Buying Loyalty with Gold
“It might be a bit clumsy since it’s my first time, but I’ll work hard, so please take good care of me.”
Some might think you need to come on strong to avoid being ignored.
But does a passerby feel scared just because a stray puppy barks at them?
That’s exactly the position a fresh second lieutenant is in.
‘Barking only works if you’ve got some size to back it up. Rookies always fold.’
Sergeants outrank corporals, warrant officers outrank sergeants.
Stick to that messed-up mindset in the army, and you’re done for.
‘Suddenly worried about my precious little ones. Hope they’re doing okay.’
Those noble brothers of mine, always defying common sense.
I had a bad feeling they’d gone straight to talking down to the sergeants and staff sergeants the moment they arrived.
“We should be the ones asking you to take care of us. Things have been hectic lately, so please lead us well…”
The moment I went to shake the deputy platoon leader’s hand.
—Wheeeeeeng! Combat Readiness Level 2 Declared! By order of the Division Commander.
“Thought it was too quiet today.”
“Hah, damn it.”
The platoon members sprang into action at the announcement blaring from the outdoor speakers.
“Tch, stick close to the deputy platoon leader. You’ll be doing this every damn day from now on.”
With the situation kicking off, the lieutenant left those curt words behind and departed.
“You haven’t gotten your gear yet, right?”
“No, sir.”
“This is enlisted stuff for now, but put it on anyway. Heading out without it could cause issues.”
“Thank you, sir.”
Thanks to the deputy’s consideration, I donned a combat vest and helmet.
‘Better maintained than I expected.’
Military gear was usually the kind you didn’t even want to touch—like the raincoats back at training camp—but this was different.
“Ready? Let’s move. Platoon leader, just follow me.”
“Yes, sir!”
We exited the company building and boarded the wagon assigned to our platoon.
“Um… are we heading into battle right now?”
Once we were settled in the wagon with a moment to breathe, I cautiously asked what was on my mind.
‘No way it’s actual combat already.’
It had only been two hours since I reported in.
My neck was still plenty warm for dying.
“Depends on what the enemy does, but it probably won’t turn bloody.”
Somewhat reassuring, but no room for complacency.
‘They’re not launching a full assault on day one, right…?’
Ever since starting this second life, I’d been hit with endless bullshit.
Couldn’t help the anxiety creeping in.
“Here we are…”
A short wagon ride later, we arrived at the defensive line swarming with nearly ten thousand soldiers.
“First time seeing this?”
“Yes, sir. It’s massive. I had no idea.”
From what I knew, the 3rd Division’s sector was some distance from the main clash zone at the Avril Defensive Line.
‘Even here it’s this packed—what the hell must Avril look like?’
Hard to even imagine.
“Welcome to hell.”
The deputy flashed a bitter smile, exhaustion etched deep in his expression.
“Ha… haha.”
No one could look at my future and offer comfort.
“At least we’re the vanguard company, so guard duty’s a bit looser than elsewhere.”
“I see.”
If the enemy picked a fight, we’d be first out—so yeah, it made sense.
“We’re here. Out.”
The moment I stepped off the wagon, the battlefield’s icy tension hit like a wave.
‘I’m really here.’
The absolute frontline I’d dreaded most.
And there I stood, as vanguard platoon leader.
“We did it yesterday, so no need for briefings, right?”
“Yes, sir.”
“To your positions, then.”
Clap!
The deputy clapped once, and squad leaders herded the troops into place.
“What should I do, sir?”
“Oversee combat readiness and monitor enemy movements…”
“Is the entire vanguard company here?”
Mid-conversation with the deputy, a familiar yet worrisome voice came from behind—the battalion commander.
“Sir! Vanguard Company 2nd Platoon at Combat Readiness Level 2, all present!”
I snapped a salute and reported status on reflex.
“Intel says the enemy’s provocation is heavier than usual today. Be fully prepped for combat.”
His words nearly twisted my face.
‘Here comes the bullshit again. Goddamn it.’
Like they couldn’t rest until I was dead.
“Understood, sir!”
“Looks like you’re settling in well. Keep it up.”
The battalion commander clapped my shoulder with a friendly smile and moved on.
‘No matter how I look at him, he’s solid.’
If a guy like that turned traitor, the world was the problem.
‘Might have to test him with it next time.’
My new specialty, Truth Eye.
Hated burning points on it, but nagging doubts demanded answers.
“The battalion commander’s great, isn’t he?”
The deputy gazed at the commander’s retreating back and asked me.
“Yes, sir. Seems like a good man.”
“Always steps up for problems and does life counseling for the troops—of course, they come to him first.”
Shocking words widened my eyes.
‘Troops seek him out for life advice?’
The only battalion commander counseling I knew was the last sign before suicide.
This was beyond respect—pure awe.
“In… incredible.”
“He really is.”
After more praise from the deputy, I turned my gaze toward the enemy lines.
‘That’s them, huh.’
Thousands arrayed seven hundred meters away.
Knowing I’d fight on the front if they charged sent cold sweat trickling down.
