Chapter 29

Afterward, we safely returned to the headquarters of the 6th Special Operations Brigade. Miraculously, no one was missing. Given that we had braced ourselves for casualties, the fact that no one died was a relief.

However, while no one died, there were quite a few injured and sick. Some lost their index fingers, and others lost an eye. There were countless minor injuries.

Thanks to the long engagement distance, we were lucky that no one died, but the lost body parts won't come back. Thinking about the future of these young girls, I feel a heavy responsibility as a staff officer.

In my office, Squad Leader Hanna submitted her report on the expedition.

"There were more than ten who fell ill during the march and the siege. And a few couldn't fight because their menstrual cramps were too severe."

"It can't be helped. Soldiers are human; they get sick when they're tired."

"Oh, but thanks to you calling the third squad to come and help, we were saved. That carriage was a huge hit!"

"Hehe, that's good to hear."

That carriage was originally meant to evacuate the wounded after the fall of Zepher Fortress. The plan didn't work out, but it's good that everyone appreciated it.

It's best when such insurance doesn't come into play.

I let out a sigh of relief.

"It was really fortunate that no one died this time. Normally, this wouldn't happen. It's my first time, too."

The tall Hanna hugged the report tightly and smiled.

"Everyone is saying that Colonel and Lieutenant chased away the Grim Reaper."

I am the Grim Reaper.

I need to set the record straight.

"Don't expect such 'luck' to continue. Over ten of our allies died defending Zepher Fortress."

"Y-Yes."

In truth, this wasn't "luck" at all. It was just shifting the casualties to our allies.

This time, over ten infantrymen died because of me. The death rate among the Zepher Fortress garrison was nearly 40%. Losing almost half is my style of command.

Will there come a day when I lose almost half of the 6th Special Operations Brigade? That would be a problem. I need to become a better staff officer.

I scratch my head.

"Ultimately, we managed, but there are many things to reflect on. I'm far from being a great staff officer."

"Really? Everyone is praising you to the skies."

"It's nice to hear, but..."

I look at the map on my desk.

"Overall, this battle was a one-sided loss for the Empire. Godo Fortress and the surrounding fortifications were destroyed, and the Third Division lost many soldiers and officers. Currently, the border region is dominated by the Bruges Army."

However, the Bruges Army didn't gain much despite their grand efforts. The Fifth Division is stationed in the Mildor territory, maintaining vigilance.

They probably intend to permanently occupy part of the Mildor territory.

"Only he benefited, right?"

"Who?"

"Never mind. The Grim Reaper benefited."

Only Duke Litreuil benefited. I think she's more of a Grim Reaper than I am.

I'll keep her true nature and schemes a secret between me and the colonel. Duke Litreuil doesn't let anyone who knows her secrets go. She would eliminate them without hesitation if they don't become her allies.

But then, Hanna is staring at me intently.

"Are you hiding something, Staff Officer?"

"No, I'm not."

She seems carefree but is surprisingly perceptive.

I stand up and put on my cap.

"Well, I'll go discuss work with the colonel."

"Hey, that's unfair!?"

What's unfair about it?

"I'll leave the care of the soldiers to Sergeant Hayden. Especially the emotional support for the wounded is important."

"I'll do my best, but..."

I leave the sulking Hanna in the hallway. I don't want such a good person to be dragged into the dirty schemes of the nobles.

I walk down the long corridor toward the brigade commander's office.

But I stop in my tracks. This sweet perfume scent.

It's her.

Duke Litreuil is walking toward me.

Why is she here?

Despite my thoughts, I instinctively follow the Empire's military customs and stop to salute.

Duke Litreuil also stops.

"Truly, you are the 'Grim Reaper Chrombertz.'"

Few people would say that to my face, so I'm naturally irritated. Losing many allies is a disgrace for a soldier.

"I am Staff Lieutenant Yui Chrombertz. I have no other name."

"Is that so?"

Duke Litreuil remains composed. She doesn't care what I say.

I have no intention of fawning over her. I can't like her as a person, and I know that serving her would be futile. Duke Litreuil doesn't hesitate to discard her collaborators.

So, I decided to be disliked.

"The name Grim Reaper suits you more."

"Oh, thank you. I'll take it as a great honor."

The slitted-eyed beauty smiles, narrowing her eyes. She's really beautiful, but...

Duke Litreuil must understand what my words mean.

'I know your true nature, and I'm not afraid of it.'

It's equivalent to saying that.

Since I'm here, I might as well be more disliked.

"But don't forget that even the Grim Reaper can die."

"I'll keep that in mind."

Is she thinking of killing me? My spine tingles.

Duke Litreuil starts walking without even a nod. Well, this unpleasant conversation is over.

But the next moment, she whispers as we pass each other.

"The next one is 'Second.' Let's kill a lot, shall we?"

What did she just say?

Does "Second" refer to the second in line among the "Five Royal Families"?

This woman is dangerous.

Her footsteps fade away. I start walking silently.

I didn't turn back, but the smell of fear from behind was terrifying. It was so strong that it overpowered her perfume.

What will happen to this country...

* *

"I'm looking forward to the future, Lieutenant. No, I should say..."

The colonel smiled happily.

"Captain."

I was suddenly promoted to captain.

At this timing?

As I stand there in shock, the colonel chuckles.

"It seems Duke Litreuil pulled some strings. Of course, the defense of Zepher Fortress was recognized, but the recommendation from the Fifth Division commander, stating 'Outstanding military achievements during the Fifth Division's service, unparalleled talent. Should be given more authority to serve the Empire,' was significant."

"Ah..."

I know Duke Litreuil's character. She has no interest in fair personnel management and doesn't intend to do anyone a favor. She doesn't value gratitude.

"Well, if she's giving it, I'll accept it gratefully..."

"That's right. As a captain, your salary will increase. And being promoted to captain at your age suggests that you're being considered for further promotion to a higher rank."

That makes sense. It's the same pace as the noble officers. For a commoner officer, becoming a major in their fifties is a good achievement, but noble officers become lieutenant colonels in their thirties.

The colonel looks at me with a sympathetic expression.

"Duke Litreuil really likes you. She had the look of someone who would suck you dry to the bone."

"Thank you for the valuable information. I didn't want to know."

We both chuckle, and then the colonel says,

"Your increased influence will be beneficial to me. I look forward to working with you."

"For you, sir, I'm happy to."

I salute and accept the captain's rank insignia.

Well, there's no choice. I'll do my best for everyone.