Chapter 53
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Translator: Wjin
Chapter: 53
Chapter Title: Returning Home
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The extremely awkward situation was temporarily resolved by the timely arrival of Duke Orlando Ruth III.
I almost became the country that gets split in half and dies in five minutes, not the one that does so in five years, but I managed to survive by a hair's breadth.
It wasn't a special banquet held to praise my accomplishments, nor was it an officially scheduled impromptu farewell party.
With the Duke's arrival, the atmosphere of the banquet became incredibly lively. It was like the company president showing up at the very end of a corporate workshop.
Completely exhausted, I stumbled back to the lodging, where Lumia, who had come out to welcome me, made a worried expression.
If that had been the case, I could have just bitterly accepted it, thinking, 'No wonder the country went to hell.' The problem was that it was the complete opposite.
I felt like I finally understood why giving too much attention to birds or reptiles makes them die of stress.
This was more stressful than I thought.
Lumia nodded with a smile, as if she understood immediately.
The silver hair contrasted beautifully with the black blouse. Combined with her slightly sharp features and the antique atmosphere, she looked like a real 'noble.'
After giving my pure evaluation, Lumia averted her gaze slightly and answered.
As for my physique, it was perfect. My character customization was just that good.
The 3rd Class White Medal.
It was the lowest-ranking medal a soldier could receive, but the fact that it was awarded personally by the Duke should be a definite merit in personnel decisions.
However, Lumia's reaction was more lukewarm than I expected.
She added shyly.
Her amethyst-like eyes stared intently at me. I was momentarily captivated by that dreamlike gaze.
Lumia said with a subtle smile.
Even if automatic promotion was granted after the minimum service period of one year, being promoted to Lieutenant just one month after commissioning was indeed a groundbreaking personnel move.
Therefore, it would be problematic to remain in the existing 3rd Battalion for various reasons.
I had boasted so much in front of Soni Chepelin, so at least I had to keep up appearances. I hated people who said one thing and did another the most, and I didn't want to wash my hands of platoon operations just because I was promoted to Lieutenant.
In fact, the stigma of being the trash platoon that Lumia mentioned could be shed right away. After all, the skill level of each platoon member was impeccable.
Even if we set aside Sergeant Claude, even Roxana was a 1st Class Green Magician.
In the battles of the Hojo Empire, the difference between having a 1st Class Magician or not was enormous. The very concept of a 'Magician' is equivalent to a weapon in general.
Since a typical 'conscript' magician corresponds to the 3rd or 4th Class, a 1st Class Magician who can project firepower dozens of times greater than that has its value skyrocket in the military.
There was a reason why Soni Chepelin, despite being a Colonel, was the Duke's closest aide and didn't bow down even to major generals.
She was the only Grand Magician in the Ukran Duchy.
In terms of pure combat power, you can't just treat a woman who's equivalent to a whole legion lightly.
In that regard, the value of a 1st Class Magician, who is just below a Grand Magician—(even if the actual skill level is like heaven and earth)—and can single-handedly handle an infantry battalion on a tactical level, is naturally high.
So, if I can fill in the shortcomings of Lumia, Bell, and Roxana well... we could become a powerful force for the Ukran Duchy that doesn't bow to anyone.
'No, we will definitely become a powerful force.'
For the future of this country, and for the purpose of my arrival in this world.
'I will definitely make it so.'
The last day in the capital. Before returning to the battalion, we had lunch with Major Lanister and said our goodbyes.
Receiving calls from high-ranking officials was definitely a good thing, but at the same time, it was also very tiring.
Truthfully, neither the Military Police nor Soni Chepelin's Special Response Brigade was very appealing to me right now.
'If I absolutely have to go to the central command, the strategy and tactics department or the R&D side would be the priority.'
The original plan was to spend two full years in the field, then another two years in R&D, and finally return to the field for the last year to command the battlefield.
But since I was suddenly promoted to Lieutenant, maybe it wouldn't be so bad to go to the R&D side from the start?
Right now, there are no tanks or aircraft with modern concepts applied... but later on, the longer the war drags on, similar equipment will appear.
Mass-produced airships powered by mana stones and magicians' mana, like 'Zeppelins,' or trucks and combat vehicles powered by conventional fuel engines will start to be developed one by one.
'The problem is that the Ukran Duchy will collapse before any of that can be supplied on a large scale.'
In that regard, after getting a general idea of how combat and unit operations work through my field experience...
I needed to completely overhaul the Ukran military's own technology and tactical doctrines.
It would be great if I could get involved in politics too... but that's only a secondary priority at best. Even if it's unknown how great of a politician Olan do Rus III is, at least what determines the fate of the nation is purely 'military power.'
If they judge the enemy's army to be strong, even a powerful nation that would strike first would think twice before acting.
Considering that, Soni Chepelin's Special Response Brigade was more to my liking. Since it's a new unit, it would be good to incorporate various tactics.
Oh, if you say so, I'd be grateful.
I smiled as I shook hands with Major Lanister. There was no harm in creating a connection with departments like inspections or the military police.
"Glory to the Fatherland!"
"Glory."
After boarding the carriage and returning the salute, the schedule in the capital was completely finished.
Major Lanister watched the departing carriage for a moment before turning and disappearing.
We passed through the transit point where we had stayed briefly on the way, and after a five-day, four-night journey, we were able to return to the beloved 3rd Battalion barracks.
Lumia sighed as she unpacked her bags. Bell, Lumia, I, and even the parrot were clearly exhausted from the long-distance travel.
Since I didn't have much to begin with, I just packed my dress uniform and a few civilian clothes in my backpack and entered the barracks.
From the lounge, the sound of a crackling campfire could be heard. A gentle warmth could also be felt, as if someone had been waiting for our arrival.
Could it be Roxana? There's no way Sergeant Claude would be waiting.
But my expectations were completely off.
The person who rushed out as soon as I entered the barracks was not a welcome squad member, but—
It was Facility Management Director Debra Bennett.