Chapter 104

Episode 104 – A Deal is Struck
Epica=von=Darius .
Rudolf=von=Argus .
Even for those unfamiliar with the inner workings of the Empire, these two names were unmistakable.
They were the cornerstone of the Imperial Army’s glory.
As the commanders of the Mage Division and Cavalry Division respectively, they had both built reputations befitting their titles. You couldn’t speak of the army’s might without mentioning them.
And yet…
“It’s been a while, Lady Valtlune,” Epica said with a polite nod.
“Been some time, Your Majesty,” Rudolf added.
…These two were preparing to leave the Imperial Army.

The moment we met them, the tension in the room became palpable.
That was mostly because Lieta and I were both completely on edge.
Lietareite had served in the Imperial Army before, so naturally, she knew them well. She had belonged to the Dragonrider Division—not under their direct command, but close enough. The tension in her posture was plain as day.
As for me… well, I was locked up for an entirely different reason.
In this life, I’d barely interacted with either of them. Maybe seen them once or twice. Exchanged a greeting at most.
But still… I knew them. Their fighting styles. Their personalities. Even the color of their blood.
Because in my previous life—I’d killed them both.
Back in that war-torn era, I’d cut them down with my sword. No mercy. Just cold steel.
Their bodies had been torn apart by my blade.
Knowing that… how was I supposed to act naturally?
Of course, the two of them had no way of knowing any of that. It hadn’t happened in this timeline. To them, it was a tragedy that had yet to occur.
Only two people alive knew the truth: me and Princess Valtlune And it wasn’t something I could ever speak aloud.
“So then, standing beside you, Lady Valtlune… that must be Sir Aldia, your personal knight. And the once-overlooked genius of the Dragonriders, Lietareite,” Epica said, as frank as ever.
There was nothing to dispute.
Her gaze sized us up without restraint. Still, I kept my expression neutral.
“Aldia=Greutz,” I said.
“I’m Lietareite,” she followed.
Epica and Rudolf offered brief bows in response.
“Pleasure to meet you both,” Epica said with a soft smile.
“Looking forward to working together,” Rudolf added.
They were already under Valtlune’s command—of that, there was no doubt. Their demeanor had a subtle familiarity to it, more relaxed than expected.
“You certainly have a knack for gathering powerful people, Lady Valtlune,” Epica commented, lazily twirling a lock of her hair.
“You think so?” the princess replied.
“Oh, absolutely. Terrifyingly so.”
“Maybe I do.”
Their exchange was ambiguous, vague in tone.
Then Epica relaxed her posture, letting her guard down just a little.
“But we can leave that talk for later. We’ll have plenty of time to get acquainted now that we’ll be working together.”
With a casual wave—without even glancing back—she turned and walked off.
“Rudolf, I’m leaving the rest to you.”
“Hey—!”
“I was working late into the night, you know. I’m running on fumes.”
She was impossible to pin down.
Rudolf frowned slightly, but after a sigh and a shake of his head, he let it go.
“She hasn’t changed one bit. Always doing things her way.”
Poor guy.
Having to deal with someone that unpredictable had to be exhausting.
As soon as she left, the room grew still. The tension that had hung heavy in the air evaporated with her departure.
Epica’s presence had swept everything away.
Eventually, Princess Valtlune spoke again.
“Rudolf, I’ll leave the explanations to you.”
“Fine… I figured as much.”
It wasn’t hard to imagine that both Epica and Rudolf had been juggling a mountain of work. Her comment about being sleep-deprived probably wasn’t a lie.
She just didn’t show it outwardly.
…At least, I think that’s all it was. Who could really know with her?
“Your Majesty,” Rudolf said, “if I may… someone really needs to fix that woman’s attitude.”
“You’ve been through a lot, haven’t you?”
“More than most people realize.”
“I’ll think about it.”
Though, knowing Valtlune, she’d probably just leave it alone.
Rudolf’s hope for change seemed… unlikely. Still, I hoped he’d keep hanging in there.
“Now then, back to the matter at hand,” Valtlune said. “You and Epica will be officially joining the Special Vanguard Force. Your assignments have already been decided.”
She extended her hand behind her.
“Lietareite.”
“Yes, here it is.”
Lieta handed over a file with the details.
“…I see. There are quite a few vacancies,” Valtlune noted.
“Yes. The upper roles in the command and officer training divisions are filled, but we still lack leads for key combat branches—namely, the infantry, magic, and dragonrider divisions.”
“I understand. Lieta, what’s your recommendation?”
“For Lord Rudolf, I believe the infantry division would suit him best. For Lady Epica, the magic division, of course. Especially if they plan to bring others from the Imperial Army with them.”
Efficient and precise, as always.
As they discussed, Valtlune’s gaze shifted toward me.
“Say, Al. Regarding the Dragonrider Division… what would you think about putting the current commander of the Imperial Army’s Dragonriders in charge?”
If Rudolf and Epica were becoming the backbone of the Special Vanguard Force, then this was a logical follow-up.
But there was no hesitation in my answer.
“I don’t believe that would be wise. The risk is too high.”
“…I see. Understood.”
After a short pause to gather her thoughts, Valtlune handed the file to Rudolf.
“Then it’s settled. You’ll both be leading newly formed branches of the Special Vanguard Force. It’s unlikely you’ll be working alongside the other division heads from the Imperial Army anymore. Any questions?”
Rudolf took the file, eyes sharp and focused as he skimmed its contents.
“…No. I understand. I accept.”