The capital city of Kaeyef.
Despite being a small country compared to its neighbors, Okhraine, with its capital Kaeyef serving as the center of ducal trade, was no less impressive than any other nation’s capital.
Newly installed street lamps were beginning to light up with electricity, and massive steam-powered trains could be seen circling around the outskirts of the city.
When the moon rose, the once darkened streets of the city now relied on the “artificial sun” provided by electric lights, making it seem as if night would never fall.
Even the palace where the co-monarch resides wasn’t much different. Sony Chepelin wandered through the recently transformed interior of the palace, which had been completely electrified.
Candles and chandeliers had long since become mere decorations, no longer serving as light sources. Lamps were now used only by attendants moving through underground facilities or warehouses that hadn’t yet been connected to electricity.
There were even rumors that in the Pry Free Democratic State, a tool had been invented to emit bright light simply by filling a small iron container with purple mana, without needing any wires.
Soon, such items might also be found in the palace of Kaeyef.
“The world is changing so rapidly it’s almost frightening. Every day brings something new.”
Countless papers pouring out daily.
From Magecraft, science, to the newly born field of Mage Engineering, combining both disciplines.
Most of these papers were either worthless or currently impossible to implement, but occasionally truly groundbreaking ideas emerged. This led the world’s Mage Towers and Academies to experience their most prosperous period in history.
Even a Great Mage like her struggled to keep up with the current trends.
While admiring the night view from the window, Sony Chepelin was approached by a butler dressed in neat attire.
“Forgive me for keeping you waiting, General Sony Chepelin. The Duke has arrived.”
“It took a bit longer than expected?”
“There was a diplomatic envoy from the Polania Republic.”
From the Polania Republic?
Sony Chepelin felt slightly puzzled.
Although they were both neutral countries, Polania was closer to the Free Alliance due to its republican nature. Given the bitter history between Okhraine’s predecessor, the Rus Tsar Empire, and Okhraine, there shouldn’t be any particularly close relationship.
“Ah, it doesn’t matter.”
Foreign affairs weren’t her area of interest anyway. In this regard, Orlando Rus III would far surpass her, despite being a Great Mage.
She dismissed it and entered the Duke’s private room.
It was insane for someone of her rank to enter the personal space of the royal family in an essentially monarchical state like Okhraine.
But for Sony Chepelin, it had become a normal occurrence.
“Did you wait long?”
“No, not at all.”
As she entered the room, Orlando Rus III greeted her in royal attire. The young monarch, wearing monocles, smiled at her.
“Sit down. As an apology for keeping you, I have brought your favorite drink.”
“Oh, isn’t this wine from the Adalya Kingdom? It’s hard to find these days because of export restrictions—”
“Well, it wouldn’t do for a leader of a nation to not be able to get a simple drink.”
“I’ll enjoy it, thank you.”
Sony Chepelin raised the wine glass and took a sip. She made a satisfied expression as the sour grape scent refreshed her throat.
“I’ve heard the news you brought. Very… good news.”
“Yes, as I said. This operation will surely succeed.”
“At first, I was skeptical, but now I’m sure. Your words have never been wrong.”
The trust between Great Mage Sony Chepelin and Duke Orlando Rus III of Okhraine Duchy had grown thick.
To him, Sony Chepelin was not just his most trusted military officer and a powerful force for the Duchy, but also a dear friend.
“And I’ve read Captain Enok Revendale’s report. You can clearly see his promising future as an officer. Where did you find such talent?”
“A state secret.”
“State secrets unknown even to the supreme commander? It seems there are rebels within the ranks.”
In less than a month after assuming command, he was promoted from captain to major by the Duke himself.
Now, six months later, he was appointed major again under the Special Response Brigade’s personnel discretion.
It may have been called personnel discretion, but given that the Special Response Brigade was directly under the Duke’s command, this promotion was effectively orchestrated by Orlando Rus III.
Promoted from captain to major in just seven months, this was unprecedented speed of advancement across the entire continent.
Neither Duke Orlando Rus III nor Sony Chepelin had any objections or complaints about it.
