Chapter 15
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 15
Chapter Title: Seeds for the Future
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Dark-skinned guys meeting up is naturally awkward. And I mean really awkward.
Even if you've seen each other's faces a few times, but this is your first real meeting? What the hell is there to talk about?
There's only one topic that can break the ice in a situation like that.
"So, how was training?"
"Don't even get me started. Trying to figure out if those horses were worth the bone-deep exhaustion..."
Military stories are the best for guys like us. No doubt about it.
Any guy who's done his service can't help but open up, no matter how shy he is.
Erwin started as a grunt and climbed all the way to officer—a classic soldier.
I'm new to military life in this world, but in my past one, I was an officer.
We're both the type who get itchy to talk whenever 'army life' comes up.
After years of eating that rice, you jump at any chance to reminisce.
It'd be ridiculous if guys with the same memories couldn't chat!
"Sounds brutal. Man, just hearing it is nightmare fuel."
"Nightmare doesn't even cover it. Thinking about it still makes my teeth grind. Damn it all."
See that? Ten minutes ago, this guy was all hesitant, and now he's chatting comfortably.
Erwin's starting to see me not as 'the Supreme Commander's son' or 'the Division Commander's brother,' but just as 'a fun guy I can talk to.' Very positive sign.
"Oh, that reminds me—since we're on army talk. I heard from my brother about a guy your age who came up from the ranks and got commissioned as a platoon leader for his stellar performance. He said he's really looking forward to it and wants to meet you."
"The Division Commander said that about me?"
The protagonist idolizes my brother, Douglas Reinhardt, above all else.
In my memories, these two become the ultimate duo and grind Koenihesen to dust.
So, name-dropping my brother is an easy way to butter him up.
"Keep it up. Don't tell you this, but at this rate, you're fast-tracked for promotion."
"That just piles on the pressure."
Erwin scratches his head with an embarrassed smile.
With both sides pulling back their swords and catching their breath for now, a war hero taking interest is bound to feel like a burden.
But that pressure will soon be washed away in the next massive clash.
The time for the grand counterattack, gathering even the remaining souls of Koenihesen.
Those mad bastards fooled not just their puppet states but most of their own people, nobles, and bureaucrats.
Even the Empire's intelligence was like, 'Is this for real?'—a balls-to-the-wall crazy move.
Thanks to that, the Empire takes some serious hits and the front lines buckle momentarily.
But total defeat? No way—not with Dad and my brother there.
And right on cue, the protagonist Erwin, who has to shine.
That's exactly why I asked to meet this guy.
Most of the Officer Department folks will get thrown into the fray then.
I'll probably end up at Supreme Command HQ where Dad is, high chance.
The Empire would hate capturing the Allied Forces Supreme Commander's son alive.
But I'm refusing that. Planning to request assignment to the 1st Cavalry Division with my brother instead.
Brother will pull strings to stick me somewhere reliable, even a little.
That's when I glue myself to Erwin's side and we help each other out—my conclusion!
Erwin wins with fewer losses, great for him; I rack up combat experience, great for me.
The 'never seen real action' label will hurt bad in the rear. Better shine in Koenihesen's big counterattack first.
"Hearing you say that makes me think I need to manage the platoon even more strictly."
Damn right. Gotta be top platoon to jump straight to company commander.
I want to shine next to a company commander, not a platoon leader.
While I'm at it, time to drop a blueprint for the future.
One of the few key events I know in detail.
"Actually, there's something I wanted to ask you, since you're an officer my age."
"Don't tell me you asked the Division Commander just for that..."
I nod confidently, and Erwin starts to say 'Holy...' before clamping his mouth shut.
It's fine. I'll pretend I didn't hear. I'd call myself a 'crazy bastard' too.
"Originally Administrative Department, but I changed my mind and added Officer Department."
"...That's basically saying you'll do two officer training programs."
Damn. Hearing it like that really hits how insane it sounds.
