Chapter 24

The text is a bit long, but here is the translation:

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A bit short, and

there are no lines for the protagonist.

I have made significant revisions to the text based on the feedback I received.

Immediately after Rosweyze and part of the unit headed to support the right flank, the remaining left flank unit began to advance to attack the enemy main force.

Naturally, the enemy main force also prepared to intercept.

They sent a considerable force, including small craft, drones, medium combat ships, large combat ships, and super-large combat ships.

This would likely break the stalemate in the center, and if Rosweyze could crush the enemy left flank, it would be even more advantageous.

All we could do was pray that the enemy didn't have any surprise mechs for a last-minute reversal and try to buy time.

I want to punch my past self from five minutes ago for being so naive!

The intercepting force that faced our remaining left flank unit was well-trained.

Their individual movements, timing of attacks, and coordination between units were far superior to the right flank unit we faced initially.

We barely managed to dodge and hit them, and the tension has been constant since then.

I'm impressed with how well I've been dodging.

When I tried to get closer to the medium, large, and super-large combat ships, the escort craft immediately blocked me, and the larger ships kept their distance, making it impossible to get close.

To be honest, we're not just holding our ground; we're actually retreating.

I suspect that the enemy main force is mostly made up of mercenaries and criminals, and their morale isn't very high.

On the other hand, the main force on the earl's side should be highly trained and have high morale, making them quite formidable.

I think the central stalemate is due to the presence of these well-trained regular soldiers.

For now, we just have to endure this tense situation until the battlefield shifts significantly.

Just as I was thinking this, the enemy intercepting force suddenly turned and began to retreat.

I don't know why, but pursuing them could be a trap, so the remaining units didn't chase them.

Suddenly, they started firing on their own main force.

I don't know what happened to the enemy intercepting force, but it's definitely a chance for us.

"Whatever's going on, continue the attack! Don't hit the enemy intercepting force!"

The main force, observing the situation, seemed to have judged the enemy intercepting force as allies.

"Right flank support unit here. We have repelled the defectors and the enemy left flank. We will continue to attack the enemy main force."

Furthermore, Rosweyze's announcement of the repulsion of the defectors and the enemy left flank, using Lambert Reigrace's voice, made the victory of the Rosello Earl's army more likely.

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**Protagonist? Side: Enemy Intercepting Force Commander, Lieutenant Colonel**

The enemy left flank unit began to advance towards the main flagship.

Due to their reduced numbers, we managed to hold them off.

"Lieutenant Colonel, the enemy left flank is gradually pushing us back. If this continues, it's only a matter of time before they make contact and attack the enemy main force."

"Fortunately, that 'Helmet' went to the enemy right flank. If it were here, we'd be space dust by now."

The lieutenant and the ensign, who are my subordinates, seemed somewhat relieved by the current situation.

Indeed, that's true, but we can't let our guard down yet.

"Don't get complacent. We still have 'Dust' to deal with. We broke a cold sweat when it got close to this ship once."

"Fortunately, the escort craft arrived in time."

While not as dangerous as 'Helmet,' 'Dust' is still a formidable opponent.

We just have to keep pushing them back slowly.

At that moment, the lieutenant spoke to me.

"Lieutenant Colonel... the person we really need to fight isn't Earl Rosello, is it?"

I understand that.

But there are reasons why we can't do that.

"We are the private army of the late Grient Baron, not the private army of that vixen!"

"She is the Baroness Grient and a noble, there's no mistake about that."

"But!"

"Enough, Lieutenant."

The lieutenant, with passion, pressed his case.

However, I have reasons to refuse.

Not just for me.

For dozens of people.

"Lieutenant, return to your post."

The lieutenant reluctantly returned to his post.

At that moment, a report came from the operator.

"Commander! We have received a message! It's from Osudepart!"

"Read it! Quickly!"

Upon hearing the report, I couldn't help but raise my voice.

"The two items have been successfully obtained. No damage. Other items also obtained. Heading to the collection point."

The operator, excited, read the message.

The content was what I and some of the soldiers had been waiting for.

"Are you worried about some order at a time like this!?"

The lieutenant, irritated, spoke to me.

"Our families have been rescued..."

"Huh?"

Not just me, but several of my subordinates were shedding tears of joy at the report.

The lieutenant was surprised and confused by the reactions of myself and the others.

It's understandable.

Only those with families had been taken hostage.

"Several of us, including myself, were forced to follow that woman because our families were taken hostage. This message is from the resistance, who have attacked the military facility taken by the thugs and are reclaiming the city. Those who had their families taken hostage have likely risen up! No more holding back! We're going to take down our true enemy!"

The bridge was filled with cheers.

However, those cheers were silenced by a gunshot.

The one who created this situation was the lieutenant.

"What are you doing, Lieutenant?"

"Continue the battle with the earl's army."

The lieutenant, who had been pointing the gun at the ceiling, now aimed it at me.

"Can I ask for a reason, Lieutenant?"

"You already know, don't you?"

"Your provocation was quite clumsy."

The lieutenant, with a twisted face, aimed the gun at me again.

Tension spread through everyone on the bridge.

Not only because of the gun pointed at us, but also because if this situation continues, we might be sunk by the enemy at any moment.

"I knew you were monitoring us on that woman's orders. Since you are single, have no lover, and your parents are deceased, you couldn't be taken hostage. That's why she manipulated you, right?"

"Baroness Elizaria Grient is a wonderful woman! I will not betray her!"

The lieutenant fired the gun at the floor again,

"Continue the battle quickly!"

He shouted, irritated.

"Try to calm down, Lieutenant."

"Ugh!"

As I said this to the lieutenant, the ensign, who was behind the lieutenant, pressed an electromagnetic baton against the lieutenant's neck.

The lieutenant let out a short scream and fell to the floor, immediately being restrained by the bridge members.

I took the gun from the lieutenant,

"You were a talented officer, which makes this truly regrettable. That woman's manipulation was quite clever. There's even a possibility of brainwashing."

Even though the lieutenant couldn't move, I aimed the gun at him.

"However, from our perspective, you are a traitor who wagged your tail to the oppressor. We will need your testimony."

The lieutenant, looking at the gun pointed at him, had a regretful look in his eyes.

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**Protagonist? Side: End**

John's ship, the "Patchwork," will be colored khaki.

Olive drab would have been fine, but I chose khaki because the word "khaki" (dust) sounds cool.

The lieutenant colonel and his team eventually discover that the lieutenant is a spy, but they pretended not to notice for the safety of their families.

I would appreciate any feedback, comments, or corrections.