chapter_0198

197 – I Definitely Warned You

197 – I Definitely Warned You

The reconnaissance unit returned to the brigade’s encampment after about three hours.

Although it was the return of friendly forces, the soldiers stationed at the temporary observation post could not offer any words of welcome.

This was because prisoners of war dressed in Allied Nations uniforms were lined up behind the quietly moving reconnaissance unit.

The prisoners walked with their faces pale, as if they had encountered a ghost, staring at the ground.

The reconnaissance unit was not much different.

They were all glancing at Lucy, who was covered in blood and walking amidst her own fears.

Perhaps unaware of the soldiers’ gazes, Lucy crossed the encampment with an indifferent expression.

Thanks to this, Daniel, who had come out to greet the reconnaissance unit upon hearing of their return, broke into a cold sweat.

‘…What’s going on?’

It was only natural to be flustered when a unit that had gone out for reconnaissance returned with prisoners.

The unit commander of the reconnaissance unit, Ehiriam, seemed equally flustered, swallowing hard before speaking.

“Brigade Commander, I report. At approximately 21:40 today, our unit made contact with an enemy battalion-sized force while reconnoitering in the forested high ground near a road where anti-tank mines were discovered. The enemy was in an ambush position and launched a surprise attack on our forces.”

“…You were ambushed? Not the other way around?”

“Yes. Our unit immediately established concealment and firing positions and initiated return fire. Nevertheless, the situation was unfavorable, and we were considering retreat. However…”

Commander Ehiriam cautiously glanced at Lucy beside him before continuing.

“Thanks to Captain Lucy Emilia’s efforts, the situation was turned around. Our unit, having regained morale, counterattacked and achieved a successful victory.”

“What are the specific numbers?”

“Our casualties were only four dead and nine wounded. In contrast, the enemy suffered approximately 180 dead and we secured around 120 prisoners. We also captured numerous pieces of equipment and weapons.”

In summary, they had been ambushed by a larger enemy force but managed to counterattack and win with minimal casualties.

It might sound absurd, but once it was added that ‘Lucy Emilia’ was part of the reconnaissance unit, one could only nod in agreement.

‘It must have been difficult for the enemy to respond properly, especially at night when visibility was poor and they were unaware of Lucy’s capabilities.’

From the perspective of the enemy battalion commander, it was as if they had encountered a walking natural disaster.

Daniel, who had been quietly observing Lucy, let out a low breath and turned to Ehiriam.

“Commander, did you capture the enemy battalion commander?”

“Yes. When we entered the command post, he put down his pistol and raised both hands. He appeared to have completely lost the will to fight.”

“Good. We need to have a talk, so tie him up in an empty barrack. Gather the other prisoners in one place for easier management.”

“Yes, understood.”

The commander replied succinctly and turned to walk away.

As the commander shouted something to the soldiers, Daniel looked back at Lucy.

“Lieutenant.”

His voice was thin and low.

This was to ensure that no one else could overhear their conversation.

“I can’t understand. Why did you cause such a commotion?”

As far as Daniel knew, Lucy was a woman who had been trying hard to hide her true identity.

Yet, in this instance, she was unreservedly showcasing her abilities, which puzzled him.

Lucy answered without meeting Daniel’s gaze.

“It was an unavoidable choice to save our forces after being ambushed.”

“Can I really believe that?”

He was questioning whether she had not actually induced the enemy’s ambush instead.

Perhaps sensing his thoughts, Lucy remained silent instead of responding.

She opened her mouth slightly as if to make an excuse, but no words came out.

Daniel’s eyes narrowed slightly, sensing something was off about Lucy.

“Is there something you can’t talk about?”

Daniel’s guess was not wrong.

The closer they got to Penbarch, the more Lucy felt an inexplicable anger and hatred.

Daniel could understand her feelings to some extent.

‘If the information given by that businessman Hamtal is true, Penbarch is where Lucy was treated as a test subject. Judging by her words and actions, it seems she is unaware of that fact…’

Daniel shook his head, wondering if he should inform Lucy of this.

‘There’s no need to cause confusion by conveying inaccurate information.’

Thinking it best to remain silent for now, Daniel raised his hand and lightly touched Lucy’s shoulder.

“Lieutenant. I won’t press you about what you did today. After all, it ultimately helped the military. However, because of today’s events, you and I have crossed a river that cannot be uncrossed. I will have to report today’s battle to the higher-ups.”

If a unit achieved a great victory against an enemy battalion, the higher-ups would surely take an interest.

At the forefront of that interest would undoubtedly be Lucy Emilia.

Once the higher-ups began to investigate Lucy Emilia in earnest, it was highly likely that various troublesome matters would arise.

Lucy was also aware of this, which was why she could only wear a guilty expression.

“I’m sorry. Because of me, the brigade commander has suffered…”

“It’s fine.”

Daniel interrupted Lucy’s words with a smile as gentle as he could muster.

“I will protect you no matter what.”

Startled by the unexpected remark, Lucy slowly lifted her head.

