Chapter 30

The Sixth Special Operations Brigade had just completed its first real combat mission, and after finishing their first job, it was natural for issues to surface. In fact, it should have been this way.

"But there are too many problems," the colonel sighed deeply in the brigade commander's office.

"First, the procurement of guns. How is it going?"

"Three more will arrive by the end of this month."

"That's too few. And many of them fail inspection."

"Absolutely, sir. That's what I've been worrying about too."

"There's no choice. We're dealing with black market craftsmen who aren't part of the guild. They can't work openly."

These workshops are frequented by shady clients, and they have many long-term customers.

When requests come from familiar customers, new clients are put on hold. Status and position don't matter. In this world, that's considered honest business.

"Do you know about the 'potter's wheel'?"

"It's a tool used by potters, right?"

"It's a modified version for metalworking, where rifling is hand-carved. It takes a lot of time."

Their skills are decent, and they keep secrets for the right price. They don't steal materials.

However, their productivity is not very high. The colonel sighed.

"Should we invite them to the Medilen territory and make them our exclusive craftsmen? My money would ensure the head of the house has no complaints."

"It's a black market operation. The craftsmen would be killed for real."

These workshops handle requests for assassination weapons and hidden safes for tax evasion. If they were to shut down, the "customers" would certainly try to silence them.

"Then there's no choice. We'll have to start training technicians. For now, we have to rely on that workshop, but without the new cavalry rifles, we can't fight."

"Very true."

"There are more issues."

The colonel looked even more troubled.

"Soldiers are afraid to fire their guns. They don't want to kill or be killed."

"That's a normal reaction."

In fact, I think the others have adapted too much. They are too determined.

"Currently, there are about ten in the entire company, but the number could increase. If this continues, they might leave the military. But they have nowhere to go. And it would be a problem if they leave when we need to expand the brigade's strength."

"Full of problems."

"There's more."

The colonel leaned in closer to me.

"Lord Retraieu intends to lend the Sixth Special Operations Brigade to various divisions. He's currently discussing something with the Jihiteberg family."

"Second Division?"

A noble family that commands the Second Division and ranks second among the 'Five Royal Families'.

The headquarters of the Sixth Special Operations Brigade is in a no-man's land between the Mildor and Jihiteberg territories, making them a suitable partner for lending troops.

"So, that woman is trying to sell us at a high price and is demanding further strengthening of our forces. She's offering funds and materials to make us stronger."

"Money alone doesn't make you strong."

Indeed, this is full of problems. I thought for a moment and smiled at the colonel.

"Let's solve all three."

"Can you?"

"Not completely, but at least the frown between your eyebrows will disappear. It ruins your beauty."

When I said that, the colonel rubbed her forehead.

"Don't tease me too much. ... Well, I'll leave it to you."

"Yes, sir."

* * *

That evening.

"So, I've put together a plan for the unit's reform."

"Fast?"

The colonel was genuinely surprised. It was fun to see her like this.

"First, we'll reorganize the three platoons into two. Since we don't have enough cavalry rifles, having too many infantry won't help strengthen the unit."

We can only get a few rifles per month, so they won't be ready for the next operation.

"The platoon we reduce will consist of those who are not well-suited for infantry in terms of shooting, running, and combat spirit. We'll assign them other tasks."

"Other tasks?"

"Like the band and messenger cavalry."

During the defense of Zepher Fortress, I realized that without signals like trumpets, it's hard to command soldiers effectively. You can only command about fifty people by voice, and coordinating with separate units is difficult.

"Even if they can't shoot, they can play the trumpet. Trumpets don't kill people, so those who dislike guns can be trained in trumpet playing or military horsemanship."

"Indeed, I've felt the need for more communication personnel."

The colonel pondered and quickly nodded.

"Alright. Can you train them?"

"I've found suitable candidates from the platoons."

I handed over the documents, and the colonel reviewed them.

"The band instructor is Lania. I remember they were a troupe of traveling musicians from Finis."

"Yes. They're not good at shooting or running, but they excel at playing instruments."

"And the horsemanship instructor is Satella. I know she's a refugee, but I didn't know she was good at riding."

"She's from the Kionis Federation. A Kionis cavalry soldier."

The Kionis Federation is a country of heretics, where dozens of nomadic tribes gather under a few kings.

Kionis cavalry are warriors from various tribes, all skilled in horsemanship and adept with lances and bows. They are extremely brave when fighting for their tribes.

"She fled to Schweider after her tribe was destroyed by another."

"That place is always in internal conflict..."

They have a weak sense of national identity and frequently fight among tribes. However, they unite fiercely against foreign invasions, causing the empire a lot of trouble.

"An excellent choice for a Kionis cavalry soldier. I'll get a few extra horses from my family."

As one of the Five Royal Families, the Medilen family has surplus military horses. They are incredibly expensive, like tanks in my previous life, and the maintenance costs are high too.

"Yes. And one more thing."

"What is it?"

"I want to establish an artillery unit."

I submitted the plan.

"From the recent battle, I realized that an army without artillery can't fight. We should have our own artillery platoon. Also, some who are not suited for infantry might be good for artillery."

We are short of people. I can't afford to lose them. I want to offer them other jobs to keep them in the military. I'm desperate too.

The colonel flipped through the plan and glanced at me.

"How about the artillery instructor?"

"Captain Dumble wrote that he will send one of my classmates."

"From the Third Division? That's quite generous."

"He was injured in the leg and can no longer fight..."

He is about to be forced into retirement, so he asked if the Sixth Special Operations Brigade could use him. The letter said, "If you're there, I can trust him."

I don't mind that. Besides, the one coming is someone I was quite close to among my classmates.

"I can vouch for his character and abilities. He's good with women and is married, so he should fit in well with this brigade."

"If you say so, I'll trust you. As for the instructor, that's settled, but what about the artillery?"

I shrugged.

"Let's get the materials from Lord Retraieu as promised. He seems to have plenty of artillery to lend to the Bruges army."

"True. I'll negotiate with the Fifth Division for their artillery."

The colonel's negotiation and political skills are excellent, so she will likely arrange it behind the scenes. Even if it means using somewhat underhanded methods, we need the artillery.

If we didn't have artillery during the defense of Zepher Fortress, it probably would have fallen in half a day.

The colonel propped her cheek on her hand and looked up at me.

"Truly, you are a reliable staff officer."

"I'm flattered."

"I'm thinking about what kind of unreasonable request to make next."

"Can you not?"

I'll work hard if you ask, but...