episode_0017

An edict from the emperor arrived. When receiving a royal edict containing an order from the emperor, one must show the same courtesy as when the emperor is in front of one’s eyes. We knelt in the middle of the military camp facing the emperor’s diplomat and received the emperor’s orders.

By “. Georges Brestmire, who has achieved great achievements, is bestowed with Count Lane and 50,000 imperial ducats. We hope that Georges Brestmire will remain loyal to the imperial family and continue to show outstanding performance.”

“Glory to the Empire! Be loyal to the imperial family!””

The diplomat who read the edict containing the emperor’s orders handed the order to me. I accepted the order after shouting slogans praising the empire.

‘The count and 50,000 ducats… ‘

It was a much smaller award than expected. If I were to guess, there would be two reasons. 1. We gave too much compensation last time, so we reduced it this time. 2. Since we were unable to chase them down, we actually did not have much supply, so we only gave them a small reward to make it meaningful that they were kicked out. I couldn’t help it the first time, but the second time I could see it as Bernitz’s fault. Since he couldn’t stop me if I became too successful, Bernitz probably kept me in check.

I understand the circumstances, but Bernitz crossed the line. Even though our factions were different, Bernitz and I were allies. However, in this battle, he rebelled against my orders and Bernitz and I were no longer allies. This is because a person who benefits the enemy, that is, commits a traitorous act, cannot be called an ally.

From now on, I will regard Bernitz as my enemy, and Bernitz will also regard me as his enemy. This fight will not end until one of them is destroyed.

—–

50,000 imperial ducats. I was worried about where to use it, but according to what Ensign Mario said, it was customary to use half of the awards received from the emperor for subordinates, and he explained that not going against custom was an easy way to increase the faction, so he used half of the awards for his subordinates.

Of course, it was not used for ‘all’ subordinates.

“1st Regiment Commander Albert, 2nd Regiment Commander Anderman, and 10th Regiment Commander Armond followed the commander’s orders.”

“Is that so? Then, let’s distribute it appropriately to the three regiment commanders and their subordinates.”

“In addition, there are many officers who have joined our faction even before this battle, and I think there should be differentiation.”

“If we give more preference to people who were originally from our faction, neutrals who were considering which faction to join will quickly try to join our faction?”

“Yes. Yes.”

“Then proceed like that.”

“Yes?”

When Lieutenant Mario asked, for a moment I wondered if I had said something strange.

“Please proceed like that.”

“I… What do you mean?”

“Then who does it?”

“I thought the commander would do it himself.”

Indeed, I thought I would do it myself, but I left it to Ensign Mario, so Ensign Mario was surprised.

“Ah, isn’t this kind of mission the role of Ensign Mario?”

“No! I can do as much as you want. However, I just thought that 25,000 ducats was a lot of money for me, who was only a second lieutenant, and that the commander would try to handle it personally since it was his money. When it comes to money, isn’t it a world where it’s difficult to trust even the subordinates? However, if it is okay with you, Commander, I will analyze it and distribute ducats as rewards to officers who belong to our faction or are friendly to our troops.”

I nodded. If possible, it is better to have this work done by a professional. No matter how excellent I am in combat, it is only limited to combat. Outside of combat, he is just an ordinary person who has never touched numbers and cannot compete with an expert like Ensign Mario. So it was right to hire the help of an expert.

“It would be a legal bribe.”

Ensign Mario nodded at my words.

“Yes. Everyone will realize this. The truth is that being attached to Commander Bernitz’s faction is not as beneficial as you might think.”

With this battle, the tide turned towards me. No matter what faction or experience you have, in the end, the competent person wins. This is because the general who brings victory to an army is like a god. Just like Binet Franz did. And I proved my abilities. The hearts of my subordinates will begin to turn towards me.

—–

I was having a busier day than ever before. Numerous officers came to see me and made eye contact while trying to figure out what kind of person I was. I played the role of a commander who was moderately conservative with his officers and thought of his subordinates terribly, and the attempt seemed to be somewhat successful.

In the meantime, someone came to visit. Chloe was a former captain. According to Ensign Mario, Captain Chloe’s abilities in administration and supply are genius. And in war, supplies are as important as the quality of commanders, perhaps more so.

