Emperor's Frontline Decree
“Commander, as far as I know, Lieutenant Palan Oclo hasn't even been commissioned for a full year yet. Isn't battalion supply company commander at the foremost frontline a bit too high a post for him?”
At a unit the size and importance of Rimir Castle, the supply company commander position started at least at captain.
“They're already doing it in the current frontline 1st Division. What's the problem?”
“Even if it's the same frontline, the weight carried isn't the same, is it?”
In reality, the current supply company commander—who would soon be leaving the uniform—was a captain on the verge of major promotion.
“Hm. His Majesty said to shed the rigid culture of the military organization. It seems Your Excellency the Supreme Commander interprets it differently.”
'Are you ignoring the emperor's words?' Kalrun sniped indirectly.
Bust chose his words carefully here, knowing a slip could lead to a rough fate.
“You're worried whether a junior officer commissioned less than a year ago can properly handle such a heavy responsibility.”
“Then that's all the more reason to entrust it to him, isn't it? He's already proven it in the 1st Division.”
Kalrun pushed harder than ever, to the point where one wondered if he'd ever been this aggressive.
Truth be told, Bust wanted to just hand it over too, but the military wasn't an organization that ran purely on merit.
'There'll definitely be talk about it. I wonder if he can handle that too.'
A junior officer commissioned less than a year taking over a post held by a veteran captain.
If he didn't produce solid results, the hyenas would swarm and tear him apart—it was obvious.
“Understood. It's His Majesty's decision anyway, so we'll slot it in for now. Any other opinions?”
This time Bust looked around, but disappointingly, there was little of substance.
And that afternoon.
The emperor adopted Kalrun's opinion without a moment's hesitation.
The personnel order issued immediately.
As Bust moved to stamp his seal at the bottom, the emperor stopped him.
“Hold on. On second thought, the imperial seal is more fitting.”
“The imperial seal...?”
At the emperor's unexpected words, Bust and everyone else at the afternoon meeting widened their eyes.
“I'm thinking of cheering on these two talents heading to the empire's foremost frontline. Any issue with that?”
“Ah... no issue at all. Here it is.”
Bust carefully placed the personnel orders before the emperor.
“I do hope these two resolve the problem.”
[Two sheets stamped]
Thud!
The imperial seal—said to be crafted from a dragon's tooth—imprinted the royal crest at the bottom of both personnel orders.
“Hm, this is what they call work-life balance overflowing.”
It had been a month since successfully normalizing the mess hall.
Was it true that hardship led to ease?
Life lately was happier than ever.
“No work, just... no work.”
The job was one where you'd stress over food complaints, but in the last month, zero had come in.
On the contrary, some soldiers were so moved by the meals they'd even written letters to the division commander praising me.
'That's why the division commander keeps visiting the mess hall, but hey, it's all good.'
You only flinched at superiors who had something to nitpick.
For a model officer like me, a division commander visit? Just a curious old uncle dropping by.
“Gotta go play a bit.”
An indulgence unimaginable just last month.
Now, with even ingredient orders handed to the trading company, time was plentiful.
“Company commander, where are you headed?”
Sergeant Gordon—whom I'd grown close to after moving my office to the mess hall two weeks ago—called out as I headed out.
“Grabbing some drinks from the sundry shop. Oh, and I'll pick up for the troops too while I'm at it—mind telling me the headcount?”
Honey wasn't meant to be sucked alone, after all.
“No need to go that far.”
“It's hot out there working—it's the least the company commander can do.”
“Then we'll gratefully accept. Philip!”
Gordon called over a nearby soldier.
“Yes, squad leader!”
“Company commander's buying drinks, so check the headcount of everyone on duty now.”
“Woo!! Thank you, company commander!!”
His voice boomed loud enough to echo into the kitchen, drawing cheers from most of the troops.
'This reaction for drinks? Not bad efficiency.'
Gotta do this often.
“Alright, I'll be back. If anything comes up...”
“I'll handle it, so go enjoy yourself.”
The wisdom of a veteran sergeant, spotting I was off to play.
“Haha, then I'll leave it to you, squad leader.”
I pocketed the headcount note and headed to the sundry shop.
“No one's here.”
One of my achievements, sort of—mess quality up, sundry sales down over half.
'If it were civilian-run, it'd be sorry business, but it's not.'
First, picked drinks for the troops.
“Apple juice? Hm, too basic.”
Bringing that might get a worse reaction than nothing.
“This one's been popular lately.”
TokTok Peach
Anyone quick on the uptake would get it from the name: peach-flavored soda, double the price of regular drinks.
