Chapter 32

Several months had passed since the Bruges army's invasion, and the border region had remained peaceful for a while.

The Third Division, led by the Mildor family, had weakened, so the Fifth Division, led by the Litrai family, had taken over the border patrol.

However, the Fifth Division did not launch any aggressive operations, and the border region remained under the de facto control of the Bruges army.

While the Mildor family was likely not at ease with this situation, they could not complain since they were borrowing troops. The reconstruction of Godo Fortress and its supporting castles was also still in progress.

While feeling somewhat sorry for them, this lull was appreciated by the Sixth Special Brigade. It allowed them to update their equipment and train their soldiers.

Thanks to this, a brand-new artillery unit was born, and the drum and bugle corps could now transmit orders without error. The cavalry had also become more adept at handling their horses, and watching them no longer made one nervous.

Of course, it was impossible for the Duke of Litrai to do nothing.

＊ ＊

The Duke of Litrai suddenly appeared in the brigade commander's office and, with a pleasant smile, said something outrageous.

"Let's go to war with the Kionis Federal Kingdom."

Myself and Colonel Altsar remained silent. In the silence, the sound of Lieutenant Roz training the artillery unit could be heard from outside.

When the colonel glanced at me, I sighed and asked the Duke of Litrai.

"Please present your war plan."

"Will you accept it?"

"If we could refuse, we would."

"Oh, that's impossible."

The Duke of Litrai chuckled and continued.

"The Kionis side is already fully prepared for war."

The colonel spat out, looking displeased.

"Beating around the bush is a sign of incompetence. Are you incompetent?"

The Duke of Litrai narrowed his eyes. As expected, he has very slanted eyes.

I like women with slanted eyes, but this man has a terrible personality...

"The Jihitoberg family, ranked second among the 'Five Royal Houses,' foolishly started a conflict with the Kionis nomads. Currently, only one clan is fighting, but it will soon spread to other clans. The line infantry of the Second Division cannot handle them."

As the Duke of Litrai became serious, I asked seriously.

"It's up to us to judge whether we can handle it. Please provide the basis for your assessment."

A sealed letter was immediately placed on the table.

"This is the final report from the Fifth Division's staff. The line infantry of the Second Division is poorly trained and slow, and cannot match the mobility of the Kionis cavalry in the field. In a tabletop exercise with 2,000 line infantry against 500 Kionis cavalry, the Second Division's win rate was less than 20%."

The colonel indicated with his eyes that I should read it, so I quickly scanned the report. The analysis was based on meticulous calculations by professional staff using past statistics. I couldn't find any flaws.

Recalling what I learned at the military academy, I explained to the colonel.

"The Kionis cavalry is highly trained and can attack with bows while spread out. When this method is used, the line infantry can only hit a part of the enemy. If a cavalry charge is attempted, the line infantry will suffer a major blow before they can form a square."

"What do you think?"

"There's no room for objection. It's exactly what the officer's manual says about anti-cavalry tactics."

"I see..."

The colonel was silent for a moment, then looked at the Duke of Litrai.

"The Sixth Special Brigade is in a good position. Are you trying to sell us high?"

"Of course, the Fifth Division cannot deploy any further. It would be a great help if you could take on this task."

The colonel immediately asked.

"What's the compensation?"

"I will work to increase the budget and personnel to make the brigade a proper force. I will also recommend it to the Emperor."

The head of the 'Five Royal Houses' is a powerful figure whose influence cannot be ignored, even by the Army General Headquarters. The head of the 'Five Royal Houses' formally has the right of succession to the throne, which even the Emperor cannot ignore.

Moreover, the Fifth Division, which the Duke of Litrai effectively controls, is now an indispensable force in the war against the Agan Kingdom and the Bruges Principality. His influence within the military has grown significantly.

I whispered to the colonel.

"Sir, it's a good deal."

"I know. If the Jihitoberg territory is in danger, we will receive an order to mobilize anyway."

The colonel reluctantly nodded and glared at the Duke of Litrai.

"Your proposal is as unhealthy as ever. But I like it. Do not break this promise."

"I will remember it well."

The Duke of Litrai smiled and stood up.

At that moment, Sergeant Hanna entered.

