Karina’s training was anything but smooth. Though she had gained approval from her step-uncle, Vice Admiral Roman Neuschwan, the journey that followed was still filled with hardships.
Upon completing five grueling months of basic training, Karina was finally granted the right to select her division.
She had filled out the application with no hesitation.
[Name: Karina Maeril
Age: 24
Sex: F
Desired Division: Bundesritter Navy — 5th Combat Fleet]
The Bundesritter Navy.
It was the pride of Zyphran’s maritime power. A specialized force distinct from the Dominion’s main military body.
For Karina, the choice was obvious.
Her specialty in ice magic complemented naval operations perfectly. The synergy between her abilities and the tactical demands of maritime warfare ensured the Bundesritter Navy would accept her.
The very next day marked the culmination of her journey thus far.
The cadets inauguration ceremony. It was the official recognition of those who had completed the grueling five-month training precursor, formally inducting them into the Bundesritter’s military ranks.
Karina, clad in her military uniform, awaited her turn as names were called one by one.
All around her, families gathered. Fathers, mothers, siblings, and even childhood friends had come to witness their loved ones receive their validation badges.
The atmosphere was filled with bittersweet emotions of reunion after long separation.
But for Karina, she wasn’t expecting anyone.
She hadn’t even looked toward the crowd.
Because she knew there was no one there for her.
——Maeril, Karina. Step forward.
Her name echoed across the courtyard.
Karina broke formation and approached the stage. Her posture was perfect.
The saluting officer extended a small case, opening it to reveal the insignia of the Bundesritter.
“By the authority of the Zyphran Dominion and the Bundesritter Navy, you are hereby recognized as a soldier of the 5th Combat Fleet.”
Karina stepped forward, accepted the insignia with both hands, and fastened it to her uniform.
Applause erupted across the courtyard.
But her gaze remained distant.
For her, this was merely the beginning.
This ceremony, these accolades, it was all just formality. What lay ahead was what mattered.
Yet, amidst the formal applause meant for her, something, or rather, someone, caught her eye.
A man wearing a top-hat, stood at the far edge of the gathering, clapping his hands
“Ah….”
It was her step-uncle, Roman Neuschwan.
She didn’t know much about him, truth be told. But from what he had told her during his brief visits, he was a man whose wife couldn’t bear children. Yet despite that, he remained loyal to his wife.
Unknowingly, a faint smile curved her lips.
At least one person had come for her.
Thump!
“Sir!”
Snapping back to attention, Karina straightened her posture, delivered a textbook salute, turned on her heel, and returned to her formation.
* * *
“Congratulations, Karina.”
“Thank you, Vice Admiral—”
“You’re on leave for the moment,” Roman interrupted, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “So for now, you may call me uncle.”
“A-Ah?”
Karina blinked, caught off guard. The words didn’t seem forced, nor was there any pressure behind them.
From what her superior officers had told her, Roman Neuschwan wasn’t known for being sentimental, but a career officer through and through.
But perhaps, under his stoic exterior, was a man who wished for another generation under his name.
A man whose younger brother had abandoned the family long ago.
And perhaps, after all this time, the idea of being called “uncle” meant more to him than he would ever admit aloud.
Karina’s lips parted hesitantly. “U-Uncle….”
The word felt foreign on her tongue, yet oddly natural once spoken.
Roman’s expression didn’t change much, but there was a subtle softening in his gaze Karina didn’t miss.
The two stood in a comfortable silence as the other newly inducted soldiers celebrated with their families.
“Walk with me,” Roman said, gesturing toward the quieter path.
Karina fell into step beside him.
“As of tomorrow, you’ll report to Commander Richter of the 5th Combat Fleet,” Roman said.
“….I’m prepared, Uncle.”
“I’m certain you believe that,” he said, glancing at her from the corner of his eye. “But it’s best to expect the unexpected. Remember, the ocean is far less forgiving than land.”
Karina nodded silently.
He seemed quite concerned.
“That being said, have you eaten?” Roman asked.
