1

When we got back to Fortran, the place was buzzing with talk of a big new formation.

Something about this invasion’s damage being unusually bad—heard they’re reshuffling the whole setup, dragging in the other blocks too.

Like me and the rest of Team Thirty-One—we’ve got a gap in the co-pilot’s seat now that the captain’s gone. And to be honest, we were always a small crew to begin with. So it’s a bit of a mess, really.

I’d sent out a request to fill the ranks before heading out to the village—wonder how that’ll play out in this setup.

Worried about that bit in the back of my mind, I made my way to the command headquarters.

No, actually, it should be us who did it, shouldn’t it?

In a room of the headquarters' command center, every member of Squad Thirty-One had been gathered.

And there, too, was Captain Bodwan in his wheelchair.

"Is it really alright for you to be moving around, Captain?"

"I’m not the captain anymore, Eld. You’re the captain now."

"Ah, right."

It just won’t stick—this title of captain. It’s like the habit’s set in stone.

I switched my address to “Captain Bodwan,” then asked again.

"Can’t walk, sure—but moving around in this chair? That’s no problem. Lucky I’ve got Mirage and Bnois looking after me. Means I’m not dragging my wife into trouble."

"Ah, I see."

Right—Bodwan’s married. Family around. Should worry about not being able to work, but then again, he’s noble. The state pays him enough to keep up his old life.

Still, he’s already got a new job lined up.

"So you’re becoming an instructor, Bodwan?"

Can’t handle rough maneuvering on the battlefield, they say—but basic movements should be fine. Once I’m healed, I’ll be training the next batch of recruits to follow in Eld’s footsteps.

“Count on it. My machine’s got a lot of trouble in store for it.”

“What’s that…? I hadn’t heard a word of it.”

Orell jumped in right away, as expected. As head mechanic of Squad Thirty-One, my words were too serious to ignore.

“I’ll be the squad leader, so I’m planning to have my machine customized all sorts of ways.”

“Customized just for you…? That gives me a bad feeling.”

Yeah, I’ve asked for some wild stuff before—left arm gone, front of the cockpit gone, all kinds of nonsense. But this time’s different.

“Anyway, that’ll have to wait until the unit settles down. Right now, I’m still all over the place.”

“Something’s up?”

"Decided to start living together with Ange."

I figured I might as well mention right here that things with Ange had taken a turn. Everyone already knew she was head over heels for me, anyway—and besides, it was them who’d dragged her over here in the first place.

"Oh, about time! Took you long enough!"

Ritz smirks, eyes twinkling with that knowing look.

I know damn well anything I say now’ll just get teased out of me, so I ignore it and keep going.

"Marriage’s still way off for now. We’re in the middle of reorganization, so things might shift around. Might even end up moving to another town, who knows."

If the rumors about the big restructuring are true, then it’s entirely possible we’ll be reassigned to guard another block. If that happens, our nearest base shifts too—and suddenly, we’re all stuck setting up shop in a new town.

Just when we’d settled in here, and now this? No way that’s going to work out.

“Yeah, I reckon the summoning today’s about that sort of thing.”

Benoit seems to have a hunch about today’s call. No surprise—scout’s job, after all. Even in ordinary times, news always finds its way to him, like a mouse to a crumb.

“Probably gonna hear about the award ceremony next week, and where this unit’s headed after. If we’re moving to the capital, we won’t be able to prep for transfers during the shift.”

“Right, Bodwan’s getting the Lion’s Medal, too, isn’t he?”

“Ah, I’d given up on that, honestly. But the King himself said I could attend in my chair. Good way to mark my record before I become an instructor.”

“Wait—Bodwan, you’ve met the King? What’s he like?”

I’d heard before that though Bodowan didn’t get a medal, he’d been praised straight from the king himself for his work.

We’ve crossed paths a few times before, too—some noble occasion or another.

A proper king and a proper father, too. Since Your Majesty took the throne, the country’s kept growing steady—steelworks, magic-tech ventures, all that—despite being under constant threat of imperial invasion. And the family’s close, they say. No nasty rumors floating around about who’ll inherit the crown, not a one. The First Prince’s already helping out with royal duties. The Second Prince’s learning command in the army. The Third Prince, though, seems focused on economics. As for the two princesses, the elder’s already married off to a foreign court, but I’ve heard she’s a woman of grace and charm, truly lovely.

"Royal family’s got some serious specs, huh."

From what I hear, they’re practically flawless.

The first prince’s ready to take the throne at any moment, the second’s got the military in his pocket, and the third’s pulling strings with the civil servants. If the brothers weren’t on good terms, we’d be neck-deep in civil war. But instead, they’re all pulling together, like a single fist protecting the realm.

That kind of unity only works when you’ve got a clear enemy—like in the Empire.

"Ah… got sidetracked there. The king’s presence is overwhelming, sure, but he’s kind-hearted. A little mistake? He’d just laugh it off."

"Knowing that… makes me feel a bit lighter."

