Chapter 15

After successfully retreating by scattering incendiary bombs,

Ivo raised his opinion on the "wouldn't it be nice if we had" type of equipment, like a wire anchor, shared his impressions of using various equipment, and conducted a two-day investigation, including examining the strain on the drive mechanism caused by repeated jumping and checking the connection between the upper and lower body.

Despite the various issues, the mission was ultimately completed successfully.

The only problem was that the schedule for the next test had already been set before I returned.

When I heard that, I couldn't help but say, "Hey, wait a minute! (Edokko dialect)."

Even if my schedule is excluded since I'm officially appointed, the upgrade of the machine and the development of new equipment, as well as the familiarization training for the existing equipment (especially the reloading system), need to be done before the next test!

How can you set the schedule without knowing how long it will take? After arguing strongly, the top brass reluctantly agreed.

But then he said, "Is that okay? You can get promoted faster by going to the battlefield." I wonder what he thinks of me.

Could he be mistaken, thinking I'm a bundle of rebellious spirit trying to get close to power to avenge my parents?

Sure, I have a sister who will grow up to be a beautiful woman, but that's the only thing we have in common. I'm not a momma's boy or a daddy's boy, and I'm not even suited for space.

When I got home, my sister asked about the machine, and when I explained the details, including the weight, and said, "It's fine, it's lighter than you," she threw a knife at me and almost poured hot sweet and sour sauce on me.

Never use hot sweet and sour sauce and burdock as weapons. (A warning)

"Alright, let's have a good day... huh?"

After such a heartwarming interaction with my family, when I went to school, I couldn't help but feel that the gazes directed at me had changed.

What's going on? Did something happen while I was absent for a few days? Maybe a class trip or a class committee position?

If I've been appointed to some committee, I will firmly refuse.

It doesn't matter if it's not me.

"Oh, you finally came? I'm glad you seem so relaxed. Lieutenant."

"Even if you say 'finally,' it's only 10 minutes before homeroom."

As I was confused by the gazes, the only friend I have, Sara... Igozaki, called out to me.

(Ah, I see. I understand completely.)

When I was called "Lieutenant" right away, I understood why I was getting those gazes. I think it's a good thing that Igozaki helps me out in these subtle ways.

The gazes were a mix of curiosity about how I got promoted and confusion about how to react to my sudden promotion.

To me, it was just a series of unfortunate events where I was taken to the battlefield by the boss's order and forced to experience actual combat under the pretext of gathering information. But for them, who want to go to the battlefield, excel, and get promoted, the premise is completely different.

(If you want to take my place, I'd be happy to let you. But it's not that easy to say.)

But I understand their feelings.

And once I understand, it's simple. I just need to follow Igozaki. At least she won't put me at a disadvantage.

Right? I trust you.

"Oh? I thought you'd come early to show off?"

You wanted me to leak information under the guise of showing off. I get it.

"To be honest, I didn't do anything on my own. And the promotion to lieutenant is just a series of exceptions. There's nothing to brag about."

In fact, I became a lieutenant before achieving any military success. And the reason I could achieve success in actual combat was entirely due to the performance of the machine and the preparations made by the top brass, not because of me.

"Hmm? I'd like to hear more about that."

But even if it's an exception, a promotion is a promotion. For classmates who aim to get promoted by achieving military success, the existence of an "exception" that allows a student to get promoted is invaluable information.

I understand their desire to know more. But what do I gain by telling them?

"I'll charge for more information."

I didn't intend to disclose any more information, but Igozaki seemed to interpret it as "I'll sell information if you pay."

"How much?"

She jumped on it.

I hadn't even thought about a price. But if I said "never mind" after mentioning it, I'd definitely lose a friend. I didn't want to lose a friend over something like this.

(What should I do?)

Then, a gentleman in my head suggested a brilliant idea.

—Think the opposite. I'll give you the information, but demand an amount that you can't pay immediately—

(That's it!)

The price of a product is determined by the value perceptions of both the demand and supply sides. Therefore, the right price is never set at the first stage.

So, if I say, "This information is worth 1 million yen," and the other party says, "That's too high," and I say, "Then I won't sell it," the conversation ends there.

I'm not saying I won't give the information; I'm just saying they can't afford it.

This way, I won't be lying, and they'll have a reason to give up. They might be a bit disappointed, but keeping information confidential is a given for a soldier, so I won't be hated.

It's a brilliant plan.

The problem is that I don't know the right price for the information, so I don't know how much to charge to make them give up.

If I charge too much, I'll be seen as greedy and lose a friend. If I charge too little, they'll buy it. I need to maintain a friendly relationship while keeping the information confidential.

That's the tough part of being both a soldier and a student.

Are you ready? I am.

"About 500,000 yen."

Since it's Igozaki, I thought it was a pretty good number, even though I decided it on the spot.

I used to think that way.

"I'll buy it."

"You're quick, Jose."

I thought it was a high price for a soldier and definitely high for a student. If they said it was too high, I planned to say, "Considering a lieutenant's salary, that's reasonable," with a snort.

But to buy it so easily? Isn't that a bit much?

"I don't know what Jose is, but I did buy it. How about telling me during the next practical session? And don't sell it to anyone else until I hear it, okay? Of course, I know you're not the type to recklessly spread information, but just to be sure."

Since you've taken my word, I won't let you off, and you can sell it after I hear it, but not for less than 500,000 yen. I understand.

"...Understood."

Thus, I realized that I had underestimated the value of the information I had and Igozaki's financial power. I had to carefully consider what I could and couldn't say, and even think about negotiating a refund for the excess amount. I felt gloomy as I attended class that day.

---

Bonus.

"...As you heard. If you want the information, you'll have to wait your turn, right?"

"Sure, as long as I get the information in the end, it's fine."

"It might be easier after I talk to Igozaki."

"That's possible."

"I'd like a proper introduction, though."

"Hmm. Can't you do it yourself? Introducing classmates now seems a bit off. But if you stay close to me, I think the distance will naturally close."

"Indeed."

"...Women are scary."

"What's new?"

The bonus is in the order of 4, 1, 6, 7, 10, 4, all, then 2, 8.

Thank you for reading.