“Only breakfast,” Karina admitted.
“Then, would you care to dine with me?” There was a gentle insistence behind the offer.
“Ah, yes. If that’s alright with you.”
Roman nodded, pleased. “Of course. Anything you want to eat? Don’t hesitate. I’d like to celebrate your accomplishment properly.”
Karina thought for a moment. It wasn’t often she indulged in personal desires, especially when it came to meals, neither in Aetherion, nor the Dominion.
Life in the Dominion’s military had a way of dulling personal preferences. Yet, the way Roman spoke made her consider.
“I… I’d like something warm,” she said at last. “Maybe stew. Something simple?”
Roman chuckled softly. “Stew it is, then. Let’s find a place that does it well.”
* * *
Stew.
A simple, light-hearted, home-cooked dish Karina had often made back in her small apartment in Aetherion. It was easy to prepare, the ingredients were cheap, and it was comfortable.
So then, what was this?
What she thought would be a humble bowl of stew was now refined beyond recognition.
The restaurant was far fancier than she had anticipated, and the stew, accompanied by a diverse palate of side dishes, looked as though it belonged in a noble’s banquet, not on a modest tavern table.
Her eyes turned to the elegant plating, to the crystal glasses, to the polished silverware. Guilt began to settle in her chest.
Was this the spending power of a Zyphran noble?
What even was the paycheck of a Vice-Admiral?
Roman, as if sensing her hesitation, leaned back in his seat.
“I heard you enlisted the moment you arrived in the Dominion,” he said. “So you haven’t had the chance to properly experience Zyphran cuisine, have you?”
“…Y-Yes,” Karina admitted.
“Then don’t hold back. I insist.”
“….”
Karina gulped.
She’d been in this position before. There had been times when Professor Vanitas had taken her out for meals far beyond her means. Fancy places where her wallet would have cried, had he not covered the expenses himself.
But this felt different.
And the question that had been bothering her finally slipped past her lips.
“Uhm… I’m sorry if this is a rude thing to ask, but… aren’t you wary of me?” she asked softly.
“Wary?” Roman repeated, raising a brow.
“I’m not your brother’s biological daughter,” she said. “You have no obligation toward me. Doesn’t that… make you cautious?”
Roman’s gaze softened.
“So?” he said. “You told me yourself. He raised you on his own since you were ten. That makes you his daughter in all the ways that matter.”
“Ah….”
“And besides,” Roman added, a small smile tugging at his lips, “I want to use this opportunity to get to know you better, Karina. You know I’ve never had any children of my own. My bastard of a brother ran off and lived his life, and I never had the chance to meet my niece until now.”
“….”
Karina’s throat tightened. Roman’s tone implied earnest sincerity.
For a long moment, she stared at the stew.
Then, with a genuine smile, she picked up her spoon.
“Thank you, Uncle.”
Roman nodded, and for a while, the two enjoyed their meal while conversing. The rich flavors of the stew were undeniably delicious. She took care to mind her manners, eating slowly and properly.
Moments later, the atmosphere shifted as a new voice chimed in.
“Ah, I’m so sorry I’m late!”
A woman, likely in the same age group as Roman, appeared with hurried steps, settling into the seat beside him. Her hair was tied back neatly, though a few loose strands were here and there.
The warmth in her expression was immediate as she fixed her glasses.
“The children wouldn’t let me go,” she said, breathless but smiling.
“It’s fine, dear,” Roman replied with a small chuckle.
He leaned over and they exchanged a quick peck on the cheek.
Karina paused mid-bite, quietly observing. She didn’t want to stare, but the realization dawned on her.
This woman must be Roman’s wife.
Which meant… her step-aunt.
“Karina,” Roman said, turning his attention back. “This is Mia, my wife.”
Mia beamed. “It’s so lovely to finally meet you, Karina. Roman’s told me so much.”
“I-It’s nice to meet you as well, Lady Mia,” Karina said, bowing her head slightly.
