Early in the morning, the sky above the capital was blue with no clouds in sight. As soon as myself and the people from headquarters arrived in the capital, we returned our guns and rapiers before dispersing after formally reporting our return.

I wanted to return the rank badge on my shoulder, but I was refused because apparently it was given as part of the supplies. I wanted to throw it away because it felt like I could be conscripted at any time if I had it. However, because it was considered a gift from the emperor, I would be subject to disciplinary action if I lost it or threw it away. This dang autocracy.

I pretended to put the rank badge into my chest but put it in my pocket space and asked Lisbon, “Are you ready to be punished?” 

“Huh? Why?” Lisbon tilted his head as if he didn't understand what I said. 

I smiled and made him understand reality. "You joined the army without telling Alice, and you went to the front.”

Only then did Lisbon grasp what his future entailed, stiffening his face and becoming nervous. Considering the subtle aura leaking from him despite his nervousness, it seemed that he surpassed a few levels from being at the crossroads of life and death.

No matter how much...