Chapter 17: Before the March

It started with a single bell toll echoing through the courtyard.

An announcement shimmered on the academy's crystal screens:

[Strategic Volunteer Deployment Request]

The Kingdom of Elrinth is entering active defense against the approaching Northern Legion.

Tactical volunteers will be assigned to front-line battalions. Compensation and honorary rank upon return.

Assigned Strategist: Andrew (Lv. 152)

Departure: Tomorrow Morning

The Calm Before War

Mario's fork froze midair. "They're sending him to the front?"

Sofia blinked. "They're not sending him. He volunteered."

Emma bit her lip. "But it's a real war. Not a simulation."

Caroline stood without a word, already heading toward the training courtyard.

Andrew was alone — leaning against a tree, scribbling in his notebook. His coat unbuttoned, wind tugging at his collar.

When Mario arrived first, Andrew didn't look up.

"You really volunteered?"

"I was getting bored," Andrew said. "Figured I'd find better puzzles at the front."

"You know this isn't some chessboard, right?"

"I'm counting on that."

The Last Evening

The rest of the party joined him — Caroline, Emma, Lena, Sofia.

No one spoke at first. Not until Andrew tucked the notebook into his belt and turned to face them.

"Well, if I don't come back… please don't mess up without me."

Caroline smirked. "Who says we won't be better without you?"

"Pfft," he grinned. "When I get back, I expect Mario to still be losing duels… and Lena to be breaking things unnecessarily."

"Hey!"

Andrew pointed at Emma. "And you — stop healing people who insult you."

She laughed. "No promises."

Then he looked at Caroline. "As for you…"

He stepped forward dramatically, hand to his chest.

"I humbly request that, should I survive and return with glory… you finally agree to call me your prince."

He winked.

Caroline flushed. "You're such an idiot."

"But a charming one, right?"

Lena rolled her eyes. "Someone punch him before I do."

Farewell

The sun had barely risen.

A military airship waited at the academy docks, its engines humming low. Dozens of students and faculty stood silently as Andrew approached in uniform — his coat trimmed in silver, a sword at his hip, tactical book in hand.

He turned once more to his friends, standing at the edge of the field.

Caroline stepped forward. "Don't do anything stupid."

Andrew smiled.

"Only if you wait for your prince, my lady."

The ramp closed. The ship ascended.

And Andrew was gone — carried away toward the great northern war.