The one thing Luke liked about the military was how quickly things got done. Of course, they dragged their feet when it came to issues that weren’t in their favor, but when it came to critical matters like a captain’s retirement, they didn’t waste any time.

Not long after Fale submitted the retirement request, confirmation arrived directly at Luke’s house.

"As expected, they’re fast," Luke muttered, sipping his tea as he leisurely read through the document confirming the completion of his retirement.

The contents were lengthy but mostly formulaic. It mentioned that personal information not deemed essential for record-keeping was destroyed immediately after the retirement process was finalized. The last part included a stern warning not to disclose any information seen or heard during his service, as even the smallest military secrets could be considered top-level classified. It was an entirely reasonable measure for a nation.

"Good. Now that this is done, I should start preparing."

With a sly grin, Luke downed the rest of his tea in one gulp. The bitter taste of the herbs spread across his tongue.

The first thing on his list was to put his house up for sale. He didn’t have many fond memories of the place. In fact, he hadn’t stayed long enough to form any significant memories here. Even though he had purchased the property himself, he hadn’t registered it with the military. Still, now that it was time to leave, he felt a faint twinge of regret, perhaps because it was the first house he had ever bought.

But Luke wasn’t one to let such feelings hold him back. He swiftly finalized the sale of the house and packed his belongings. His plan was to leave the capital entirely. Since he intended to travel far, minimizing his luggage was key. He focused on essentials.

Money was his top priority for starting over in a completely new place. His earnings as a captain, combined with hazard pay, training bonuses, and rewards from their wartime victories, had left him with a substantial sum. He had also received compensation for unused leave.

In short, Luke had more than enough money. Not that he had planned it this way—it wasn’t that he hadn’t spent it but rather that he hadn’t been able to. While other captains took extravagant vacations or indulged in luxuries, Luke had spent his time strategizing how to ensure Theo would become Commander-in-Chief as quickly as possible. He had no time for such indulgences.

"Who knew this would come in handy?" he chuckled.

Money was essential for any endeavor, and Luke now felt as if he had a dependable ally for his plans. Leaving the house didn’t give him a moment’s pause. His first step toward departure was unburdened by hesitation or fear. The only thought that crossed his mind was how liberating it felt.

"Pretty person!"

As he stepped outside, a familiar voice called out.

"Hm?"

Turning his head, he saw no one where the voice had come from. Then, he felt a tug on his pants and looked down.

"Oh, it’s you," Luke said with a small laugh.

The little girl he had seen a few days ago was waving her tiny hand at him with a cheerful smile.

"What are you doing out here by yourself? Where’s your mom?"

"Mom’s out shopping. Ria’s on a walk by herself!"

So her name was Ria. Luke’s lips softened into a gentle smile.

"Well, Ria, don’t wander too far. Stay close, okay?"

Ria nodded vigorously. Then, her gaze shifted, staring intently at Luke’s backpack.

"Where is the pretty big brother going?"

Luke couldn’t help but chuckle at her suddenly changed form of address.

"Well, Ria," he began.

"Yes?"

"This will be the last time we see each other."

"Why? You’re not going to see Ria anymore?"

The little girl’s eyes widened in surprise.

"Not exactly. I’m just going far away. I won’t be coming back here. So, today is the last time."

There was no need to explain this to a child, but for some reason, the words flowed easily from Luke’s mouth. Perhaps it was because he genuinely felt like it was a final farewell.

"Don’t give your mom a hard time. Stay healthy, okay?"

"Aw… That’s sad. We just started being friends," Ria said, pouting adorably.

Her words stirred something in Luke. Maybe it was because he wasn’t used to hearing such sentiments. Whether it was Fale or this little girl, everyone seemed to find a way to tug at his heartstrings just as he was about to leave.

But Luke knew better. When leaving, one must never look back. His resolve wasn’t something that would waver over such emotions.

"Ria, hold out your hand."

Ria tilted her head curiously but obediently held out her small hand. Luke rummaged through the front pocket of his backpack and placed a button in her palm.

"A parting gift."

"Wow! It’s so pretty!"

