It was easy to summarize Theo’s words: Luke was exceptionally handsome.
Leo, wide-eyed, stared at Theo in disbelief. Technically, what he said wasn’t wrong. Luke’s good looks had been famous since his academy days. However, his intense personality often overshadowed his appearance, leading many to agree that no matter how much charm his face exuded, his character inevitably erased any goodwill it earned.
Even after enlisting, a few soldiers had shown interest in Luke’s appearance, with some even volunteering for the special unit solely because of him. Yet, they had failed to grasp two critical details: the grueling nature of the unit's missions and Luke's cutthroat personality.
The fact that such incidents occurred was proof enough of Luke’s extraordinary looks, something every soldier at headquarters was well aware of.
However, the reason the room now felt frozen solid wasn’t just because of the compliment itself—it was because Theo had been the one to say it. Ever since the two had warped into the base together, one shocking event had followed another.
This was Luke, the same Luke who had retired without becoming commander-in-chief.
Not only had he disappeared without a trace, avoiding any contact with the Imperial Army, but now he had suddenly reappeared, casually alongside Theo, the very person connected to the reason for his retirement.
The unfolding events felt like an unexpected twist in a boring life, making even the upcoming meeting something to anticipate. But who could have guessed there was more to come?
Unlike the stunned reaction of the others in the room, Theo appeared utterly at ease, unfazed by the commotion caused by his compliment toward Luke.
“Ah, seriously...”
Only Luke, pressing his forehead, seemed exasperated.
“Anyway, how’s everyone been? It’s been a while since I’ve seen all your annoying faces. Not that I missed them, even a tiny bit.”
“You... You’ve got some nerve!”
Mile shot to his feet, pointing an accusing finger at Luke with an expression of utter disbelief.
“What are you even doing here? This place is off-limits to non-military personnel! Do you realize you could be punished under military law?”
“Sure, I know. Even a five-year-old playing in the square outside knows that. So, if I’m here, what do you think that means? Clearly, it means I’m not a ‘non-military personnel,’ doesn’t it?”
This 𝓬ontent is taken from fгeewebnovёl.co𝙢.
Luke’s pointed tone left Mile scowling.
“Captain Mile, calm down and sit. Luke, you too.”
At Theo’s command, Luke clicked his tongue in annoyance, while Mile reluctantly returned to his seat, displeasure etched on his face.
Luke, spotting the only empty seat at the far end of the table near Leo, walked over and sat down.
“Luke, it’s been a while,” Leo whispered, offering a quiet greeting as Luke approached.
“Yeah, good to see you,” Luke replied with a faint smile. Compared to the others, he genuinely felt more pleased to see Leo. During their time in the army, Leo had treated him without regard for public opinion.
To be fair, Leo had no interest in power struggles or climbing the ranks. He had joined the army after graduating from the academy, following his family’s wishes, and was content with the rank of captain, which he had earned through recognized skill.
Because of this, Leo had treated Luke differently than others, even when Luke intentionally played the villain to vie for the commander’s position. In fact, Leo had often found Luke’s clashes with Theo entertaining, calling them “good sport.”
“Before we proceed...”
Theo turned to Luke, who was now seated next to Leo. Meeting Theo’s gaze, Luke silently mouthed, “What?”
“Luke.”
Theo’s quiet voice made Luke swallow nervously. Why? Why did he suddenly feel uneasy? Why did the earlier talk about appearances and protagonists flash through his mind like déjà vu? Luke had an inexplicable urge to stop Theo from speaking further.
“You’d better move closer to me.”
“I’m fine... right here,” Luke replied, attempting to maintain a polite tone despite his instincts screaming otherwise. Smiling faintly, he silently urged Theo to drop the matter and proceed with the meeting, but Theo, expressionless, didn’t waver.
“Sion, arrange a seat near me.”
“Yes, sir.”
Luke let out a deep sigh inwardly. Damn Theo. This was a waste of time. Yet, Theo’s stubbornness meant he wouldn’t back down easily. Resigning himself, Luke stood and relocated, offering an awkward nod to Roena, who was now his new neighbor.
“Alright, let’s resume the meeting.”
Luke shot a glare at Theo, who merely looked satisfied.
“First, you’re probably all wondering why Luke, a retired soldier, is here. As I mentioned earlier, Luke was instrumental in uncovering the truth behind this incident. In that sense, he is directly involved.”
“But wasn’t this case already handed over to headquarters? Why is he here now?” Seth’s question earned nods of agreement from Mile. Luke rolled his eyes, annoyed. Seth, the same guy whose life he had saved during the Membren War, was still insufferable.
“We have decided to appoint Luke as an advisor to investigate Welharun’s treaty violations.”
An advisor.
It wasn’t uncommon for the military to bring in external personnel as advisors when necessary.
“But...”
“Luke is currently the person most familiar with this case. His skills have already been proven. Any objections?” Theo’s calm question silenced the room. During his active service, Luke had been considered a candidate for commander-in-chief. No one dared to argue against Theo’s firm decision.
“Good. Let’s move on to the next item.”
Despite the announcement causing unease, the grave nature of the current agenda quickly refocused everyone’s attention.
“Have you reported to the palace?” Roena asked.
“Yes,” Theo replied with a nod. “The ministers were reluctant, claiming there wasn’t enough evidence. They’re likely wary of jeopardizing relations with an allied nation.”
Luke frowned. As expected, those old fossils continued to evade responsibility.
“But His Majesty correctly judged the gravity of this matter and ordered headquarters to take full charge of the investigation. We will establish a dedicated task force for this case.”
“In that case, please assign a leader for the investigation unit,” Roena said.
Theo fell silent, seemingly lost in thought. Typically, investigation leaders were selected from among captains of the 2nd through 9th divisions, as 1st Division and special unit leaders were excluded due to their responsibilities.
“I’ll lead the investigation.”
“Excuse me?” For once, the entire group was united in surprise.
“You mean you’re personally leading the investigation?” Roena asked.
Luke was equally stunned. He hadn’t expected Theo to assign the task to someone else, but he also hadn’t anticipated Theo taking the lead himself.
“This isn’t up for debate,” Theo said firmly. “It is a direct order from His Majesty.”