In Memoriam

If he was still here

September 4th, 821 UC/ 22 New imperial calendar

Fezzan

The imperial castle

"Felix Von Reuenthal". hearing his name, the brunet walked toward the throne before kneeling in front of the Kaiser.

"As recompense for your victory in the battle of Palantia, I hereby, Alexander Siegfried, the second kaiser of the Lohengramm dynasty, promote you to the rank of rear admiral. Upon this promotion, you shall receive a vessel and a fleet of 3000 ships". A proud smile brightened the young Kaiser's features. "Congratulations, my friend". He managed to murmur to the tall officer before he moved away.

"Thank you, your majesty". Felix bowed.

Minutes later, the young admiral left the room looking for a breather. He was standing alone on the balcony when he felt his mentor's presence behind him. "Do you think he is proud of me?" he asked, eyes lost in the starry night sky. Ever since he was a kid, Felix has always been fascinated by stars.

"How did you even know it was me?" The middle-aged man scoffed.

"Because no one would leave the ceremony at such an early hour to join me except for you". he turned to face the honey-haired man. "Or a lovely lady if there were any around". A wicked smirk danced across his lips. "Plus, I can recognize your footsteps anywhere". He added, now smiling.

"I sometimes forget how sharp you are". Mittermeyer shrugged. "As for the old man, I can easily picture him drunk, because he is certainly celebrating this in Valhalla, and bragging about having you as a son. I must admit, I don't envy Oberstein". Both men laughed heartedly. Unlike Oskar, His son was a happy man.

"I highly doubt he enjoys drinking without you". Felix pointed out.

"He better not, but tonight is special". The blond replied. "I'll let him off the hook this time". He took a sip from his drink before following. "His birthday is close".

"Yes, that's why I want to finish with formalities as soon as possible. Louisa has already left the capital". He leaned against the railing. "Mutty told me Wahlen's son asked her for marriage".

"Yes, he came to me after we got back to the capital two weeks earlier. He asked for my benediction".

"He seems to be a good guy, I met him twice".

"He is". Arms crossed; the supreme commander of the imperial navy eyed his protégé. "What about you?"

"What about me?" Felix repeated.

"You know what I'm talking about". Mittermeyer huffed. "By Odin, you are worse than him". he let out a deep chuckle.

"I will when I find the right woman. Not anyone can carry the title of Lady Reuenthal".

"Is this what you tell her to get away with it?"

"It works every time". Felix shrugged. "By the way, will you and Tante Eva join us?"

"Of course," after a brief moment, the gale wolf called Felix's name.

"Yes, your excellency?"

Unlike with Louisa; Mittermeyer has a hard time getting Felix to quite the formalities when they are alone. the young man seems to relax only when they are home. "I want you to know that I am proud of you, son. In a short amount of time, you came this far without anyone's help". Watching the drink in his hand, a sad smile crept across his lips. "If he was still among us, he'd be proud of you too, certainly more. I have no doubt". He looked up at the man he considers a son with glassy eyes. "I'm proud of both Louisa and you". He spoke with a quivering voice.