The communication crystal orbs used by the Imperial Army extended their range the more magic was infused into them. However, exceeding a certain threshold risked damaging the orb, so soldiers typically refrained from overloading them.

Now, Luke pushed his magic to the orb’s very limit, channeling power until faint cracks began to form on its surface. Just as the orb started to show signs of breaking, he stopped.

“I preemptively infused a small amount of my magic into the crystal orbs sold to the Harnus family. Using this crystal orb, I was able to locate the others. Look closely—this will show where they are now.”

All eyes turned toward the glowing orb. The place it pointed to was none other than the Kingdom of Mambern.

Before delivering the goods to the Harnus family’s servant, Luke had prepared all five crystal orbs by subtly marking them with his magic.

Crash!

The orb, overloaded with magic, shattered along its cracks, scattering fragments across the room. But the damage was done—everyone had seen it. The Harnus family had smuggled the crystal orbs to Mambern, and the proof was irrefutable.

“What does that have to do with your embezzlement of military supplies?” Myles abruptly slammed the table and stood, his voice betraying his unease.

“I noticed something suspicious about the Harnus family and acted accordingly,” Luke replied calmly. “I had my subordinate secretly appropriate the orbs to establish a connection with the family, gain their trust, and eventually uncover definitive proof of their treachery.”

Luke intended to shield Fale from the consequences. He wouldn’t deny the charges of embezzlement or shy away from taking responsibility for his actions. But he had no intention of letting himself be painted as merely a criminal.

This was the solution Luke had devised in the short time he had.

“Yes, I took the supplies without authorization and acted independently. That was my wrongdoing, Commander. I sincerely apologize,” Luke said, his tone firm but humble.

A villain doesn’t simply sit back and take a beating. Not when there’s still a role to play, and not when there’s more at stake.

“I humbly request that you impose the harshest punishment upon me.”

Luke bowed his head, a sly smile tugging at his lips. His words flowed smoothly, betraying nothing of his true feelings.

***

It wasn’t long before the Harnus family’s various misdeeds became widely known across the empire. The revelations included their smuggling of confidential Imperial documents to the Kingdom of Mambern, their provision of military supplies to the enemy, and their profiting handsomely from these illicit activities.

At first, Lumein Harnus, the head of the Harnus family, claimed ignorance, insisting that a few rogue retainers had acted without his knowledge. However, his mansion soon became the site of a damning discovery—evidence tying him directly to the crimes.

The Heiner Empire controlled half of the trade routes in the Noteli Sea, and the Harnus family, entrusted by the palace, had been the primary facilitators of maritime trade in the region. Over the years, however, the empire had implemented stricter regulations on sea trade, gradually shrinking the Harnus family's profits and influence. In their desperation, they turned to Mambern, which controlled the remaining trade routes, as their new benefactor.

“Look at this. A whole family ruined,” Luke said, placing a newspaper on the table in the dormitory lounge. Sitting across from him, Fale hesitantly glanced at the paper.

[Harnus Marquisate: A Family’s Inevitable Demise]

The headline came from a well-respected publication, which harshly criticized the family’s actions. The article ended by acknowledging the significant role the Imperial Army played in bringing the scandal to light.

“A pretty satisfying ending, don’t you think?” Luke remarked with a smirk.

“C-Captain…” Fale stammered.

“What?”

“Is that all you have to say to me…?” Fale’s eyes wavered with uncertainty and guilt, his expression troubled. Luke stared at him silently, observing the turmoil on his subordinate’s face.

“It was me who embezzled the supplies… it was me who delivered them to the Harnus family…” Fale began, his voice trembling. But before he could continue, Luke placed his fingers on the newspaper and set it ablaze. Fale gasped, unable to finish his sentence.

“Even if no one’s around, someone’s always listening. Remember that,” Luke warned.

“C-Captain…”

“Fale, I’m not going to say anything more about this case, and neither should you. It all worked out in the end, didn’t it?”

“Worked out? Captain, because of me, you—”

“Stop exaggerating. I only got a little punishment, that’s all.”

The authority to determine Luke’s punishment rested with the captains and the Commander-in-Chief. As the subject of the disciplinary hearing, Luke wasn’t allowed to participate in their deliberations. After a lengthy discussion, they decided on a suspension—one month without his rank or authority as captain of the Detached Force.

To an outsider, the punishment might not seem severe. But for a soldier, especially one who valued honor, the punishment was a serious blow to pride. Being barred from fulfilling military duties for a month was a significant disgrace.

Still, Luke felt relieved. Had things gone even slightly wrong, he could have been expelled from the Imperial Army entirely. In the military’s strict, hierarchical world, smuggling supplies out of the army was a grave offense. Luke’s saving grace was that his actions were not motivated by personal gain, but rather by his determination to uncover the Harnus family’s crimes. His meticulous evidence and the exposure of the Harnus family’s collusion had worked in his favor.

