"Commissioner Tuojin, Commissioner Tuo has arrived."
The gendarmerie’s roll call startled Tuojin, but then, looking at Malin, who was seated behind the desk, the young Tuojin immediately saluted, "Salute to you, Malin Your Excellency!"
"In the barracks, I am not ’Your Excellency’, just as it is on the battlefield; salutes are not necessary for me, Tuojin Spencer. Please, take a seat."
Malin’s words brought a wry smile to Tuojin, and the young man straightened his uniform before sitting down.
Face fate with composure, Tuojin.
As the thought crossed his mind, he also admired the young man before him. Malin Gaiate, who had risen from humble beginnings to his current stature—if only he could follow him and witness the dawn of a new era.
Alas, it was but a dream. Joining the army in disguise was indeed his own fault, no question there. Hence, Tuojin would not harbor resentment towards anyone, though... he was surely to be discharged from duty.
"Your Excellency..." "Tuojin..."
In the deathly silence, Tuojin straightened his hat, "Your Excellency, please give your instructions."
"Tuojin, I have forgiven the Spencer family for they have surrendered the city. They claim it was to prevent civilian casualties, but as punishment, their noble title has been revoked," Malin’s voice was quiet yet soothing to Tuojin.
He owed his family gratitude for preserving their noble dignity in the final moments. Surrendering wasn’t shameful, especially to someone like Malin, a legendary mage. Any legendary figure was a mighty force in this world, and surrendering to such beings was not disgraceful, in fact, it was tinged with a romantic idealism.
After all, surrendering to a legend and getting his recognition was remarkable. And angering a legend was no triviality; a legendary Your Excellency, unable to spare time tomorrow, could easily settle scores by sending an enemy’s family flying tonight.
"So, Your Excellency, what about me? Will I also be discharged? I realize the issue lies in my concealing my identity, which I’m aware of, so I won’t hold it against anyone," said Tuojin as he stood up and addressed Malin.
His heart filled with regret, he reached to remove his cherished military cap when he saw Malin shake his head.
"Sometimes, things do not go the way you wish, Commissioner Tuojin. Sit down, the Chief Commissioner will now announce your new appointment."
With this statement, Tuojin saw the Chief Commissioner stand. An elder, he had been serving in the military long before Tuojin’s arrival at Carterburg.
No one knew his name, but everyone heard Malin address him as the old soldier, and that’s how they referred to him. Later, when he became the Chief Commissioner, they simply changed the title.
"Commissioner Tuojin, I’ve reviewed your service record, which shows your exceptional performance during the recent campaign against the Black Orcs in the North, as well as your outstanding actions in the battle against the Chaos demon army. Considering your length of service and accomplishments, I hereby, on behalf of Malin Gaiate, promote you to the rank of Major in the Army. You will join the First Regiment, First Division, as their commissioner’s position is now vacant due to his injuries in the last battle, leading to his retirement," announced the Chief Commissioner.
"Comrade Chief Commissioner! Thank you for your trust!" Tuojin’s chest swelled with pride—the legion didn’t doubt him because of his surname! This organization still believed in him! This belief filled him with immense happiness, as he had never been more confident in himself.
"It’s Malin’s trust in you. I wouldn’t want a Spencer in the legion, but he said to not ignore one’s merits based on their identity alone. So, I complied, and indeed, I found your service to be impeccable—your bravery against the Black Orcs and fighting on the front lines against the demon army fit the standards for promotion. So, feel proud of yourself, young man." After his speech, the Chief Commissioner picked up the small box with the military insignia and opened it: "Would you like me to pin it on for you, or would you prefer to do it yourself?"
"I would like to do it myself, Your Excellency!" Tuojin paid no mind to the old man’s words. After all, everyone was part of the legion, and speaking frankly was a good thing, indicating that despite his biases against Tuojin’s identity, the old man also acknowledged his performance.
In noble circles, such instances were almost non-existent, which gave Tuojin a newfound respect for this group.
Here, he found a much better fit than in the world of the nobility.
As he took the small box, Tuojin noticed Malin standing up.
"Tuojin Spencer, I have good news for you. Your family’s noble title has now been bestowed upon you. I have spoken with your Queen, and while she is angry at your family’s disdain for me, she, like the Chief Commissioner, acknowledges your contributions to me and this world. Therefore, if you continue to grow, your family’s noble title can be inherited by you and your descendants. Now, I have a mission for you."
"Your Excellency! Command me! I will do my utmost!" Tuojin puffed out his chest once more—he felt this must be an important and sacred task, one he was destined to accomplish!