"Rise!"
William's gaze was filled with undisguised delight and admiration as he looked at the black-haired young man below.
Before this, it had been a full five years since he had felt such excitement and satisfaction during a court assembly.
Ever since his disagreement with Wolf over national policy, every court assembly over the past five years had begun with countless tedious trivialities and ended with William's particularly displeased slap upon the table amid the Old Guard Party ministers' displays of "loyalty."
But now, taking in the especially gloomy expressions on the Old Guard Party's faces and the jubilant looks of the Reformist Faction—
And recalling the detailed intelligence regarding Fauken Bay that the Inspection Forces had submitted not long ago—
William immediately understood that, barring any surprises—
From this day onward, the ambitions that had once been restrained at every turn would finally be freed from the mire.
And the Empire's iron hooves would, with unstoppable force, crush all those who sought to stand in his way in the future!
The one who had brought him all these changes was the minister before him—a man in whom he had once placed little expectation, yet who had achieved an unprecedented victory through what could only be called a miracle on the life-or-death Fauken Battlefield.
John Maslow, just as my sister said, you are a fortunate general surrounded by miracles, destined to restore the Empire's path to glory!
William murmured to himself in immense delight. Then, watching John slowly rise while still maintaining a respectful bow, without displaying the slightest breach of etiquette—a practically perfect performance—the smile on his face immediately deepened. He followed the procedure and spoke to him with a smile.
"My loyal warrior, raise your valiant head and step forward. Tell me and my beloved ministers: what glorious