Chapter 47
Chapter 47
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 47
Chapter Title: The Betrayed Famous General Betrays
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The officers of the imperial army, having captured the three strongholds of Anyak, Montpiu, and Saint-Twar, gathered in the main keep of Anyak where the Dragonia Empire's flag flew to discuss their next moves.
"Now that we're riding high on momentum, this is the perfect time!"
"The fact that the enemy knows the importance of these strongholds yet hasn't sent reinforcements means the kingdom is stretched thin too!"
Some officers, intoxicated by their string of victories, demanded further advances,
"Does that mean there's no need to press on?"
"Yes. Brotan Kingdom endured behind the natural barriers of the Vildorneu River and Crezon Mountains, but now that we've taken all three strongholds, those barriers have become a prison blocking their own advance."
"Exactly. If we just mop up the villages in our rear, secure our supply lines, and fortify our defenses, the kingdom will feel immense pressure."
Victor and Friedrich, who had made the greatest contributions to the victories, spoke in unison about halting the advance.
"Brotan Kingdom's territory is still vast! We can't give them time to regroup!"
"Even if our casualties were light, it doesn't mean the troops can keep fighting indefinitely. The long marches and battles have exhausted everyone, and our supplies aren't all that abundant either."
"But..."
"The original goal of our relief force was to defend our strongholds like Rochel and secure a bridgehead, not to destroy Brotan Kingdom. We've exploited the enemy's gaps to seize defensively advantageous positions, so now's the time to halt and observe the situation."
"..."
Victor and Friedrich had executed the assaults on each stronghold flawlessly, giving their words undeniable weight—and their arguments were logical to boot—so the officers couldn't properly refute the two legion commanders.
"I agree. Our achievements already far exceed expectations, so it's time to stop."
"Understood."
"Yes, sir."
Gerhard, who had been observing the meeting, added his endorsement, and the imperial army decided to consolidate defenses rather than advance further.
"You handle the wall repairs."
"Yes, sir!"
After briefly assigning tasks in the meeting,
"Then, before we adjourn... Deputy Commander Victor. What's the enemy's status?"
Gerhard asked Victor, seated beside him, with a smile.
"They're deploying reinforcements to the forward strongholds, but in such small numbers that we don't need to worry about a counterattack. They seem aware of our offensive and are preparing defenses—erecting stockades and repairing walls."
"So we don't have to worry about attacks for a while?"
"That's right. Even if they gather forces for an assault, they'd have to cross open plains, so they can't evade our scouts."
"...I see."
Convinced by Victor's report that there was no immediate threat, Gerhard stroked his chin in thought.
"...No way?"
"Is it...?"
The officers who had long served under Gerhard recognized the principle he always upheld from his deep contemplation.
They whispered excitedly in anticipation, and as expected,
"Distribute the alcohol we brought for supplies. Alcohol is permitted today."
Gerhard declared alcohol allowed.
"Really?"
The officers' faces lit up.
Gerhard's principle was to permit drinking only after combat fully concluded, so his approval was tantamount to confirming victory.
"Just be careful not to trouble civilians, and avoid drunken excess."
"Of course!"
"We'll drink quietly in the barracks!"
"Those on duty, endure for today. I'll let you drink freely tomorrow."
"Understood!"
The officers responded with booming cheers, grinning at the joy of victory and the rare chance to drink.
Gerhard chuckled at the officers shouting loud enough to shake the tent.
"Heh... that exciting?"
"Y-Yes, sir."
"Great!"
"Thank you!"
"Don't worry, I won't ask to join you."
"No! Drinking with you would be an honor!"
"Spare me the flattery. No need to linger—go celebrate victory with your men."
He set aside his usual stern demeanor for light banter with the officers.
"Off with you! Ah, were you holding back because I hadn't left? My apologies."
"Hahaha!"
"No, General!"
"What do you mean no? I'll head out now."
With light-hearted jokes, Gerhard left the meeting room, and the other officers swiftly followed.
"Legion Commander Victor. How about a drink between the heroes of victory?"
Friedrich, feeling closer to Victor after sharing his innermost thoughts—and even dropping formal speech lately—addressed Victor, who remained seated reviewing documents before leaving.
"...Sorry. I have a bit more to finish."
"Alright, I'll go ahead."
"Sure."
He glanced at Victor, who stayed to the end, then departed.
"..."
