News of the death of the Emperor of the Empire of Belgaria shocked both Princess Altina and strategist Regis. Now their main political opponent—the second prince Laetreil—was literally one step away from the throne. And to make matters worse, the Ministry of Military Affairs summons Regis to the capital in order to officially approve his promotion to a staff officer of the 3rd rank by requiring him to pass a series of mandatory tests. And despite being in the very height of the war with High Brittania, Regis has no right to refuse—so he is forced to temporarily leave the 4th army and his princess…