Chapter 83
Chapter 83
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 83
Chapter Title: Heading to the Battlefield Alone
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Having decided to head to the battlefield alone, I needed to start with assembling my forces.
I had originally planned to bring soldiers from our territory, but they were already busy with reconstruction efforts in the former territory of Revel.
Besides, we didn't have two thousand private soldiers to begin with, so I had to borrow troops from Rainpole. The problem was that they were Crossing soldiers.
There was no way I, as a Caliper native leading the troops, could take Crossing private soldiers with me.
It was in this tricky situation that Olaf came to my aid.
"Here you go, Als. The formations are all set. Just take them with you."
"This is..."
A force of two thousand, ready to go before I knew it.
"When did you prepare all this?"
"Right after you brought it up. With Bisceta's help, we put it together quickly. We selected volunteers from Kurabel soldiers and reorganized them as mercenaries. Of course, we're paying them proper wages."
"Some of them don't look like Kurabel soldiers, though. Who are those ones?"
"Good eye. I may not look it, but I have quite a few subordinates. Especially mercenaries."
"Mercenaries?"
"How do you think I gathered a circus troupe while holed up in seclusion?"
And that's when he introduced someone.
"I'm Dillas, leader of the Four Seasons Mercenary Band. I look forward to working with you."
A burly middle-aged man bowed his head politely.
"Four Seasons..."
He was referring to the circus troupe.
Olaf answered my unspoken question.
"Four Seasons was originally a mercenary band兼 traveling troupe. I saw the potential and hired them exclusively three years ago. This guy's the leader on the mercenary side. He's reliable, so leave most of the annoying stuff to him."
It seemed Olaf had gone out of his way to accommodate me.
The biggest issue in this war was command.
The soldiers and officers might not follow me well because I was too young. That's why I'd wanted to build the unit around our territory's private soldiers.
"You still haven't listened to Master Ilya, have you?"
"This much is fine. Besides, if you die, I'm in trouble too. Why do you think I turned my back on Europe to invest in you?"
Dillas was an A-rank mercenary, but his martial prowess wasn't exceptional. In game terms, his strength stat was maybe 70 at best. As Olaf said, he was basically an officer to handle the tedious tasks.
"Thank you. Then I'll leave Rainpole in your hands. If anything comes up, ask Bisceta or Lutger for help."
"Got it. And you—don't die on me, please."
"I'll do my best."
A war I had to fight alone. Truth be told, I wasn't all that anxious deep down.
I cleared my throat and shouted.
"Als Infantry Unit, advance!"
And so, we headed toward Alpenserd, the muster point for the forces.
*
*
*
This Caliper relief force was flashy in scale, and the fact that they gave cadets a chance showed it was all for show.
They'd even set the muster point in the capital, Alpenserd.
Normally, you'd muster in a northwestern city near Bekavia, but the king insisted on the capital.
It was all an excuse to throw a send-off party.
After stationing my troops in Alpenserd, I had to get all dolled up right away.
"Whew! You're no joke once you get dressed up."
Banningss, helping with the preparations, whistled.
"Watch it. You might get hit with after-party requests and regret it."
"It's not that kind of party tonight."
"True, it's nominally a send-off ceremony."
"Besides, I'm just window dressing anyway."
Six cadets chosen as commanders.
Compared to the other five, my house's influence was overwhelmingly weaker. Even with Rainpole's growth, it couldn't compare to great nobles.
Under normal circumstances, no one would pay me any attention.
At past parties, I'd chatted with young ladies thanks to my looks, but no big shots ever sought me out.
I'd planned to hole up in a corner this time too, but things were different now.
Weak house or not, I was one of the six from the golden generation.
Duke Helian stopped by my table discreetly to offer encouragement, as did General Ironheart, who was serving as adjutant for this expedition, and even Marquis Linhardt, who knew my true identity.
Then, that man showed up too.
