Tatsuo moved on to the promotions within Rota's Brigade, his voice clear and decisive. "Now," he announced, "we will address the appointments within Baron Rota Uno's Brigade."
"1st Class Rare Commander Alaric Stoneheart," he began, "with your Lion Cavalry Battalion, you will serve under Baron Rota Uno's command. Your expertise and the strength of your cavalry will be crucial to this brigade's success."
Alaric Stoneheart stepped forward, his expression respectful. "As you command, Your Highness," he said.
"2nd Class Rare Commander Edald," Tatsuo continued, "your strategic mind and battlefield experience have proven invaluable. Therefore, I promote you to the rank of 1st Class Rare Commander. You will lead a 500-man Drake Battalion."
Edald stepped forward, his expression composed. "Your Highness," he said, "I am honored."
"2nd Class Rare Commander Rudy," Tatsuo said, "your tactical prowess and aggressive approach have been instrumental in our victories. Therefore, I also promote you to the rank of 1st Class Rare Commander. You will lead another 500-man Drake Battalion."
Rudy stepped forward, his expression eager. "Your Highness," he said, "I am ready to serve."
"1st Class Commander Damien Blackrose," Tatsuo concluded, "your experience and leadership will be vital to Baron Rota Uno's Brigade. You will serve under his command, leading the Elite Blackrose Cavalry Battalion."
Damien stepped forward, his expression resolute. "Your Highness," he said, "I will fulfill my duty."
Tatsuo shifted his attention to Sir Ragnar Sternguard's Brigade, his voice filled with anticipation. "Now," he announced, "we will address the appointments within Sir Ragnar Sternguard's Brigade."
"Sir Proggor Stoneclaw," he began, "my fourth knight, your strength and unwavering loyalty have been invaluable. Therefore, I promote you to the rank of 1st Rare Commander. You will lead the Clash Shield Battalion."
Proggor stepped forward, his expression resolute. "Your Highness," he said, "I am honored."
"Nick," Tatsuo continued, "your dedication has been noted. Therefore, I hereby knight you." Nick knelt, and Tatsuo performed the knighting ceremony, bestowing upon him the title of Sir Nick Crushguard. "Sir Nick Crushguard," Tatsuo said, "your loyalty and...unique approach to combat have earned you this promotion. You will serve as a 2nd Rare Commander and lead the Hammerhead Battalion."
Nick rose, a grin spreading across his face. Ragnar Sternguard scratched his head and smiled.
"Vinberal," Tatsuo said, "you too have proven your loyalty. Therefore, I hereby knight you." Vinberal knelt, and Tatsuo performed the knighting ceremony, bestowing upon him the title of Sir Vinberal Axebreaker. "Sir Vinberal Axebreaker," Tatsuo continued, "you will serve as a 2nd Rare Commander and lead the Axearm Battalion."
Vinberal rose, his expression determined. Ragnar Sternguard scratched his head and smiled again.
"Sol," Tatsuo said, a hint of amusement in his voice, "finally, someone who isn't quite as...brutal." He laughed. "You have proven your loyalty and skill. Therefore, I hereby knight you." Sol knelt, and Tatsuo performed the knighting ceremony, bestowing upon him the title of Sir Sol Aidbringer. "Sir Sol Aidbringer," Tatsuo continued, "you will serve as a 2nd Rare Commander and lead the Shield and Spear Battalion."
Sol rose, his expression calm and composed. "Your Highness," he said, "I am ready to serve."
Tatsuo moved on to the third brigade, Count Valerius Blackrose's Blackrose Brigade, his voice filled with respect and admiration. "Now," he announced, "we will address the appointments within Count Valerius Blackrose's Blackrose Brigade."
"Markus Horned," he began, "your loyalty to your lord is exceptional. Even as our enemy, I admired your unwavering dedication. Therefore, you will be promoted to 1st Class Rare Commander and lead the Elite Infantry Blackrose Battalion."
Markus Horned stepped forward, his expression filled with gratitude. "Your Highness," he said, "I am honored by this recognition."
