Chapter 19

"If the fortress is taken by the enemy, we might be exposed to intense artillery fire. But are you still saying we should defend this place?"

Colonel Altsaer crossed his arms and looked up at me from his seat.

"Your suggestions are sometimes difficult to understand. Explain yourself."

"Hai."

There was no way I could say, "Well, thanks to reincarnation, I've awakened to the ability of foresight."

After that, I wandered around the fort with a chair, sat down, and seriously considered, "Should I start working here from today?"

If this place was a spot where I would die from artillery fire, even the 'Scythe of Death' would have said something.

...Although I've never used it this way, I can't be sure if it accurately predicted anything, but the 'Scythe of Death' remained unresponsive.

It seemed that no matter where I was in the fort, I wouldn't die just because of that. Really?

In any case, I arrived at a very uncertain conclusion: "It's probably okay."

It was so uncertain that I laughed at myself, but at least it didn't seem like this fort would be reduced to splinters by fortress artillery in the future.

I explained the conclusion derived from the 'Scythe of Death' with a makeshift rationale.

"The enemy is mountain riflemen. As you know, riflemen are gathered from hunters. They are tough as infantry, but they are amateurs when it comes to artillery."

The colonel, having studied military science as a noble of the empire, couldn't be fooled by a poor lie.

"The Bluj army has no specialized artillery corps, and the operation of artillery is handled by the infantry. They haven't received specialized training like the Schweider artillery, so they are unlikely to hit."

The colonel stared at me for a moment and then said,

"In our world, 'We can't lose' is a forbidden phrase. 'They won't hit' is also one of them."

"You're right."

I was in danger of being logically dismantled.

But I was also skilled at sophistry. I smiled pleasantly and tried to persuade him with a tone like a shady salesman.

"The key is which risk we accept. Retreat and face the displeasure of Duke Retraeu and Captain Dambur, or stay and tremble at the artillery fire."

I continued,

"Even if we retreat, the only nearby garrison is the Third Division. I don't think they will help the Sixth Special Brigade, which abandoned the defense of Zeffer Fort."

Even as a relic of the old era, Zeffer Fort had the power to defend against infantry attacks. Musketeers were most effective when protected by cover. If we were pursued and forced into a field battle, the damage would be much greater.

The colonel rested his chin on his hand and thought silently for a while before saying,

"Are you saying that it's better to be a target for artillery fire than to retreat poorly?"

Please don't look so scary. Your beauty only adds to the intimidation.

I hid my unease and answered with a matter-of-fact expression.

"There's no need to consider it. If we run, we won't gain anything except our lives, and even those aren't guaranteed. If we are ambushed or pursued by cavalry, our brigade, which is almost entirely new recruits, will be easily annihilated."

"True."

"On the other hand, if we hold out until reinforcements arrive, the Sixth Special Brigade will be heroes. No one will mock us."

Of course, that's assuming the reinforcements arrive in time.

But the 'Scythe of Death' indicates that there is a possibility.

The colonel stared at me intently.

"You're betting your direct superior's and your own life with such a calm attitude. Are you an inveterate gambler, a reckless fool, or...?"

Then she smiled.

"Or a legendary strategist?"

Probably none of the above. I'm just a reincarnated person with a bit of foresight.

The colonel seemed to be satisfied with her own conclusion and nodded.

"Very well. I can't refuse the courage of a commoner like you. You may use my life as a stake."

"Then I won't hesitate."

Isn't this conversation making me sound like a villain? Isn't my character being twisted in a strange direction?

I'm more worried about future relationships than the outcome of the battle.

The 'Scythe of Death' has not issued any warnings about staying in Zeffer Fort. It's the same no matter where I move in the fort.

For now, it seems that the entire area of Zeffer Fort is a safe zone.

Of course, there's a possibility that it might suddenly warn me to "run" later, so this is still a gamble for me.

But there is no completely safe zone in a battlefield, and there is no absolutely safe choice in life.

I smiled, trying to convince myself.

"It's a good investment for the future. This time, we don't need to march or charge. We can win just by sitting here."

This makes me sound like a fraud.

