Faint light flickered in the mana preservation zone as Theo and Luke successfully completed their warp.
“Ugh, I feel sick.”
“What’s wrong? Are you unwell?”
As Luke clutched his chest and groaned, Theo hurried over with concern.
“No, it’s just the air, the humidity, the atmosphere... It’s stifling...”
Luke’s words were overly dramatic as he surveyed the familiar surroundings of the headquarters—his first time returning in nearly nine months. The air here carried a distinct scent, one that resurrected memories of grueling training sessions and aching exhaustion.
Certain smells, like the wind or the air itself, have a way of triggering vivid recollections. Though it was difficult to explain, Luke’s sudden discomfort was likely tied to such memories.
“Complaining already?”
A quiet chuckle came from above.
“You really do have a childish side sometimes.”
“What? When did I—?”
Luke’s head shot up, but as his eyes met Theo’s soft smile, he faltered, feeling oddly flustered.
Unable to retort, Luke stood there, tongue-tied, while Theo tilted his head slightly and reached out to ruffle Luke’s hair. Theo’s large, calloused hand awkwardly brushed through Luke’s locks, and the sensation at the crown of his head made Luke unconsciously bite his lip.
Lately, the atmosphere between them seemed to shift inexplicably whenever they were together. Why? In the past, they would have barely exchanged a passing glance, or Theo would have coldly brushed off Luke’s provocations.
Granted, Luke no longer needed to fulfill the role of antagonist, so there was no reason to remain excessively wary of Theo. In fact, he was willing to maintain a decent relationship. However, ever since Theo’s strange comment in the estate library yesterday, Luke found himself hyper-aware of every interaction, his actions becoming awkward and stilted.
Deep down, Luke already knew—this wasn’t just Theo acting differently. Whatever the cause, if he simply behaved as usual, there shouldn’t be a problem.
And yet, why wasn’t he shaking off Theo’s hand? Why did it feel... pleasant? Irritated by the realization, Luke spiraled into frustration, only to be distracted by the sound of approaching footsteps.
“Commander.”
Leo and Roena appeared, standing at attention as they saluted Theo.
“Thank you for your efforts on the inspection.”
Both spoke in even tones, but their gazes naturally shifted to the unexpected figure standing beside Theo.
“But... why is Luke here...?”
“Hello.”
Luke raised a hand in a brief, casual greeting. Even Roena, usually unflappable, widened her eyes in visible surprise.
“Well, it’s... complicated.”
Once again, Luke opted for his usual tactic: a vague, all-encompassing phrase to brush off any explanation.
“Wait, is Luke rejoining us?”
For some reason, Leo’s face lit up with enthusiasm, while Luke’s expression twisted into a grimace.
“I’d rather you insult me, Leo.”
“I’ll explain Luke’s situation during the meeting. Both of you, return to your stations and prepare.”
“Yes, sir!”
Roena immediately turned and walked away, undoubtedly filled with questions but prioritizing Theo’s orders. Leo, about to follow her, suddenly stopped and turned back.
“Commander. I respectfully request that you refrain from any fights with Luke while he’s here.”
“Fights?”
Theo frowned, puzzled.
“If you start by attacking his head, even Luke wouldn’t survive the blow.”
Leo’s gaze settled squarely on Theo’s hand, still resting atop Luke’s hair. Both Luke and Theo froze for a moment, realizing the misunderstanding. Leo had apparently interpreted the head-patting as some kind of prelude to combat.
Who could have anticipated such a scene? Theo Redrick, ruffling Luke’s hair? Impossible, yet here it was.
“Well, I’ll be off to prepare for the meeting.”
With a faintly amused smile, Leo turned and disappeared into the distance.
“See? Now I’ve been dragged into another weird misunderstanding because of you.”
Luke swatted Theo’s hand away, clearing his throat awkwardly.
“My apologies. You were acting cute, and I reacted without thinking. I’ll be more careful in the future.”
“C-cute...?”
Luke’s eyes widened in disbelief, his words catching in his throat. When had Theo become this... infuriating? And why couldn’t he seem to control his own reactions to it?
“You’re insufferable.”
