Chapter 62
Chapter 62
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 62
Chapter Title: Personnel Order
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François hadn't been drinking.
He had really come from Section 3b to find me.
"Oh, you're Major Erwin Rommel, aren't you?"
"Are you here for me?"
The one silver lining... was that it didn't seem like bad news.
Intelligence agents sent to take someone out don't usually laugh so casually. Normally.
"I'm Captain Karl Schneider from Section 3b. I've heard a lot about you."
"Pleased to meet you."
As I saluted, he flashed a wide grin, looking deeply honored.
"Your great achievements at Tannenberg and Lake Masurian are already known across the nation. And now that you've come here, it seems you've piled up even greater feats."
"It's all thanks to the other staff officers, the commander, and the frontline soldiers. I didn't do much."
"Just as the newspapers described—truly humble."
"Thank you."
I chuckled softly.
Elise had already written that Berlin was buzzing with talk of me, but hearing such praise from a stranger made it feel real.
Still, I didn't drop my guard.
Intelligence agencies in this era... weren't to be taken lightly.
"So, what brings you here?"
"Ah, I completely forgot."
As I casually asked, Captain Schneider grinned smoothly and pulled a document from his coat.
He handed it to me and said,
"Our superiors... the General Staff ordered me to bring you in. We'll escort you straight to Supreme Headquarters."
"A personnel order... But regarding my assignment, shouldn't we have Commander Hindenburg's approval? Isn't that right, Commander François?"
François, who had been eavesdropping from the corner, flinched and stepped out, sweating profusely.
I'd spotted him ages ago, but he wouldn't come out until spoken to. What a guy...
As I stared at the commander, he hurriedly greeted Schneider.
"I'm François, commander of the 8th Army. From Section 3b?"
"Ah, an honor to meet you. Yes, Captain Karl Schneider of Section 3b."
"Well, regrettably, Rommel is still... on that special mission, so I can't let him go."
Schneider, briefly flustered, regained his smile.
"If it's not too much trouble, may I ask the name of the issuing authority?"
"...Commander Hindenburg."
"That's odd. Major Rommel belongs to the 8th Army, so why is Excellency Hindenburg of the 9th Army exercising personnel authority?"
"Well, he issued the order before taking command of the 9th Army..."
"I see. So what kind of personnel order was it that the special mission is still in effect?"
I pretended not to hear their one-sided exchange and gazed out the window.
I'm a staff officer, after all—I couldn't just watch the commander get verbally cornered.
'The sky's so vast.'
"That's classified, so I can't say..."
"That's why our section sent someone cleared for secrets. Surely it's not classified even from Section 3b?"
"Well, no, but..."
This time, Schneider's question was pure nonsense.
Classified from a national intelligence agency? Unless it was a coup, nothing qualified.
I ignored François's piercing glare at the back of my head.
I didn't want to jump in and get caught in the crossfire.
"...Sigh. Take him."
"Thank you."
Finally cornered like a cavalry corps in the woods, François surrendered.
Watching his dejected back, I briefly worried how much grief Hindenburg would give him...
But what could I do? Tough luck.
"Is that it?"
"Yes, that's it. Come with me."
"Damn."
Schneider smiled, François ground his teeth.
Seeing that, I just wanted to leave quickly, but one must observe proper etiquette.
"Then, Commander François, thank you for everything. Please pass my regards to Commander Hindenburg, Chief of Staff Ludendorff, and the others."
"...Damn it, Rommel!"
As I tried to wrap up politely, François suddenly lunged forward.
What the—?
"Sorry I couldn't protect you...!"
"???"
The commander spoke with near-tears in his eyes.
"If Hindenburg had been here instead of me, you wouldn't have been snatched away so easily!"
"Ahem, cough."
"..."
Schneider hurriedly turned away, shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter.
I'd seen drill instructors fail to hold it in, but an intel agent? First time. What a sight.
Ignoring him, François shouted,
"I'll come get you back!! Hang in there until then!!"
"...Do as you like."
Win a war with guys like these?
This war is lost.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
A few days later.
After a final check that the Polish encirclement was secure, I boarded the train with Schneider.
"First, we'll stop in Berlin before heading to Charleville-Mézières, where Supreme Headquarters is. The General Staff wants you for propaganda posters... You know, that sort of thing."
"Ah, I see."
I nodded, watching the scenery shift outside.
Propaganda and agitation as war strategy were crucial even in the 21st century, but no less so here in the 20th.
Just look at Goebbels' Total War speech... Efficiency aside, it massively boosted German civilian participation.
"...Doesn't it bother you?"
"Why? Do other soldiers hate this stuff?"
"A bit, yeah..."
I smirked.
These noble types all hate standing before the masses. Think it's beneath them, huh?
What a joke.
"If a small effort helps the fatherland, why refuse?"
"Exactly...! As expected of you, Major! You're different from the others!"
"It's nothing..."
Schneider's sparkling eyes were a bit much, but what could I say?
As we chatted, the train began to slow. We were back in beloved Berlin.
Waiting to greet me with my light baggage was...
"...Darling, you're here?"
"Elise."
That sweet name brought a smile to my lips unbidden.
Elise stood waiting, toying with her golden locks.
As I gently opened my arms, she rushed into my embrace.
"Did you wait long? I said it might be late."
"Mmm. But I missed you. The house feels lonely alone..."
Looking down at her nuzzling and murmuring in my arms warmed my heart.
It had only been a few months apart, but it felt like reuniting after a lifetime.
I hugged her tightly.
"...Ah, is that it?"
After wriggling in my arms for a while, Elise peeked down playfully.
My gleaming blue medal was at the end of her gaze.
I smiled faintly and whispered,
"Pretty, right? Want it?"
"No need. It suits you better, darling."
She stared intently at the medal around my neck.
Then...
"Mwah. Hehe."
"You..."
She kissed the medal.
My mind reeled. This was clearly a tactical seduction.
I-It's blatant intent. She's practically begging me to pounce.
Grrr... Can't hold back... But I must.
"I can't go straight home right now, Elise."
"Whyyy?"
Disappointed, she pouted.
Holding her, I soothed,
"I've got business outside. Need to take photos for the newspapers."
"Oh, like dressing sharp like big brother Manfred?"
"Manfred's in the papers too?"
Surprised, I asked, and Elise nodded eagerly.
"Yes. Everyone's excited—Red Fox on the Eastern Front, Red Baron on the Western."
"I see."
Must be because fighters were invented early.
Manfred's fame came much sooner. Good for him—more experience to build.
In this history, maybe I won't witness that tragic death.
"Gotta find those Manfred papers. Collect 'em and tease him silly... Ah."
"You're getting photos too, right? Hehehe, I'll collect yours?"
"...Elise, that laugh sounds sinister."
"Yay... I mean, misunderstanding~"
We released our embrace and held hands.
But parting like this felt regrettable.
I quietly pondered, then asked Schneider, who had tactfully stepped back to sort baggage,
"Captain Schneider, mind if this lovely lady joins? Can't bring her into General Staff HQ, but I'd like her there for the photos."
"No reason not to. Whatever suits you, Major."
Schneider grinned cheerfully, and Elise's eyes sparkled.
"Waaah! Darling♥"
Seems my wife got even cuter while we were apart.