Tension
Translator: Cinder Translations
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"I'm sorry, dear Yuriko, what did you just say?"
Rodney XVIII actually heard clearly, but he found it hard to believe.
"I said… uh…" Yuriko sensed the surprise in his brother's tone but still continued, "I want to take up the position of commander of the Royal Infantry First Regiment."
An awkward feeling arose in Rodney XVIII's heart.
"What do you think, my dear brother?" Yuriko probed again, seemingly unaware of his brother's discomfort.
"I'm sorry, Yuriko, but I cannot grant your wish." Rodney XVIII frowned and firmly rejected his younger brother's request.
"Heavens, why not?" Yuriko looked as if he had been struck by a heavy blow, his face quickly filled with disappointment.
"Why not? Yuriko, do you think this is a child's game?" Rodney said sternly. "The army is the backbone of the Kingdom of Aldor. We only have six regiments in total—how could such an important position be handed out so casually?" The king's tone was resolute.
But before he finished speaking, Yuriko exclaimed, "What do you mean by 'casually handed out'?"
He couldn't believe that such hurtful words came from his own brother's mouth. He had even taken his own inexperience into account, which was why he didn't ask for the position of supreme commander.
Dissatisfied, Yuriko argued, "I am your brother! In this entire country, aside from our father and our younger brother August, who else could be closer to you than me? Don't you think that something as important as the military should be entrusted to family members who share your bloodline? Or do you actually believe that those who don't bear the name Rodney are closer and more reliable than your own brother?"
Rodney XVIII shook his head. "Yes, you're right. When it comes to closeness, there are few in the Kingdom of Aldor who can match you. However, whether someone can take on the role of a regimental commander depends on multiple factors—not just blood relations!"
Yuriko found this hard to understand. According to tradition, it was easy for noble heirs to hold high-ranking positions in the military. A mere recommendation letter was often enough to command a unit or serve as an adjutant to a general.
In his mind, both Levin and Chambers had become regiment commanders through similar means, as both hailed from noble families in Crystal Glare.
"Then can I take command of the Second Regiment?"
"No."
"The Third Regiment?"
"No."
…
"Are you doubting my ability, Gerd?" Yuriko was both insulted and frustrated. "Don't forget, I was the one who handled the early recruitment for the new army, enlisting over five thousand soldiers in a short time! In a sense, I am one of the founders of this force! Before those people from the Northwest Bay arrived, I was the one leading them in defense of Crystal Glare!"
Yuriko felt a deep sense of humiliation, as if his contributions had been forgotten. "I have trained as a knight since childhood, studied countless military texts—leading troops into battle is not unfamiliar to me."
Rodney XVIII sighed. "I appreciate your efforts—although you did have an abundance of military funds at the time—but don't forget, I gave you a chance. When I decided to train the army using Alden's methods, you resisted even the basic requirement of attending drills on time and eventually handed the army back to me.
"In your view, military regulations exist only for subordinates, while those in higher positions should be free from such restrictions. But I understand deeply—such outdated thinking belongs to the past. If Aldor wants to build a strong armed force, we must abandon old ways. At the very least, discipline must apply to every single member of the military."
Yuriko was unconvinced. "Then why do Levin and Chambers enjoy your trust? Don't tell me they follow some so-called schedule like the common soldiers."
The supreme commander of the new army, Harrison, was still in the southern territories leading four of the six regiments. At the recent banquet, Yuriko had only seen the two regiment commanders, so he directed his frustration toward them.
Back when Rodney XVIII had just ascended the throne, these two were nobodies in Yuriko's eyes—so much so that today, Rodney had to reintroduce them to him.
The king answered, "I'm sorry, but in the military camp, they DO follow the schedule. They overcame their old habits and passed rigorous tests from the instructors. They've adapted to this new system and contribute to its development rather than disrupting it.
"You, on the other hand, know nothing about the new army. Forget being a regiment commander—even positions like battalion commander or company commander are out of reach for you."
Yuriko waved his hand angrily. "Absurd! Are you saying that if I joined, I would only cause harm? And besides, I can learn!"
Rodney XVIII nodded. "To be blunt, your request today is an attempt to disrupt this system. The new army has a strict promotion process—no one can just walk in and become a regiment commander."
In truth, Levin and Chambers had only been appointed regiment commanders because the army was newly established and had a shortage of qualified officers.
Looking at his furious younger brother, Rodney XVIII wondered if he had been too harsh.
'I should give him a path forward,' he thought.
"Yuriko, if you truly wish to serve in the army, you can start as a regular soldier. After six months of training, you can officially become part of the military. With your physique and abilities, I believe you will pass easily. If you perform well, you will be promoted quickly."
"You… what did you just say?" Yuriko was utterly shocked. He even wondered if he had misheard—he, a prince of Aldor, was expected to start as an ordinary foot soldier?
Did Gerd even understand what he was saying? This was a disgrace to the Rodney name!
"Gerd, you may be king now, but you should not humiliate your own brother like this!" Yuriko shouted stiffly.
"Humiliation?" Rodney XVIII's eyes widened. "Why do you see this as humiliation?"
"You want me to be a common soldier! Those people don't even receive full military pay!"
"I'm saddened that you think that way," Rodney XVIII said in a raised voice, startling Yuriko.
"The men you speak of—they are my pride!" The king was furious. "It was they who crushed the rebellion with their courage and blood. It was they who defended Aldor's throne."
"Pay attention—they, not you." The king pointed at his brother, his tone growing heavier.
Yuriko's face flushed red, his chest filled with anger and frustration. In his memory, his older brother had never spoken to him so harshly before.
Gerd had always been patient and tolerant with his two younger brothers.
But now, as king, he was treating Yuriko with such severity. Had power truly corrupted him? Just like those cliché stories—had becoming king made Gerd so cold that he no longer cared even for his own brother?
Yuriko felt both hurt and furious.
The two brothers stood in silence in the throne hall. The palace attendants, fearful of the tension, barely dared to breathe.
Rodney XVIII finally broke the silence. "If you truly refuse to start as a soldier, there is another option."
Yuriko, still upset, asked, "What option?"
"I will write you a recommendation letter…"
Hope flickered in Yuriko's eyes—he thought his brother had finally relented.
"…to enroll you in Alden's military academy. If you graduate with passing marks, I will grant you the rank of second lieutenant. If your performance is above average, you will become a first lieutenant. And if you excel, I will grant you the rank of captain."
Rodney's words felt like a bucket of cold water dumped over Yuriko's head.
(End of the Chapter)
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