Chapter 30: An Honor
"So... Gobernador? What is your answer?" Señor Apolinario Mabini pulled me out of my thoughts. I realized I hadn't given a verbal response.
"It would be an honor, Señor Presidente," I replied, my stunned lips finally curling into a smile.
The air in the room lightened as the three men chuckled at my answer. Apparently, my nervousness hadn't gone unnoticed.
"Congratulations, Don Lardizabal," said General Torres. The smile I had assumed was hostile turned out to be a friendly one after all.
"I knew you'd say yes, Gobernador... or should I say Heneral," said President Aguinaldo, pushing his chair away from the desk. I heard him open a drawer beneath it.
He produced a set of clothes and laid them carefully on the table. It didn't take long for me to realize they were no ordinary garments. From the grooves and the folds, I could tell it was a khaki military uniform.
On top of the neatly folded fabric were red shoulder bars, embroidered with a golden sun embraced by golden leaves. Beside them was a sealed envelope, the wax still wet.
"By the power vested in me by the Philippine Republic, I grant you the rank of General de Brigada," the President declared. "And appoint you as commander of the Military District of Marinduque, Mindoro, and Romblon," the president pronounced it while remaining seated, and it should have sounded unceremonious—but it did not.
The proclamation, simple as it might have seemed, gave me the authority I needed if I ever hoped to play a significant role in the looming conflict.
With excitement bubbling in my chest, I stood at attention and saluted.
The President returned the gesture and stood, extending a hand.