"Lyron Fane," Tatsuo continued, "your accuracy on the battlefield was truly remarkable. You are a master of marksmanship. Your loyalty to the Count is undeniable. You will be promoted to 2nd Class Rare Commander and lead the Marksman Blackrose Battalion."
Lyron Fane stepped forward, his expression composed. "Your Highness," he said, "I am grateful for this opportunity."
Tatsuo then turned to two of his original Prince Guards. "Stal," he said, "my loyal and original Prince Guard, you will be knighted." Stal knelt, and Tatsuo performed the knighting ceremony, bestowing upon him the title of Sir Stal Emberclaw. "Sir Stal Emberclaw," Tatsuo continued, "you will be promoted to 2nd Rare Commander and lead the Shieldwall Blackrose Battalion."
Stal rose, his expression resolute. "Your Highness," he said, "I am ready to serve."
"Ziri," Tatsuo said, "my loyal and original Prince Guard, you will also be knighted." Ziri knelt, and Tatsuo performed the knighting ceremony, bestowing upon him the title of Sir Ziri Scarmarked. "Sir Ziri Scarmarked," Tatsuo continued, "you will be promoted to 2nd Rare Commander and also lead the Shieldwall Blackrose Battalion."
Ziri rose, his expression determined. "Your Highness," he said, "I am honored."
Tatsuo smiled, pleased with the progress. He was now ready to move on to the final brigade.
Tatsuo, his gaze now fixed on 1st Class Rare Commander Reeldos Umbra's Brigade, completed the final appointments. "For the last Brigade," he announced, "Sir Reeldos's Brigade."
He turned to two more of his original Prince Guards. "Ivan," he said, "my loyal and original Prince Guard, you will be knighted." Ivan knelt, and Tatsuo performed the knighting ceremony, bestowing upon him the title of Sir Ivan Shadowstep. "Sir Ivan Shadowstep," Tatsuo continued, "you will be promoted to 2nd Rare Commander and lead the Support Battalion (Scouts, Medics Soldiers, Supply Soldiers)."
Ivan rose, his expression grateful. "Your Highness," he said, "I am honored."
"Gust," Tatsuo said, "my loyal and original Prince Guard, you will also be knighted." Gust knelt, and Tatsuo performed the knighting ceremony, bestowing upon him the title of Sir Gust Farstrike. "Sir Gust Farstrike," Tatsuo continued, "you will be promoted to 2nd Rare Commander and lead the Gunner Battalion."
Gust rose, his expression determined. "Your Highness," he said, "I am ready to serve."
Tatsuo then turned to two more of his original Prince Guards. "Gustod," he said, "my loyal and original Prince Guard, you will be knighted." Gustod knelt, and Tatsuo performed the knighting ceremony, bestowing upon him the title of Sir Gustod Crestbearer. "Sir Gustod Crestbearer," Tatsuo continued, "you will be promoted to 2nd Rare Commander and lead the Battle Escort Battalion."
Gustod rose, his expression resolute. "Your Highness," he said, "I am honored."
"Nilfias," Tatsuo said, "my loyal and original Prince Guard, you will also be knighted." Nilfias knelt, and Tatsuo performed the knighting ceremony, bestowing upon him the title of Sir Nilfias Trustblade. "Sir Nilfias Trustblade," Tatsuo continued, "you will be promoted to 2nd Rare Commander and lead the Front Battle Battalion."
Nilfias rose, his expression determined. "Your Highness," he said, "I am honored."
Tatsuo, having completed the promotions, surveyed the assembled officers, a sense of satisfaction and pride washing over him. "I congratulate all of you," he said, his voice ringing with sincerity. "You have all earned these promotions through your dedication, skill, and loyalty. I have no doubt that you will lead your battalions with distinction."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over them. "We face challenging times ahead, but with your leadership and the courage of our soldiers, we will prevail. Fight for me, fight for your comrades, and fight for the cause of the Empire!"
With a final, encouraging smile, Tatsuo dismissed the officers, allowing them to prepare for their new roles and responsibilities.