Military Headquarters
The office smelled faintly of polished wood and iron.
A white-haired man in his late fifties sat behind a wide mahogany desk, dressed in a neatly pressed green combat uniform. His sharp gaze bore down on the young man standing before him.
"General Erickson Warton," the man said calmly, fingers interlocked. "You've applied for a week-long leave of absence."
The young officer stood at attention, spine straight, expression composed.
"In eight years of service," the man continued, leaning back in his leather chair, "you've never requested more than three days."
Chief Marshal David Hale—current senior commander of the base, war hero, and one of the most respected men in the country—studied his godson closely.
"I'm not denying your request," he added. "I'm concerned."
Erickson saluted crisply."Thank you for your concern, Chief. There's no problem at home. My family is well."
David chuckled dryly."That's good. I'd hate for your late father to haunt me for neglecting his son." He shook his head with mock fear. "That man was terrifying even in death."
Erick's lips curved faintly.
Chief Marshal David's tone shifted, turning casual but sharp."A week off is generous. You've earned it. Spend time resting… and perhaps start thinking seriously about marriage. You're not getting any younger, General."
Erick finally relaxed his stance.
"I requested leave to meet my fiancée."
Silence.
David blinked once. Then again.
"…Your what?"
Erick's voice remained steady."My fiancée."
For a moment, the stern commander looked genuinely stunned. Then a wide grin broke across his face.
"You insolent brat!" David barked, slapping the desk lightly. "You get engaged and don't even inform your godfather?"
Erick scratched the back of his head, the rare gesture softening his otherwise rigid demeanor.
"I only recently found out myself," he admitted. "My father's attorney contacted me. There was a betrothal agreement attached to his will."
David stilled."An agreement?"
"It states that the engagement becomes valid when the bride turns twenty-five."
David frowned."And you agreed?"
"I agreed to meet her." Erick paused. "I trust my father's judgment. He never chose blindly."
That much was true.
Jefferson Warton had been a man who saw through people—often more clearly than they saw themselves.
David nodded slowly."Your father had that gift," he said quietly. "Sometimes, it was frightening."
Then he smiled again."So. Who is the lucky woman?"
Erick inhaled once before answering.
"Lady Lethea Sy La Roche. Eldest daughter of the La Roche family."
The reaction was immediate.
David's hand tightened on the armrest.
His smile faltered—just for a fraction of a second.
Erick noticed.
"You know her?" Erick asked calmly, though his eyes sharpened.
David recovered quickly, waving his hand dismissively."I've seen her once or twice. At banquets. She was still young. I barely remember her."
A lie.
A small one—but deliberate.
Erick said nothing.
David cleared his throat."Still," he continued, forcing cheer into his voice, "trust your father. If he chose her, there's a reason."
Erick nodded."I intend to."
"Good," David said, standing. "Use this opportunity wisely. Get to know her. And don't scare the poor girl with that military glare of yours."
Erick allowed a brief smile.
"I'll keep that in mind."
He saluted once more."Thank you, Chief."
As Erick exited, the door closed softly behind him.
The room fell silent.
David exhaled slowly.
He unlocked a drawer beneath his desk and removed an old leather-bound book. Inside lay a faded photograph—three young men and two young women smiling brightly at the camera.
His fingers lingered on one face in particular.
A woman with sharp eyes and an unreadable smile.
David's expression darkened.
"…Jefferson," he murmured. "What kind of fate did you bind your son to?"
Outside the office, Erick walked down the corridor, his boots echoing against the floor.
Lady Lethea La Roche.
The name settled heavily in his chest—unfamiliar, yet strangely suffocating.
For reasons he couldn't explain, a quiet instinct whispered:
This meeting will change everything.