'Needs a special magic tool for carbonation, that's why it's pricey?'
Heard it chatting with soldiers before, but details fuzzy.
'2 silver a bottle—outside it'd be nearly 5.'
Sinfully priced for a drink.
“Hey, looking to buy about 200 bottles of this—got stock?”
Received count was around forty, but how could I just do them?
'Gotta cover the evening shift guys resting in barracks too.'
Leftovers could sit.
“200 bottles...?”
The soldier looked flustered at the unexpected volume.
“None in stock?”
“Came in yesterday, so yes. Paying now?”
“Send a wagon later for pickup—just handle payment.”
Added coffee for the office stash, paid total 5 gold, and left.
'Leaves about two hours till lunch.'
Briefly considered sword training, but nixed it quick.
“Gotta rest sometimes.”
Not quitting sword entirely, but no need to rush like before.
“Today, go help out.”
My automation achievement, but idling wouldn't look good to anyone.
“Hm? Division commander again?”
Heading to HQ with coffee for the director, spotted a dozen people bustling at the entrance.
“Damn, where'd the company commander go?”
“Sent a soldier to the sundry shop, he'll be back soon.”
Dialogue screaming they were looking for me.
Bad vibes strong.
'Bolt?'
I was a pro at sensing doom—this screamed run.
“Ah! Company commander!”
“Hurry! Big trouble!”
Too late—battalion officers spotted me mid-turn.
'Shit, shoulda moved faster.'
Always one timing off.
“What's up?”
Asked Gordon, the friendliest.
“Not sure exactly, but division commander's urgently calling for you and the director.”
“Urgently?”
Then something was up—shoulda ditched somehow.
“Battalion commander's office, right?”
“Yes, better head up quick.”
“Alright, then.”
A bit tense, but kept light as I climbed to the second floor.
Knock knock.
“Supply Company Commander Lieutenant Palan Oclo reporting. May I enter?”
“Come in.”
Entered cautiously after permission.
“Sir!”
Snapped salute eye contact with division commander Major General Bearman in the head seat.
“Where were you off to?”
“Troops suffering in the heat, so grabbing drinks from sundry. Sorry to keep you waiting.”
Not really sorry, but apologize first, assess later.
“Forget it. Not like you were out playing. No need to apologize.”
Yangsim pricked, but schooled my face.
“Heard you called urgently—what's the issue?”
“Big one. Huge.”
Bearman's expression was off.
“What kind...”
“Too bad. Finally got a sharp officer who works right, and now sending you off.”
“Pardon...?”
Where to, exactly?
This was home, sanctuary.
“Personnel order rushed down from capital last night. Targets: Captain Ciel, Lieutenant Palan Oclo.”
Division commander set two sheets on the desk.
“Emperor's direct order, so observe protocol.”
“Pardon...?”
Why emperor here suddenly?
Brain lagged, but seeing Ciel kneel beside snapped me to it.
Captain Ciel is as of this moment relieved as operations control director and appointed battalion commander of the Rimir Castle garrison support battalion. Simultaneously, recognizing merit in stabilizing the chaotic battalion, promotion to major is hereby ordered. Personnel authority: Demian Lycan.
“Major Ciel, receiving His Majesty's order—I shall fulfill my duties!”
Instant promotion and transfer.
Ciel looked thoroughly flustered.
“Next, Lieutenant Palan Oclo.”
Bearman turned to me kneeling.
Lieutenant Palan Oclo is as of this moment relieved as 1st Division supply company commander and appointed supply company commander of the Rimir garrison support battalion. Personnel authority: Demian Lycan.
“Lieutenant Palan Oclo, receiving His Majesty's order!”
Obviously paired with Ciel for transfer.
Transfer fine, but the place...
'Rimir Castle? Are they insane?'
Frontline of frontlines.
Supply company commander offered no safety.
“Additionally, a letter from the supreme commander—check it.”
Bearman handed over an elegant envelope.
“The supreme commander to me...?”
“Yes. Seems more popular than me. Quite enviable.”
Envy not the pleasant kind, but forced a smile and read.
We highly evaluate the lieutenant's proactive actions for boosting military morale and combat effectiveness, and commend his merits accordingly.
The current situation at Rimir Castle stems from internal issues... In this context, we anticipate the lieutenant's outstanding performance in guiding the 1st Division correctly.
Additionally, we promise unconditional support for cooperation with Oclo Trading Company to normalize Rimir Castle. Give it your all.
Very, very long.
Summary: They'd provide backup, so deliver results.
'Damn, this is why you don't work hard. They keep asking the impossible.'