Chapter 123: A Hint of Sorrow

Chapter 123: A Hint of Pathos

Ruhr let out a hearty laugh, then his expression turned serious. "You’re a greenhorn who just popped up out of nowhere. You have no power, no influence, no experience, and not a single ally. You’re a commander of one, making you the perfect target for those lunatics desperate to make a name for themselves. If they don't target you, who would they target? Hmph, I warned you yesterday, but you didn't seem to care, so I stopped talking. I thought a little suffering would help you understand. Still, I didn't expect them to go this far."

The fat man paused, then lowered his voice. "Truth be told, others like you have been here before, but it was never this exaggerated. The difference this time is that someone is intentionally trying to break you. Think about it: although you lack status, you are still a commissioned officer in the military! In the past, people would have been wary of your military connection and wouldn't have dared to cross the line. Even if they really managed to knock you down, your colleagues in the military would have sought revenge for you; the reputation of the Roderia Cavalry Regiment is not to be trifled with. But this time... I’ll be honest with you. News of your arrival in the capital was leaked ten days before you even showed up. The Ministry of War deliberately released word that whatever anyone does to you after you arrive, the Ministry will turn a blind eye! Do you understand now?"

Xia Ya’s eyes blazed with fury.

"Actually, you aren't without options," the fat man mused. "Caught between the Ministry of War and His Majesty the Emperor, I doubt any noble house would dare to recruit you. Your own power base is too weak, your roots too shallow, and you’d be hard-pressed to find allies. Hmm... the best way is to become a noble yourself! Heh, once you hold a noble title, imperial law protects you. With a title, you have the right to refuse challenges from commoners that you don't wish to accept, and it won't be seen as a slight to your honor. Unless your opponent is also a noble, declining a challenge won't be seen as an admission of defeat. You’ve performed great service, and since His Majesty is going to grant you an audience, a noble title is well within reach. Just endure for a few more days; once you have that title, things will quiet down significantly."

"A, a few days?!" Xia Ya rolled his eyes. "Are you telling me I’m not supposed to eat, sleep, or even have time for a bath or the bathroom for the next few days?"

The fat man chuckled. "Don't worry. I gave you a lesson on purpose last night, but today I’ll send a squad to guard you. Hmph, with a squad of guards around, your life will be much easier."

Xia Ya huffed and glared at the fat man. "Fine, you fat bastard, you actually played me!"

The fat man grinned. "You’d better not offend me, or I’ll pull my men back and you can suffer through the next few days on your own."

Xia Ya shivered, not daring to say another word. Seeing the hillbilly subdued, the fat man laughed, feeling immensely proud of himself.

With a squad of Ruhr’s guards at his side, Xia Ya finally found some peace. After returning to bathe, change his clothes, and have a hearty meal, he accompanied Ruhr to the Imperial Ministry of War at noon.

The Ministry of War was located in the eastern part of Osgilia. Crossing the central plaza and the Grand Arena, they headed east along a long street called the "Avenue of Glory." At the end of this street stood the Ministry.

From a distance, the road was lined with two rows of towering, ancient evergreen pines. The path was paved with massive gray stone slabs, wide and solemn. The street was quiet, save for the occasional sound of patrol soldiers' leather boots and horse hooves echoing from afar.

The Ministry occupied a vast area. Its outer perimeter consisted of a large plaza surrounded by a forest of tall pillars connected by low stone walls. The Imperial Eagle banner fluttered above the main gate. Two squads of guards in iron armor held axes and spears. Led by Ruhr, Xia Ya entered the plaza. In its center stood a massive fountain, and in the middle of the pool was a giant stone sculpture—five or six meters tall—depicting a general on a galloping horse, one hand holding the reins and the other raised with a sword.

As they walked past, Ruhr straightened his back unconsciously, his expression turning solemn as he cast a look of deep reverence at the statue.

