28 – A Gratitude

Nathaniel walked inside the mech's research base wearing his official uniform. As he passed the rows of powered armor, he stopped. The workers who were wiping the armors stopped, then saluted Nathaniel.

"Afternoon, Captain Hawke!" They said it loud and clear.

Nathaniel raised his eyebrows. "Why are you guys here?"

They were the people who used to bully Nathaniel, and a few days ago apologized to him.

"Sir Lance Ashbourne requested this, sir! He asked us to clean up this place every day!" One of them answered. "And he also asked us to salute you when we meet you!"

Being a soldier for years to having a job like this is an insult. Cleaning duties are typically assigned to juniors or soldiers who cannot fulfill their duties.

Nathaniel remembered. Without Celestenia's shortage of soldiers, he would face the same demotion.

And even though Celestenia still lacks military manpower, the top party granted Lance's request to bring these people. That means Lance's influence was already huge.

"I hope you can carry out this task well." Nathaniel held back his smile. "If dirt enters the joints of these powered armor, it will hamper their movements. You will get severe punishment if that happens. It's about the pilots' lives."

They fell silent.

Nathaniel turned around. "Continue with your work. Remember, even the smallest work is important."

"Yes, sir!!!" they responded in unison.

The Captain continued walking. He had never felt this satisfied in his entire life.

He then knocked on a room. Upon hearing "Come in," he opened the door and saluted Lance Ashbourne inside.

"Welcome, captain Hawke. You look sharp." Lance, sitting behind a table, stopped drawing blueprints, then smiled at Trish's brother.

Nathaniel's uniform was a little different from ordinary soldiers. One notable distinction is a badge with three stars on his left chest. Now, he was only one level below the commander.

"Congratulations on your coronation as captain. I'm sorry. I couldn't take part." Lance went to the table in the room's corner and poured wine into two glasses. "I heard someone has never received a promotion as drastic as this before."

"Yeah, this is a new unit with new weapons," Nathaniel answered. "So, because I am the one who…. Sorry, I didn't mean to be arrogant, sir."

Lance chuckled as he handed one glass to the captain. "It's okay if you brag a little. Your abilities are truly that great."

The engineer raised his glass, and they toasted. But as soon as Nathaniel drank the wine, he grimaced, his forehead furrowed hard, and his eyes narrowed. It's like someone who has just eaten something very sour.

"Sorry, sir." A few tears streaked the corners of the captain's eyes.

"Ah, this is your first-time drinking alcohol, huh?" Lance chuckled again. "You are so different from your sister. She can finish a bottle of wine in one gulp."

Nathaniel burped a little. "I think she got that drinking habit when she became an adventurer. Our house forbids alcohol."

"I see. Have a seat, Cap." Lance pointed to a couch. "No need to be so formal with me."

They sat across from each other, and Lance asked. "So, why do you want to meet me?"

"Thank you very much, sir. Because of this opportunity, I can achieve my dream." The captain spoke with trembling lips.

Lance studied Nathaniel's expression. With just one look, Lance knew that the captain meant it.

"Well, it is just coincidence. They chose you as a candidate, and then Trish found you."

Nathaniel closed his eyes. "Mr. Tobias Ardalle has told me the truth, sir. You were the one who asked them to add me to the candidate list."

Lance's mouth spread into a smile. "Ah, I got caught, huh? Well, this job gives me some privilege to research those who work for me. I asked Mr. Ardalle to send people to research Trish. One of them stopped by your mother's stall and chatted with her. I don't think your mother knows that person extracting information from her. I'm sorry if you felt that was inappropriate."

It's not that easy for Lance to accept strangers in his circle. He must know their background. If there was something that could cause problems, he would anticipate it and devise solutions.

"So, that's how you found out that I joined the military." Nathaniel smiled too, even though his eyes were looking at the table in front of him. "But that doesn't answer my question, sir. Why did you put me on that list? You must have seen my record and weren't i't impressed, right?"

Lance leaned forward. "Those armor don't care about a person's physical prowess. As long as you have enough stamina and can control them, those armor will enhance your speed and strength. You have the same blood as your sister. She is a great warrior. So, I want to take a chance. Maybe there is a warrior's soul trapped in your body."

Nathaniel was silent, then tears fell from his eyes. "I've probably said it many times, sir. I'm grateful for this opportunity. I will not disappoint you and continue using the armor as best I can."

Lance looked at that young man again. The engineer's heart was beating fast. Apparently, he can influence a person's destiny.

In his previous world, he was so immersed in his work. He didn't think that his works could have a big impact, apart from killing opponents.

"You can do it, Captain Nathaniel Hawke." Lance smirked with a heart full of pride. "Just from that one battle, I already knew."

"Permission to speak freely, sir." Nathaniel lifted his face while wiping his tears.

Lance raised an eyebrow. "Sure."

"These words could get me into trouble." The captain took a deep breath. "I don't care that much about this kingdom. I joined the military to prove myself. With your help, I made it happen. I will follow you forever, sir."

"Yeah, those words could get you into trouble." Lance chuckled a third time. "Well, it's up to you who you want to follow. The important thing is, I always look forward to you using my mechs."