“Only a suspension… Meanwhile, I haven’t been punished at all,” Fale murmured, his guilt evident.

To the outside world, Fale was a victim of the Harnus family’s schemes. There was no reason for him to be punished.

“Captain, why… why did you go so far for me?” Fale’s voice was quiet, tinged with confusion and disbelief. His expression reflected his struggle to reconcile the Captain he thought he knew with the actions he had witnessed.

“Sorry, Fale. Did you think I did this for you?”

“W-what…?”

“I used you, that’s all,” Luke said bluntly. “I needed to expose the Harnus family’s corruption and claim the credit for it. Besides, every good play needs some drama, doesn’t it?”

“Oh…” Fale lowered his head, his shoulders slumping in dejection.

“Well, I’ll be going now. And Fale, if the Detached Force doesn’t suit you, consider transferring to another unit. Maybe an administrative role would be better for you.”

“B-but… with that salary, I can barely afford my mother’s medicine…”

Luke rose from his seat and looked down at Fale. He wanted to offer some words of comfort, but he knew such sentiment wouldn’t suit him.

“Fine. Oh, and Fale.”

“Yes?”

“Stop by the investigation department later. They need you to officially sign off on your testimony. The sooner, the better, so don’t delay.”

“Yes, sir.”

As Luke walked out of the lounge, Fale stood and saluted with a heavy heart. Luke noticed and let out a faint chuckle.

“Sorry, but I’m not a soldier right now, so I can’t accept that salute.”

With those words, Luke disappeared from view, leaving Fale standing in silence.

***

After meeting Luke, Fale headed straight to the office of the investigation department.

“Excuse me. I’m Fale from the Detached Force.”

“What brings you here?”

Recognizing Fale, a senior soldier from another unit approached him slowly.

“Oh, I was told I needed to sign my statement from the recent embezzlement case.”

“Ah, hold on.”

The soldier retrieved some documents and placed them in front of Fale.

“Sign here.”

“Yes.”

Once the formalities were completed, Fale was about to leave when one of the investigators called him back.

“Perfect timing. Take this. Headquarters sent you a reward for your testimony in the case.”

“Oh, uh… thank you…”

But should he really accept this? Refusing the money now would also seem odd. Fale sighed softly and picked up the envelope. It felt much heavier than he had expected. Instinctively, he opened it—and froze in shock.

“Excuse me, but there must be a mistake. This amount is far more than I expected for a reward…”

Rewards from the Imperial Army were typically modest since they came from military funds. However, the amount in the envelope far exceeded any standard bonus, even by the highest estimates.

“Oh, that? It probably includes a portion from the palace’s reward, not just the army’s,” the senior soldier explained. “After all, your testimony helped expose the Harnus family’s corruption.”

“Still, it’s too much…”

With this amount, Fale could afford months of his mother’s medication and even arrange for a proper doctor to see her.

“Is that so?” The senior soldier shrugged, saying he was only tasked with delivering it and didn’t know much else. At that moment, another soldier organizing paperwork nearby approached them.

“Actually, it’s probably because Captain Luke’s portion of the reward is included in there too.”

“What? Even he got a reward? But he committed a crime!” the senior soldier exclaimed.

Fale bit his lip tightly, suppressing the urge to protest. His conversation with Luke earlier replayed in his mind.

“Yes, well, from the palace’s perspective, he played a key role in uncovering the truth. I heard Captain Luke’s contribution was significant, so his reward was likely quite substantial.”

“Then should I give this to Captain Luke myself?” Fale offered hesitantly. The sum made more sense now—Luke probably didn’t know about the reward yet.

“Oh, no. Captain Luke refused the reward. He said he wouldn’t accept it. Didn’t you hear?”

“What? No, I didn’t…”

“When a soldier forfeits a reward under military law, it’s redirected to the next eligible recipient. In this case, that’s you. That’s probably why the amount is so large.”

Realizing the true nature of the envelope’s contents, Fale clutched it tightly in his hands.

“Wow, forfeiting a palace reward? Guess that pride of his won’t quit. Well, lucky you. Even your unruly captain ends up being helpful once in a while, huh?” the senior soldier said with a laugh.

“…Yes,” Fale replied quietly.

It was easy for someone who didn’t know better to say such things. But Fale understood now. Luke had refused the reward knowing exactly where the money would end up. He had likely anticipated this outcome when he told Fale to visit the investigation department before leaving the lounge.

The intent was clear: Luke wanted Fale to claim this money quickly.

“Hey, why are you crying?” the senior soldier asked, confused.

“Oh, it’s just…”

“Crying tears of joy, huh? Come on, a soldier shouldn’t be so soft.”

“I’m sorry…”

In the end, the tears streaming down Fale’s face were warmer than they had ever been before.