Chapter 52
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 52
Chapter Title: Unexpected Things Keep Happening
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"...So, you're going to be a key part of that logistics division, huh?"
Enter asked again during lunch. When I nodded, he hummed thoughtfully for a moment before speaking up once more.
"By any chance, did you apply to the Administrative Department planning this from the start—"
"What do you take me for, a prophet? Don't talk nonsense."
I shoved some salad into Enter's mouth to shut down any more ridiculous talk.
What I wanted wasn't to spread out a mat and make prophecies.
But... to be honest, it wasn't a hundred percent nonsense. More than half of it rang true.
I hadn't stumbled blindly to this point knowing nothing.
I knew about Erwin's exploits in advance, so I worked to let him shine properly.
At the same time, for the upcoming Imperial Army offensives, I laid the groundwork to make my own contributions.
And as a result, I got to convey my intentions directly to the Emperor himself, of all people.
Ah, you might say I should've warned about the Koenihesen summer grand offensive ahead of time. But what if things diverged from what I knew afterward?
Tampering recklessly could invite an even bigger crisis. Koenihesen might delay their grand offensive against the Empire's defenses or sow chaos to expose greater weaknesses.
Above all, even the Empire's core forces only realized the Koenihesen attack was imminent right before it hit.
In that situation, some clueless kid yelling "Koenihesen's coming!!" — who would buy that?
Anyway, fortunately, the Emperor took an interest in my opinion, even though I was just some lowly noble.
Maybe he had faintly grasped the issues himself and was pondering them.
The Imperial Army was growing ever larger by necessity, while the logistics division stayed the same size.
In fact, logistics personnel kept rotating out. They were soldiers too, after all, and soldiers had to head to the front lines, manage the field, and rack up merits.
Externally, they bickered with the Navy or knights over pride. Internally, officers competed viciously over merits for higher posts.
Rear-echelon duties didn't yield big merits — mess up, though, and you'd commit a massive blunder.
Inevitably shunned. Leading to shortages and waning influence.
One accident could put the entire Imperial Army at risk.
"...Yeah, and knowing a 'Reinhardt' is involved there, of all places, would definitely make others perk up."
Michel, sipping juice beside me, nodded in agreement with my view.
Oh, right — Michel had racked up merits in Koenihesen's summer grand offensive too.
Not on Erwin's level, but he'd led a small unit to raid the enemy HQ, torched a few warehouses, and made it back alive. Delayed their offensive by over half a day, they said.
"Hey, Richi. But in the end, you'll just be some grunt there, right? What can you even do?"
"Hey, Lester. Must you always say it like that...?"
"Am I wrong? No, Richi — answer me. I'm right, aren't I?"
Yeah, you're right. Spot on, you bastard. But don't hit me with facts so hard. It hurts. Maybe it's because this guy's arm was broken fighting Koenihesen up close? Sharp as hell.
"Eh, from what I see, Richi's getting slotted right into a mid-level spot."
"Huh?"
"What?"
The one who'd snuck up beside me was none other than Ar. She sat down right next to me, all natural-like.
Enter, who knew roughly about me and Ar, just shrugged it off. He'd probably ignore it even if she speared a piece of steak on her fork and fed it to me.
But Michel and Lester didn't know yet, so their eyes screamed, "What's this? Too close, isn't it?"
Trouble. Should I explain now? Talk about marriage coming up soon?
But these guys? They'd go full "Teasing material! Sound the horns!!" and lose their minds. Especially Lester. That one's the worst. Damn it.
"What do you mean, Ariete? Explain in detail."
The silver lining: they were more interested in what Ar said than our relationship.
"Erwin, who fought alongside us, just got promoted to the Empire's youngest regimental commander. One more merit, and he's barreling straight to division commander."
"Isn't that too fast? He's around our age. Who told you that?"
"My father."
"Oh."
Ahh, the Victory Duke said it. That bumps trust from 100% to 1,000%.
Not in the Officer Department, but military promotions are tightly linked to politics anyway.
Especially from one of the Three Dukes — no way it's just rumor.
"Anyway, if Erwin's at that level, Richi won't get stuck at the bottom. He's already shown top results there, and they always lack people."
"So, bottom line: short-staffed, so shove in a proven slave?"
Lester, you prick — stop hitting with facts. It stings like hell! Shit!!
*
The second semester started, but the vibrant mood from the first was gone.
Koenihesen's massive raid had inflicted heavy damage, plunging the Empire back into war.
And this time, it wouldn't end quickly. Koenihesen aimed to see it through, so the Empire would match that resolve.
At least a few years. If dragged out, a double-digit slog.
In such times, even academy students far from the war — no direct ties — felt burdened laughing carefree.
Even if staff urged liveliness over gloom, it wasn't easy.
"Hic! Sob!"
When news hit of a classmate or senior's family or friend falling in battle, the mood tanked. Everyone's hatred for Koenihesen was plain.
"...In such awful times, why visit again?"
I eyed the Imperial Navy Marshal sipping coffee right across from me.
No, Marshal — aren't you swamped too? My father's flying everywhere, twelve bodies wouldn't suffice.
How's the Empire's naval commander so leisurely?
"Don't give me that look, Richi. I'm here as Navy Marshal to award a medal to a meritorious soul. That's no big issue, is it?"
I involuntarily let out a grunt. Hope no vein popped on my forehead? Hard to manage expressions. Haha!
In the end, this vile seal of a captain pinned a merit medal on me.
Dad exploded with "Has this bastard finally lost it?" at the Navy Marshal. Even brother seriously went "That's a bit..."
Wonder why the overreaction? Fuck, does this look like overkill now?
Even pre-possession, in glorious 21st-century Earth, Army-Navy growls were universal.
Like guys snarling over games. Pride fight.
"Like the Army, the Navy must bide its time now."
The Imperial Navy Marshal tossed it out casually after another sip.
"Victory came at great cost to ships and men. Navy relies more on veterans than Army. Retraining and reallocating the wounded takes time."
"...Understood."
"So, forced leisure for now. I'd love to torch Koenihesen ports, but circumstances aren't kind."
I know. Of course. Everyone's catching breath.
What irks me: why's this guy in front of me?!
That damn medal didn't sate your spite?
Threw ice cream as a treat, handled budget yourself! Revenge over. Done harassing. Or... really here for the march?
"Student Richi."
"No songs. No more medals."
"...Can't give more medals anyway, wanted a song — too bad. Neither."
"Then why beat around the bush instead of the point?"
At my jab, the Marshal crossed arms with a groan. What? Spill it.
"...Do you know about my daughter, by chance?"
"How would I know your daughter, Marshal?"
Even Ariete — only because Victory Duke's an old friend.
Navy families? No interest, no clue.
"Navy officer. Commissioned a year ago."
"Is that so?"
"First real combat. Probably tense. And quite green."
Everyone shakes first time. I did. But why harp on your daughter?
"Ship sank early in battle. Went missing."
"...Ah."
"Regret..." slipped out.
"Found and rescued a week ago."
"Glad to hear. Heaven helped."
"Yes. Heaven did. But funny thing — not just heaven."
The Marshal pointed at me. Why finger-wag?!
"Student Richi."
"...Yes?"
"You helped too."
"Suddenly what?"
"Offered that ice cream as rescue incentive — men went mad, combed the seas."
Huh. Ice cream power. Works even in possession...
"Daughter too — adrift at sea, fixated on pre-battle ice cream. Vowed to eat it again, endured."
"Strong-willed daughter."
"Indeed. So, despite knowing you aim Army, she wants to meet you."
"...Marshal?"
"The man who kept her will to live, gave troops unshakeable goal to find her. Wants to meet him."