me,” he muttered.

The situation had spiraled so far out of control that Luke’s motivation to play his role as the villain was quickly waning. Though he’d vowed to fulfill his part, being falsely accused of something he hadn’t done—and having one of his subordinates implicated in the process—left a bitter taste in his mouth.

The current Commander-in-Chief, Vail Winyam, didn’t have much time left in his tenure. His advanced age made it unlikely he’d be reappointed, meaning the position would inevitably go to someone new. Among the likely candidates, three names stood out:

First, there was Leo Luit, commander of the 7th Division. A top graduate of the officer academy and the eldest son of the Marquis Luit, Leo came from a distinguished family with a long history of military service. However, his free-spirited nature often clashed with the discipline required of a soldier. Many doubted his suitability to lead the army, and Leo himself had stated he had no ambition for higher ranks. While he had once been a strong contender, his candidacy had since faded significantly.

Next was Luke himself, commander of the Detached Force. Unlike Leo, Luke had graduated at the top of his class and was known for being a commoner who had risen through the ranks at lightning speed, earning the rank of captain at a remarkably young age. His rapid ascent and appointment to lead the Detached Force had made him a prominent candidate.

Finally, there was Theo Ledric, the current commander of the 1st Division. Unlike Luke, Theo had graduated second in his class, but the two had frequently traded the top spot during their academy days. In fact, Theo had secured first place more often overall.

Theo was also the acting head of the Ledric ducal house, having taken over while his father recuperated from an illness. His noble lineage, combined with his exceptional skill and reputation, made him a strong contender for Commander-in-Chief. Known for his unshakable composure and deep care for his subordinates, Theo had earned immense respect within the Imperial Army.

“If I get ousted because of this, Theo will undoubtedly become the next Commander-in-Chief,” Luke mused.

With Leo out of the running, the contest had narrowed to Luke and Theo, and their rivalry was well-known throughout the army. Many found the situation fascinating, eagerly watching how it would unfold.

“…No, I can’t let that happen,” Luke muttered, shaking his head vigorously. “If I’m branded a criminal and kicked out, what am I supposed to do for the rest of my life?”

He had no intention of leaving before seeing Theo safely take the role of Commander-in-Chief with his own eyes. There couldn’t be any lingering uncertainty. Somehow, this incident had to be resolved.

“Captain Luke, it’s time to move to the investigation room,” a soldier called, knocking on his door.

Luke let out a deep sigh and got to his feet.

***

"Theo, are you really serious about this?"

"Serious about what exactly?"

Theo was seated in his office, reviewing a stack of documents. Standing before him was Myles, who was doggedly trying to persuade him.

"I’m talking about being the investigator for Captain Luke’s case."

"Myles, this is the third time you’ve asked me that question. I’m sorry, but yes, I am serious," Theo replied, his tone firm.

"It’s just… this isn’t like you. Even when incidents like this happened before, you always left the investigation to another captain or deputy commander," Myles pointed out.

Incidents involving misconduct among soldiers were rare but not unheard of—cases of insubordination, harassment, and the like. In such instances, Theo typically consulted with other commanders and recommended a suitable investigator but never got directly involved himself. Myles, knowing this, had fully expected Theo to assign the task to him without any hesitation.

"This is different," Theo said, deliberately avoiding Myles’ gaze as he turned back to his documents. "This involves a commander, after all."

"Are you sure about this? Don’t you have enough on your plate as it is?"

"Myles," Theo said, standing up and setting the documents aside.

"I appreciate your concern, but if you interfere any further, it’ll become unnecessary."

With that, Theo brushed past Myles and walked out of the office. Left alone, Myles clicked his tongue and scowled.

"Commander Theo, Captain Luke has just been escorted to the interrogation room," a soldier reported as Theo walked down the corridor.

"I see."

Theo gave a curt nod and made his way to the interrogation room. When he arrived, something immediately struck him as odd. Two soldiers were stationed in front of the door, wearing armbands indicating they were guards.

"What are you doing here?" Theo asked.

"As you can see, we’re stationed here to guard the room," one of the soldiers replied.

Theo’s brow furrowed slightly. Luke might be the prime suspect, but his guilt had not been proven. This wasn’t a criminal trial or interrogation; placing guards here seemed excessive.

"This feels like overkill."

"Sir, according to military regulations, any subject or witness of a formal investigation must be accompanied by at least one guard," the soldier explained crisply.

Theo’s expression shifted as he realized the soldier was right. Luke’s involvement in the incident hadn’t been fully established, but he was undeniably linked to it. Theo prided himself on knowing military law inside and out, and yet this crucial point had slipped his mind. It was an uncharacteristic oversight.

"You’re right. I momentarily forgot. My apologies."

"No need, sir!"

Theo nodded to the soldiers and entered the room. Inside, Luke sat with a relaxed, slightly fatigued expression, seemingly unbothered by the circumstances.

"Good to see you," Luke greeted, raising a hand in a mock wave.

Theo met his gaze briefly before placing the investigation documents on the table and sitting across from him.

"You’re under investigation. Try to act like it," Theo said flatly.

"Don’t see why I should be tense over something I didn’t do," Luke replied, leaning back casually.

"So you still intend to deny the charges?"

"Of course."

Luke’s grin widened as Theo stared at him. After a moment, Theo opened the folder of documents and began flipping through them.

"By the way, Commander Theo, don’t you have more important things to do? Are you sure you have time for this investigation?"

The comment carried an implicit message: don’t waste your time on this.

"Or are you planning to use this as a stepping stone to climb higher and leave me in the dust?" Luke added with a teasing smirk.

"I’m simply taking this case seriously," Theo replied without looking up from the documents.

The room fell silent for a moment, prompting Theo to glance up. Luke, now partially standing, reached across the table toward him.

"…What are you doing?" Theo stiffened, instinctively shifting his hand toward the sword at his waist.

But before Theo could react further, Luke’s hand brushed lightly against Theo’s dark hair.

"Relax," Luke said, leaning back and holding up a white thread between his fingers. "It’s just a loose thread."

He waved the thread for emphasis. "Honestly, those guards outside didn’t even mention it? That’s just rude."

"Quiet," Theo snapped, his tone sharp. "I told you, you’re under investigation. Act like it."

"Yes, yes," Luke replied lazily, clearly unbothered.

Theo sighed and cleared his throat, attempting to refocus. "There’s something unusual in the reports I’ve reviewed so far."