"Good to see you, Ilrain. I heard Rainpole's festival went off without a hitch. That's music to my ears."
It was Gilbert Salleon. He'd brought his wife and Erina all the way to my seat.
I stood immediately and bowed to him.
"It's an honor to see you again, Lord Gilbert."
"Heh, no need to be so formal. I hear you're one of the six commanders this time?"
"I'm not worthy of it, but yes."
"Not worthy? Who else could take on such an important role?"
I was building a reputation, willy-nilly. Even though I'd kept a low profile, I was now rated as a top-ten prospect in the military.
'Probably because I didn't hold back on academy scores.'
I hadn't wanted to sandbag that much anyway, and messing up low-level problems would've hurt my pride.
Gilbert didn't just greet me and leave—he kept the conversation going. Eyes in the hall started turning my way.
Duke Helian, watching from afar, looked like he'd bitten into something bitter, and Casper was scowling fiercely.
"Talking with the youth carrying our nation's future is always a pleasure."
Gilbert smiled contentedly, then made a theatrical gesture.
"Whoops, am I monopolizing you? You'd probably rather chat with peers than an old fogey like me. Enjoy the party."
With that, he left Erina behind and departed.
Now alone with her, Erina spoke awkwardly.
"Sorry. Father seems to have a lot on his mind lately..."
"What kind of thoughts?"
"Well... it's awkward to say, but... I think he's seriously considering a match between us. Even today, he told me to dance with you if the mood ripens. Dancing together at an event like this... means that, you know."
"Huh."
Even I hadn't seen that coming. The duke's family proposing first? To a baron's fourth son?
I whispered low.
"You told him who I am."
"No! Absolutely not!"
"Then how..."
"Father must think you'll rise to general in the military someday. If you rack up achievements in this war, a proposal might come right after."
"Sigh, he knows I'd turn it down, right?"
"Ugh...!"
Marrying Erina was one thing, but tying houses would bring headaches. I didn't want our family catching flak over my marriage.
But refusing would cause issues too.
If a duke's house graciously proposes first and a baron's rejects it, that's a huge blow to their pride.
"So, try to keep that topic off the table."
"Hmph, I know."
Erina pouted, fiddling with her fan.
Seeing that, I couldn't help but smile.
"But since dancing's approved... shall we do one?"
"What!? You never do that at parties."
"For some reason, I feel like it tonight. The ballroom might be awkward, though. I spotted a nice spot in the garden earlier—no people, great view. I'll tell you where; sneak out when the dancing starts."
"Uh... o-okay, I'll go."
We slipped out secretly and danced to the faint music drifting from the hall, with me leading.
"You're all stiff."
"Did you have to say it out loud?"
Blushing but trying to play it cool, Erina whispered soon after.
"You're unusually forward tonight. Some change of heart?"
"Consider it service for that bulk book purchase last time."
"Ah! Then this won't cut it—I blew most of my allowance back then."
"That's why I said don't show off."
Silence fell for a moment. The music slowed, nearing its end.
Then Erina spoke as if resolved.
"I-I think I can get along with Estelle. She's got this cute side. Like a little sister I want to adopt. So don't worry."
No need to ask what not to worry about.
"Estelle's a year older than us, you know..."
"Really? Then why was she at the academy with you?"
"She had some delays from illness. But bring it up, and she glares daggers."
"Oof, scary."
The song ended, and I released her waist. Erina glanced wistfully toward the hall, then rummaged for something.
"Here."
"What's this?"
A small trinket.
"I made it wishing for your safe return. Didn't Estelle give you something?"
"Yeah, a dagger."
A survival knife, basically. It highlighted their personalities.
Erina prayed for survival; Estelle gave something that actually helped you survive.
'When Estelle pulled hers out, I nearly had a heart attack.'
I'd thought Julia's worries were coming true when she suddenly drew a blade.
"Anyway, thanks. I'll attach it to my gear."
"Yes, please come back safe."
