Chapter 13

### Chapter 13: The Conspiracy of the Pinky Finger

"Good afternoon, Lord Altsar."

"Do not call me by that name."

Colonel Altsar made no effort to hide his disgust.

Sitting on the sofa in the brigade headquarters was a blonde beauty wearing a coat reserved for senior officers. The colonel, who had entered the reception room, did not even sit down and coldly said at the doorway:

"Lord Ritrai, this area is off-limits to civilians. Please leave."

But Ritrai was unfazed.

"Since I arranged for the 'excellent staff officer' you begged for so much, you're being quite cold, aren't you?"

"I asked for the help of the General Headquarters, not you."

"Actually, it was the Fifth Army Division, which is part of my family's forces, that took action, wasn't it?"

Colonel Altsar thought this was true. Without the cooperation of the Ritrai family, such a talented person would not have been assigned.

"I appreciate your recommendation, but that's a different matter. Please leave."

"You're still as impatient as ever, aren't you, my princess? But I like that about you."

The sticky, entangling gaze made Colonel Altsar visibly disgusted.

"I dislike you."

"Then we are well-matched, aren't we?"

"Stop talking nonsense. Leave."

But Ritrai was undeterred.

"Will you not respond to my friendship?"

"There is no friendship between us."

"Then there's nothing I can do. I'll give up on your cooperation."

As Ritrai stood up, Colonel Altsar became suspicious.

"Wait, what are you planning?"

"If you won't cooperate, it's better for you not to know."

Colonel Altsar stared directly at the blonde beauty.

"Surely you don't intend to eliminate your younger brother by force?"

"Well, yes... a single drop from a vial can remove suffering without the need for line infantry."

Colonel Altsar spat out the words with disgust at Ritrai, who was willing to poison her own brother.

"Poisonous woman."

"It's your fault for not cooperating. If the heir renounces his succession rights, no one will have to die. You wouldn't want to see a tragic story where a sister and brother kill each other, would you?"

Her words were deliberately dramatic, but her seriousness was undeniable.

"Lord Celin is only four years old, I believe."

"Yes, he's at the age where he's very cute. Eventually, he will take the family headship from me, a very cute younger brother..."

Her voice was sticky and cold.

Colonel Altsar fell silent for a moment, then asked in a suppressed voice.

"Tell me your demands."

Ritrai approached the colonel. The colonel, who was quite short for a noble, was now looked down upon by Ritrai.

"I would like to see the true strength of the Sixth Special Brigade. Recently, the troops of the Duchy of Bruges have been wandering near the border, so I would like you to discipline them."

"The mountain riflemen of Bruges."

Even being looked down upon, Colonel Altsar did not flinch and glared back.

"The Sixth Special Brigade is only one infantry company. Our operational capabilities are limited."

"Of course, the Third Division will be mobilized for border security. The political work on the Mildor family is up to you."

"Very well."

Colonel Altsar nodded and then asked.

"Will your family's Fifth Division not be mobilized?"

"The Fifth Division is stationed along the border with the Kingdom of Agan."

This was true, but Colonel Altsar laughed coldly.

"The generals of the Fifth Division do not intend to follow the orders of a new head of the family who will eventually be ousted by your brother, do they?"

"Yes... that's true."

Lord Ritrai lowered her gaze slightly and bit her lip.

Seeing this, Colonel Altsar scratched his head.

"I apologize, I said too much. I dislike you, but that's no excuse for being rude. Please forgive me, Lord Ritrai."

"I would be happier if you liked me instead of apologizing."

"To say such presumptuous things without even trying to be liked."

Colonel Altsar crossed her arms and snorted.

"Now, if you're done with your business, please leave. I can't concentrate on work with a lecherous person who's after my chastity in the same room."

"That's true. I'll take my leave now."

Lord Ritrai stepped back and bowed lightly.

Colonel Altsar, still looking displeased, called for Sergeant Hanna.

"Escort Lord Ritrai out."

"Yes, sir!"

Hanna saluted, but Lord Ritrai did not even turn to her and said to Colonel Altsar.

"I don't need to be escorted by a commoner."

"Is that so?"

Colonel Altsar nodded and asked.

"Then how about Lieutenant Chrombertz?"

"That... well..."

Lord Ritrai hesitated slightly and chuckled a bit.

"Treating an officer like a commoner is a bit of a problem. I'll endure his escort."

"Endure it, huh? It seems we can't get along after all."

Colonel Altsar turned his back to Lord Ritrai and ordered Hanna.

"Lord Ritrai's request is to have Lieutenant Chrombertz escort her. Hanna, after Lord Ritrai leaves, thoroughly clean this room. Until the smell of that expensive perfume is gone."

"Eh? E-eh...?"

Hanna, being one of the country's top nobles, was flustered. She started to salute but her hand wandered around.

Finally, she let out a confused voice.

"Brigade Commander, that's too much."

"Oh, my."

Lord Ritrai looked up at the tall Hanna and chuckled.

"I thought you were a rough female warrior... but you have quite a good face, don't you?"

"Stay away from my subordinates."

"Just a joke. Good afternoon."

After Lord Ritrai left, Colonel Altsar remained extremely displeased for a while. He clenched his gloved fists tightly.

But in the end, he sighed as if giving up on something.

"There's no choice but to go along with it..."

He glanced at the clock and then ordered Hanna.

"Call Lieutenant Chrombertz. He should still be at the city gate."