On the contrary, they found it somewhat regrettable.
“Indeed, if he had joined earlier, he might have reached the rank of lieutenant colonel by now.”
“That’s possible. For now, this rank is the limit unless some war breaks out suddenly.”
Orlando Rus III thought of Hauptmann Harpenrukh Helheim, who, like Enok Revendale, had reached the rank of major in just ten years. Although Harpenrukh Helheim didn’t achieve the same rapid promotion from captain to major, he was still a remarkable figure.
Enok Revendale was truly exceptional.
“I’d like to meet him again soon.”
“Excuse me, but I don’t think it’s advisable at this time.”
“Are you worried about spies?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
Sony Chepelin put down the empty wine glass and spoke.
“I don’t know how many generals are feeding off the Soviev Empire, but there are certainly plenty. Already receiving attention, if the Duke contacts him again, he would become a primary target for dissidents.”
In the worst case, Enok Revendale might even be threatened with his life. Even though the military situation seemed calm, the timing of when the kn*fe would be drawn was uncertain.
Assassinating the Duke was difficult.
Especially for a Great Mage like Sony Chepelin.
But for a mere major, a rookie officer?
Although Enok Revendale was no easy target, he lacked experience.
Even a genius, in the dark of night, could lose their life in an instant if hit in the forehead.
A major whom the Duke clearly favored.
One who had achieved great success in major operations right after joining and was noted by the young mage Sony Chepelin.
He would make an excellent target for sending a warning message to the Duke’s faction.
“Has there been any contact from the National Guard?”
“They said there hasn’t been. After all, how long has the Okhraine army been properly organized? Given its chaotic state, it’s hard to be certain which side anyone stands on.”
“It’s tough. Politics isn’t my strong suit.”
“I agree.”
The two spoke candidly.
King Orlando Rus II, though capable in many areas, was not perfect. And during his reign, the world’s political landscape hadn’t changed as dramatically as it had.
The already weak Okhraine army had been largely neglected under the Duke’s tacit approval.
Ironically, the Mage Conscription System, which had persisted since the Imperial era, became the last bastion supporting the nearly collapsed Okhraine army.
Didn’t many heroes who won glory in the Quernen War owe their service to the Mage Conscription System?
Thus, when Orlando Rus III ascended to the throne after the previous Duke’s health declined, his first act was military reform. However, relying solely on the Duke’s power was insufficient. To keep fresh bl**d flowing in the stagnant army, reforms were necessary.
In this sense, Enok Revendale was precisely the kind of talent the Duke sought. A young officer who had achieved great success and possessed keen insight.
Okhraine’s “joker card” to prepare for the clouds gathering over the centuries-long peace.
The young Duke was convinced that if peace were to shatter, Okhraine Duchy would be the first to suffer.
“Let’s proceed with the plan carefully. We still have some time.”
“Indeed. We’re planning to recruit more members for the 8th Rapid Assault Mage Infantry Battalion. By September, we’ll focus on refining and establishing training curricula before fully mobilizing.”
“He’s doing well as acting battalion commander.”
“He’s already acting like a seasoned officer fresh out of the academy.”
When he assumed the role of battalion commander, his worried and stressed appearance had vanished.
Enok Revendale was genuinely rebuilding the battalion.
By synthesizing the opinions of his subordinates and fellow platoons, and actively engaging with the staff, he was attempting to optimize the structure.
“In any case, he’s a monster. We need to see more of his magical aptitude, but… I wonder if he might become Okhraine’s second Great Mage.”
“Perhaps that would explain his entire track record.”
Enok Revendale.
The sharpest sword Sony Chepelin had ever encountered.
Unlike others, it hadn’t rusted or warped over time.
If such a weapon were presented, one should naturally wield it rather than store it away.
Occasionally, it might even need sharpening.
“All reports and documents related to personnel or supplies from your end will be entrusted to you, Sony Chepelin. I will grant you maximum autonomy. Go ahead and mold things as you see fit.”
“Thank you.”
With the Duke’s absolute authority behind them, the 8th Rapid Assault Mage Infantry Battalion received numerous local appointments in a short time.
