I Became a Genius Commander at the Academy

Chapter 20: Stairs To Glory (2)

While I was studying Roman history, I heard that there was a tradition in Rome.

A general who achieved great merit in war would attain the honor of being the protagonist of the award ceremony, which was considered the utmost glory for a human.

People of that era would have slaves whisper to the celebrated general, ‘You are just a mortal,’ fearing the victory would make him arrogant and make him forget he was human and fall into the delusion of being a God.

Additionally, his soldiers were given the right and duty to openly mock the general’s faults during the march.

Even the famous Caesar was mocked for being a competent playboy, and in his late stages of baldness, people would shout,

‘Here comes the bald philanderer general!’

I used to think that it was just a humorous custom back then, but now, being the main character of the award ceremony, I understand why it was done.

The streets were filled with thousands, maybe tens of thousands, of tremendous crowds. Banners filled with praise for the victors and flags made of colorful silk filled the capital of the rmpire.

The people within were cheering and clapping fervently for us, the victors of the war.

“Long live the Emperor! Long live the Crown Prince! Long live Division Commander Stefan!”

“Long live the Emperor! Long live the Imperial Army! Long live the Crown Prince!”

“Dear Deus, bless our empire! Please protect His Majesty the Emperor and His Highness the Crown Prince!”

Being the center of praise from so many people would make anyone feel prideful and haughty.

It wasn’t without reason that the award ceremony was called ‘a human glory that even Gods would envy.’

Listening to the surrounding voices, aside from the praise for the division commander and the Crown Prince, there were also nobles admiring the dignity of our troops.

“Is that the Yaeger Company, rumored to have performed the best on the Raintlant front?”

“I heard that Stefan, the colonel, is the one who selected them to lead the vanguard. Weren’t they led by a student platoon leader?”

“According to rumors, he is of common birth. Has a commander who will rewrite the history of the imperial army appeared?”

Hearing the mixed admiration and envy of the distinguished guests at the award ceremony, my chest began to swell with pride.

The citizens and children who came to see the award ceremony looked at us with eyes full of admiration.

“Mom, I want to be a cool soldier like them when I grow up!”

“Ha, I’ll be drafted soon. I have to win like them and bring back the division flag…”

“Wake up, kid. What can you achieve with all your effort besides being a corporal?”

I would have liked to wave back to those who were praising our troops, but according to the convention of the award ceremony, anyone who wasn’t the ‘supreme commander’ of the military conducting the award ceremony couldn’t respond to the cheers.

So, I maintained a stern yet strong, impressive expression, characteristic of a soldier, while managing the corners of my lips that kept wanting to rise and keeping my gaze forward.

I tried my best to adhere to it.

Looking at the other officers and soldiers around, perhaps they also wanted to show their best, sternest, and most serious figures as splendid soldiers.

Everyone was managing to suppress their smiles, staring sternly ahead without wavering.

While immersed in various emotions felt during the award ceremony, the military band that was following our company played the trumpets and drums loudly, and the Crown Prince, riding a white horse ahead, lifted his sword and shouted,

“Raise the flags!”

As soon as I heard the command, I raised the flag of the Francois Republic Divisions, and a soldier next to me raised the 7th Division flag of the Empire.

Then, the gazes of the people around us were focused on the flag I was holding and me.

“Is that the Peter Yaeger who charged into the Francois division to save the trapped division?”

“He really looks young for a student platoon leader. To be promoted to lieutenant on the frontlines at that age, even in novels, he would be criticized…”

“He’s not only capable but also quite handsome. He would definitely make some women cry.”

After the award ceremony, the emperor would host a ball for the nobles, giving those who achieved great merits an opportunity to gain attention.

I would probably gain the title of handsome company commander from commoner origin if I attended there.

I would be the target of jealousy and envy for men, and although without status and wealth, I would be seen as a promising one showing growth potential among women.

I might experience events like in fantasy novels where high-born young ladies approach me…

Yet, I was sitting here, having such thoughts, while still not knowing what rewards and promotions I would receive from His Majesty the Emperor.

I tried my best to cut off such trailing stray thoughts and continued the march, focusing only on my role in the award ceremony. Then a wide square appeared before my eyes.

Various symbols and flags representing the Emperor of the Reich Empire were displayed proudly around the square.

Nobles in dresses and suits made of colorful silk and knights in shiny silver armor were taking their places.

In the midst of being secretly moved by that sight, I heard the sound of the Crown Prince and the Division Commander dismounting from their horses.

“The sole sun of the Reich Empire, His Majesty the Emperor Fernando von Reich, has arrived. Everyone, take your positions!”

