"Chan. You've returned." the man said, his gaze practically X-raying me, as though measuring me against some unseen template. His sharp gaze didn't miss the sword and dagger hanging at my belt either.
"Yes, my training has come to an end. Master Piandao has taught me everything he could—and everything he wished to—and has gifted me a weapon."
"Well then, I am proud of you, my son." For the first time in as long as I could remember, Admiral Chan smiled openly and warmly. "You left these walls as little more than a boy. Now, I see before me a young warrior of the Fire Nation. Such changes gladden my heart."
Yeah… his style was still just as pompous and formal as ever.
"What will you do next?" Another change—before, whenever the caring parent deigned to pay attention to his child, he hadn't been particularly interested in said child's opinions or future plans.
"During my apprenticeship, I had much to think about. About our nation, our family, and our family's place within that nation—and so…"
I stepped toward the man seated in the chair, drawing my sword as I did so, and… dropped to one knee before him, presenting the weapon across my hands.
"Admiral, I ask you to accept me into service in the forces of the Fire Nation."
At that moment, Admiral Chan teared up. A smiling, crying man with military bearing and decades of service behind him. Quite a sight.
He didn't deliberate long.
"Very well, repeat after me. I, Chan, son of Chan, swear loyalty to the nation and to the Fire LordI solemnly vow to faithfully uphold the laws of the Fire Nation, to strictly follow military regulations, and to obey the orders of my commanders and superiors. I swear to carry out my duty with honor, to courageously defend the freedom, independence, and order of the Fire Nation—its people and my homeland."
I dutifully repeated the oath.
"Rise, warrior of fire. Take up your sword—and remember what it was given to you for!" Father—no, Admiral Chan finished, handing the blade back to me.
With a bow, I accepted the sword and returned it to its sheath.
"What are your further orders, Admiral?"
"At ease, son," the commander replied. "It's a shame Lana did not live to see this day. Today, you have impressed me twice and gladdened my heart—and so we will celebrate. Tomorrow, you will depart with my letter to the navigation school. In two months, a new ironclad will leave the shipyards to reinforce the Eastern Fleet. If you prove yourself worthy, you will be its captain."
"Two months?"
On the one hand, I hadn't even dared dream of being handed a brand-new ship for my sole command (and aboard a ship, the captain is king and god during a voyage). At best, I'd been hoping for a position as a first mate on some middling vessel—something to gradually integrate into a crew, gain experience, start building my own team, and only then think about commanding my own ship—six or seven months down the line. And even that, I'd considered an ambitious timeline.
But on the other hand—even if it had taken six or seven months, there would still have been whispers along the lines of "Daddy bought his son a toy ship," along with the corresponding attitude from the old sea dogs. But at least I'd have some kind of team by then—an initial core who knew me personally and could be relied upon.
What I'd have to endure—and how I'd have to twist myself into knots—if I got a ship in just two months, and not just any ship but a brand-new ironclad… it was honestly a little terrifying to imagine.
"You managed to become a disciple of the legendary Piandao and complete your training—do you really think you'll struggle with navigation courses?" the admiral asked, misreading my reaction.
"The courses aren't my biggest concern, Father," I replied, and explained to the overly pleased man just what kind of mess he was about to saddle me with out of the goodness of his heart.
"So that's what you mean…" the admiral chuckled. "You are my son, and anything you do will be scrutinized one way or another. Among those around you, there will be 'friends' like the ones you used to have" the sailor bared his teeth in a grin as he saw me grimace at the mention "and enemies, eager to smear you, and through you, me. There will be talk and whispers regardless."
"But we are the Fire Nation, and we respect the Right of the Strong. Challenge a slanderer to an Agni Kai, or slit his throat in a duel, and the talk will die down."
Right… yeah. I'd somehow lost sight of the fact that the customs here were a lot more… straightforward than in my previous world. Words could demand a response—and not in a courtroom with lawyers, where everything is decided by the thickness of your wallet, but in an arena, where your words would quite literally be forced back down your throat. And you'd be lucky if it was just a fist—and not a fireblast or a piece of steel.
"I understand. Thank you, Father. I won't let you down."
"I'm counting on it. Now then, we'll celebrate and enjoy ourselves!" He clapped his hands. "Oh, Lintao's bringing the food already—excellent! Call out to her and tell her to bring wine as well—and plenty of it, plenty!"
***
The next morning, nursing a mild headache, I set off for the aforementioned navigation school. In my backpack, alongside a change of clothes, some rations, and a weapon maintenance kit, I carried a letter of recommendation.
The admiral's messenger hawk had already been sent yesterday, so they should be expecting me…
In theory.
Considering he'd dispatched the bird while already quite drunk, off-key singing something along the lines of 'I'll drink it all away, but I won't disgrace the fleet,' and even attempting to offer the messenger hawk a 'parting drink.'"
Fortunately, the bird turned out to be a staunch teetotaler and made its escape to deliver the message before the well-meaning admiral could force-feed it alcohol.
Well, in any case, it would take me about two days to reach the school by sea. Even if that first attempt at sending the message had failed, dear old dad would have enough time to sober up and send another dispatch.