Chapter 17

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【Chapter 17: The Beacon of Cannon Fire】

The day after I arrived at Zepher Fort, I began wandering around outside. It's dangerous to go out alone, so I asked Sergeant Hanna and the fort's guards to come with me.

"There are no trees around the fort, huh?"

"Yes, sir. We cut them down regularly on the orders of the fort commander."

The guard answered immediately, so I responded with a smile.

"Sure enough, you're all elite soldiers of the Third Division."

"Y-You flatter me."

He looked embarrassed. Since it was a compliment, I felt a bit embarrassed seeing him so pleased.

Hanna asked curiously,

"Adviser, why do you cut down the trees? Wouldn't they provide cover from cannonballs...?"

"Of course, they do, but if the view is blocked, our artillery can't hit the target either. Infantry could approach the walls unnoticed, and if the forest catches fire, it's a real problem."

Hanna has good leadership qualities, patience, and command skills, making him a good fit for a commander. Colonel Altsar's choice was well-founded. The colonel's intention is to eventually promote him to a senior officer position, so I teach him various things.

"By the time the enemy's artillery can reach Zepher Fort, the fortress should already be fallen. This fort is here to protect Godo Fortress's rear communication lines."

"I see."

There are several forts in front of Godo Fortress, and I've heard reinforcements have been sent there. Let's hope they can drive back the Bruges mountain riflemen.

＊ ＊

However, the situation began to take a strange turn.

"Adviser, Adviser!"

The girls from my unit rushed into my tent. It was like students barging into the staff room.

I was recording the squad members' work attitudes, but I put down my pen and stood up.

"What's wrong?"

"We can hear sounds like cannons from far away!"

"Really?"

Listening carefully, I could hear sounds like a fireworks show. Of course, it wasn't a fireworks show but the sounds of war. I hadn't noticed because I was so focused.

The girls were fidgeting and looking at my belongings in the tent.

"Can we see with your telescope, Adviser?"

"Maybe. I'll go check."

From the sound, it seemed to be coming from the other side of the mountain.

From the walls of Zepher Fort, you can see Godo Fortress towering on the mountaintop. I looked through the military-issued telescope but couldn't see any artillery fire. However, I could see a faint plume of smoke.

"They're firing from the fortress to the other side of the mountain."

"Is the fortress under attack!?"

"War!?"

"Adviser, I'm scared!"

You guys...

But it's normal to be scared on your first battlefield. I was terrified at first too.

"War is our job. We need to earn our pay."

"We know, but we're scared!"

"Adviser, you're a devil! A demon! A grim reaper!"

I am a grim reaper, after all.

But they didn't cry or faint, showing more courage than some new recruits. Their screaming was a sign of confidence. They seemed to have higher stress resistance than I thought, which made me feel a bit relieved. I explained to the gathered girls.

"The fortress is definitely firing artillery, but there's no sign of it being attacked. Probably one of the forward forts is under attack, and the fortress is providing support."

After saying that, I dismissed them.

"The rest is my and the brigade commander's job. You should act as usual."

Still, things are getting strange...

＊ ＊

The next day, the situation became even stranger.

"One of the forward forts has fallen?"

Colonel Altsar frowned at Captain Dumbur's report.

"I thought the Third Division was moving to 'discipline the Bruges people.'"

"I apologize. I'm also disturbed."

"Yes, I understand. I'm sorry."

The colonel raised his hand slightly to apologize and continued,

"If the attackers are being attacked, it means our plans are going awry. Lieutenant, analyze the situation."

Why me?

Well, I have to. I'm sorry, Captain Dumbur, but I have to say it as part of my duty.

"The situation is bad. We should consider the possibility of the fortress falling."

"What!?"

Captain Dumbur was shocked.

"Lieutenant, be careful with your words. Godo Fortress is a key stronghold of the Third Division."

But I immediately countered. He's two ranks above me, but he's not my direct superior.

"With all due respect, that's why it's worth capturing. The enemy will need significant preparation, but they've already taken one of the forward forts."

If Godo Fortress falls, this area will come under the control of the Bruges Principality. This is the territory of one of the Five Royal Houses, the Mildor family. The Third Division, which supports the Mildor faction, will lose face.

That's why Captain Dumbur can't accept it.

"It's impossible. Godo Fortress is one of the strongest in the empire. With the advantage of the terrain and the elite soldiers of the Third Division, we can't lose to Bruges mountain riflemen."

He doesn't seem incompetent, but even he loses his cool when it comes to Godo Fortress.

Colonel Altsar calmly advised,

"Captain, calm down. In our world, 'we can't lose' is a forbidden phrase. Understand?"

"Yes, sir. I apologize, Colonel."

Good, he's calmed down.

Captain Dumbur wiped the sweat from his forehead and looked at us restlessly.

"The fortress commander has ordered us to strengthen the defenses at Zepher Fort."

The colonel's eyebrows twitched.

"An order to strengthen defenses, not request reinforcements?"

"Yes, sir. In any case, the Sixth Special Brigade is not under the fortress commander's command."

"That's true, but it's a bit worrying. Don't you think so, Lieutenant?"

Why me? Is this a comedy routine?

"I agree, sir. Unless the Bruges army is planning to besiege the fortress, Zepher Fort, which is on the other side of the mountain, won't be attacked. If we're ordered to strengthen defenses, there must be another reason..."

The colonel played with his bangs and chuckled.

"The 'fall of the fortress.' Right?"

"Ah."

Damn, you took the best part. That's unfair.

The colonel turned to Captain Dumbur and said calmly,

"From our side, we can't see, but there must be a strange sight on the other side of the mountain. The fortress people can see it, but they don't want us to."

"U-Um..."

Captain Dumbur's face turned pale. Unlike us, who are here to assist, he can't run away. If he does, he'll be executed.

He finally seemed to make up his mind and straightened his back.

"I have no choice. I will fulfill my orders."

As a promoted captain, he has the resolve to face the situation. He was chosen as the fort commander for a reason.

The colonel nodded calmly.

"Don't worry, my brigade won't abandon your men. Even if we're called 'pretty' or 'decorative,' we'll show them we're useful."

It seems the soldiers were talking behind his back.

Seeing Captain Dumbur's face turn pale and white, the colonel chuckled.

"We'll show your men that we're useful. You can count on us."

"Y-Yes, sir!"

Poor guy.

The fortress's cannons began to boom ominously right after that conversation.

This is bad...