Enter keeps saying 'See you in hell, you bastard!' and it's bumming me out!
"Ahem. Anyway, studying that got me curious. If the enemy launches a massive offensive, sweeping the rear and shattering frontline units into pieces, what do you do?"
"Wouldn't asking the Division Commander be better?"
"I don't want a straight answer—I want to brainstorm."
He's destined to be a war hero, but right now he's just a cut above average.
Perfect level to bounce ideas off with average me!
"Well... First, escape before they encircle you. Can't let Empire sons die in vain. If not..."
"Surrender?"
I poke, and Erwin's face sharpens instantly.
"My loyalty to the Empire doesn't waver. Never."
"Of course. I'm just asking as a commander what you'd do for your men. Never doubted your loyalty. Don't want to."
Judgment for the men. Erwin groans softly.
He can't easily spit out 'This is it!' even to himself.
As a soldier with clear hatred for Koenihesen, surrender's impossible.
But responsible for dozens, maybe more? Different story.
"I've thought about holing up using terrain, but that's..."
"Suicide without supplies. Switch to guerrilla?"
"No mountains nearby tough for enemies? And not taking cavalry into that terrain anyway."
"...Tricky."
"No pressure—speak freely."
Total lie. Feel the pressure, protagonist! Get serious!
Commit like you'd strip if you fail!
You'll be exactly in that spot during Koenihesen's counterattack soon!
Overwhelming assault shakes the defensive line completely.
Front holds somehow, but flanks collapse, rear becomes a slaughterhouse.
Retreat cut off in seconds, cut off from main force.
Koenihesen's troops hit fatigue max and crumble in a month.
But that month? Survive with losses or rack up merits—that's the split.
"...One idea comes to mind, but it's a bit far-fetched."
"What, counter-charge?"
Erwin gasps 'Huh?' and looks over. Knew it—he was thinking the same.
"Simply put, counter-charge. Strategically, create a deliberate salient to mess with Koenihesen's judgment—they're all-in on this push."
Make them think their attack's shallower than expected, enemy's countering hard! Misjudge, halt surrounds, pile on the salient?
"Army lives on momentum. Halt mid-push and..."
"Momentum dies. We're at most company-sized anyway—easy retreat."
"Enemies, hung up on fast offense, judge our strength without full recon—burden's on them."
Erwin grins, super interested.
He just brainstormed it casually, and I matched almost exactly.
My stock with him just shot up again, for sure.
'This is exactly how Erwin grabs Koenihesen's ankles later.'
Sorry for snagging his strategy, but not stealing all his glory.
Just cheering him to think of it—cheerleader role. Fine, right?
After teaming with me later, he'll rate me positively too.
I need my own guy. Someone fighting on the front lines, reporting situations.
Brother's great, but might look bad relying too much.
Above all, protagonist halo? All-in bet. Ignoring that'd be dumb.
After that meetup, Erwin and I exchanged letters now and then.
Mostly strategy and tactics—I mixed real-world knowledge with his future feats, packed the pages.
Guy loved it to death. 'Super interesting,' he said.
A mere platoon leader frustrated he couldn't discuss such strategies?
...Damn, reality check hits hard suddenly.
Brother swaps letters with girls; I'm stuck with a dude. Damn it.
"Student Richi? Final confirmation for dual department application, please."
One sheet extended. Check, sign—irreversible.
Feels like walking into hell on my own two feet. Wanna bolt now.
Let's see. Richi Reinhardt. Administrative Department and Officer Department. Oh boy.
Next, Enter Prize. My eternal friend, loyal to the end.
Hehe, Enter—you're suffering with me forever! Let's go!!
Going to sign beside the name, but another confirmation box below.
Someone else applying for dual department?
Who the hell's marching into hell willingly?
- Ariete Clozen. Knight Department 1st Year. Dual Department (Knight Department, Officer Department) Application -
"...Huh?"