As she gazed at Daniel, who was forcing a smile, he thought, ‘I need to engrave in her mind that I am the only one she can rely on in the Empire. If we are in a cooperative relationship, perhaps unforeseen accidents won’t occur.’

Although Daniel spoke from a perspective of survival, for Lucy, it resonated with a meaning beyond mere calculation.

Lucy’s eyes trembled slightly.

“I too…”

With a somewhat roughened breath, Lucy lowered her gaze.

“I will protect you, Brigade Commander.”

It was an ironic situation.

Though they harbored different feelings, in the end, they both sought the same destination.

–

After the commotion subsided, Daniel entered the barrack where the enemy battalion commander was located.

Inside the barrack, Bental was sitting helplessly, bound to a chair.

Looking down at the ground, Bental sensed a presence from the sound of footsteps and lifted his head.

He then spotted Daniel Steiner, impeccably dressed in military uniform.

The various medals worn on his uniform conveyed an indescribable sense of intimidation.

“Colonel Bental. I heard that despite ambushing our unit with your battalion, you were defeated. Am I correct?”

Bental, who had just regained his senses at Daniel’s words, bit his lip and shouted.

“It should have been normal for us to win. We should have definitely won! But… what is that woman with the red eyes? What the hell is that monster?!”

Bental, who had rushed to the scene upon hearing the screams, had witnessed it.

The monster with red eyes slaughtering soldiers one by one with incredible agility.

That monster was so fast that it was impossible to follow its movements with the eyes, and it created a gravitational field that made it difficult for soldiers to even lift their weapons.

In Bental’s memory, Lucy resembled a beast rampaging among a flock of sheep.

“No matter how I look at it, that woman has far surpassed the limits of humanity. You… you wicked imperial bastards! Did you really conduct human experiments?!”

Daniel almost said that it was you who created Lucy through human experimentation but shook his head.

That was not what was important right now.

“Colonel Bental. I never permitted you to ask questions. From now on, I will ask the questions, and you will only answer. Do you understand?”

Bental bit his teeth in frustration.

Seeing that Bental showed some willingness to converse, Daniel continued.

“If you understand, tell me where the defensive line of the city was formed. If there are any vulnerabilities in certain areas, I would appreciate it if you could mention those as well.”

Bental smirked.

“Are you telling me to betray my country? That’s ridiculous.”

“It would be better to betray now than later.”

“Do you think I would accept such a pathetic suggestion? I will never submit to the one who killed my soldiers, so get lost.”

That was a natural reaction.

However, Daniel could only feel pity for Bental’s stubbornness.

“Colonel Bental. I’m saying this for your own good, so listen carefully. If you don’t answer my questions right now, my subordinate will have to torture you as a matter of procedure.”

“How ridiculous. Do you think a soldier fighting on the battlefield would not be prepared for that?”

“No. You definitely won’t be able to withstand it with your resolve. That’s because…”

Daniel, aware of Frien waiting outside the barrack, spoke in a low voice.

“My subordinate is objectively not in their right mind. Regardless of what kind of torture training you’ve undergone, the pain that follows will far exceed that by dozens of times. So I beg you. Please answer my questions right now.”

There was an undeniable sincerity in Daniel’s words.

Bental hesitated for a moment but did not bend his will.

“Get lost. I will not join hands with the enemy.”

“Very well. If that is your choice…”

Sighing, Daniel stepped out of the barrack.

After exchanging a few words, a woman entered the barrack.

It was Frien.

She was holding a toolbox.

“Hello? You must be Colonel Bental, right? Could you please wait a moment?”

Setting down the toolbox, Frien opened the entrance and pulled out a pair of pliers.

Then, standing up, Frien walked toward Bental.

“Shall we start with a simple nail first?”

“…What? Wait a minute. Isn’t it normal to ask questions before torturing? You must have some information you want to find out.”

“You’re not wrong. But that can wait until later, can’t it?”

Bental froze in place.

He couldn’t comprehend what the woman in front of him was saying.

Frien, who stopped in front of Bental, smiled lightly.

“This is a time for you to receive punishment for trying to attack Brigadier General Daniel. If you repent sufficiently, it won’t be too late to ask questions later. And you don’t need to worry about whether you won’t be able to repent.”

Frien lightly stroked the back of Bental’s hand.

“I will continue to teach you until you repent, Colonel. Even if you faint, I will wake you up with my healing abilities, so you can keep reflecting on your mistakes. Isn’t that wonderful?”

Her gentle tone, filled with kindness, sent chills down his spine.

As Bental was in shock, Frien lightly opened the jaws of the pliers.

“Now then, shall we begin the repentance?”

Instinctively feeling fear, Bental desperately shook his head, but Frien paid no mind.

“Ha ha. Everyone initially struggles to admit their sins, but over time, they end up crying and reflecting on their lives. You won’t be any different, Colonel Bental, so don’t worry.”

The pliers began to apply pressure to Bental’s nails.

As a result, Bental’s breathing became labored.

With his eyes wide open, looking up at Frien, he could only acknowledge.

‘As Daniel Steiner said…’

This woman was not in her right mind.