"Excuse me. Lieutenant Steyer wants to show you the artillery drill, sir..."

She was startled when she noticed the Duke of Litrai.

"Ah, I'm sorry! I didn't know you had a guest!"

However, the Duke of Litrai smiled calmly and shook his head.

"It's fine. Sergeant Hanna, good work."

He seems to be in a good mood today. Maybe the negotiation went well.

The beautifully uniformed woman nodded to Hanna and turned back to the colonel.

"I shouldn't stay any longer. I have finished my business for today."

"You're a nuisance just by being here. I don't want to see you often."

"That... is true, I suppose."

The Duke of Litrai chuckled.

Then she left surprisingly quickly.

Colonel Altsar leaned back in his chair, letting his long black hair flow as he slid down.

"Phew, at least I wasn't hit on today. It would be nice if it was always like this."

"Good work, sir."

I understand the colonel's stress. I would react the same way if a creepy, slanted-eyed handsome man hit on me.

"Anyway, sir, let's inspect the artillery unit."

"I know, but let me rest a bit..."

He must really dislike the Duke of Litrai...

＊ ＊

The artillery unit was in excellent shape, and Lieutenant Roz was in a good mood.

"Training the next generation is quite enjoyable. It's great to see people grow. It's much better than killing."

His statement was a bit unsettling, but he had been hitting Bruges soldiers with shells until recently.

The girls who had switched to the artillery also seemed to be having fun.

"It's easier than using a rifle!"

"The sense of achievement when you hit the target is amazing, sir!"

The colonel looked at the artillery girls, who were covered in sweat and soot, with a fond expression.

"Anyway, it's best to fight in a way that suits you. Nowadays, artillery is the main force on the battlefield, and its importance will only increase. ...That's what our staff says."

He said it.

The colonel continued.

"You will be the first female artillery unit in the empire's history. Of course, it's also the first artillery unit in our brigade. The responsibility is great. Learn well from Lieutenant Steyer."

"Yes, sir!"

He is well-liked. I wish I could be like that.

As a staff officer, I don't need to be as popular as a commander, but I don't want to be disliked either.

But I have no idea how to be liked. The girls are young.

Thinking it was fine to stay silent, Lieutenant Roz said something unnecessary.

"What's this, everyone likes Yui? No way, I'm going to marry him to my daughter Marett."

"Cut it out. Your daughter is only two years old."

I glared at my academy classmate and then said something more important.

"Besides, who you marry is up to the individual. The father has no right to decide. Isn't that right?"

Roz's wife, Yurina, had fought with her father, the younger brother of the Duke of Mildor, to be with Roz.

Naturally, Roz's daughter Marett will do the same. I hope so.

Roz scratched his head and chuckled.

"Ha, you got me there. You're right. ...How about it, everyone? Isn't he an interesting guy?"

Several of the artillery girls nodded in agreement.

Ah, I see. That's what it is. Roz knew I would respond this way and deliberately brought it up to improve my reputation.

He's always been that kind of guy.

I sighed and warned my friend from another world.

"Focus on your own work. You've always been too nice to others."

"Don't talk to me about that. What's this 'Death God Chrombert'? You were known as 'Helper Yui' at the academy."

At the academy, there were various conflicts between the commoners who climbed the ranks through their own abilities and the nobles who carried the names of their families.

I tried to stay low as a commoner, but I was always pushed into the role of mediator. As a result, I was hated by the noble heirs.

"It's because you involve us..."

"You always fixed things when we involved you."

Ladies, did you hear that? This guy is like that. What is he saying now?

"Thanks to you, I had a lot of trouble."

"It's fine. You're tall for a commoner and a master swordsman. You're smart and brave. The noble heirs are intimidated by you."

"I just realized that the reason I couldn't make any connections with powerful families is because of you guys, right?"

"Didn't you realize? Oh, what a good person you are!"

Lieutenant Roz dramatically looked up to the sky.

"I take back my previous statement. I can't have such a bottomlessly good person as a son-in-law! Everyone, marrying this guy will be tough!"

"Stop it."

It's embarrassing. The soldiers are watching.

Even the colonel is laughing. Please, have mercy.