Xia Ya, however, found the statue a bit strange. The armor on the general was tattered, and the warhorse was covered in scars. As it galloped, it carried an aura of tragic, desperate intensity. *If it's a sculpture, why not make it look perfect? Why make it look so battered?*

Glancing down, Xia Ya saw an inscription chiseled into the base of the statue in Byzantine script:

*"The path of conquest has no end!"*

With these strange thoughts, Xia Ya followed Ruhr into the main building of the Ministry: a circular structure that looked deeply weathered by history. From the outside, it resembled a giant bird's nest magnified countless times. The oval-shaped building stood over ten meters tall—much higher than the average city wall—and was constructed from dark, greenish-black boulders. A ring of over a dozen tall spires surrounded it, making it look like a massive fortress.

"This is the 'Eagle's Nest,' the Imperial Ministry of War," Ruhr said as he led Xia Ya to the main entrance, presenting a transit document. The armored warriors at the door, draped in linen cloaks, struck their chests in salute.

Inside was a vast hall with floors made of large, speckled marble. Their boots made a heavy, rhythmic sound as they walked. The fat man led Xia Ya to a counter at the end of the hall and spoke to the clerk. Soon after, a receptionist officer emerged.

After waiting for a moment, a gaunt officer in a Byzantine military uniform appeared. Based on his insignia, he was of regimental rank. After examining Xia Ya’s documents, a smile forced its way onto his face—a smile so strained that Xia Ya couldn't help but notice the coldness and hostility in his eyes.

"Lord Cavalry Captain Xia Ya Leiming," the officer said, confirming his identity. He led Xia Ya to a room behind the hall and produced two documents. "Please sign at the bottom. Once reported, the Ministry will verify your achievements and the accuracy of the battle reports, and your commendations will be processed as soon as possible... Also, as of this moment, your commission as a cavalry captain of the 13th Legion is revoked. Your new appointment will be issued shortly. We will arrange housing for you... or you may leave an address, and we will send someone to deliver your new orders."

Recalling Ruhr’s advice on the way over, Xia Ya declined the Ministry-arranged housing. *Are they joking? There are too many people here who want to tear a piece of flesh off me; how could I stay in a place arranged by them?*

He carefully read the documents, signed his name, and left his thumbprint.

The officer offered a cold smirk, stood up, and gave a perfunctory salute. Looking at Xia Ya, he said in an insincere tone, "I personally pay my respects to your outstanding performance at the front."

Having said that, he fixed his gaze on the door, signaling that it was time for Xia Ya to get out.

Xia Ya clearly felt the officer’s unfriendliness, and not wanting to waste time, he turned and left.

In the hall, Ruhr saw him coming out and whispered, "Don't pay any mind to those guys. The Ministry is infested with cliques of warlords; these types have long since tarnished the honor of the Imperial Eagle banner."

Xia Ya didn't care much. "What do we do now?"

"Go back and wait," Ruhr shrugged, laughing. "Wait for the military’s commendation and the Emperor’s summons. I suspect the military award might take a few days, but the audience with His Majesty should come quickly. Once you've had your audience and received your noble title, your hard days will be over."

Xia Ya sighed, feeling a bit distressed. "This life is truly suffocating. It’s nowhere near as free and happy as it was on the Wildfire Plains."

Ruhr smiled noncommittally and led Xia Ya toward the exit. Just as they reached the door, a shout came from behind: "Ruhr!"

Turning back, they saw a tall officer emerging from a corridor on the other side of the hall. He was wearing a military uniform and boots but lacked any rank insignia.

The man appeared to be in his forties, with short-cropped, brown curly hair that made him look sharp and capable. He had a square face, a beaming smile, and a neatly trimmed mustache. His eyes were full of genuine joy as he strode over, gave Ruhr a bear hug, and then pushed him back, thumping him hard on the chest. "Ha! You fat rabbit, long time no see!"

Ruhr rubbed his chest and smiled bitterly. "You mad dog, still love hitting people, huh?"

The fat man then introduced him to Xia Ya: "General Green, nicknamed 'Mad Dog.' He was my classmate at the Imperial Military Academy—and also a favored protégé of Duke Minas." He added, "Eagle faction. He's one of our own."

Xia Ya immediately understood.

Green smiled faintly. "What general? Hmph, I haven't been a general for a long time. Ruhr, I’m just a desk-jockey instructor at the Military Academy now."

