Childhood Sweethearts Make a Grand Entrance!

"Because I graduated early, of course, Pops."

Noah blinked and grinned. "Guess what rank I am now?"

"You graduated after just over a year..."

Old Romanov eyed him. "I remember you boasting in a letter that you'd graduate as at least a major. You're looking awfully smug, so you must've done even better. What, are you a lieutenant colonel?"

"Guess again?"

"Higher than lieutenant colonel?" The old man looked stunned. "Don't tell me you're a colonel?"

"Think bigger, Pops."

"A commodore?"

Colonel Romanov could no longer keep his cool. His eyes widened. "That's impossible! You're only nineteen..."

"I'm a rear admiral, Pops."

Noah decided he'd teased him enough and cut the guessing short, then quietly covered his ears.

Sure enough.

The next instant, a shriek like a startled marmot rang through the living room:

"—Huh??? What?!!"

"A r-r-r-rear admiral?!!"

"You're deafening me."

Tulip, who had been listening with a smile, frowned and kicked her husband in the backside.

"He's a rear admiral, Tulip!"

The old man yelped and clutched his backside. Grimacing in pain, he turned to Tulip. "My reaction is perfectly normal! How are you so calm? Do you even know what being a Marine Headquarters rear admiral means?"

That was eight ranks above him, and a full five ranks above Colonel Satsuma, the highest-ranking officer in the 16th Branch!

"Of course I know. It's an impressive position." Tulip remained composed. "But he's my son. I wouldn't be surprised if he'd graduated as Fleet Admiral... Hey, go out and buy some groceries."

That's Mom for you. Her imagination beats mine. Noah couldn't help laughing as he hugged her again.

"More groceries?" Romanov looked baffled. "Haven't you nearly finished making dinner? There are still some ingredients in the fridge..."

"That's pig feed, not food for our son." Tulip kicked him