Chapter 17

Chapter 17: The Battle for the Porter - Imperial Capital (5)

Fortunately, the Mother Tree had only been on the eastern side. Corrupted Trees had appeared at the northern, western, and southern approaches too, but all were extensions of the eastern Mother Tree.

The north, west, and south were far enough from the Mother Tree that their monsters had been significantly weaker. There were no casualties.

"Well done, Captain Kanna."

"You flatter me."

Gatos welcomed us. He'd already received the full report. The Mother Tree, the trap, and the story of our strike team smashing through it all.

Kanna in particular was highly praised for her judgment — forming a strike team to destroy the Mother Tree directly rather than rolling the Wheel Formation.

"Appari, what exactly are you?"

"Who knows?"

I deflected every question the guardsmen threw at me. Saying "I was an S-rank Hunter, formerly in the global top 0.04%" here would just be absurd. No one would believe it, anyway.

"The corps commander might issue commendations for this engagement."

"Could even be an Imperial commendation, couldn't it?"

"Nah, those only happen during national crises."

The guardsmen were giddy with released tension. Right — post-combat rest was for shooting the breeze. I knew their rhythms better than anyone.

Which was why I'd assumed they were joking. But the Empire's generosity exceeded my expectations.

"All soldiers who participated in this engagement shall receive ten gold coins."

I spotted the notice when attendants started posting it everywhere. So, a million won each. That alone sent the guardsmen's morale through the roof.

"Long live His Majesty the Emperor, long live, long may he reign!"

"This is the Empire's caliber!"

Soldiers giving thumbs-up. Soldiers bowing to the notice. All shapes and sizes. But I felt nothing special. Because I had a platinum coin in my leather pouch.

Come to think of it, I'd received a single platinum coin and then helped Ephrin escape on top of that. I felt a little bad about it. Should I go back to the Ducal Estate after the week was up?

"Appari, come here for a moment."

As I was happily people-watching, someone tapped my shoulder from behind. I turned to find Kanna.

"What is it?"

"Stop talking back to your superiors in the military."

Rigid as always. Leaving the notice-distracted soldiers behind, I followed Kanna to her office. Her workspace was as tidy as her personality. No accessories, no decorations. Just military manuals and the like, neatly organized.

"You and I will likely receive commendations."

"Hasn't the Empire already issued its reward?"

"No — that was for all soldiers."

"There's more?"

"Apparently."

Kanna looked pleased yet slightly awkward. Why? Getting recognized was a good thing.

"Honestly, you did most of the work, and it feels a bit off to accept the same recognition. I did report your contributions accurately."

"Did you?"

"But I didn't mention things like you carving out a cavern underground. I didn't want to burden you with that kind of attention. I believe my judgment was sound."

Look at that consideration. That was the Kanna Karamov I knew. I nodded.

"It wasn't a solo effort, so a shared commendation is perfectly natural."

"Thank you for saying that."

Kanna smiled.

Ah — gorgeous.

***

Trafviche's dress uniform was unbearably uncomfortable. Why were there so many tassels on the sleeves? I wasn't a rooster. And the buttons — why so many? This was why people complained about medieval clothing.

Since they'd already blended in modern military organization, couldn't they have at least made the uniform simpler?

No. Not a chance. Look at the covers of romance fantasy novels. Everyone's wearing impractical clothes. I'd overstepped. This was one of romance fantasy's cardinal rules.

"This is my first time receiving a commendation in the Great Hall, so I'm nervous too."

Kanna in full dress uniform and cap was every inch the dashing warrior woman. I nearly confessed on the spot. But not yet. I was going to become someone better. No — for Kanna, a good person.

"Who's presenting the award?"

"I don't know either. The division commander, maybe?"

Shouldn't this warrant at least a corps commander's commendation? We'd prevented an entire force's annihilation. They should've given us medals and cast our statues. Do you know how much Kanna and I went through?

I stood on the left, Kanna on the right. It was like this in the military too. Of course, I'd never actually served — I'd awakened my S-rank talent at twenty and was exempted. Ha ha. Though I did complete the four-week basic training.

"Let's go in."

Kanna's final words carried a sigh. She was nervous too. So was I. Something about being honored in this nation's most majestic, most solemn hall.

I hadn't trembled this much even when receiving a military service medal at the Blue House. Maybe it was the power of a class society. A president was elected; the person rewarding us here was chosen by destiny.

"Commendees, enter!"

A gong rang alongside the call. I bit my lip once and walked into the Great Hall. I'd stayed up all night with Kanna drilling ceremonial protocol for this. Pleasant time, though.

"All ministers, rise and pay respects to the warriors!"

The gong-bearing master of ceremonies shouted. The same voice that had called us in.

The hall's entrance. Men in medieval noble garb that could pass for couture gowns stood in formation on either side. Count-level at the very least. Even the man striking the gong had to hold some rank.

And the most important person of all. Someone was sitting in the chair at the far end.

Wait — sitting?

Shouldn't the person be standing before the chair?

That was the Emperor's throne.

"Warriors, salute the Emperor!"

Unbelievable. It really was the Emperor. Without even glancing sideways, I could tell — Kanna's body was trembling. I could practically hear her heartbeat from here.

"I greet the most exalted Emperor! I am Captain Kanna, Royal Knight of the Second Prince's division!"

"Guardsman Appari!"

That was all I'd been told to say. Never greet the Emperor twice. Only the lead person gives the greeting. I'd practiced this single line dozens of times last night.

"So you are the strike team that dispatched the Mother Tree."

The Emperor, who'd been leaning against one armrest, straightened in his chair. I'd been staring vacantly and quickly lowered my head. Right — you weren't supposed to make eye contact with the Emperor.

Don't flinch. I'd looked the President of Korea in the eye and shaken his hand.

The Great Hall was now filled with nothing but still air. It felt like even breathing required imperial permission. Movement. This unhurried, unpermitted movement clearly belonged to the Emperor.

"Warriors, raise your heads."

The Emperor's low voice reached us. Kanna and I looked up simultaneously. He was closer than I'd expected.

"I grant you the honor of paying me formal respects."

The Emperor extended his palm. What was this? I hadn't learned this part last night.

Kanna took his hand firmly, back straight.

"Kanna Karamov, daughter of Kal Karamov, greets the Emperor!"

Oh — was I supposed to do the same? The Emperor nodded.

"I commend your contribution, Captain Kanna Karamov."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

The exchange of courtesies between the Emperor and Kanna ended. The Emperor extended his hand to me as well. But it was different — to Kanna, he'd offered his palm as if for a handshake. To me, he offered the back of his hand.

Hold on, commoners and nobles had different protocols? But I hadn't learned this part! Full brain engagement! The Skill Book viewer of 「The Bed Strewn with Rose Petals」 scrolled through my mind.

Caught it. I recalled when Marina first met the Emperor. Right — the same thing I'd done for Lapitess.

I immediately knelt on one knee and kissed the Emperor's hand. Thank god. I'd nearly short-circuited. Couldn't forget the final line either.

"I am grateful that Your Majesty has permitted my humble self to touch your noble person."

"So it's you."

The Emperor said something out of nowhere. I looked up at him, confused. It was so unexpected that I forgot I wasn't supposed to make eye contact.

The Emperor was staring straight at me, smiling.

"The one who hijacked my youngest son's homework."