After the problem of crossing the river was finally solved, the mood in the room changed at once.
Everyone's eyes brightened.
It felt like a great weight had been lifted from their shoulders.
The hardest obstacle was gone, and hope had finally walked back into the room.
Everyone at the table looked at Vivian with pride.
His father smiled, commander Vikram nodded, and the emperor simply stared with quiet admiration.
For a moment, he felt the respect that only real solutions can earn.
After a short while, once they finished talking about who would bring the materials, the emperor straightened in his seat.
"Now that these matters are settled," he said, "there is one last question. Who will take the vanguard?"
The room froze again.
The air felt tight, as if everyone was thinking the same thing but no one wanted to be the first to speak.
Commander Vikram stood up at last. His voice was steady.
"I will take the vanguard—"