This is my first time standing before royalty. If I mess up at the ceremony and end up losing my head, well… that’d be a mess.

But if he’s really like that… maybe I’ll be okay after all.

Just as I was saying that, the conference room door swung open and the Supreme Commander marched in. A few knights followed right behind.

Their uniforms were from the Armunale unit—but I didn’t recognize any of their faces. Some from another block, maybe?

“Salute!”

At my signal, the entire Thirty-First Squad snapped to attention toward the Supreme Commander. He gave a small nod in return, and we lowered our arms.

“Good to see you again. Let me introduce you. These are the head commanders of the First Imperial Armunale Battalion and its subordinate units. I’ll have each of them introduce themselves.”

At the head commander’s cue, one of the knights stepped forward.

“Denis Editt, head of the battalion. I’m responsible for guarding the Emperor.”

Then the others followed in turn.

“Edgar Ebrall, unit commander. I’m in charge of the First Prince’s guard.”

“Jean Laurent, same as above. I’m assigned to the Second Prince.”

“Lémy Richar, likewise. Third Prince’s guard.”

I scramble to repeat the names in my head, forcing them into memory like a stubborn knot.

There’s no way the First Battalion would be brought here for no reason. That means, without a doubt, I’ll have to deal with these people from now on.

So I’d better memorize their faces and names now. Otherwise, I’ll never get our relationship right later.

Remembering someone’s name the first time—oddly enough, it’s a big deal. I learned that during job hunting.

But the others aren’t even trying to keep up. They’re too stunned.

“First Battalion?” “Why?” The words slip out before they can stop themselves.

Even Bodwan and Orell look dazed—mouths hanging open.

I can’t let this hang in the air like that. I step forward.

"Third Eleven Armunale Company Commander, Eld. Pleasure to meet you."

My introduction snapped them back to themselves—everyone else followed suit, introducing themselves in turn. Once everyone had finished, I quietly checked the overall commander’s expression.

He had a pleased little smile tucked at the corner of his mouth. So that was it, then. Got it right.

"Hmm, not bad at all for a unit."

"Better than when I was in charge..."

"Ah, well, I totally forgot to introduce myself back then."

"R-right, strength is what matters..."

Seems like this is a regular thing for the First Company. And everyone except the overall commander has messed up before...

While the company leaders shifted their gazes up and down, the overall commander gestured for all of us to sit.

Alright, then—time to explain why I gathered you all today. Put simply, your thirty-first unit’s getting assigned a bit of a special move.

"Does that mean we’re being reassigned to the First Unit?"

Well, the fact that members of the First Unit are even here speaks for itself.

"That’s right. The Third Thirty-First Armunale Unit has been selected to serve as the personal guard for the Second Princess, newly come of age this year. It’s an imperial decree."

"So… does that mean the thirty-first unit is being disbanded?"

“That’s right—you’ll be transferred as a unit to the First Guard Armunale Battalion, Second Princess Guard Unit, under the new formation. Since it’s a new unit, we’ll keep the existing mechs from the old Thirty-First Unit, and the new Thirty-First will be issued fresh generators. As for the reinforcements requested, given the Second Princess’s security, they’ll be female knights. The ones scheduled to transfer are coming from other guard units, so they should be useful in more ways than one.”

I thought it was just a simple personnel move. But looks like it’s turned into something heavier for us.

Still, being assigned to the Guard means we’ll be pulled from the front lines. No more rushing into battle and dying early, that’s a relief. But I’ll probably get fewer chances to pilot a mech now. Kind of a shame, really. That’s not exactly the kind of transfer I’d’ve wanted.

So, joining the guard means our home’s moving to the capital, right!?

Normally, the big deployment’s set for a month from now—but your transfer’ll be announced at the ceremony next week, right alongside the awards. So you’ll need to get moved to the capital by then.

What about the arrangements for the house?

The guard soldiers have their own quarters built in the castle’s courtyard.

"Course it's fancy, being the castle dorm and all?"

It was Remy Richar who answered, filling in after the commander’s words. Third Prince’s personal guard captain, wasn’t he?

Blond hair and a smirk that seemed too light-hearted—somehow reminded me of Batis. Say it plainly, he looked like he’d been having fun, no question.

The commander let out a wry smile at Remi’s words.

“Remi’s right. The Guard Corps is where the royal family keeps an eye on things, so they make decent stuff. You could rent a room in the town’s barracks if you apply, but what’s the matter?”

“I’ve been thinking about where to live from now on. I’m getting married to Ange, the support maid, a few days ago.”

“Oh? Congratulations.”

“Thank you.”

“In that case, you could live together in a barracks room. The space is plenty big—two people would have room to spare. Right, Remi?”

The commander shot Remi a sharp look. But Remi just grinned, unfazed.

“Four people wouldn’t be a problem.”

“Try not to get too handsy with the palace maids….”

He really was having a good time, wasn’t he. Gotta make sure Ange hears about that.

“Then it’s no problem at all.”

