he turned to the three generals who stood openmouthed behind him. “And what about you, gentlemen? I believe this is the first time you’ve witnessed a full demonstration of Lieutenant Portinari’s power.”
“Astonishing, Commander!” General Marchisio’s eyes were wide as he stroked his thick beard.
“Yes, indeed!” said General Bonucci, his brow furrowed beneath his sweat-slicked scalp.
Unsurprisingly, General Zaniolo was able to maintain his composure. His eyes were narrow as he smoothed down his black hair. It was an unconscious habit that probably sprang from the fact that it had a tendency to curl up and reveal his baldness. Sebastian had noticed he usually did it when he was deep in thought and about to say something surprising.
“Truly, Commander. We are lucky to have the lieutenant.” Zaniolo frowned thoughtfully. “Something occurs to me… I have seen this young man work diligently every day for months now, either on mastering his own awesome power, or assisting General Marchisio and General Bonucci so that he might better understand the complexities of military strategy. I wonder… have you considered promoting young Portinari here to the rank of captain?”
Vittorio’s eyebrows rose. “An interesting suggestion. He is quite young, but I agree he could serve as a great inspiration to our troops.” He turned back to Sebastian. “What do you think? Ready to take a more direct role in leadership?”
“If it will enable me to better protect the people of Izmoroz, I will accept any responsibility you deem me worthy of.”
“Well said.” Vittorio nodded. “Report to my quarters tomorrow morning and by the powers invested in me by Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Caterina Morante the First, I will officially bestow the rank of captain upon you.”
Sebastian saluted sharply. “Thank you, sir. It is an honor.”
“That is all, gentlemen. You are dismissed. Please return to your usual duties.”
Once they dispersed, Sebastian made his way toward headquarters with Rykov following silently behind as usual. He felt fatigue from the demonstration, but he’d grown accustomed to that. A brief rest, a bit of broth, and he’d be completely recovered.
“Well, that should help out some,” Zaniolo said quietly as he caught up with Sebastian.
“Sir?”
“A captain’s pay is significantly higher than a lieutenant’s,” said Zaniolo.
“With respect, General Zaniolo, money doesn’t hold much interest for me.”
“A noble outlook, to be sure,” said Zaniolo. “But I promise you that the Prozorova family cares about money a great deal, and it is plain to anyone with eyes and a knowledge of men’s hearts that you care a great deal about Galina Odoyevtseva Prozorova.”
“I’m… not sure how those two things are related, sir,” admitted Sebastian.
“You have been officially courting Galina Odoyevtseva for some time now, have you not?”
“I have.”
“As an Aureumian gentleman, I am not an expert on the customs of Izmorozian nobility. But my understanding is that it’s high time you asked Lord Prozorova for her hand in marriage.”
“M-marriage?” Sebastian nearly stumbled when he heard the word, as if the ground had dropped out beneath him. Rykov’s hand shot out to steady him.
Zaniolo looked surprised. “Are you opposed to the idea?”
“Of course not!” said Sebastian. “It’s just… I suppose I hadn’t given it a great deal of thought.”
They had reached headquarters by then. Zaniolo opened the door and gestured for Sebastian to enter first. “Were you planning to string the poor young woman along indefinitely?”
“Not at all!” Sebastian said as the two men walked side by side down the hall, Rykov following behind. “I care for no one else but her.”
“That is a relief, since Galina Odoyevtseva has been patiently waiting to learn if you are serious in your suit, all the while no doubt turning away other potential suitors.”
“Other potential suitors?” Sebastian stopped in his tracks, and his heart nearly did, too. Of course a woman as exquisite as Galina would be highly sought after. Why had that fact never occurred to him?
“Perhaps you begin to perceive that there is some… urgency in the matter?” suggested Zaniolo.
“I still have a great deal to learn,” agreed Sebastian. “Thank you once again, sir, for your timely advice.”
“Think nothing of it, Lieutenant.” Zaniolo smiled. “Or I suppose I should get accustomed to calling you captain, eh?”
“Thank you for suggesting my promotion to Commander Vittorio as well, sir,” Sebastian said quickly. “It seems I owe you a great deal.”
Zaniolo waved that away as they began walking down the hall once more. “I’m certain the commander already had your promotion in mind and was merely waiting for one of us to propose it so that it didn’t seem like