Inside a meeting room within the base of the emergency deployment force, two men with high authority sat beside each other. After completing the interrogations with all the soldiers, Kapel informed Captain Ryov of his plans after the documentation and presentation was done.
However, Captain Ryov seemed to have something on his mind that he wanted to share with Kapel.
"My unit will be following you to the neighborhood that Commander Maldin dwells in."
"Beg you pardon?"
Kape was in disbelief when he heard those words, and couldn't believe his ears, so he asked Captain Ryov to repeat himself.
"We, the Second Order of the Royal Knights, will be accompanying you to said neighborhood."
"Sorry for asking, but is this an order from someone of a higher rank?"
"Well, it's voluntary. I let my subordinates choose whether they want to join or not, and they all unanimously agreed. If you're worried about permissions and whatnot, I've already received it from His Majesty."
"I am confounded... Why would you volunteer?"
"I kind of figured you'd try to hog all the credits for yourself, and I can't allow that, you know? Hahaha!" Captain Ryov, who said a joke, laughed out loud.
"You really do not have to go out of your way-"
"Well, no matter what you say now, there's no taking it back, since it's been approved."
It wasn't often that one would be able to win a debate against Kapel, who was renowned to be the most ingenious person within the military and the "Palacial" altogether, so Captain Ryov seized this opportunity. Of course, he didn't have any ill intentions.
"I see. I suppose it cannot be renounced now that it has been decided..." Reluctantly, Kapel accepted the Second Order coming along.
"Thank you for your understanding. We need to discuss the plan for this operation, so would you mind if we postpone the embarking for two days?"
"Two days? Will that be enough?"
"Normally, it'd take a lot more than that, but since everyone trusts in your judgement, I believe consensus can be achieved in two days."
"You are overestimating me, Captain Ryov."
"I know my guys, and frankly even I may not like your attitude sometimes, but deep down, we all know that you're one capable person. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that you're the best among us all."
"..."
"Really! We all look up to you. That's why, it's an honor to be working with you, Grand Commander Kapel!"
After expressing his thoughts, Captain Ryov extended his right hand, anticipating a handshake. In response to that, Kapel extended his and shook his hands while wearing a warm expression.
"Thank you, Captain Ryov. Your words mean a lot to me."
"Oh wow, this is much more embarrassing than I thought. Whew..."
Captain Ryov laughed wryly as he scratched his head.
Following that, the two of them chatted about some light topics. Despite yearning to finish the report soon, Kapel decided to let loose a bit and spoke with Captain Ryov. He was taken aback by the fact that he had been Captain Ryov's idol since he joined the military.
Apparently, Captain Ryov was scouted by the Captain First Order of the Royal Knights to be enlisted in the Knights. And after some time, he took on his current position by the recommendation of the very same person.
As for Kapel, it was similar to Captain Ryov, except that he didn't have an idol, and the one who brought him up was the previous king, who passed away 16 years ago.
They continued chatting until felt that it was time to commence writing his report.
...
Fast forward to the day of Kapel's departure. It was the sixth day after Proxer and Jogrin's departure.
It was as Captain Ryov predicted: Kapel and the Second Order only needed two days to reach a consensus.
Under Kapel's lead, they managed to come up with several operational plans, accounting for various possible situations, including where Jogrin could be staying at, the acceptance of the Maladin family of their presences.
They also wished to account for Jogrin's possible compliance levels, but they weren't sure whether they'd be able to handle him if he wasn't. Still, they would have to rely on their improvisation if that was the case.
They dialed Proxer and further discussed before finalizing their plan. There'd been hiccups regarding that, but they managed to compromise in the end.
All members of the Second Order and emergency deployment force gathered around the silver flying vehicle while the former awaited Kapel to bid farewell to the soldiers.
"For the time being, the emergency deployment force and the Vanguards shall be coalesced into one unit, since there will be no Commander overseeing you directly. I wish you all good luck and that you will be performing any tasks delegated to you. Hopefully, Maladin and I will return soon."
"Yes sir!" The soldiers simultaneously saluted while Kapel and the Second Order boarded the vehicle.
Everyone sat down on random seats, except Kapel, who gazed at Captain Ryov sternly. Some of the Knights, who witnessed that, became nervous. Their expressions were hidden behind their helmets, as usual.
"I have been displaying undesirable attitude toward you and your unit. To that, I humbly apologize. On the other hand, I am also grateful for always tolerating my being unreasonable. Thank you very much."
Abruptly, Proxer bowed at Captain Ryov, who expressed a look of surprise.
"Wait, you don't need to do that! Really! I know how frustrating it can be sometimes, so lift your head up please!"
"Allow me to apologize as well... I am very sorry for causing you any unpleasant experiences whilst working with me in the past."
"Um... If I may, Grand Commander Kapel." One of the Knights spoke up as he stepped forward. "My name is Griston. I'm the one who badmouthed you last time we met. For that, I've been ruing my disrespect towards you. That's why, I'd like to offer you my humblest and most sincere apology!"
Following Griston's initiative, the other Knights stood up, bowed, and apologized in unison.
"You do not need to do that..." Kapel was almost rendered speechless.
"Well, let's just say we're even now. Am I right, everyone?"
Captain Ryov crossed his arms and said so in a proud tone, followed by the rest of the Knights bursting into laughter.
Seeing the scene before, Kapel couldn't help but sigh. However, this time, he also had a smile on his face as he chuckled lightly that no one else noticed it.
"It's time to embark then. Is everyone ready?"
"Yes sir!!!"
Captain Ryov asked the Knights a question while knowing what they'd respond with. And with everyone agreeing, the vehicle took off. They were now headed for the neighborhood, where Jogrin had settled in somewhere within.