Chapter 4

### Chapter 4: The 6th Special Operations Brigade

The beautiful woman responded to my joke with utmost seriousness.

"I guarantee it. I have business in the same direction, so escorting you, Lord Chrombertz, is merely a coincidence. There are no hidden intentions."

When she put it that way, I had no choice but to believe her.

Thinking about it, if she intended to kill me, she would have been wary of my counterattack. She wouldn't have been alone with me, an active military officer.

Perhaps she deliberately created a private space to put me at ease.

Suddenly, the woman changed the subject.

"How much do you know about the 6th Special Operations Brigade, Lord Chrombertz?"

"Nothing at all."

"The brigade commander as well?"

"Yes, nothing."

"I see."

Hey, don't just stop there. That's what I'm curious about.

The woman laughed as if she could see through my thoughts.

"I believe the 6th Special Operations Brigade will play a central role in the Imperial Army in the future."

Well, you're free to believe what you want, but who are you, anyway?

Just then, the carriage came to a gentle stop. We hadn't reached our destination yet, but the woman stood up.

"I'll take my leave here. I'll see you again someday."

I didn't understand what her words meant, but I nodded as if I did.

But at least tell me your name before you go.

* * *

After that, the carriage arrived at the 6th Special Operations Brigade headquarters as promised.

"Finally, we're here..."

I stepped out of the carriage and stood in front of a rather unimpressive castle gate.

The surroundings were deep forests and mountains. There was nothing else.

Even on the military map, there was nothing in this area. It was right in the middle of a mountain range that ran east to west across the southern part of the empire, where there was little to defend. It would be hard to wage war in such a rugged mountainous area.

I didn't know that an Imperial Army brigade was stationed here, but what could they be trying to achieve by placing a brigade in such a location?

This castle, while beautiful, doesn't seem to withstand actual combat.

The high walls and spires are exactly what I imagine a "Western castle" to be, as a Japanese person.

These are medieval castles designed for wars fought with catapults and siege ladders. They weren't built to withstand cannon fire, so they would fall within half a day if besieged by artillery.

And the main gate had a sign that read "Headquarters of the 6th Special Operations Brigade."

In the army, especially in the Schwaidel military, when you see "special" or "special operations," you have to be a bit cautious. It means they're not ordinary. I prefer "ordinary" or "standard."

As I was lost in thought, the castle gate opened, and a tall non-commissioned officer (NCO) rushed out.

"Hey! What are you doing there!"

It was a young woman's voice. I had never seen a female NCO before.

She's really tall. I think she's taller than me. Her broad shoulders and athletic, triangular build are quite beautiful.

The tall female NCO approached me.

"You there, looking like a civilian! This is a restricted area for civilians! It's not a tourist attraction! Please leave! By the way, where's the carriage you arrived in?"

I'm not a civilian or a tourist.

Ah, I see, my private coat makes me look like one. But I'm wearing a military uniform underneath and have a command sword hanging.

To the tall woman—excuse me, the tall female NCO—I showed my collar insignia.

"I'm Lieutenant Chrombertz, and I've been assigned here. I believe you've already been informed."

"Wh-What!? No way!? Oh, I apologize deeply!"

The female NCO quickly stood at attention and saluted.

"I, I mean, I am Sergeant Major Hanna Heiden!"

'Sergeant Major' is a unique rank in this world, roughly equivalent to a sergeant major. They are veteran NCOs who lead other NCOs and can sometimes serve as platoon leaders in place of a lieutenant.

Such a young girl?

...This place is really not normal.

I lightly returned the salute with two fingers to hide my inner unease.

"My private coat made me look like a civilian. I apologize."

"No, no, no! I'm the one who should apologize, Lieutenant Chrombertz!"

What a good reaction. She's taller than me, but she's kind of cute.

I took out the envelope I received at the division headquarters.

"This is my orders. I want to report to the brigade commander. Could you guide me, Sergeant Major Heiden?"

"Yes, right away! Oh, I'll carry your luggage!"

"No, I can't let a woman carry my luggage."

"No, no, I can't let an officer's luggage go uncarried."

After a brief, unproductive exchange, I gave in to her presence and handed over the trunk. According to Schwaidel military custom, Hanna was right, but I had never seen a female soldier before, so it felt strange.

"Then I'll guide you!"

Hanna, her face flushed and breathing heavily, easily shouldered the heavy trunk. She's as strong as she looks. I might lose.

"Lieutenant Chrombertz has arrived! Open the gate!"

At Hanna's command, the guards hurriedly opened the gate. They were all young girls.

Isn't this place a bit off?