Chapter 9

### Chapter 9: The Reaper of Lead

Training the all-female infantry battalion was, as expected, quite a challenge.

In the Schweidler army, as well as in the armies of neighboring countries, those who fight are mostly young men. The physical differences between men and women inevitably show.

However, on the battlefield, there is no distinction between men and women.

"Your formation change to a square is too slow!"

I shouted loudly, holding an hourglass in my hand.

"What do you think a formation change is? It's a matter of life and death!"

The girls in this battalion are not the type who say, "I will fight for the great motherland!" Rather, they are the opposite.

They have been beaten down by society since they were young and trust no one. They are afraid to fight and to be hurt.

These are the kinds of girls.

I can understand why they don't take the training seriously.

But that's a problem.

I took a musket in my hand and stepped forward to the hesitant female infantry.

"Listen up, a musket is far more fair than society. A bullet doesn't distinguish between a commoner and a noble, a good person and a bad person, or a man and a woman. If it hits, everyone dies."

I honestly told them what I have seen, as they have no experience in actual combat.

"Those who get hit in the head are lucky. They die without even realizing what happened. Those who get hit in the neck or chest aren't too bad either. They suffer intensely, but it's just a matter of enduring for a short while before they die."

Wounded soldiers, covered in blood and begging for help, significantly lower the morale of the surrounding soldiers.

Since there's no way to save them, it's better if they get hit in the head or neck and die quickly. It's easier for everyone.

...I was once startled to realize that I had started thinking this way. One must be careful, as human nature can easily wear down. If I become like this, it's all over.

That's why I need to say these things now.

"Those who get hit in the arm will die from blood loss, but if they're lucky, they might receive a pension and be discharged with one arm. However, many die during the amputation surgery, and it's common for the wound to become infected and kill them."

In a world without anesthesia, blood transfusions, or disinfection, medical standards are incomparable to my previous life. Even minor injuries can lead to death.

"Those who get hit in the abdomen suffer terribly. If their intestines are damaged, they will die after half a day of agony. You might be asked to kill them, and you might also ask your comrades to do the same."

The unreliable musket is quite useful for putting someone out of their misery at close range. The moment of relief when a comrade dies is never a pleasant experience, no matter how many times you go through it.

"But the most tragic are those who get hit in the leg. They become immobile in the middle of the battlefield. If we win, they might survive, but if we lose, they will be surrounded by the enemy and killed cruelly. As women, you will also face 'that kind of thing.'"

Rape in the battlefield is almost certain. If young women fall in battle, whether they are alive or dead, they will not be spared.

In the Schweidler army, it is said that "securing brothels is the job of the officers" to prevent unnecessary trouble.

Even in war, people have daily routines, and sexual life is no exception.

I took off my cap and apologized.

"I'm sorry if I've upset you. But this is what actually happens on the battlefield. And there will always be someone who gets hit in the leg. The front projection area of the human body... in other words, one of the places most likely to be hit is the leg."

The Schweidler people have a similar build to Europeans, with long legs.

"To increase the chances of survival for those who get hit in the leg, there is one absolute condition. Does anyone know what it is?"

I looked around, but everyone was silent, exchanging glances.

Finally, one female soldier raised her hand.

"Sir?"

"Yes, go ahead."

The female soldier said hesitantly,

"Winning, right?"

"Yes, you understand well."

I nodded.

"If we win, the enemy will be gone. Your comrades will protect you when you are injured. They will take you to the doctor. Even if you die, your dignity as a human will be preserved."

I have also experienced retreats, and it was extremely difficult to ensure that the wounded were not left behind. If the evacuation of the wounded takes too long, many soldiers who could have survived will die.

In a truly desperate situation, the wounded will be left behind.

"Therefore, if we fight, we must absolutely win."

I put my cap back on and put on a stern face.

"Remember this well: if you disrupt the formation, you will die! If the formation change is slow, you will die! If you don't die, your comrades will die! If your comrades die, you will die!"