Ruhr laughed and winked at Xia Ya, whispering, "Four years ago, while fighting in the East, this guy almost chopped off the head of the Imperial Quartermaster General, Count Moriac..."

"Hmph, 'almost' is the operative word," Green said coldly. "A pity I didn't actually finish off that greedy rat."

Ruhr checked his surroundings and frowned. "Green, you’re still as reckless as ever. Come, this isn't the place to talk!"

The three walked a few steps outside. Ruhr pointed at Xia Ya. "I assume you’ve guessed who this kid is? Heh, he’s Xia Ya."

"Oh?" Green’s eyes lit up. He looked at Xia Ya carefully, a sincere smile appearing in his eyes. He stood straight and gave a chest-thumping salute. "Kid, I heard you did a great job at the front! Well done!"

This was far more sincere than the "paying respects" from the Ministry officer earlier. Hearing that this man had once nearly executed the most corrupt official in the Empire, Xia Ya couldn't help but feel a sense of respect.

"Oh, right... I forgot to mention, Green also served in the 13th Legion for two years, though that was many years ago. He was almost a general of the Roderia Cavalry Regiment, but... unfortunately, he was transferred midway due to some accidents," the fat man lamented.

Green laughed and looked at Ruhr. "Now you’re the general of the 13th Legion. How does it feel to lead such an iron army?"

The fat man smacked his lips and smiled bitterly. "Well, you know what kind of person I am... sigh, let’s not talk about that."

The three chatted as they walked out of the building and into the plaza.

On the way, Ruhr asked, "I’ve been in the capital for days, but I haven't seen you. Where have you been hiding?"

Green’s expression dimmed. "Where else could I be... During this great war, I submitted a dozen reports requesting to be transferred to the front. I was willing to be a battalion commander, even a cavalry captain, but no one paid me any mind. Instead, they ordered me to take a new batch of cadets for field training in the East. I only returned yesterday to report to the Ministry... Hmph..."

Seeing Green’s frustration, Ruhr patted him on the shoulder and smiled. "Well, at least you’re doing something substantial. It’s better than those brothers who were demoted or left idle elsewhere. At the Military Academy, you’re nurturing new blood for the army, which is a good thing."

Green’s eyes lit up, his spirit returning as he smiled proudly. "That’s true. The men I train will never bring shame to Duke Minas!"

But then his expression darkened again. "It’s just... after these lads graduate, I don't know which corners these bastards in charge will shove them into... Sigh, I’ve seen enough of it over the years. My blood has turned cold. So many excellent officers graduate every year, only to be thrown into remote corners, left to rust. They have nothing but burning passion, yet... honestly, I do have a favor to ask... You’ve become a general of the 13th Legion, and you have some special recruitment quotas. I have a few promising young men; find a way to squeeze them into your ranks. I guarantee they are top-tier officers!"

The fat man frowned. He sighed and hesitated. "It’s not that I don't want to help... but the higher-ups are increasingly restricting us of the Eagle faction... I don't have many quotas left. Hmm, I can't promise much, but ten! I guarantee I can find ten spots for you. Even if it’s as guards or ordinary cavalrymen, I’ll get them into my unit first, and then I’ll slowly promote them as opportunities arise... Sigh..."

Green’s brow furrowed, and he sighed helplessly. "Fine, ten it is. Better than none. The state of the world today... hmph!"

Both men’s expressions turned somber. Xia Ya, walking alongside them, felt lost and could only follow in silence.

When they reached the statue in the center of the plaza, Green suddenly stopped and pointed at it, fuming. "If the souls of our ancestors knew that the glorious Imperial Army they founded had become like this, I fear they would..."

The fat man gave a cold laugh. Looking at the inscription "The path of conquest has no end!" at the base of the statue, he crossed his arms and remained silent for a long moment before speaking: "Conquest... hmph, does the current Imperial Army even have the strength for foreign conquest?"

The two soldiers of the Imperial Eagle faction looked at each other, seeing a hint of quiet despair in each other's eyes. Their expressions grew heavy, and finally, they turned in unison, stood straight before the giant statue, heads held high, and gave a solemn military salute.

In that moment, even the cynical, irreverent fat man seemed to wear a faint, profound shadow of pathos on his face.