"Right. Then all the rooms will be ready for everyone in three days—make sure you’re all moved in within the next two weeks."

He’s going straight into duty as a guard after the ceremony, it seems.

Well, if we’re moving into the dorms, rent should be cheap enough, and as guards, we’ll probably get a proper salary too. Might even start seriously thinking about buying a magic carriage. Something like a passenger model we could use for guard duties, maybe?

"Next, I’ll explain the ceremony two weeks from now."

We’d heard the general’s rough outline—the flow, where to stand—and that’s when the meeting wrapped up.

But this isn’t the end, is it?

I thought that, eyes drifting back to the First Commander, who’d been quiet since earlier.

He noticed my gaze. Looked right back at me.

The moment our eyes met, I swear I felt a spark fly. That’s it—same as when you’re about to spar with someone in an academy drill match.

“Now then, that’s all from me. Anyone got anything to add?”

The Grand Commander deliberately handed the floor to the First Squad’s members.

Then the Squad Leader stood up.

“As Grand Commander of the Guard, I’d like to test the skill of the new pilot. So, I’m challenging Pilot Eld to a match.”

Of course he would.

I’d seen it coming. But the others? They were caught off guard—even the other squad leaders looked stunned.

“W-wait, Edgar-san!?”

“Grand Commander, you’re serious!? He’s just a rookie—only been out of academy six months!”

“T-this isn’t even a real match, is it!?”

“If you’re not going to put him in the guard corps, what’s the point? What’ll it be, Pilot Eld?”

The Grand Commander stares straight at me. The urgency in his eyes is practically shouting at me to answer.

I hold his gaze, glancing over to check the Chief Commander’s expression.

Then he chimes in with a few more details.

“You can accept or decline this match as you see fit. It’s not a formal entry, after all. But personally, I’d say go ahead. He’s the strongest Armunale rider in the country. Getting to see his skill firsthand—it’ll help you grow.”

So, officially, it’s up to me. But the way he says it… he’d prefer I say yes.

Then there’s only one answer.

I let a smile tug at my lips, then reply to the Grand Commander.

“Of course I’ll take it. What about the machine? And the location?”

“The academy grounds are secured. I’ve brought my own machine too. Pilot Eld, use your own craft.”

“Understood.”

Now that’s thorough planning, isn’t it? Full-on ready to fight, this one.

Well, I can’t complain. A perfect chance to see just how strong the kingdom’s best really is, don’t you think?

After confirming the match’s start time, the meeting ended.

Once the First Unit and the Commander-in-Chief left the conference room, I was surrounded by my squadmates.

“What’re you thinking, man?! Fighting the Commander-in-Chief?!”

“Nah, they’re the ones who threw the challenge.”

“Usually you’d politely refuse, right?”

“Come on, how do you say no to something like that? Right, Bodwan?”

“Yeah, fair enough.”

Bodwan chuckled.

“So, what about maintenance and armaments?”

"Got no time, so we can't do major changes to the physics engine—senseboard, I mean."

"Stick to my basic settings. But, Caline, please keep the magic settings on the weak side."

That’s the match-ready magic setting—strong enough to barely dent the armor, even if it hits the cockpit dead on.

"Got it. That’s fine."

"Orell, check the armaments. And switch the harmonica pistol’s ammo to paint rounds."

"Leave it to me. Ritz, let’s go!"

"Yessirree!"

The maintenance crew dashes out of the conference room in a flurry. Watching them go, Bodwan speaks up next.

"So you’ve really decided on the wedding. Congratulations."

"Thank you."

Right—haven’t told Bodwan about that yet.

Over by my side, Mirage is saying the same thing to Ange, same smile, same warmth.

"Just living together for now. Wedding’s still a ways off, though."

"Yeah. I was so swamped back when I got married, ended up pushing it off for nearly a year. Made my wife mighty cross. You should keep her happy—send little gifts now and then."

"Old-timer’s wisdom. I’ll keep that in mind."

"Then we’ll be heading off to the Academy. Looking forward to the match."

"Yes."

Bodwan left the conference room, supported by Mirage and Blois.

Left behind were just Ange and me.

"Phew. Glad that’s settled."

"Yeah. Though now I’ll probably be spending less time on Armunale."

"But that means more time for upgrades, right? You’ll be in the castle plenty, so you’ll have time."

"Yeah. I’ll keep that in mind."

If I’m in the guard corps, the cost of upkeep should go up accordingly. So let me use that to build my very own machine, huh?

“Not that! I’ve got one worry—!”

“What is it?”

“You’re guarding the Second Princess, right? She turned adult this year, so she’s fifteen! I’m terrified Eld’s going to start chasing girls!”

“Nah, nah. Even if she’s a minor noble, she’s still royalty.”

“But I’ve heard she’s really cute! I’m worried, I can’t stand it! So prove it to me!”

Ange steps right in front of me, closes her eyes, and leans her face forward.

Ah, so that’s what she wants. Just wants to kiss, really.

I smile to myself, then gently press my lips against hers.