Chapter 31
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 31
Chapter Title: Gathering Dark Clouds
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Petty bastard. Rotten son of a bitch. That's why I hate you land dogs. Too rigid. Too stiff!
No, did I ask for anything big? I just wanted him to talk to his son, that's all!
[Navy Marshal McRaven. For that matter, it'd be quicker to talk to my son, not me.]
"No, Army Marshal Reinhardt? That's not why I contacted you. If you could just talk to your son and pass it along nicely, I'd be so grate..."
[I'll end it here. Got an urgent meeting.]
Even now, just thinking back on it makes my teeth grind.
That was the one guy among the land dogs I thought I could reason with, so I let my guard down.
It wasn't an unreasonable request—just something simple that anyone would agree to.
Ha, you bastard. Did you think the Navy Marshal wouldn't stoop that low?
That with your damn pride, you'd never go begging some student?
Fine. I'll do it. Now that you think that, I want to do it even more! My old friend!
"I'm heading to the academy. Right now!"
My aides freaked out but quickly fell in line without a word of protest.
This isn't me going out for fun—it's for the Imperial Navy. Of course they'd prepare.
I figured they'd try to talk me out of it once, but this stings a bit.
Not long ago, word came from the Navy Ministry. The War Ministry's propaganda department is preparing an Imperial Army march.
What the hell is this out of nowhere? A march in the works—so what?
Whether the land dogs crawl on the ground or not has nothing to do with our proud Imperial Navy.
You think banging some instruments will drown out the roar of the waves and the wind?
That old me got slapped right across the face by the Imperial Army march the War Ministry released.
"...Ha."
I still remember it vividly. The first time I heard it, I let out an "Oh?" in awe.
They made music like this for the land dogs? Not for the entire Imperial military?
It was unbelievable. And it pissed me off. In the end, aren't the land dogs the ones benefiting?
There was something grand that no words like "majestic" could fully capture.
What to call it? A sudden surge of confidence that I could snap the necks of those Koeni bastards right then and there? Something like that bubbling up from inside.
Anyway, it was music that gave you that something. It should've been for the Navy and Army alike—for everyone!
[What's this all of a sudden, Navy Marshal McRaven?]
"I'll cut to the chase. Minister. Who made that march?"
First, confirm the facts. Was it really started by Reinhardt's second son?
Maybe his name was just tacked on, and someone else did the real work.
The War Minister pondered for a long while before cautiously replying.
[It's the Supreme Commander's second son, Richi Reinhardt. Of course, the overall composition was handled by a fourth-year in the academy's Music Department, but it definitely started with that young man.]
"Thank you."
Richi Reinhardt. Confirmed. This magnificent piece came from that young man's head.
Originally for the Knight Department first-years or whatever, but I don't buy it.
His grandfather, father, and brother are all Army— that's why he made it. Certain.
Honestly, knights are Army at the end of the day anyway. Doesn't fit with our Navy.
If it's for the Knight Department, we can negotiate and use it for the Army too.
Solid. That Richi kid straight-up gifted it to the Army!
Jealous. So damn jealous. Goddamn it. What are my kids doing all of a sudden?
They're just starting to think about their futures, so maybe I need to head home and give them an earful.
Tell them the land dog brats are all so damn talented, so what the hell are you Navy heirs doing?
Anyway, Will, that friend of mine, raised his kids right. Rotten bastard. Hope he goes bald.
"Marshal Excellency. We've arrived at the academy."
The moment I heard that, I leaped out of the carriage.
Goddamn it, I feel seasick. Why does this shake worse than a ship?
How do people live on land? Trapped in that tiny box.
Way better to ride a grand, magnificent galleon!
The reason I'm here is to find Richi Reinhardt and make my request.
Will, that punk... ahem. Army Marshal Reinhardt... Ugh, screw it. Just call him the Kenes Marquis.
Anyway, the marquis must think my pride's too wounded to ask outright!
No way in hell. I'll march right up and beg. The Navy doesn't fuss over pride like you land dogs—we know when we need something!
"...Damn."
But my stomach's killing me. Can't admit seasickness with aides right here.
So I plop down on a nearby bench to rest—
"Student Richi?"
Looks like him? Yeah. Definitely. Smells just like the Kenes Marquis.