Of course, supply is something that must be supported by national power, national policies, and capabilities, but the presence of competent supply officials can also be seen as a big factor in determining victory or defeat on the battlefield. In that respect, Chloe’s existence is attractive to me. This is because it is not just about fighting a defensive battle with troops that can be mobilized up to 200,000.

I served Captain Chloe some southern black tea and immediately asked her:

“Do you think that coming here like this means we are in the same boat?”

Captain Chloe thought about that question for a while and then sighed.

“Nothing has been confirmed yet. Since I’m on your ship, I don’t know much about you.”

“You may know little, but at least you have proven that you have commanding ability through two battles.”

When I said this jokingly, Captain Chloe nodded.

“That is correct. Commander, you have talent. The talent to rise higher than anyone else. But have you ever heard of that? The story of a man who flew too high in the sky with wax wings but fell because the wings melted in the sun.”

Is this the story of Icarus? It’s amazing that the same story exists in this world. I nodded quietly.

“I’m worried that you might fly too high, Commander. The same goes for my fight with Deputy Commander Bernitz. If you had built a friendly relationship with Bernitz’s faction and slowly raised your faction, you would have easily won, but you went out of your way to attack Bernitz. Why did you do that? What is on your mind, Commander? I cannot entrust my only life to you until I get to know the man named Georges Brestmaier.”

Indeed, the reason she hasn’t come under my control until now is not because I lack ability, but because she thinks I’m a psycho.

“Everyone get out.”

Then the knights who were escorting me looked at me.

“It’s okay. Let’s go out.”

“If anything happens, scream.”

“She is a young woman without any weapons. It will not be a threat.”

The knights took a look at Ensign Mario. Even Ensign Mario nodded and everyone started to leave together. And just before the story begins…

“Ensign Mario?”

“Yes. Commander.”

“I would have told you to leave.”

“Me too?”

“Yes. This is a story I need to tell her alone.”

Ensign Mario looked a little betrayed. I had no doubt that he was my closest confidant, but it seemed like he was sad that I was leaving him alone to talk about secrets. but.

“When the time comes, I will also tell Ensign Mario.”

Ensign Mario’s heart seemed to relax a little at those words.

And then the conversation began in earnest.

“If time passes, I will win on my own, so why did you bother to mess with Bernitz and make a mess? That’s what you want to ask.”

“Yes. You are the commander and Bernitz is the second-in-command. Time is on your side, but the Commander wanted to fight right now. Commander, your tactical skills have already been proven. By winning the battle twice. But its strategic capabilities have not yet been proven. I don’t know the commander’s principles of action.”

“Indeed. So, do you know this name?”

She gave a puzzled look.

“Bine Franz.”

“Genius commander?”

That’s right. When I think of a genius commander, the person who comes to mind is not me, but Wiene Franz. This is because I only contributed in two battles, while Wiene Franz came up from below and made great achievements in dozens of battles.

“There was intelligence that Biene Franz would soon revolt. It would be really dangerous if we took control of the eastern sector forces. That is why I wanted to strengthen the Northern Army before Vinnet Franz took control of the Eastern Army. I didn’t have enough time.”

“… !”

She looked shocked.

—–

In the end, she was convinced. What purpose do I have, what am I fighting for?

Crucially, it was acknowledged that challenging Bernitz to a fight was not just an act of recklessness. In the end, she decided to come under me. To be exact, he was my private teacher.

And the day after she decided to come under my wing.

“Commander Georges Breastmire. There are officers who would like to see you.”

Oh, again? Since it says ‘officers’, it seems there are several people this time. Well, the more factions I have, the better. I thought so and told the driver.

“Come on in.”

Then the commander’s office began to open and more than 10 officers came rushing in.

“What, what is it? What is it everyone?”

“Hello! I heard that Captain Chloe became the commander’s private teacher.”

“Well, what about it?”

“We are officers who were under Captain Chloe. We look forward to seeing you in the future.”

Then the officers, a mix of men and women, began to salute in unison. Ensign Mario said after seeing the scene.

“Didn’t I tell you? Captain Chloe is a talent that we must attract.”

It was like that. It was Ensign Mario who recommended Captain Chloe. That too when Captain Chloe was imprisoned.

“It wasn’t just because of Captain Chloe’s personal abilities.”

In short, he has a reputation…

I got Captain Chloe and it came with a set menu.