Chapter 34: Peter Yaeger, Soaring High (4)
Upon receiving his daughter’s request, Count Benner spoke with a gentle smile and a soothing voice.
“Ever since you entered the academy, even when I offered help, you would say, ‘I can do it on my own,’ and you have always managed on your own. I never thought you would directly ask something from me before you graduate.”
“I thought the same. However, what I desire now is something I can’t obtain with effort alone, hence the request.”
Laura came to this place worried whether her father would actually listen to her request.
In truth, Count Benner wanted to fulfill any request Laura made, unless it was something extremely problematic.
His daughter, Laura von Benner, had always exceeded his expectations without causing him any trouble since birth.
He wanted to praise his wonderful daughter, but due to patriarchal times, he had to maintain a strict fatherly image.
So, he planned to approve her request this time and give her the praise he couldn’t before.
Thus, Count Benner spoke to his daughter with a satisfied smile.
“Tell me anything. If it is within my power, I’ll do as you wish.”
Hearing her father’s positive response, Laura’s usually cold expression brightened slightly.
“Thank you, father.”
“No. You, who have always been at the top since entering the Imperial Academy, are making a request for the first time. I would gladly pluck out the stars from the sky for you. Now, speak up.”
Gaining courage from his words, Laura spoke.
“I want to serve under Captain Peter Yaeger, no, soon to be Major, after graduating from the academy. Please help me.”
“That Knight of Silver Sword Cross Medal recipient?”
“Yes. To succeed as a future commander, starting military life under him is the best choice. Didn’t you always say that even talented officers need 10 years of real-world experience after the academy, and meeting a worthy superior is crucial?”N0v3lRealm was the platform where this chapter was initially revealed on N0v3l.B1n.
Count Benner nodded. He had heard the same from his own father, and as recommended by his father, he learned a lot under General Howard. Using those experiences, he had risen to the rank of Lieutenant General at his current age.
So he ultimately sighed and agreed,
“Alright. But there’s one condition.”
Hearing this, Laura’s face brightened like a full moon. Count Benner felt a fleeting sense of loss, but he still maintained his fatherly dignity.
“Firstly, I am in charge of operations at the General Staff Office, so getting a place under Lieutenant Yaeger is not difficult. However, since Lieutenant Yaeger is under high scrutiny, I cannot easily send you under him. So, until you graduate next year, maintain being in the top position.”
“Understood.”
“When Yaeger is promoted to Major, he will openly select a ‘battalion deputy’ among the academy graduates and you should apply. Lieutenant Yaeger is not stupid; he will accept you unless your grades are the absolute worst. To prevent any dispute, you should maintain top grades.”
If other graduates or academy students had heard him, they might have made a fuss about how lightly he talked about the honor of graduating as the valedictorian, which practically guaranteed a promotion to general.
But Laura von Benner had never lost the top position since her first year. So, to her, this wasn’t an excessive condition.
“Understood, Father.”
Then Count Benner stood up to give the praise he hadn’t been able to give, patting her head like he often did when she was younger.
“I have rejected all requests related to personnel appointments, even from nearby nobles asking to send their children to good places. But this time, for you, who brought honor to our family as the valedictorian from the academy without causing a single problem, I will break the rules. So, make sure I don’t regret this decision and continue doing well wherever you go.”
Hearing this, Laura shed tears, feeling the warm approval of her proud and trusting father. And on that night, they were able to share many stories they hadn’t before.
Laura asked about Lieutenant Yaeger, whom she decided to follow, and Count Benner honestly shared his thoughts, based on his personnel records and his impressions when he met him.
The next morning, Count Benner wrote a letter to the promoted Lieutenant Yaeger,
[After winning the mock battle, my daughter said she wanted to ask you something, so I told her to deliver you food and ask you directly. I don’t know what you talked about, but she requested to be your deputy. If she officially serves under you, please treat her well.]
He momentarily wanted to add,
‘Take care of my daughter, damn it.’
But knowing that Laura’s sparkling eyes when talking about Yaeger was because she recognized his abilities and not out of romantic interest, he refrained from doing so.
Yet he still couldn’t shake off the uncomfortable and anxious feeling that, like all fathers with daughters, he was hoping that guy wouldn’t go after his daughter.