A bit of the marchioness mixed in, but definitely land dog scent.
"I'm not Student Richi."
What do you mean, no? Look at him recoiling at my Navy uniform.
That's a Reinhardt for you. Trying to fool me?
"Looks like him. Richi Reinhardt. That's you, right?"
"Ah, wrong person. Not me."
"You look just like the Kenes Marquis."
His face twists up.
"Kenes Marquis? He's the Army Marshal and Supreme Allied Commander. Even for the Navy Ministry, isn't that too obvious? Come on, we're all soldiers."
Haha. Definitely a Reinhardt. More importantly, kid, I was friends with your dad.
He went Army, I went Navy, and we drifted a bit, but still.
"Look, you're Student Richi. And hey, I'm the Navy Marshal too— what's wrong with calling him Kenes Marquis?"
"If you're the Navy Marshal, then I'm the future Allied Logistics Comman..."
Hmm. Hold up. His shocked face—he takes after the marchioness more.
Suddenly feels like I need to tread carefully. That marchioness was tougher than expected.
"...You're joking, right?"
"What lunatic jokes about being Navy Marshal?"
"You're really, truly the Navy Marshal Excellency?"
"Nice to meet you. Ernest McRaven."
His dazed face cheers me up.
Land dogs looking troubled never gets old.
I must've had daytime drinks. No—a whole bottle?
Otherwise, no way I'd pull this insane stunt. A Navy Marshal wouldn't!
"Student Richi."
"..."
"Make one for us too."
Almost let out a "Shit!" starting with 's' and ending with 't'.
Hold it. Can't piss off the seal boss, even if I hate seals.
If my words spark Army-Navy trouble, it's bad.
Well, coldly speaking, there's already plenty of trouble.
"How many times do I have to say it? That was barely scraped together by me."
"That's why we're asking for one of those 'barely's from you."
"You're underestimating the agony of creation, Excellency."
Honestly, Wagner-sunbae suffered more. But I suffered too!
"And I just provided the inspiration. Most of the work was..."
"I'm no brute dragging seniors into this. I know how hellish fourth-years have it."
...Wait. What? That felt aimed at me.
'Ah, you ruthlessly begged a senior, but I won't! You dumb land dog son! Uhahaha!' My imagination?
No good. As a scion of glorious war heroes, I tried mercy.
Can't waste time on these sleazy seals.
Hey, seal boss! Negotiations failed! Back to the sea!
"Sorry. I can't do anything for you."
"..."
He shows fierce refusal, and the president next to him fidgets.
Hey, if a mere student like me is fine, what about you, Mr. President?
Toughen up as an Imperial official. Don't lose to seals!
"Can't reconsider?"
"How could I not understand the Navy Marshal Excellency's feelings for the Navy?"
I get you. Navy Marshal's the king. Butter him up first.
"But separately, I really can't. Not sure I'd produce results like before, and forcing it might just burden the Navy."
Terrifying to think of backlash later. I'm the Army Marshal's son.
Hit a nerve—he groans.
Honestly, he can't swear 'No way! Never!'
If they whined enough and we gave it, but they hate it?
They'd say, 'Definitely gave us crap 'cause they hate the Navy!'
Army-Navy relations are prickly. Even the Emperor can't fix it.
"Practice makes perfect, right? It'll get better."
Still, our Navy Marshal won't quit.
Loves the Imperial March so much. No, Knight Department March. Wait, now Army uses it, so back to Imperial. Anyway, it's stuck in his head.
No choice. Time for the secret weapon.
"I just finished midterms, Excellency."
If he pushes after this, he's no human—just Army or Navy!
Did he read my message? He groans.
"That's... hmm."
After agonizing, the Navy Marshal raises the white flag. Yes! Midterms slayed the seal!
"Can't be helped. When you have time, I'll ask again."
Who knows when that is, but see you later.
Now just vanish! But his dejected back tugs at me.
That look... like a dad who couldn't get gifts for his kids... Ah, shit!!
"Marshal Excellency."
Crazy, Richi? You're insane. Certifiable.
Otherwise, why show kindness to seals!
"This request must be for the Imperial Navy soldiers, right?"
"Obviously."
"Then how about approaching it differently? Not music."
"Differently?"
No idea. Just go for it!
"How about special rations? Something cool and sweet."