“Oh, no need for such formality. ‘Aunt Mia’ will do just fine.” Mia’s smile was gentle.
There was an sweetness in her tone that made Karina’s usual defenses falter.
“…Yes. Aunt Mia,” Karina repeated.
Mia’s eyes softened even further. “Good. Now, let’s enjoy this meal together. And once we’re done, I’d love to hear more about you. Roman’s stories are good, but I’d rather hear them from you.”
Karina could only nod, her lips curling into a genuine smile.
As they ate, the conversation flowed easily. Karina learned that Mia Neuschwan was an elementary school teacher who was well-loved by her students.
They asked Karina about her training, her thoughts on joining the Bundesritter Navy, and even shared light-hearted anecdotes about Roman’s youth.
Eventually, the conversation shifted to Karina’s own life. Her childhood. The hardships she endured. Her previous work. And overall, her life in Aetherion.
“Oh, gosh! You were a teaching assistant? And in the prestigious Silver University Tower, at that?!” Mia exclaimed, clearly impressed.
“Yes,” Karina replied with a modest nod.
For the first time in a long while, the heavy walls around her heart loosened.
The warmth of the Neuschwan couple brought her a feeling she hadn’t realized she craved.
For once, Karina felt like she belonged to a family.
After finally being given the opportunity to sight-see the Dominion, Karina’s brief leave ended.
She was only given ten hours before duty called her back. Before her stretched the endless ocean under a bleak, grey sky.
“This…” she murmured, taking in the imposing facility before her.
The Bundesritter Navy’s Fifth Combat Fleet base.
Standing beside her, Vice-Admiral Roman Neuschwan offered a curt nod. “From here on, you’ll be serving under different superiors. But remember, aside from the Admirals, every one of your commanding officers answers to me.”
“…Yes, Uncle.”
“Vice-Admiral.”
“Vice-Admiral,” Karina corrected herself, straightening her posture and offering a salute.
Roman chuckled. Then, his tone shifted into something more professional. He seemed to fully embody his position now that they stood within the confines of military grounds.
“If anything happens, like hazing or misconduct, report it immediately to Colonel Richter. He’s one of the officers under my direct command. I’ll ensure no one lays a hand on you, nor crosses a line.”
Karina hesitated for a moment, then spoke up. “Vice-Admiral.”
“What is it?”
“If possible… I’d like you not to intervene. I wish to experience everything for myself… The good and the bad.”
For a moment, Roman studied her. Then, slowly, he exhaled.
“I see. Very well. You’re your father’s daughter, after all.”
Karina offered a faint smile. “Thank you, Vice-Admiral.”
With that, he gestured toward the main building. “Go on. Your commanding officer is expecting you. Remember your training, and remember the Neuschwan name is behind you.”
Thump!
“Yes, sir!” she said, saluting before entering the towering facility.
As Karina’s figure disappeared into the heart of the naval base, Roman lit a cigarette and took a slow drag. The smoke curled lazily into the grey sky as he exhaled.
“I wonder,” he murmured, his eyes narrowing, “what exactly did that senior professor of hers do to drive her away from Aetherion?”
There had to be more to the story.
Karina had never gone into detail about her time at the Silver University Tower.
Every time Roman broached the subject, she would sidestep it. She never mentioned the professor’s name, nor gave hints beyond vague remarks.
That silence alone was suspicious.
Just who was this professor?
Roman tapped ash from the cigarette.
“I’ll need to ask my connections.”
* * *
Karina began her journey as a cadet in the Bundesritter Navy. The transition wasn’t smooth. The following months were filled with hardships, grueling training, and more than a few scuffles with her fellow servicemen due to allegations of nepotism.
But Karina was never one to fold under pressure.
Through sheer determination and competence, she climbed the ranks.
Slowly but surely, she had carved her place within the 5th Combat Fleet. Her mastery of ice magic, coupled with her tactical acumen, did not go unnoticed.
By the time half a year had passed, Karina Maeril had earned the insignia of a Lieutenant.