Determined To Become An Admiral

At last, Ian was able to spend some time with his mother and younger sister. They were in the same concubine’s palace where they used to live, and Charlotte, his little sister, was hiding behind Leni, seemingly shy. Ian embraced his mother tightly, and she embraced him in return.

“My dear son, come here, let me hold you.”

“Mother, have you been well? I missed you so much. You must have gone through a lot.”

“What hardship could I possibly have faced? You’re the one who suffered, fighting on the battlefield. I’m just grateful that you came back alive. Are you hurt anywhere?”

His mother gently held his face with both hands, her voice filled with concern. Ian smiled softly, determined to show her he was perfectly fine, even if only to ease her worries.

“Not hurt at all. Really, I barely did anything. I mostly stayed back and watched. Honestly, I didn’t do much except hold the line.”

“I’ve heard otherwise. They say you achieved quite a lot in this war.”

“I was just lucky, that’s all. But… it seems Charlotte finds me a bit unfamiliar.”

“She does seem that way. She’s seven now—she should remember you, and yet…”

“It’s been more than a year and a half since she last saw me. She probably just needs a little time. I’m sure she’ll warm up soon.”

“You’re right.”

Perhaps sensing they were talking about her, Charlotte clung tightly to Leni’s skirt. Flustered, Reni gently coaxed her.

“Princess, it’s your brother Ian. You used to look for him all the time, remember?”

“Mm. I know.”

“If you know, why are you hiding? You should go and give him a hug.”

Seeing Reni’s awkward attempts, Ian chuckled and slowly approached Charlotte, lowering himself to her eye level.

“Hello, my little princess. Have you been well?”

“Hello…”

“Oh? So formal. Don’t you remember your big brother?”

“I… remember.”

“If you do, why the polite tone? That makes me sad. You can speak to me the way you used to, you know.”

“No, they told me a princess must always be proper. So I should be polite to you, big brother.”

“Ah, I see. You’ve had some serious etiquette training, huh?”

Ian glanced at his mother, who smiled somewhat awkwardly. It seemed much had happened while they were apart. After all, all the royal family had been gathered at a secret villa. But still, it felt bittersweet that his sister had grown so mature. Children were supposed to act like children.

“…You look cool.”

“Huh? You think I look cool?”

“Yes. Really cool. I’m proud of you.”

Hearing her quiet words, Ian felt a warm swell of emotion deep in his chest. To Charlotte, her big brother truly looked amazing. His neatly groomed red hair, the dazzling uniform, and the medal the king had pinned on him earlier—he seemed to shine.

Everyone was looking up to big brother.

She remembered the crowds cheering for him as he rode a white horse through the palace gates. It filled her with pride. To think her once-invisible brother was now so celebrated—it felt surreal.

As Charlotte thought this, Ian decided to embrace his emotions. He lifted his sister high into the air. Caught off guard, Charlotte blushed.

“B-Big brother…?”

“Hahaha! You said you’re proud of me, and I couldn’t be happier to hear that! Isn’t that right, Mother?”

“Hohoho, of course. So our Charlotte wasn’t shy because you were unfamiliar—she was just too embarrassed, hmm?”

With a joyful laugh, Ian spun Charlotte around while holding her. Her feet kicked in the air as she squealed, making Ian think, She’s just too cute.

‘This finally feels like I’m home.’

His mother, his sister, and Leni—the maid who’d always looked after them—were all here. It was the first time in a long while he truly felt happy. He wished this moment of peace would never break.

‘But what comes next… that’s the real issue.’

He’d considered it many times. The option to run was no longer viable. Given the popularity he had now, and the future that awaited, greater dangers were bound to follow. To fend them off, he needed to stand where danger couldn’t reach.

‘Could I become an admiral?’

He didn’t know if a prince could be granted command of a fleet, but if he could, it would be a powerful position. In an island nation, commanding the navy meant enormous influence. Even Admiral Nudelria, who had started with the lowly Ninth Fleet, had gained enough clout to offer his daughter’s hand in marriage to Ian.

It proved that becoming an admiral came with immense authority. And if he achieved that, he could protect his mother and sister as well.

He was beginning to understand exactly what his next goal should be.

“B-Big brother, I’m getting dizzy…”

“Ah! Sorry!”

Only then did Ian realize he’d been spinning her the whole time. He gently lowered her. Charlotte staggered a bit, dizzy, and Ian steadied her, waiting for the spinning to subside. His mother shook her head with a smile, and Ian gave a sheepish grin.

‘I was too deep in thought. Charlotte’s going to scold me for this.’

“Hey, are you okay?”

“I-I’m fine…”

“I’m really sorry. I got too excited and spun you without thinking. If you’re angry, you can hit me.”

He extended his arm, ready for a light punch, but Charlotte quickly shook her head.

“I’m really fine. And I forgive you. I’m just happy that you’re happy.”

“Ah, thank you for forgiving me. I’ll go easy next time.”

“Wait, you’re going to do it again?”

Watching her wide eyes, Ian found her even more adorable and had the urge to pinch her cheek—but decided against it and instead smiled warmly.

“My Charlotte’s just too cute to resist.”

