The battle was over, ending in a disappointing anticlimax.
Leon, who had returned as a heroic knight, soon learned from the welcoming staff why the rear guard fleet had surrendered.
It turned out that the Blue Star Federation's fleet commander had ordered that death benefits for the rear guard troops be doubled across the board. Moreover, if they held out for one day, they could surrender with all charges dismissed and even be allowed to rejoin the military later.
That was precisely why the soldiers with families had erupted with such powerful fighting spirit within the allotted time.
After all, holding out a little longer would get them out of their predicament, while surrendering early would only bring trouble without benefit. Anyone would make the right choice.
Leon had just finished asking around when a large group arrived.
The official who had just given him the information looked envious. "Get ready. The Duke himself is here."
He knew that these knights before him had struck it rich and would soon rise to great prominence.
But he was not jealous. They had earned it by risking their lives. They deserved it.
"Thanks for the warning. Also... help me look after my brother."
The other man had already seen the wreckage of the mech Leon had brought back, so he nodded solemnly. "They are all heroes of the Empire. Leave him to me. Nothing will go wrong."
"Thank you!"
Leon was not foolish enough to bring his brother's remains to meet the Duke. That kind of foolish behavior winning a superior's appreciation and leading to rapid advancement only happened in fiction.
In reality, making trouble for one's superiors regardless of the occasion would definitely leave a bad impression.
Leon knew that this was the perfect time to publicize the victory and unite