So, are you saying you're going to consider the Colonel dead and appoint a new commander?

Aiden Cole asked while sitting with his legs casually crossed. A smile, same as always, hung on his lips. It was as if the matter currently under discussion wasn't his superior's death, but rather next week's dinner menu.

"No body was found. But it's been 47 days since the headquarters was overrun. The probability of survival is slim. We can no longer leave the front line neglected because of one person."

I've never neglected the front line. The 7th Battalion is still holding its position. Just as the Colonel ordered.

"Major Cole. Accept reality."

Thud.

A file folder dropped onto the desk. A familiar name was written on the cover.

Colonel Guest — Missing in Action. Presumed Dead.

Aiden's smile vanished.

...Presumed dead?

"It is an official judgment. You should also stop—"

Dammit, it hasn't even been confirmed that they're dead yet!!!

The air in the briefing room froze.

The man who had been leaning languidly against his chair until a moment ago stood up. The chair was pushed back violently, and the documents on the desk scattered to the floor. Aiden took a step toward the general looking down at him.

Is there a body? Are there any personal effects? Is there even a single piece of solid evidence that the person is dead?

"Major, what is this attitude toward a superior!"

Superior?

Aiden let out a hollow laugh.

Don't be mistaken. You're just higher in rank than me; you aren't my superior.

"You'll have nothing to say even if you're referred to a court-martial."

Go ahead and do that.

When the Colonel returns, I'll tell them myself then. That you people turned them into a dead person for your own convenience.

As he left the briefing room, the smile had returned to his face. A subordinate waiting in the hallway asked cautiously.

"Major. Are you alright?"

Of course. I'm perfectly fine.

Aiden patted the subordinate's shoulder.

Let's go grab some food. What was the menu today again?

His voice sounded like nothing was wrong. It was light, relaxed, and annoyingly calm, just like usual.

However, inside his fist, which no one could see, the crumpled document was being distorted even more severely.

That night.

Aiden sat alone in the empty commander's office. On the desk lay the situational report he wrote every day. The recipient was always the same.

To: Colonel Guest.

He picked up a pen and wrote the final sentence.

The 7th Battalion is maintaining its current position. The orders remain in effect.

After watching the ink dry for a long time, Aiden muttered lowly.

So, Colonel.

There was no answer in the empty room.

It's about time you came back.

He smiled. In a place where no one could see, with a face that held no trace of a smile.

I've really been patient for a long time.

After neatly organizing the last remaining report, he turned off the light.

The war was continuing.

And Aiden Cole was still waiting for your orders.