Along with that, everyone, including the Crown Prince, kneeled on one knee and bowed their heads in respect.

It wasn’t long before the Crown Prince shouted in a firm voice,

“All rise and salute His Majesty the Emperor!”

At that command, including me, every soldier saluted with the same movement.

Damn, would I ever become a general who could move thousands or even tens of thousands of soldiers with a single command someday?

Regardless of my future aspirations, the ceremony proceeded, and the Emperor looked down upon me and the other soldiers with a stern but gracious expression and spoke,

“Crown Prince, I am truly proud of the conquest of Rejin Castle. Thanks to your merit, our empire has gained a bridgehead to advance into the fertile plains of the east. Also, I commend the meritorious deed of Division Commander Stefan, who defeated the Francois division ahead of the Crown Prince!”

At those words, both the Crown Prince and the Division Commander bowed their heads deeper.

“Therefore, I personally commend the Crown Prince, Stefan, and those affiliated with the 7th Division who have greatly contributed to the battle. The Grand Herald should proclaim their merits and rewards so that everyone in the Reich Empire can hear.”

Even a high school principal would boast about his ability in a long speech when a student won an award in a national or regional competition.

To see the Crown Prince, who had seized Rejin Castle and its vast surrounding areas, ending it so briefly.

However, I thought that not saying unnecessary words made the Emperor and the Crown Prince look even more impressive.

“The Crown Prince is granted the Diamond Knight Sword Cross Medal, the Medal of Honor, and the title of Count of Brandenburg as a reward for his merit. Division Commander Stefan von Bolten is granted the Golden Knight Sword Cross Medal, the Silver Eagle Medal, and five villages next to his existing territory. He is also promoted to Lieutenant General to honor his merit.”

Like in modern Britain, where there were medals that actually conferred the ‘knight title’ to the recipient, in the Reich Empire, there was a ‘Knight Sword Cross Medal’ above the Gold Cross Medal, conferring the knight title.

Diamond was the highest among them, followed by gold and silver.

Even considering the Crown Prince, essentially, Division Commander Stefan has received the highest medal a soldier could receive.

Because the diamond could only be received by heroes of the nation, who had been active in times of dire need.

After the Grand Herald’s proclamation paused for a moment, the Emperor personally awarded the medals to the two top figures in the military.

Then, not only the nobles but also the citizens and soldiers watching the scene from afar sent unanimous applause and cheers.

Next, the Grand Herald unfurled another scroll and shouted,

“Forward, Acting Company Commander Lieutenant Peter Yaeger of Valencia Battalion!”

I did anticipate a significant reward.

However, due to my lower status, I did not expect to receive an award in this place where everyone was watching.

So, I walked somewhat hesitantly and stood beside the Division Commander and the Crown Prince.

The Grand Herald and the Emperor looked at me with curious eyes.

And then he declared loudly,

“In consideration of participating in the first battle as a student substitute lieutenant, repelling and annihilating one battalion, rescuing the besieged adjacent battalion, and overturning the course of battle with ingenious strategy and courage during the division’s crisis, it is specially recognized as the third merit in this battle. To honor this, the Silver Knight Sword Cross Medal and the Assault Medal of Honor are bestowed, and a promotion from the current rank to Major is granted. Additionally, a fitting fief will be granted.”

The moment I heard this, I was so moved that I almost burst into tears of emotion during the medal ceremony.

However, crying in such a place as a soldier would form a weak image not only among all those present here but also in the military and social gatherings.

I just managed to hold back my tears by clenching my teeth and saluting the Emperor with only a trace of moisture in my eyes.

The Emperor personally awarded me the two medals and said,

“Kneel and bow your head.”

As I obeyed, the Emperor drew the jeweled sword beside him and touched and lifted it on both my shoulders, saying,

“By the legitimate Emperor of the Reich Empire, Fernando von Reich, the title of knight is conferred to Peter Yaeger in acknowledgment of his merit.”

Due to the sudden conferment of the title, my head and heart were so excited that my head seemed to spin, and I felt dizzy. Still, I struggled to maintain my senses and could make a proper response by squeezing out the knowledge I had learned at the academy.

“I will dedicate my body and soul for the glory of the Empire.”

“I look forward to the exploits of Lieutenant Yaeger from now on.”

After that, I performed the remaining ceremony in a half-distracted state due to the shock and joy of ‘becoming a bona fide noble from a damn orphan status.’

And just after the ceremony ended, as I was about to return to the assigned quarters, one attendant discreetly approached me and said,

“His Highness the Crown Prince will personally visit Lieutenant Yaeger at 10 o’clock tonight. Please prepare and wait.”