Analytical Commander

As the gates of the fortress opened in front of them, Shen took a deep breath. The air felt heavy with the weight of history and expectations. Shen noticed that everyone treated his brother with a lot of respect, and it seemed like it came naturally in every gesture and greeting. Geno's powerful presence washed over everyone who came into contact with him, filling the room like a tide.

Zara caught up with them before they got to the big doors of the royal room. The whole time, she had been quiet, but when they got close to the door, she stopped Shen by putting a hand on his arm. Geno slowed down but didn't stop. He kept going to the doors to talk to a servant for a minute.

Zara said, "Shen," in a calm but quick voice. Shen turned to look at her with interest.

"Keep this in mind before we go in," Zara said. Don't let your doubts go away. No. Use that. Don't just be scared and blind. Use that to get around. So don't try to be "fearless."
Fear has its place, but don't let it control you; let it guide you. Her look pierced him, and her words carved themselves into his mind.

Shen nodded slowly as she listened to what she had to say. He understood what she was saying and felt its weight. Fear was not a weakness for him; it was something he needed to learn how to use.

When Geno came back, Zara stepped back, and the three of them walked toward the throne room doors. The big doors creaked open, and Shen's heart raced. The chamber's high ceilings and intricate stonework, which were meant to be awe-inspiring, made it too grand. The king sat on a fancy throne, and the torches made his armor shine. His piercing gaze passed over them with an aura of power, and the room fell silent.

Shen and Zara bowed their heads and got down on their knees right away. Geno stood still but tilted his head slightly to show that he respected the other person instead of being subordinate. The king's strong voice rang out in the chamber.

He said "Rise" in a strong but soft voice.

The king looked at Zara and Shen as they stood there. "Zara," he said with a tone of gratitude in his voice. "Your bravery and leadership on the Republic's frontiers have shown that you are a strong warrior. I respect you as the Commander of War.

A royal servant gave Zara her new insignia. She bowed her head in thanks and took it. Then the king's piercing gaze turned to Shen, and Shen felt the full weight of it on him.

The king said in a strong and commanding voice, "Shen Takeda." "Your strategic planning and determination have been the keys to your success on the battlefield. We need both physical and mental strength. So, I give you the special title of Analytical Commander.

After hearing the words, Shen felt very proud and very responsible. A staff member came up and put the emblem on him.

"They are great responsibilities, not just titles," the king said. The phrase really struck a chord with Shen, and he knew it was true. This was not just a way to show off his skills; it was also a way to challenge him to meet the standards set for him. He would have to earn this title every day by the things he did and the choices he made.

As they left the throne room, Shen followed Geno through the long hallways of the citadel. His brother's presence and the weight of his new title were both very heavy on his mind.
Geno's quiet confidence showed through in everything he did. Shen kept thinking about what Zara had said earlier about being unsure and anxious. He couldn't shake the feeling that Geno had hidden doubts of his own as well.

The silence was broken when Shen spoke. "Geno, what the king said about being responsible. Is it ever too much for you?

As he slowed down, Geno looked over at Shen with a small smile. He said in a calm voice, "Shen, the weight of responsibility never goes away." But that's not what it's meant to do. That weight reminds us of our fight. You will eventually learn to carry it without any problems.

Shen nodded thoughtfully, showing how much he cared about his brother. Geno's words were more than just advice; they were a reflection of his own strength and skill.

Shen stopped for a moment before asking another question as they walked. "What made the Republic soldiers act the way they did in the village? They seemed more interested in proving their superiority than in protecting their own people.

Geno's face got a little darker as he sighed. He said, "Shen, politics isn't often about what's right or fair." "They tried to take control of the borders to remind us and their own people of how strong they were. The point of the presentation is to stop people from disagreeing and rioting.

He thought about what to say for a moment. But they are careful not to go too far. They think carefully about how each choice will affect them in the short and long term. They aren't careless, but they aren't unbeatable either. In the end, their need to be in charge of everything will become a weakness.

Shen listened to his brother's explanation because he was impressed by how much Geno knew. He didn't realize how complicated the layers of political strategy and influence were.

Finally, Geno gave Shen a golden key and a small cloth pouch full of bloodflowers. Geno said, "This is to keep you safe." He pointed to the key and said, "And this is for your future." The king has given you a house as a thank you. You should have your own home by now.