This is a bit of a logical leap, but it is crucial that everyone understands the importance of the formation now.

"The formations that the infantry learn are all designed to protect you! They have been devised and proven in actual combat! Believe in the formation! Protect the formation!"

Infantry cannot fight without forming a line. This is because a musket can only fire one shot.

"Neither I nor you can defeat a single wolf alone! Do not try to fight alone! Do not try to run alone! If you do, you will die!"

This is not a lie. If you flee out of fear, you will be severely punished as a deserter. As an officer, I must also kill deserters.

A soldier who loses the protection of the army has no way to survive. They must fear both the enemy and their own side, so the fate of a deserter is tragic.

"But if you form a line and fight under the command of an officer, there is nothing that can defeat you! Not a pack of wolves, not a fierce bear, not even a brave cavalry on a warhorse! At this point, the infantry line is the strongest force on the ground!"

Then I softened my voice a bit and said the most important thing.

"Earlier, I said that 'a musket does not distinguish between men and women.' This applies to your muskets as well. The power of a bullet is not related to the strength of the shooter. You can bring down even the strongest man with your bullets."

I felt that the expressions of the female soldiers became a bit more serious. I hope my words are reaching their hearts.

I don't know, but I pray that their fighting spirit will be ignited.

"The formation change to a square that you are practicing is a defensive measure in emergencies. When there is nothing to hide behind, you must become your own wall. Form a square to protect each other's backs."

It sounds good, but I don't really want to use this formation. I have no combat experience with a square formation.

"Therefore, the formation change to a square must be done quickly. If you cannot master this, the option of forming a square will be removed from the commander's choices. This means one less way to survive."

In that case, you will either scatter and run or charge with bayonets... either way, many will die.

I looked around and showed the hourglass in my hand.

"Complete the formation change before the sand runs out. If you do, you can form a square in actual combat. Your chances of survival will increase, and I guarantee it."

A few female soldiers nodded silently.

I nodded back.

"There are many other things I want you to remember. If you master all of them, I will devise every possible strategy as a staff officer to protect you. Not just to win, but to ensure that as many of you as possible return alive."

If the interests of the commander and the soldiers are at odds, the unit cannot fight.

That's why I align their interests by arguing that "victory means the minimum sacrifice."

But of course, the best option is not to fight at all.

I say this honestly.

"Well, the best is to win without fighting. Then no one will die."

Hanna couldn't help but interject.

"Second Lieutenant, can you really do that?"

"Sometimes, a standoff can end without a fight. If that's what you want, take the marching drills seriously. If you set up your defenses before the enemy and hold them firmly, there's a chance the enemy will retreat without fighting."

Winning without fighting.

It's an ideal, but I want to aim for it when possible. After all, it's easier.

"Alright, if you understand, quickly learn the formation change to a square. We will also practice what to do when a gap appears in the formation. If you learn well, I'll ask the general for permission to distribute sugar."

The female soldiers murmured for a moment.

"Sugar...?"

"Yes. I think the kitchen staff will make something for you."

Sugar is expensive, but the army has plenty. It is nutritious, can be stored, and is highly sought after, making it a valuable commodity. It is a legitimate military supply.

Immediately, the entire battalion became excited.

"I want to get some hard candy!"

"I want a sweet white bread with lots of sugar!"

"What are you talking about? Put it in tea!"

"I want to sprinkle it on fried bread!"

The serious atmosphere was completely lost.

Oh well.

"Hey, you guys! If you don't take the training seriously, there will be no sugar! Please take it seriously!"

"Yes!"

"Staff Officer, we can do it!"

Don't get too cocky. This is the army.

...But I couldn't help but smile.

"Then I'll go and beg the brigade commander for permission. The training ground is visible from his office, so please train hard."

"Yes!"

"Staff Officer, good luck!"

"Make sure to get the sugar!"

You guys are in high spirits...