Serena Holz’ Supposedly Elegant Breakfast

"Nn… Yosh."

I checked my appearance on the hologram, confirmed there wasn't anything

that looked off, and nodded in satisfaction. I can't possibly show a sloppy

appearance to my subordinates as a proud imperial military officer after all.

Moreover, I am also the commander of an independent military fleet. All

the more reason why I have to always look my best.

Although life as a major in the imperial military might be somewhat

suffocating at times, I still vastly preferred it over participating in those

ladies-only tea parties that simply consisted of women exchanging tasteless

gossip. In that sense, I am truly glad I was born a lady of the house of

Marquis Holz, which was a renowned military family. I didn't hate pretty

dresses and accessories, but I'm really bad with those tea parties.

"Haaa."

However, since I'm now back in the capital, I will probably be forced to

attend several such gatherings eventually. But as I've been away serving in

the imperial military for five years already, there's still a chance they won't

invite me after all.

"Good morning, Major."

"Good morning, Lieutenant."

When I entered the officer's dining area of the Restalias, I found my

adjutant, Lieutenant Robbitson, already enjoying his breakfast. He's quite

the dependable aide. He properly respects even a young woman such as

myself and follows my orders as the commander of the fleet without fault.

I ordered breakfast and tea from the auto-cooker, placed them on a tray, and

joined him on the table. I applied marmalade to my toast as I greeted the

other officers who entered the dining hall one after another. I wonder if we

can do something about this auto-cooker. The tea was excellent, but other

than that, everything else was so-so.

If the breakfast for commissioned officers just consisted of toast,

marmalade, baked beans, and tea, I do not even dare to think what items the

NCOs are getting served with. Since we're already in the imperial capital,

should I try to request for the replacement of the auto-cookers installed in

the ships of my fleet?

Compared with all the bothersome formalities and procedures I had to

undergo yesterday, it should be a piece of cake. It's a completely trivial

matter compared to everything regarding the upcoming award ceremony.

"We've finally sorted things out huh."

"That's right. We can probably relax until the day of the ceremony arrives."

I then took a sip of my morning tea as I glanced at the holo-display installed

in the dining hall. Perhaps in order to welcome the coming of spring, what's

featured in today's morning news was Her Highness, Imperial Princess

Luciada, who was making her first official public appearance in ten years

after undergoing her coming-of-age ceremony when she turned fiftee–!?

"Bufuuu!?"

"Whoah!? M-Major!?"

I couldn't help but spit out my tea in spectacular fashion. Lieutenant

Robbitson, who was sitting with me on the table, cried out in surprise. But I

was in no shape to mind the other's reactions. I couldn't tear my eyes from

the image of our imperial princess shown on the holo-display. It's because

the face being shown was utterly familiar to me.

I wiped my mouth with one arm as I listened intently to the news program

shown by the holo-display. I didn't want to miss a word. Ah, my goodness.

To think I'd encounter trouble of this magnitude… Was there really

something wrong with Captain Hiro? He actually managed to land himself

in this mess with pinpoint precision… Ugh. This isn't the time to be

thinking about all this. At this rate, the ceremony would probably descend

into chaos once she appears. We'll have to do something before that

happens.

"I take back my words about being able to relax… We have to contact the

Internal Affairs Bureau right away!"

"T-The Internal Affairs Bureau!? M-Major, just what is…"

"We have to hurry! It would turn into a major incident if we don't make a

move now. You're coming with me, Lieutenant."

First, I'll have to explain the situation to my aide, who doesn't seem to have

any idea about what's happening. I'll then need to gather some materials

and data to serve as evidence before contacting the Internal Affairs Bureau

—- Aah, my head and stomach are already starting to hurt.

Damn you, Captain Hiro… This favor is going to cost you big.