Music started up again. We blended back into the party unnoticed.
*
*
*
The formal send-off ceremony began the next morning.
The six of us cadets knelt at a distance, and General Delbadova, our supreme commander representing us, approached the king.
"Don't get too fired up just because it's a rare campaign, Delbadova. If you meet the enemy, prioritize survival. Strictly speaking, this isn't our war—it's Bekavia's."
"What are you saying, Your Majesty? If we meet the enemy, we crush them."
"Heh, that's you all right, which is why I'm worried. If you die, who'll keep this old man company?"
"Worry not. Whatever the outcome, it will please Your Majesty."
"Hmm. I trust you."
The king bestowed a sword, and Delbadova drew it, shouting.
"Full army, advance! To Bekavia!"
The prepared force of twenty thousand marched out of the city amid the citizens' blessings, heading toward Bekavia.
The six cadets each commanded two thousand, totaling twelve thousand. The remaining eight thousand fell under Delbadova and his direct officers.
The distance to the target front was about 280 km. Estimated march time: six days.
The route had mountains and rough terrain, so horses were mostly pack animals, and even commanders like me had to march on foot with the troops.
"Huff! Huff!"
On the fifth day, Dorothy was pale, gasping for breath. Full kit on a long march was new to her, and overload had hit.
"Dorothy, you okay?"
"F-Fine. Don't worry about me, keep going."
"Can't do that. Give me your gear. I'll carry it."
"No! I'm a commander... I have to set an example..."
She was pushing herself out of obsession.
The elderly Grimwood officer assisting her fidgeted, pleading with his eyes for me to convince her since she wouldn't listen to him.
"Seriously. Collapsing would be more trouble. Hey!"
I called to my officers.
"Anyone with extra energy? Send one over."
Dillas beckoned someone.
A somewhat familiar face came running.
"Uncle Dillas! You called?"
"Yeah, Aegert. The boss wants you."
"Ooh, finally putting me to good use! Of course! Can't have me as a lowly grunt!"
The boy charged up snorting, then frowned at me.
"Huh? Who's this pretty boy?"
Aegert scowled threateningly. Dillas yelled urgently.
"You idiot! That's our unit commander! Watch your mouth!"
"Huh? This girly-faced punk?"
"Bow your head, you fool."
Dillas grabbed his head and forced it down.
"Assign him anything. He's got strength and spirit to spare."
"Haha, what a character."
Circus troupe Four Seasons members were scattered throughout the unit.
'Come to think of it, he mentioned the Aegert Mercenary Band.'
He seemed the type to do anything for pay.
'Such a young kid doing that kind of work...'
Definitely a former Crossing slave.
"Aegert, right? Full name?"
"Don't have one! Ow! Don't hit my head, you damn uncle Dillas! Tch! No full name!"
"Fine, Aegert. Carry this for her."
I unbuckled Dorothy's gear and handed it over—about 20 kg.
He took it one-handed effortlessly, muttering intrigued.
"This weight's perfect for spot training."
Aegert started weight training with it, leaving Dorothy sighing in disbelief.
"Hmm, he's got strength to spare, all right."
"Of course! This is nothing! ...Sir!"
"Anyway, good. Stick by Dorothy with that on for now."
Dorothy thanked him sheepishly, and he replied.
"No big deal. But you're a weakling, huh? Why'd you join a war?"
Thwack! Dillas's fist came down unerringly.
"She's a commander too. Mind your tongue."
"Ow! Got it. But is this unit for real? All the commanders are weaklings."
"I said watch it."
"Yeah, yeah."
Thanks to Dorothy, we'd fallen behind, but we picked up speed and caught up.
By the time we did, night had fallen on the fifth day.
As soldiers pitched tents for camp, an officer from unit HQ approached.
"Als Ilrain. There's a full military council before tomorrow. Report to the command tent."
A summons from Supreme Commander General Delbadova.
I left camp prep to Dillas and headed to the command tent.