After this exchange, the female infantry whispered about me.

"Adviser, you made Colonel Altsaer say, 'You can use my life.'"

"Truly the 'Adviser of Death'..."

Isn't my character being portrayed in a strange way?

Meanwhile, the sound of artillery from the fortress continued to boom, but it suddenly stopped.

"Has it been occupied by the enemy?"

When the colonel said this, I answered with a telescope in hand.

"But the imperial flag is still flying, and I can faintly hear gunfire. We should remain as quiet as possible to make it seem like the fort is deserted."

"Why?"

"If the fall of the fortress is almost certain, the enemy will send scouts for their next move. They will come here too. If we remain quiet, they might approach boldly."

I looked at a long, narrow package beside me.

"This is a good opportunity for a test shot."

"I see. There's no waste in what you do."

I'm starting to sound like I planned everything from the beginning, but that's not the case at all. It's more about adapting to the situation and making the best of it.

At that moment, a report came from our sentry. There was something moving around the fort.

I immediately took a nearby gun port.

"Adviser, that's it."

She pointed to the mountain path leading from Zeffer Fort to Godo Fortress.

"For a moment, something glinted in those bushes. It might be a telescope lens."

Great, that's a good judgment. When I checked with the telescope, I could indeed see the blue uniforms of the Bluj army in the bushes. The uniforms of this era are very conspicuous.

"Good job. Well done."

The female soldier responded expressionlessly and bluntly.

"Thank you. What should we do?"

"Hmm..."

This expressionless female soldier, Laila Nash, is a selected sniper from the first squad. I heard she is the daughter of a hunter, and her shooting skills are among the best in the brigade.

But it seems her judgment is also excellent.

I offered her the rifle I had prepared.

"Want to try shooting?"

But Laila shook her head.

"I'm not used to it."

The rifle I had ordered arrived late, and by the time the inspection was complete, we had already set out. No one had even practiced shooting with it yet, let alone received training.

Of course, she was cautious about guns, having handled them for hunting.

"I'll shoot then..."

If I hesitate, they might escape, so I loaded the gun. I put the ignition powder in the pan, poured the rest of the powder into the barrel, and rammed the bullet in with a ramrod.

"You're good at this, Adviser."

"Don't flatter me, it's just basic for a soldier."

I had poached in the private forests of nobles during my street life. I was used to loading quickly and quietly.

There were no scopes in this world, and the distance was nearly a hundred meters. The target hadn't noticed us, but only the upper body was visible.

Besides, I had only a few years of experience with rifled guns after reincarnation.

But I'll give it a try.

I didn't know the quirks of this gun, and there wouldn't be a second chance. It's better not to expect a hit. I rested the barrel in the gun port and firmly fixed it to my shoulder.

The rest was up to luck. I pulled the trigger lightly.

The flintlock sparked, and a moment later, the gun fired.

I missed. The bullet grazed the enemy soldier and shook the bushes. Of course, the Bluj soldier immediately hit the ground. As expected.

In front of Laila, I could only manage a wry smile.

"That's the best I can do."

Just then, another Bluj soldier rolled out of the bushes, covered in blood. There was another one.

The shot soldier lay face down and didn't move.

I had aimed for the one next to him... I feel a bit guilty.

"Hmm..."

Laila sounded surprised.

No, that's not it. You must have misunderstood. I can tell from your face.

Feeling awkward, I hid my unease and took out the telescope.

Yes, it's definitely a Bluj soldier.

I sighed in relief when I confirmed the blood-stained uniform. I'm glad it wasn't a civilian. Sorry, Bluj soldier. Please don't hold a grudge.

I noticed Laila was staring at me. Her face was expressionless, but her eyes sparkled.

"Adviser, you're impressive."

No, that's not it. Stop it, don't look at me with those sparkling eyes.

"It's just a fluke. I can't do it again."

I handed the rifle to Laila and readjusted my cap.

Laila's intense gaze was painful.

"I think you can do better than me. Try it with the other selected shooters."

"Hai, Adviser."

Feeling the intensity of Laila's admiration, I quickly left the scene.

Really, it was just a fluke.