Chapter 60
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 60
Chapter Title: The 6th Corps Commander
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The Baroque Kingdom had a total of six corps.
Among them, the 6th Corps guarded the northern border and managed the territory up to the western Kaldeson Mountain Range.
Because of this, they were exposed to the battlefield far more often than other corps, making it a place soldiers wished to avoid.
The 6th Corps Commander, Kiaren.
Her hair was the color of blazing flames.
Her hair, which flowed down to her waist, was casually tied back, and she characteristically wore form-fitting clothes for ease of movement.
Though her attire was exceedingly plain, her large bust, slender waist, and long, shapely legs invariably made her an object of admiration for the soldiers of the 6th Corps.
Of course, anyone who dared to let their eyes wander in her presence might find their head detached from their body.
"...Is that so?"
"Yes, ma'am!"
Kiaren looked at the adjutant who had delivered the grave news and pulled out a cigar, placing it between her lips.
After clipping the end of a cigar as thick as a grown man's finger, Kiaren placed it in her mouth and exhaled a plume of smoke.
"So where are the ones we've captured?"
"They are being held at the 3rd outpost."
"Hmm..."
To think the Empire would pull such an absurd stunt.
How should this situation be handled?
'Complicated.'
This wasn't something that could be resolved simply by killing a few people and having a fight.
One wrong move...
'And it could lead to war with the Empire.'
No, should I consider it already started, thanks to their provocation?
Kiaren exhaled a long stream of smoke with an annoyed expression.
But just then.
"By the way, Commander Kiaren. Do you recall the time we formed a suppression force for the monsters in the Bronserian Forest that were tainted by demonic energy?"
"You mean the one led by Baron Wilkis?"
"Yes."
"I remember. Why do you ask?"
At Kiaren's question, the adjutant answered.
"At that time... there was a soldier who destroyed the abomination steeped in demonic energy, wasn't there? It is said that the same soldier rendered distinguished service in repelling this recent border attack."
"...What's his name?"
"Private Demian."
"A private?"
A private? That meant he was a fledgling who'd only been in the army for a year or two.
But a kid like that destroyed an abomination steeped in demonic energy in the Bronserian Forest, and now he's distinguished himself again at the border?
"What was his great service this time?"
"He reportedly led a small strike team into the enemy's rear, where he beheaded their commander."
"...What's that? Was the enemy just a bunch of weaklings?"
"According to the report, the enemy commander was a general named Falcon, who could wield mana."
"Ha?"
She didn't know the name Falcon.
But the mere fact that he could wield mana raised his value exponentially.
It was unlikely that someone who could only clumsily wield mana would be appointed a commander.
'Just who is this guy?'
A private beheading an enemy commander who wields mana...
Wasn't this report just as mind-boggling as the current situation?
After a moment of thought, Kiaren rose from her seat.
The adjutant tilted his head in question.
"I'm going to the 3rd outpost border guard. Prepare to leave at once."
"In person, you mean?"
"Yes, in person."
Kiaren rarely traveled elsewhere.
Her words brought a flustered expression to her adjutant's face, but...
"I'll prepare immediately."
He quickly regained his composure and exited.
Any delay in preparations would mean facing the full force of Kiaren's fiery temper.
Soon after the adjutant left.
"...Well, what is this situation?"
Faced with this unexpected turn of events, Kiaren could only wear a troubled expression as she began walking toward the prepared carriage.
Although the situation was complicated.
"I'll know when I get there."
The carriage carrying her soon began its journey toward the 3rd outpost border guard's base.
***
"Thank you so much. We were able to resolve everything thanks to you."
"I'm glad we could be of help."
The matter at the 3rd outpost was concluded successfully.
They had taken nearly a hundred prisoners, and the report had been properly filed.
It would take time to restore the damaged base, but that wasn't important in the current situation.
Pereron looked at the members of the Kaion Unit who had helped.
Thankfully, there were no fatalities among them.
'It must be thanks to having a good commander.'
Pereron watched them with a somewhat bitter expression. However...
"I hope we meet again."
It was time for the Kaion Unit to return.
Pereron offered his hand to Vincent for a handshake.
Just then.
"Captain!"
"What is it?"
Pereron asked, looking at the subordinate running toward him. The subordinate replied.
"W-we've received word that the Corps Commander is on her way to the base!"
"...The Corps Commander?"
Pereron's expression hardened.
She had a reputation for rarely leaving her post. But she was coming here, unannounced?
Pereron shouted.
"F-first, clean up the reception room!"
The entire base was a mess, bearing the scars of battle. But the reception room could be cleaned up quickly.
"Yes, sir! Ah, and there were also orders for all personnel who participated in the battle to be on standby."
"Understood. Hurry and get the reception room cleaned up."
"Yes, sir!"
At Pereron's command, the subordinate replied loudly and rushed toward the reception room.
Pereron then looked at Vincent.
"Since she's ordered everyone to be on standby, it seems you'll have to delay your return."
"It can't be helped."
Vincent addressed his unit members.
"Everyone, stand by until the Corps Commander arrives. She's known for her fiery temper, so be mindful of your words and actions."
"Yes, sir!"
"Yes, understood!"
The others nodded at Vincent's words.
