Is This the Imperial Army?

"Honestly, Lieutenant Colonel Jaeger, you're blessed with good subordinates. You've got plenty who'll fix your tanks and nurse you through the night."

Erika's gaze shifted to Hanna, pressed close against my side, then turned back to glare at me.

"So? What are you all doing, gathered so cozily together? Planning a party to celebrate arriving in the capital?"

The air over the table froze. The three women were so busy sizing one another up that even the passing waiter looked intimidated and steered clear.

At this rate, dinner was going to turn into a hearing.

I chuckled and raised a hand.

"A party? You've all worked hard, so I thought we'd enjoy a dignified meal. Isn't that right, Lieutenant Aiden?"

I called over our 'S-rank administrator,' who had been waiting in a corner of the dining car.

Clack, clack.

Lieutenant Arthur—or rather, Aiden Hunt—approached with flawless strides. He stood behind me at perfect attention...