Victor lingered a bit longer in the now-silent meeting room before leaving.
Walking toward the 1st Provisional Legion's tent, I sank into thought.
-Thud. Thud.
Alcohol and rest.
I don't particularly like either.
Alcohol feels like it would expose the weakness I'm hiding.
It's not that I haven't tried it, nor do I get rowdy when drunk, but it makes it hard to maintain my 'Victor' facade.
Knowing what's beneath, I'm afraid to casually put it to my lips.
Rest is similar.
Maybe it's just how I'm wired.
My head is always full of thoughts, most of them negative.
Especially when idle—it makes me dwell more on failures than achievements.
Whether I can keep succeeding... no.
Whether I've even succeeded so far.
Anxieties, worries, and doubts I've diligently ignored come flooding in relentlessly.
This worsens most during post-battle processing, seeing those I spoke with listed as casualties...
"Oh, General Victor!"
"...Hm?"
A sudden voice calling me snapped me from my reverie.
A junior officer led soldiers in tall leather boots toward me.
"10th Legion Cavalry Regiment 4th Platoon Leader, Hans Meyer!"
"...10th Legion Cavalry Regiment?"
"Yes, sir!"
Returning his salute, I casually adjusted my collar while checking if my expression had slipped—thankfully, it was my usual faint smile.
I straightened it slightly and looked at Hans, who saluted.
"What is it?"
"Well..."
"..."
As anxiety flared again from his hesitant fidgeting,
"General! Thank you!"
One soldier behind him bowed deeply and shouted gratitude vigorously.
"Thank you so much!"
"Thank you!"
That ignited the rest, all expressing thanks.
"...What?"
"I'll explain."
Flustered, I demanded an explanation from Hans, who seemed to lead them.
"We imperial cavalrymen have built strong bonds through long training and combat."
"..."
"We resolved long ago to give our lives for the empire and pride ourselves on fearing little after harsh trials—but there's one thing we dread."
He paused for breath.
"Stragglers from our ranks."
"...Stragglers."
"When we lower visors, visibility narrows, and friendly signals drown in the noise. No matter how well we form up or train, breakthroughs in battle inevitably leave some behind."
The soldiers behind nodded in agreement.
"Dying to the enemy is honorable, but watching comrades stranded alone in enemy lines is horrific. ...I still can't forget the guilt from meeting a straggler's eyes."
Hans wiped his reddened eyes, emotion swelling.
"But under your command, it was completely different."
"..."
"When battle began, we all heard your voice. It felt like divine revelation. After a successful charge and regrouping, seeing every platoon member reunited confirmed it."
"Hm..."
"I thought it imagination at first, but other platoon leaders shared the same. We were convinced it was thanks to you."
Hans bowed deeply again.
"I've wanted to tell you whenever possible. You kept us from becoming traitors to our brothers, made our deaths glorious. Truly, thank you."
"Thank you!"
...I was speechless.
I fumbled for words, but none came.
"...I'm grateful to you all."
I barely managed that to their bowed heads and hurried to the 1st Provisional Legion's tent like fleeing.
-Flutter.
"General, you're here. Everyone's waiting."
"...Anna."
Opening the tent flap amid my turmoil, Anna and the 1st Provisional Legion officers sat around an untouched massive keg.
All held cups in their right hands; an identical one sat in the center empty seat.
"You're here! Can we start now?"
"The general permits it! Adjutant Anna said absolutely no without your say-so..."
"Deputy Legion Commander Alexandrov. Are you saying you'd have drunk first if I hadn't stopped you?"
"N-No, of course not!"
Anna, Alexandrov, Boris...
Watching them laugh and chat lightened my mood somehow.
"Haha."
I laughed, uncorked the keg,
"Pass me a cup."
filled mine first, then reached for Anna's.
"...General?"
Anna, knowing I avoided drink, stared wide-eyed before smiling faintly and handing hers over.
"Thank you."
"You'll keep working hard, so this much is fine."
"Oh, so the general steps up when he wants!"
"You could say that. Alexandrov, yours too."
"Ah, thanks! ...Isn't that too full?"
"Who knows. Don't want it?"
"Heavens, no."
I filled the others', then,
"...Everyone, let's keep doing well! Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
"Woo!"
I savored victory's joy with them.
"General, be honest. Isn't this better than Ruth Kingdom?"
"...Haha."
...I needed to stay vigilant against slips, but it was a pleasant time.