Demian thought of the Corps Commander.
'This place... so it must be the 6th Corps Commander... General Kiaren?'
The only female general in the Baroque Kingdom.
Just as Vincent had said, she had a fiery personality, but to put it nicely, she could be described as straightforward and magnanimous.
'She was famous for dispensing with useless formalities.'
That was why, during the era of war, a good number of those who tried to bribe her to gain connections had lost their heads.
—The kingdom is burning because of trash like you.
There were quite a few famous anecdotes about her.
That's why Demian could remember her so clearly.
He had never met her in person, though...
'The rumors say she has a truly awful personality.'
It was impossible to predict what she would do.
Demian simply stood by in silence, waiting for the Corps Commander to arrive.
And how much time had passed?
Just as he was starting to feel bored.
"The Corps Commander is here!"
A soldier on watch in the base's watchtower shouted loudly.
Soon, a single carriage and the soldiers escorting it entered the base.
Pereron hurriedly ran toward the carriage.
Screech.
The carriage door opened.
"Glory to the kingdom!"
Seeing the red-haired 6th Corps Commander, Pereron shouted loudly and saluted.
Kiaren nodded and looked at the soldiers lined up in formation.
"..."
Her expression hardened slightly as she surveyed the surroundings.
Although the bodies had all been cleared away, the traces of the battle remained starkly visible.
It was easy to see what a fierce night they had endured.
Kiaren spoke.
"You've all worked hard. Rest assured, you will be properly rewarded for this. And Captain."
"Yes, ma'am!"
"Hold a memorial service for the fallen soldiers, and ensure their families receive proper condolences and compensation. You are to do it yourself, no matter how long it takes."
"Understood."
As Pereron answered loudly, Kiaren began to walk.
Pereron moved to her side and started to guide her to the reception room.
Afterward, Kiaren sat on the sofa in the reception room and asked Pereron.
"I heard there was a private who performed exceptionally well in this battle."
"You must be referring to Private Demian. He is the vice-commander of the Kaion Unit, sent to support our outpost. He struck the enemy's rear, threw them into disarray, and beheaded their commander."
Pereron reported the facts as they were. Kiaren responded.
"So that's why Vincent was here."
She herself had sent Vincent as the temporary commander of the newly formed Kaion Unit.
She had been a little puzzled to see him when she got out of the carriage.
'The Kaion Unit, is it.'
It was a unit created after gathering and testing the most outstanding soldiers within the 6th Corps.
It seemed that whole endeavor hadn't been entirely useless.
"Let me see this soldier. Oh, and Vincent too."
"Yes, ma'am!"
Pereron immediately sent a subordinate to summon Demian to the reception room.
"Captain Vincent, Private Demian. The Corps Commander has summoned you."
"Let's go."
"Yes, sir."
Vincent spoke to Demian as if he had been expecting it.
He had anticipated that, given her personality, she would call for them right away.
On the way to the reception room, Vincent told Demian.
"If she asks you anything, just answer truthfully as things are. Trying to talk too much might earn you a tongue-lashing, so keep your answers concise."
"Yes, sir."
Demian entered the reception room with Vincent.
A red-haired woman was sitting on the sofa.
At a glance, she possessed a very beautiful face, but...
'...Her eyes.'
Her cold, sunken eyes made Demian feel the hair on his skin stand up.
It felt as if he had returned to the past.
The eyes of one who had experienced true war.
The familiar chill that washed over him made Demian stare at her.
Kiaren then looked at Vincent and spoke.
"It's been a while, Captain Vincent."
"Yes, it's been a while."
"Are you Demian?"
Kiaren asked Demian.
Demian replied.
"Yes, I am!"
"Hmm... you look young. Well, age doesn't matter. You're the one who beheaded the enemy commander?"
"Yes."
Kiaren fell silent at Demian's answer.
A reply without a shred of hesitation.
Moreover, the subtle aura emanating from the boy.
'He's no ordinary fellow.'
She could tell at a glance.
She could see how he had managed to behead the enemy commander.
Kiaren nodded.
"Good. There will be a reward for your service. You have achieved a great feat."
"I only did my duty."
"Huhu, is that so? Very well, you're dismissed."
The conversation ended there.
It seemed it was time to meet the prisoners and discuss the future of the situation.
But just then.
"Captain Vincent requests a one-on-one meeting with the 6th Corps Commander."
Vincent suddenly addressed the Corps Commander.
Kiaren tilted her head.
"...Everyone but Captain Vincent, leave the room."
A private meeting, all of a sudden?
With such a serious expression on his face, she couldn't very well refuse.
Once everyone but Vincent had left the reception room, a faint smile appeared on Kiaren's lips.
"How are you holding up?"
"...Thanks to you, I'm having a rough time."
Vincent let out a weary sigh.
At that, Kiaren's shoulders shook as she burst into laughter.
"Kekekekek, but it looks like you're doing quite well. That fellow from before, he seems rather useful. So, what is it?"
"It's about Private Demian, from before."
"That kid? Go on."
Kiaren said.
Vincent organized the thoughts that had been troubling him since his arrival and spoke.
"The thing is..."
And as Vincent continued to speak, Kiaren's expression began to harden.