Fortunately, Bella Meyer’s condition improved significantly after a good night’s sleep. As they say, eating well and sleeping well is the best way to calm your mind.
Of course, the quality of the bed also played a part in her recovery. The soft bedding and spacious bed certainly helped.
I was able to fall asleep naturally without needing cigarettes or any other tranquilizers, which was a first in this world. Even though I wasn’t particularly tired, I felt drowsy as soon as I lay down.
Of course, I couldn’t resist having my morning cigarette.
“Huuu—.”
After enjoying a cool morning breeze on the open terrace and smoking one, I returned to our accommodation.
“Did you sleep well?”
Breakfast was already prepared. The table had been empty when we left.
…This must be the majesty of a suite managed directly by the palace.
I couldn’t help but marvel again. In reality, you’d need to be at least a VIP at a five-star hotel to receive such service.
“Then we’ll take our leave now. Enjoy your meal.”
“Oh, yes… Thank you.”
From start to finish, it was a display of utmost elegance. Since I was not used to such an atmosphere, I simply waved awkwardly.
The problem was that I only realized how ridiculous it looked after the maids had all left.
“First Platoon Captain, good morning.”
“Lumina, Bella. You both arrived on time.”
“Of course. What day is today?”
As if drawn by the pleasant scent, Bella and Lumina emerged from the room just then. They seemed to have just washed their hair, as it still had some moisture.
“Mm, nice smell.”
“The chef who manages this place always hires the best in the country.”
Lumina’s eyes sparkled as she spoke, and Bella shrugged her shoulders.
Indeed, hearing about it yesterday, Bella’s image as someone lazy in the unit started to change dramatically.
‘She really looks like a noble’s child. She fits well with Lumina.’
To begin with, I thought Lumina was a noble too.
Anyway, breakfast was as delicious as Bella had boasted.
While the menu itself didn’t differ much from what we received in the unit, the quantity and quality were incomparable.
Now that we’re full,
“Bella, Lumina, let’s get ready.”
“Yes, sir!”
“Of course.”
It was time to move towards our distant goal in this capital.
*
“Everyone looks great in their formal attire.”
“Thank you for the kind words.”
As we approached the front gate, Major Lannister greeted us with a broad smile. Unlike us in our pristine white uniforms, he wore his usual black constable uniform.
“Shall we go?”
Following his lead, we climbed into the carriage, which started smoothly. It took about ten minutes by carriage from the side building where the Duke resided to ‘Petrowna Palace.’
Considering the side building was on the outskirts of the palace grounds, the palace compound was enormous.
As we stopped in front of Petrowna Palace, soldiers from the capital guard approached us. They wore red wool coats and leather boots. Their appearance was so impressive, reminiscent of the British Royal Guard.
“Honor to the homeland!”
“Honor!”
The soldiers lined up and saluted, and Major Lannister responded casually.
“The audience chamber is on the second floor. I will guide you there.”
“Thank you.”
Sure enough, it felt like the National Constabulary.
Even though I hadn’t been particularly impressed before, once we reached the palace, I began to feel a sense of tension. Major Lannister confidently led the way inside.
‘I’ve been to the Blue House once, but… a real palace is truly different.’
Though the building was only two stories high, it exuded an overwhelming presence that surpassed even skyscrapers.
The ancient-style wallpaper and Baroque lighting perfectly complemented the cozy yet luxurious atmosphere inside.
The soldiers standing guard with guns at every corner were so rigid, they almost looked like statues.
“…”
I turned my head slightly to check Lumina’s expression beside me.
She tried her best to appear calm, but her trembling eyes and fingers betrayed her nervousness.
She seemed somewhat constrained. Anyway, she didn’t look like someone confidently heading to meet the king.
This made it seem like we were being dragged somewhere.
Seeing her discomfort, I nudged her shoulder with my elbow, causing her to jump.
Was she about to scream but held it back instinctively?
“Why, why are you doing that, Captain?”
“Why are you so tense? Don’t be too nervous.”
“How can I not be nervous when meeting the king for the first time? Aren’t you nervous?”
“To be honest, I am, but if you stay stiff like Sergeant Lumina, you might make a mistake?”
“Ahhh…”
At first glance, Lumina seemed very cold, but the more I got to know her, the more I saw her endearing qualities.
She acted decisively when necessary, and this softened her stern demeanor, which wasn’t bad.
“As Captain said, it’s better not to be too tense. Acting relaxed can give off a veteran-like impression.”
Bella spoke calmly. She appeared the most at ease among us three.
“Stand straight and hold your chest proudly. Lumina, you deserve it.”
“Bella… sister…”
Hearing this, Lumina clenched her fist as if making a decision and followed Bella’s advice, straightening her posture.
Her formal attire, stiff material, made her stand out even more.
“You look much better, Lumina.”
“Yeah, you look great.”
“We have arrived at the audience chamber. Please prepare yourselves, honored guests.”
Major Lannister and the guardsman stopped in front of the massive door and announced.
Knock, knock—
“National Constabulary Northern Division Major Lannister, along with three others, have arrived at the audience chamber!”
The guard gently knocked on the door, and the heavy wooden door slowly opened.
What first caught my eye was the long hall. Marble columns supported the ceiling like a temple, and at the end of the red carpet laid a round table where nine people sat.
Their uniforms adorned with countless medals.
I could tell these were the ‘generals’ gathered for this audience.
And finally,
Sitting at the center of the round table, a man with a relaxed smile stood out among the generals. He wore the same army uniform, but a distinct gold stripe ran from his shoulder to his waist.
‘Orlando Rus III.’
Instinctively, I felt the difference in rank. My spine tingled under the immense pressure.
Clack, clack!
“At ease.”
As Major Lannister aligned his feet properly, we naturally stepped aside and formed a line.
“Salute to His Majesty the Duke!”
“Honor to the homeland—!!!”
Though there were only four of us, the loud chorus echoed throughout the audience chamber.
Our bodies reacted instinctively to the superior power, especially the absolute authority of a king.
“Honor.”
He stood up, formally saluted, and slowly approached us.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, heroes of the homeland.”
The current Duke of Okhraine, the nation’s predecessor.
And simultaneously, the last ruler of Okhraine who would meet a tragic end in the world war five years later.
He looked younger than I expected. I had heard he was in his late thirties.
“Major Lannister, thank you for completing your mission successfully.”
“I did what needed to be done, Your Excellency.”
“We always rely on the National Constabulary.”
“Thank you!”
Orlando Rus III briefly praised Major Lannister’s achievement and then shifted his gaze to me.
“And this must be the officer everyone’s been talking about. Enok Revendale, correct?”
“It’s an honor to be remembered, Your Excellency.”
“I hope you continue to work hard for the peace of Okhraine.”
Responding politely yet concisely while maintaining an upright posture, the prince-king grinned and added,
“Enoch Levandel, Lieutenant.”
