Rukelion did end up getting what he wanted after dinner so he was in a rather excellent mood the following morning despite having to deal with Lieutenant Colonel Hodges, who was bitter that his shadow managed to be promoted so much earlier than him and made little effort to hide it. So childish!
He wasn't the only officer who felt that way though. He experienced the same treatment from Major Armistead when he shadowed him. The major was likely even more bitter than Hodges about his early promotion.
No one said anything to his face though because they knew he had earned it. He had been instrumental in ending two wars with the Mireans victorious (even if one of the wins was a sham). Hostility didn't affect him. As long as he did his job properly, no one could give him too much grief.
Rukelion had been through much worse. Older men being petty was the least of his problems.
