Commander Loen

A modest banquet was held to celebrate Loen Franz’s appointment as commander.

Of course, it was only modest in name—in reality, it was nothing short of a festival.

Consecutive victories in battle, promotion to commander, and the timely arrival of massive supplies.

Thanks to this, the soldiers were able to freely enjoy quality alcohol and meat.

“Oh man! How long has it been since I’ve had proper alcohol like this!”

“The meat looks amazing!”

“She really has an extraordinary spirit~”

Among the soldiers, praise for Loen never ceased.

She was a Legion Commander who had led the corps to consecutive victories, and also devoted herself to improving the welfare and treatment of soldiers, so their loyalty and praise were, in a way, a natural result.

“From the moment she threw away all those damned leather canteens and replaced them with metal ones, I had a feeling!”

“And you were the one complaining about what kind of annoying expedition this was…”

“Ahem, that was ages ago. Anyway, cheers!”

This reaction continued in the banquet hall inside the fortress as well.

However, unlike the soldiers, the space was filled with the restrained enthusiasm characteristic of officers.

The atmosphere was quite different from when Loen was appointed as Legion Commander.

Well, so much had changed since then.

She was now an undeniable power player in the Empire.

Unlike the past when she had no proper foundation, she now held an unignorable base of power in the vast South and the Legion.

Moreover,

Second Imperial Princess Elia, who had recently become engaged to Johan Franz, was emerging as a leading candidate for imperial succession.

Yet the Emperor, far from keeping Loen in check,

was continuing to empower her, as evidenced by this commander appointment.

In others’ eyes, Loen was a powerful figure who held politics, military, and economy all in her grasp.

No one could deny this.

Therefore,

Loen, the power player who had gained influence among the Empire’s elite!

“…”

However, she herself was rapidly withering away as she sat at the head seat of the congratulatory banquet.

A complete contrast to the harmonious atmosphere around her.

I just want to rest…

I only suggested having a modest celebration party because I couldn’t resist the surrounding pressure, but I never expected it would grow this big.

This was entirely due to Commander Harkon and the staff officers.

But since they said they held a grand banquet to instill vitality and hope in the West, it was awkward for Loen to complain.

Eventually, Loen found herself at the center of unwanted attention.

“Congratulations, Commander!”

“May His Imperial Majesty’s grace always be with you!”

Staff officers and commanders lined up to offer congratulations.

Loen forced the corners of her mouth up to respond.

“Thank you all.”

Using formal speech continuously was causing considerable stress.

But speaking casually wasn’t an option either, due to the weight of her position.

Of course, only Loen felt this way.

The rest of the group was having a very satisfying time.

“How long has it been since we had a banquet like this~”

Seraphine was excited about the rare banquet, wearing a gorgeous dress and gracefully moving around the banquet hall.

Where on earth did that dress come from…

Psyche had piled food like a mountain on a corner table and was engaged in combat-style eating. Her cheeks were puffed up as if about to burst, but she didn’t seem to care at all.

Leus was shyly greeting nobles he was acquainted with.

After all, he was also a count who had ruled a major city.

The banquet continued for a full two days.

Word must have spread, because not only nobles from territories around the fortress but even war merchants came to visit.

People lined up to make an impression on Loen, even if it meant riding horses all night to get there.

“I rule the neighboring territory… Count…”

“I run a small trading company… I’m Baron…”

“I am…”

Thanks to this, Loen’s expression gradually disappeared.

Those who faced such a Loen had to return while breaking out in cold sweat for no reason.

“I-it’s an honor to meet you like this, Commander Loen Franz! It’s modest, but would you please accept my gift? Speaking of this item—”

“I’ll decline the gift.”

“Pardon? Ah, yes… Then, I’ll take my leave.”

Someone asked the noble who had left the banquet hall.

“How was it meeting her in person?”

“Don’t even mention it! Her expression and aura were so fierce… I almost collapsed right there!”

“That bad?!”

Loen had unintentionally become misunderstood by the surrounding nobles.

Due to the endless stream of visitors, Loen’s plan to practice magic during the rest period was ruined.

She couldn’t even leave work.

They were currently on an expedition, after all.

Even after the banquet ended, there was no time to rest.

Becoming commander was fine. That could happen.

But the problem was that a position that never existed before had suddenly been created.

What this meant was:

It wasn’t that a Southwest Combined Forces Command already existed and Loen was appointed as its new commander.

The Emperor had literally, out of nowhere, established a new command from scratch and seated Loen as its inaugural commander.

It was truly creating something from nothing. As expected of a transcendent being.

The letter contained only one brief line regarding this:

‘All personnel authority of the Southwest Combined Forces Command is entrusted to the current commander.’

To put it positively, it meant Loen could organize the command as she wished; to put it negatively, it was like saying ‘figure out how to build the command yourself.’

Everything was Loen’s responsibility.

“Haah…”

Eventually, Loen convened an emergency meeting with trustworthy people.

“Regarding the establishment of the command, please offer any opinions, whatever they may be.”

The fortunate thing was that everyone except the inspectors had military backgrounds.

They smoothly offered opinions even in this situation.

“Since the expedition isn’t over yet, it would be best to clarify only the command structure for now.”

Everyone nodded at Staff Officer Bern’s words.

Loen had similar thoughts.

Eliminating the forces behind the Western chaos came first.

Soon, appointments for key positions were briefly made.

“Luthers.”

Loen called the name of the Legion Chief of Staff and Armored Knight Corps Commander.

“Yes!”

“I appoint you as Combined Forces Chief of Staff. Take responsibility and lead the staff under you.”

“Pardon?”

So suddenly?

The staff officers and commanders gathered in the meeting room widened their eyes and looked at each other.

“Commander Harkon.”

“Yes.”

“Please take the position of Deputy Commander.”