“O-Oh, big brother…”

She lowered her head, face flushed in embarrassment, and the three of them burst out laughing together. It was, without doubt, a rare and peaceful moment.

Although the war had ended without a decisive victory or defeat, the single triumph in the colonial waters was enough to spark a celebratory party. As before, it was held in the largest hall within the royal palace, the Hall of Waves.

Everyone was dressed elegantly. From the ceiling, magical lights blended with colorful illumination, casting a glittering glow. Amid this dazzling scene, Ian entered the ballroom—and for the first time since his reincarnation, felt the weight of countless gazes upon him.

‘Everyone is looking at me.’

Unlike before, when those gazes held nothing but indifference, now they brimmed with curiosity and interest. It all felt strangely awkward. Just as he was thinking this, someone approached him.

“Oh—greetings, Prince Ian! I am Baron Pax from the Lemon province. It is a great honor to meet the hero of the kingdom, so I couldn’t help but come speak to you.”

“Ah, I’m no hero. I merely fulfilled my duties as a prince.”

“Haha! You may say that, but everyone is calling you a hero. After all, didn’t you capture a battleship and lead the charge in defeating the colonial fleet of the Doicheun Empire?”

“That’s right. Everyone thinks so, Your Highness. You shouldn’t be so modest. Ah, I’ve failed to introduce myself—I’m Viscount Golom.”

“I see. Viscount Golom.”

“Greetings, Prince Ian. I am…”

“It is such an honor to meet you, Prince Ian.”

“I’m…”

One after another, nobles swarmed Ian with introductions and greetings. So many vied for his attention that his head began to spin. This was a situation he’d never imagined before.

‘I preferred the old days…’

He recalled how nice it had been to simply wander the ballroom freely. But now, ignoring these nobles was not an option. As he exchanged pleasantries, he wondered how many barons and viscounts there even were—it felt endless.

Before, he hadn’t understood what people meant when they said fame was exhausting. But now he felt it firsthand: as a popular figure, he couldn’t rest for even a moment. In what felt like the blink of an eye, two hours had passed.

Of course, not everyone approached him. Nobles of higher ranks, such as earls and above, didn’t come over. In particular, those connected to the other princes watched the scene with clear disapproval. In their eyes, this display was far from welcome.

Though Ian was only the ninth prince and far from the line of succession, his growing popularity and public reaction were enough to spark concern. A new rival might be emerging—thus, they kept a wary eye on anyone making moves toward him.

Count Dimentis… Haa, so here you are at last.

Ian spotted Count Dimentis watching him with a pleased smile. Naturally, the count didn’t approach. He knew that politically, it would be problematic if he did. So, he stayed back intentionally.

‘What are you smiling about? This is all your fault!’

If the count hadn’t interfered and solidified the battleship’s ownership, Ian might not have become entangled with the navy at all. Still, it wasn’t like Ian could walk over and ask “why did you do it?” in front of all these onlookers.

‘Even if I don’t say anything, they’ll all assume I have ambitions for the throne.’

He could only stew internally. But oddly enough, Count Dimentis nodded as if to acknowledge Ian’s gaze.

‘Don’t tell me you think I’m staring at you because I’m impressed or something…’

That thought made Ian all the more frustrated.

‘Ugh, this loyalty is too much. I didn’t realize it was this intense. I need to talk to him about toning it down… but how should I approach him?’

With so many eyes on him, even talking to the count would be difficult. Before, he could brush past by coincidence, but now a direct conversation would draw attention—and attention would breed rumors.

‘Anyway, I guess I won’t see Armin today.’

With all this going on, there was no time to look for Armin. He suddenly wondered if he should go back to school. This year was his last, and next year would be graduation. After that, he had no reason to attend anymore.

‘I wonder if they’ll count war service as attendance?’

Would they really hold it against him if he’d been absent all this time? If so, he might just opt not to return at all. While pondering the future, a voice rang out to announce the king’s arrival.

‘I’ll have to deal with Count Dimentis later.’

The chamberlain’s booming voice drew every gaze toward the stage where the king appeared. The monarch approached the podium and leaned into the prepared microphone.

[The war with the Empire is now over. Though there was no victory or defeat, we defended well and achieved significant results. However, it came with great sacrifice. I commend all those who served in this war and offer my condolences to those who lost loved ones. I myself lost two sons. I understand the grief of those who lost family.]

The king’s words brought a hush over the hall. Many here had lost children of their own. From the king’s speech, it became clear that even princes had perished in the war.

Indeed, two princes—Fourth Prince and Sixth Prince—had died in the conflict against the Doitzen Empire. While the Sixth Prince had always been quiet and barely noticeable, the Fourth Prince’s death was a shock.

He had been one of the most promising contenders for the throne. For the family of Marquis Veloster, who backed him, it must have been a devastating blow. Still, no one spoke ill of the dead. The families involved must still be reeling from the loss.

Then the king’s final words echoed through the grand ballroom.

[Now let us forget the past and begin anew—for the brilliant future of the Kingdom of Polia.]

Moved by these words, many began repeating:

“For the brilliant future of the Kingdom of Polia.”