The button bore intricate patterns and the emblem of the Imperial Army. It was from the uniform Luke had worn during his commissioning ceremony, part of a longstanding military tradition. At such ceremonies, officers would remove one button from their uniform, engrave their name on the back, and exchange it with a comrade to wish each other good fortune throughout their service.

Luke had never exchanged his button with anyone, so he had kept it all these years. As much as he had considered leaving it behind, it felt right to give it away now.

"Is this really for me?"

"Yes. Think of it as a charm. As long as you have it, you won’t get sick or hurt."

Since the button symbolized well-wishes for one another’s safety, it wasn’t entirely untrue.

"Take care, Ria."

Luke gently patted her head before standing up. Ria waved enthusiastically as she watched him walk away.

***

It was precisely the next day that Ria, returning home from an errand for her mother, came across Theo standing in front of Luke’s house.

"But what should I do? The pretty person left yesterday. This house is empty now! Nobody lives here anymore," she said.

"...What?"

"The pretty big brother left just a little while ago," Ria added.

Theo’s face hardened immediately.

"Do you know where he went?" he asked, a sense of unease welling up inside him.

Ria slowly shook her head.

"He didn’t tell me that. But he said he wouldn’t be coming back. He’s going far away."

Theo felt his strength leave him. As he stood there, stunned into silence, Ria began rummaging through her pocket, perhaps thinking he didn’t believe her.

"It’s true! He even gave me this as a goodbye gift," she said, holding out the button.

Theo’s brow furrowed as soon as he saw it. He immediately recognized it as the button exchanged during the commissioning ceremony. Slowly, he picked it up and turned it over to examine the back.

LUKE

The name of the button’s owner was engraved on it.

"It’s true, isn’t it?" Ria asked.

"...Yes, it is," Theo murmured, a bitter smirk forming on his lips. His expression slackened as if all the energy had drained from him.

"Ria, could I ask you for a favor?" Theo said, his tone softer now.

Ria nodded enthusiastically. Children were often inclined to be generous around good-looking adults.

"Could I take this button? Of course, only if you’re okay with it."

"This button? But…" Ria hesitated, clearly conflicted. Then, after a moment of serious deliberation, she nodded decisively.

"Okay! You can have it, mister."

"Thank you," Theo said earnestly.

At that moment, Ria’s mother’s voice called out from a distance.

"Well, I have to go now! Bye!"

Ria quickly dashed off toward her house. When her mother asked what she had been doing, Ria scratched her head sheepishly.

"Mom, I gave the gift I got yesterday to that man."

"Huh? Why? You were so happy when you got that pretty gift."

"Just because… He looked kind of sad. So I gave it to him."

Peeking out through the crack of the door, Ria glanced back toward Luke’s house. But there was no one there anymore.

After his encounter with Ria, Theo returned straight to the Imperial Army headquarters. He arrived exactly one hour after he had left, but Sion immediately noticed something different. Whether it was Theo’s mood or expression, something had clearly changed. Though curious, Sion hesitated to ask, as it might have been a personal matter.

"Sion," Theo said, his voice low and subdued.

"Yes, sir," Sion replied, tensing up slightly.

"Prepare a list of candidates who could fill the position of Detached Force captain."

"...Already, sir?"

During the meeting earlier that day, Theo had stated that he needed more time to consider the vacant position. The sudden order, coming less than a day later, naturally raised questions.

"I was shortsighted. We can’t leave the captain’s seat vacant for too long. If the position remains unfilled, it could unsettle the troops. The strength of the military lies in its ability to replace anyone as needed. Isn’t that how a military organization should function?"

"Ah, yes… Understood," Sion replied, noting the sharp edge in Theo’s tone. Having never seen Theo like this before, Sion chose not to argue further. After agreeing to compile the list quickly, Sion left the Commander’s office.

Theo pulled the stack of official documents he hadn’t yet reviewed closer to him.

"Haa…"

But before he could even take in the first word, a wave of frustration overtook him. Slowly, he reached into his pocket and retrieved Luke’s button.

"..."

He stared at the small object in silence for a while before opening a drawer and placing the button inside. Next to it lay Theo’s own commissioning button, which he had never exchanged with anyone during the ceremony. Now, the two buttons rested side by side.