“It’s been a while since I’ve heard that. Come on, let’s go.”
Luke muttered complaints under his breath but still followed closely behind Theo.
***
Visit freewebnoveℓ.com for the best novel reading exp𝒆rience.
The atmosphere in the conference room at headquarters was unusually tense. The reason was simple—the seat at the head of the table, which had been empty for some time, was now occupied once again.
“...This concludes my report.”
Roena sat down and began organizing her documents. The report she had just presented covered the situation at headquarters during Theo’s absence, along with the agenda items discussed in prior meetings.
Using Roena’s detailed account as a starting point, Theo asked questions and received answers, meticulously filling in the gaps from his time away.
“Understood. Let’s proceed to the next item...”
“Commander!”
At that moment, both Mile and Leo shot their hands up into the air, almost as if competing to reach higher. Their sudden, almost aggressive gesture caught the attention of the other captains, who looked on in bewilderment.
Neither seemed pleased about their synchronized interruption, glaring at each other before speaking simultaneously:
“Why was Luke on the warship?”
“Why is former Captain Luke here at headquarters?”
“What? That guy’s here at headquarters?”
Mile’s face twisted into a scowl. Leo turned to him sharply, admonishing him to choose his words more carefully during a formal meeting, and sparks began flying between the two men.
Theo sighed lightly, observing their antics. Catching onto his discomfort, Roena intervened with a sharp tone.
“Both of you, lower your voices.”
The two men, realizing they had crossed a line, coughed awkwardly and lowered their heads. The other captains, meanwhile, exchanged uncertain glances, clearly confused by the sudden mention of Luke’s name.
“This meeting has a specific purpose,” Theo said, his voice dropping to a commanding tone. “No more questions until I’ve finished my explanation.”
The weight of Theo’s voice, coupled with his serious expression and unwavering gaze, instantly silenced the room. The captains, instinctively straightening their postures, swallowed hard. When Theo took on this demeanor, the atmosphere became heavy with tension, almost palpable.
“During my inspection of the Calum branch, I detected movements from a disruptive faction threatening the Empire.”
The faint sound of chairs creaking echoed through the room as the captains reacted to the unexpected news. While their initial shock was evident, they quickly reined in their emotions. This wasn’t the time to lose composure.
Theo proceeded to outline the details of his findings with precision.
“Although we have yet to definitively identify them, it is our responsibility as the military to uncover the truth and resolve the issue. Protecting the Empire is our duty.”
Everyone in the room nodded in agreement.
“This information is classified. It must not reach the soldiers or the public.”
Should the citizens of the Empire learn of this, it would undoubtedly cause widespread panic. Moreover, secrecy was crucial to ensure the success of upcoming investigations.
“Currently, those privy to this information are limited to myself, the captains present, Calum branch head Kalon, His Majesty the Emperor, and a select few ministers.”
Theo paused briefly before adding, “And one more individual. During my investigation in the west, I received assistance from someone.”
He gestured toward Sion, who was seated near the door, diligently recording the minutes of the meeting. Understanding Theo’s cue, Sion rose and opened the door.
“You may enter now.”
Every pair of eyes in the room turned toward the doorway. As the door swung open, a cascade of shimmering silver hair caught the light, and Luke stepped inside.
“Could you not make this so dramatic? It’s embarrassing,” Luke muttered, running a hand through his disheveled hair with an exaggerated sigh.
The moment he spoke, the previously silent captains erupted into murmurs. Mile and Seth frowned deeply, while Roena, who had already seen Luke earlier, remained calm and unaffected. Leo, on the other hand, practically sparkled, gazing at Luke with the eager excitement of a puppy spotting its owner. The remaining captains appeared bewildered, exchanging uncertain glances.
“What am I, the star of a masquerade ball or something?”
Luke muttered in irritation, clearly uncomfortable with his theatrical entrance. The entire situation felt unnecessarily grand and humiliating to him.
“If this were a ballroom, you’d undoubtedly be the star, Luke,” Theo remarked. “Your looks are dazzling enough for it.”
“...”
Theo’s comment silenced the room instantly. The captains, who had been murmuring amongst themselves just moments ago, froze in stunned silence.