Chapter 97
Chapter 97
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 97
Chapter Title: Dragged Away with Stars (3)
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From the day after I was summoned by Count Venner, rest was granted to me and everyone in the 24th Regiment.
Excluding the Commander-in-Chief, my father-in-law, our unit had essentially claimed the greatest achievement in the Northern Army.
Thus, Northern Expeditionary Force Commander Count Venner ordered that, until the next assignment orders and commendations were issued, all officers and men under my command were to remain within the unit but enjoy unlimited supplies of beer, wine, whiskey, meat, and various foods, courtesy of the quartermaster.
On top of that, he discreetly distributed one-month leave passes and ample cash to every member of the unit, regardless of rank or position.
As a result, soldiers, non-commissioned officers, and officers alike were indulging in as much pleasure as they could muster.
Normally, that meant officers dropping by my office with booze and meat before their promotions or transfers, sharing a merry time laced with regret at parting.
"Laura, won't you get off my lap for a bit?"
"No. If I do, you'll just go drink with Deputy Regiment Commander over there and the other officers. You won't head out to the brothels with them at night, but it'll still cut into our alone time. I don't like that."
Saying that, Laura had been sticking to my side these past few days—probably due to some instructions from Count Venner, though I had no idea what.
She'd only leave when I went to sleep, wearing a reluctant expression, but come morning, she'd be back to wake me.
This felt like a clear signal that kisses weren't cutting it anymore.
"Even so, it's about time to start saying goodbye to the regimental officers."
"I know. But Father said that once you get promoted, other thieving cats will come sniffing around. Thinking about that makes me want even more time with you..."
Looking into her eyes as she said that, I could sense my escape route was completely sealed.
Besides, a beauty like Laura was honestly more than I deserved.
Sure, considering my status and position, a political marriage to someone of her looks was feasible.
But with the halo of a count's family, stunning beauty, exceptional combat skills and insight, and years of pure, unwavering love for me?
Even after rising this far, she was still out of my league.
The officers, sensing her unspoken pressure, had left words of support for our young love and retreated to the hall below the barracks to feast endlessly on booze and meat.
With orders to rest—all but minimal duties—until the imperial envoy arrived with commendations...
"Laura, it's still daytime, but I'm going to wash up and head to bed."
Too embarrassed to say it outright, but she caught my meaning, blushing deeply as she nodded.
"Understood, Colonel."
Just as I steeled myself for the big moment, urgent knocking sounded at the door.
"His Imperial Majesty's envoy has arrived at the 24th Regiment to deliver commendations! The other officers are preparing to receive him—Regiment Commander, please hurry!"
The pink atmosphere between us shattered instantly... but there was no helping it.
Ignoring an imperial envoy was tantamount to confessing treason, so I had to shelve my dreams of bliss with her for now.
"Let's change into our dress uniforms first."
"Yes, Colonel."
With that, Laura slid off my lap and headed to her assigned room.
They say bad luck comes at the worst times—right when I'd made up my mind...
Why announce promotions and rewards now? Just three hours later would've been fine.
Confirming no one was around, I let out a sigh.
"Hah, damn it. What a country."
**
Stepping outside in my dress uniform to receive the edict, I saw the officers—who'd been chugging liters of beer and wine just minutes ago, faces red as fire—now standing ramrod straight, discipline razor-sharp, as if marching to war.
Before formally announcing the commendations, the middle-aged man in his forties holding the scroll spotted me and approached with a familiar, friendly tone.
"Haha, aren't you Colonel Jaeger, the Khan Slayer who slew the barbarian khan and pacified the north? A pleasure to meet you."
"You've had a hard journey here, Envoy."
"Nonsense—it's my duty, under His Majesty's orders to deliver the good news swiftly."
Unlike the envoys who usually just verified identities and got straight to business, his warmth convinced me:
The tidings he bore would surpass all our expectations, brimming with fortune.
"I, Miller von Bayer, Imperial Administrator, shall read the documents concerning commendations by His Imperial Majesty's decree."
With that, the envoy unrolled the scroll and began.
"Peter Jaeger, Regiment Commander of the 24th Regiment, hear this: Through your great feats, the Empire has averted a massive new threat in the north and saved countless soldiers' lives. Especially in personally subjugating the vile Khan Ludwig—a merit rare in the Empire's history."
My father-in-law had hinted at my promotion to brigadier general, and while there were precedents for stars before age thirty...
Those were for collateral imperial princes who inherited ducal titles young and racked up massive achievements repeatedly.
Not even young heirs of great noble houses like counts or marquises, nor any others, had earned stars before thirty, from what I'd heard.
So this preamble was laying the groundwork to defy convention.
"Adding your feats in turning Imperial defeats into victories time and again—unparalleled service to the Reich Empire and the Imperial House. Thus, exceptionally, Colonel Jaeger is promoted to brigadier general, beyond precedent."
With that, two knights behind the envoy placed a ceremonial sword—emblazoned with the imperial crest, symbol of a general—before me.
It signified authority to execute the Emperor's will in emergencies, rarely used but permitting summary execution of majors and below in wartime without court-martial.
Even successful use in victory invited intense scrutiny—any flaw brought penalties—so it was seldom invoked.
"Furthermore, your title is elevated to viscount, granting full domains of Thurner, Grasten, and the Barony of Rosenheim, plus 30,000 gold."
30,000 gold could sustain 30,000 common households for a year. Thurner and Grasten were northern lands undervalued now, but with development—minus the foundations—they rivaled solid baronies.
Rosenheim's barons a century ago flaunted wealth beyond most, dubbed "great barons" informally...
Securing these would slash my money worries for life.
"Finally, the Golden Knight's Sword Cross Medal is bestowed. Normally for division commanders securing victory, but can severing the khan's head as regiment commander compare unfavorably to leading a division? Thus, exceptionally, to Brigadier General Jaeger."
Among starred officers, this medal marked virtual division command.
It was proof the Emperor promised me that rank—barring treason or idiocy—someday.
Though brigadier was a stretch already; division command would take a decade without more feats...
"Furthermore, to the 24th Regiment's Deputy Commander: promotion to colonel and full Puckerhau domain. To Major Laura von Venner: Bronze Knight's Sword Cross and Pasau domain..."
Thus, all my officers received at least one- or two-grade promotions, plus estates generous beyond merit, varying in scale.
Non-commissioned officers got officer academy entry for volunteers—urging quick ascent to quasi-nobility.
Even rank-and-file soldiers chose: honorable discharge with a fat purse or NCO enlistment for a military career.
As joy swept the ranks and the edict reading concluded...
The envoy whispered in my ear.
"The Minister of War has appointed Brigadier General you as overall operations and planning chief for the Franco Republic expedition. Congratulations. Orders arrive in a week: 'Third Deputy Chief of Operations, General Staff'."
With that, he bustled off to other duties, and after receiving everyone's cheers that day...
I briefly joined the week-long feast of endless booze and meat, sharing the joy before slipping away early.
Because...
Shortly after the banquet began, Laura whispered:
"Brigadier General, I don't want to sleep alone tonight."