“Leave it to me.”

As soon as Loen was appointed commander, Commander Harkon showed an attitude of respecting her authority.

He probably considered such behavior the duty of one loyal to the Emperor.

Anyway, the main staff of the command below that would be temporarily selected and appointed from capable and loyal individuals from each Legion.

“For now… we’ll have positions concurrently held in both the command and Legion, and we’ll discuss details again after the expedition ends.”

Everyone bowed their heads.

Then Luthers, who had been promoted to Combined Forces Chief of Staff, asked cautiously.

“Commander, how do you plan to organize the Southwest Combined Forces? The scale has become too unwieldy to operate as it currently is.”

His point was correct.

Combining the South and West, the scale easily exceeded 80,000. Moreover, unlimited recruitment was ongoing in the South, so it was obvious it would far exceed 100,000 over time.

Moving this massive force as one unit was far too inefficient.

Loen drew upon memories from her previous life to speak.

She was really fortunate to have picked up knowledge here and there.

“First, we’ll maintain the Legion structure, but create a new divisional organization under the Legions, combining several regiments into units of approximately 10,000 to 15,000 men.”

“Did you say… division?”

The Chief of Staff’s eyes widened in surprise.

Other officers also looked puzzled at the unfamiliar term.

Loen nodded silently.

This was a time when divisional organization didn’t yet exist in the Imperial Army.

In the case of the Eastern or Northern fronts that operated hundreds of thousands of troops, they certainly had sufficient scale for such organization.

Perhaps due to the Emperor’s edict to maintain the current state,

the Imperial Army still insisted on regiment-centered operations.

This seemed quite inefficient to Loen.

Loen began explaining divisions to the puzzled officers.

“From now on, divisions will be the basic combat units capable of independent operations.”

She added further explanation.

Complete combat units that could perform functions like combat, supply, and maintenance autonomously in operational areas when Commander Loen gave orders.

When Loen explained using her vague memories of military knowledge from her previous life, the seasoned officers understood perfectly.

“Indeed! I understand, Commander.”

“You mean to make what we temporarily divided into vanguard, main force, and rear guard as needed into permanent regular organization. This should enable much more efficient and flexible command!”

“…”

After that, they began discussing divisions among themselves, and Loen just watched quietly.

“I’ll leave detailed planning to the staff.”

“Yes!”

The meeting continued endlessly after that.

“There are reports that a noble coalition led by a margrave is currently fighting against traitors in the western area…”

“Thanks to the Commander’s statement, the frequency of territorial wars has drastically decreased…”

“There’s a need to quickly secure surrounding territories and stabilize public sentiment…”

“70 additional cannons were supplied this time…”

As Loen’s eyes gradually became hazy,

When will I practice magic… What are the Investigation Division team members doing… I need to help Grand Duke Ferdin too…

“Let’s end the meeting here.”

Finally, the long meeting concluded.

The conclusion was that nothing would change much immediately. At least on the surface.

All that changed was that Loen now had two more Legions she could mobilize.

Including the Capital Corps knight division that would join soon.

As she left the meeting room, Loen asked Luthers.

“Chief of Staff, is there any special news from the Grand Duchy?”

“According to our investigation, they’re currently suffering from vampires.”

Loen’s steps stopped abruptly.

Didn’t we encounter vampires disguised as knights when I went on dispatch to the Grand Duchy with the Team Leader before?

It seemed they had rapidly multiplied in the meantime.

“Vampires…”

Soon Loen finished her meal, returned to her quarters, and took time to review future plans.

At the same time,

thick and sinister darkness was silently descending over the sky of the Grand Duchy’s capital.

“The sun’s setting already? It’s setting unusually fast today…”

“What are you doing, honey! Hurry up! Let’s get inside before it’s too late!”

The citizens, as if by agreement, quickly entered their homes, locked their doors, and drew their window covers.

Fear of the approaching night was evident on their faces.

“Please, tonight too. May it pass safely without incident.”

Faint prayer sounds leaked out.

The city’s nights had long been occupied by blood-thirsty vampires.

From the moment the sun set until dawn broke, no one could freely walk the streets.

Even if there were those bold enough to venture out, they would only end up as cold corpses or fall into monsters craving blood.

Of course, there are exceptions everywhere.

In the heart of the city shrouded in thick darkness,

there was a woman in black uniform strutting down the street, dragging a blood-stained greatsword.

Around her, dozens of corpses were scattered carelessly,

along with severed limbs and crushed heads.

“Ah seriously, no matter how many I catch, there’s no end to them, really~”

Her identity was none other than Senior Investigator Ria from the Investigation Division.

Ria roughly swept back her disheveled hair and let out a sigh mixed with irritation and fatigue.

“At times like this, our Loen… no, Senior, Senior Investigator would be really helpful, don’t you think, Senior?”

Ria still couldn’t believe that Loen was a senior investigator.

But now that wasn’t the problem. Those damned vampire bastards.

They were the problem.

Of course, that included the Solar Church bastards who interfered at every turn.

What kind of priests hide in churches when night falls.

Another inspector standing beside her, Senior Babil, replied with a sly expression.

“Ria. I’m not disparaging Loen at all, but still. No matter what, neutralizing demons with mere flash magic… is that really possible?”

Babil stared intently at the pure white aura faintly emanating from his sword.

Being a swordsman who had mastered light attributes, the heroic tales surrounding Loen were even harder for him to believe.

“This old man just won’t believe it to the end~ Didn’t you hear what the Team Leader said?”

“I heard it, but…”

“Whatever, raise your sword again. The kids are swarming again.”

Before they knew it, hundreds of vampires had completely surrounded them.

Their red eyes glowed eerily in the darkness.

Kraaaack!

Soon, a black wave rushed madly toward the two inspectors.