“Uh… uh, hold on.”
Praying to the gods while watching intently—the enemy started moving our way.
‘They’re really coming…? You lunatics! Cut it out!’
Flutter!
Soon after spotting their movement, a blue flag rose from command.
“Crossbows, load!”
“Load!!”
As if the flag were the signal, troops unslung crossbows from their backs and nocked bolts.
“Target enemy ahead, aim!”
“Aim!!”
In the tense standoff, the Aditz Empire’s cavalry— their emblem clear—closed in sharper.
‘I have to fight those monsters…?’
Just looking chilled me to the bone.
“Lord… Lord have mercy.”
Desperate prayers skyward.
Did my voice reach? They halted at three hundred meters.
“Cowards of Lycan!”
A Viking-hulked brute at the front bellowed.
“How long will you hide and tremble in there? Come out and prove your manhood!”
“Cowards!!”
“Cowards!!!! Woo woo woo!!!”
Hecklers poured it on.
For dozens of minutes of mental warfare, the platoon griped.
“Screw this! Can’t we just charge and shut that mouth?”
“How many weeks of this crap? We’re stronger—why hold back?!”
Did these guys have two lives? Uniformly itching for a fight.
‘Just jeering them off is a win. What the hell are they saying?’
Beyond my comprehension.
Anyway, after another hour, the enemy withdrew, our readiness dropped, and we headed back.
“Another pointless drill today.”
“Nothing ever happens anyway. What’s five minutes on standby good for?”
“Right?”
Back at company, gear off—nothing but gripes from the troops.
‘Time to cash in here.’
Goodwill built in sour moods lasts longest.
“Everyone, good work. No canteen or shop around here?”
“Down the left path from battalion HQ, but why?”
“You all busted ass today—I’m buying. Head there when ready.”
“Whoa… really?!”
“I don’t lie about treats.”
“Platoon leader, sir! Thank you!!”
Know what my biggest weapon is right now?
Status window? Officer rank? Nah.
Dad.
His near-limitless cash—that’s my ultimate arms.
‘See? Platoon leader becomes Platoon Leader Sir just like that.’
Money buys hearts easiest.
‘Bigger than I thought.’
The shop, with all 61 of us including the deputy, felt straight out of a PX.
“Buy whatever. Stock up on snacks too.”
“Huh…? Thought it was just one drink each?”
The deputy looked flustered.
“Coming all this way for one drink’s inefficient. Fill those baskets.”
I’d peeked—prices cheaper than civilian markets, like Korea’s PX.
‘How much could it even cost?’
I’m like a chaebol heir, Samsung-level or close.
“Thank you, sir!”
“This is nobility? Insane.”
Troops eyes bulging, baskets flying to shelves.
Watching ’em happy? Joy of giving.
‘Might grab some myself.’
Curious, I hit the food aisle.
◈ Strawberry Chewy Cookies
◈ Chocolate Cookies
◈ Lemonade
…and more
Every name screamed its flavor.
More variety than expected—picking was tough.
“That any good?”
Spotting a trooper loading snacks, I asked.
“Pardon…? Oh, yes! My favorite.”
Mint chocolate chip cookies in his hand—green dough studded with chips, love-it-or-hate-it vibes.
“Hey, Hedric. Peddling weird meds again? Platoon leader, that’s not edible.”
Squad leader Mallik swooped in, blocking my grab.
“Squad leader just has no taste. Top-ten seller—don’t slander it.”
“Weirdos love it. Toothpaste flavor? Gross.”
“Toothpaste?! What the—?!”
Hedric gaped, shocked.
Left alone, this’d escalate.
“I’ll try one. Gotta sample to find favorites.”
Basket got the mint choco chips—Hedric beamed.
“Wise choice, sir. No regrets.”
“Y-yeah.”
‘Family make these or what?’
Over-the-top reaction otherwise.
Grabbed a few more snacks and drinks, then to checkout.
“Uh… how to ring this up?”
“Do the line behind me too.”
“Woooaaah!! Platoon leader’s the best!!”
Troops knew how to butter up.
Cashier’s face? Dirt-gray.
“Lemonade, twelve bottles…”
No barcodes—manual tally.
The item sheet spilled over one page.
“Total… 24 gold 70 silver.”
“24 gold? That’s my month’s pay.”
“Didn’t overdo it?”
Troops eyed me sheepishly, but 24 gold was chump change—less than one outing back home.
Not for me—them, like my eldest bro.
“Here.”
With 50 gold on hand, paid easy—more cheers erupted.
“How much cash you carrying…?”
“Platoon leader’s the best!!”
Loyalty skyrocketing, plain as day.
Money’s the fastest friend-maker.
“Earned it today—eat up, rest well. Got it?”
“Yes, sir!!!!”
Led my now-friendly-eyed platoon back to company.
Off-duty time, save night watch.
Sent troops to barracks, headed to office for handover docs—light was on.
“You’re here.”
There sat Lieutenant Alpen, facing the door like he’d been waiting.