Chapter 127: Military Exercises
I had arrived at the volunteer corps’ camp near the Silesie Royal Castle.
The exercises were already underway, with the sounds of soldiers marching and the intermittent blasts of cannons firing toward the mountains.
As I passed by, the soldiers saluted, and I returned the gesture.
It had been a while since I felt the taut air of battle.
Walking toward the main tent, I found Louise, the commander of the volunteer corps, waiting there.
Behind her, her fiery red pony tail was neatly tied, swaying in the gusts from the cannon blasts.
「……The wind here feels just like the battlefield.」
「Well, this time it’s just an exercise, my lord.」
It was the usual exchange. Although I doubted Louise truly understood the significance of these words.
Against the backdrop of the Devil’s Mountain, this camp hosted military exercises akin to real combat. Currently, a thousand volunteers are stationed here, along with the five hundred members of the Royal Guard. Additionally, the three hundred city guards in the capital constituted our entire defense force. In peacetime, this force would suffice.
The Silesie Volunteer Corps’ regular strength consisted of five thousand members—three thousand five hundred volunteer soldiers and one thousand five hundred artillerymen—but they were usually scattered across various locations in the Silesie Kingdom. Their duties included defending towns and villages while teaching the residents how to handle firearms and cannons. Logistics posed challenges, so maintaining a large standing army wasn’t feasible. Still, we wanted citizens and villagers to be prepared to fight when necessary.
After all, this world still harbored a significant number of monsters. It remained a dangerous place, where the profession of adventurers thrived.
Ideally, weapons were tools for self-defense, not instruments of war between humans.
However, neglecting national defense preparations was out of the question. Hence, we occasionally conducted practical training for war scenarios.
「Apologies for summoning you during busy times. I have a matter to discuss.」
「No worries, I’m relatively free.」
While observing the exercises where unit leaders competed in groups of a hundred, Louise, clad in the ‘Orichalcum Armor’ I had provided, stood with her arms crossed. Occasionally, she issued instructions to Suzanne and Claudia, who were nearby, and they promptly dashed off to carry them out.
Even the two who usually served as my escorts had been assisting Louise lately. Since I had been going on solo missions, Louise had taken on the task of forming a new cavalry unit within the volunteer corps.
It was strange—we hadn’t spoken about anything other than work despite not having seen each other in a while. Since I got married, Louise and I had grown somewhat distant.
She still adhered to her knightly oath and regarded me as her liege, but I wondered what she truly thought. Perhaps she didn’t mind my playful antics and the harem I had unintentionally assembled. Still, it felt a bit lonely.
「…So, my lord, which candidate do you think is better suited for the position of battalion commander?」
「Huh…」
Caught up in the vibrant, mature charm of Louise’s crimson eyes—sharp yet lively—I had missed her initial question.
Louise sighed theatrically.
「I understand you’re tired, but this is part of your duties as the King General.」
「No, it’s not that I’m tired.」
Louise explains again.
Although she currently oversaw the volunteer corps as its commander, her experience was primarily with the knight order. While she wasn’t entirely inept, she wasn’t particularly skilled in handling matchlock guns either.
That’s why Louise, despite her nominal position, wanted to focus on guiding the newly reorganized cavalry unit. She aimed to appoint a battalion commander to oversee the larger volunteer army and eventually groom someone capable of leading at the corps level.
As the volunteer corps expanded, personnel decisions became crucial.
I hate to admit it, but having someone like Captain Sarah-chan around during these times would have been helpful. She had a tendency to favor personal connections in appointments, but her decisiveness and proactive nature were unmatched.
That secret protégé of Lyle-sensei had indeed excelled as a military strategist. Without even being summoned to the Battle of Silesie, she stepped forward as the capital’s defense commander, and I even heard that she beheaded an enemy general. It was as if she possessed otherworldly abilities.
Currently, she’s in her hometown of Losgow Village, but she’ll likely continue to shine as both the magistrate and defense commander.
Louise, sensing my thoughts about Captain Sarah-chan, hurriedly interjected.
「Allow me to remind you, my lord, that Sarah is not suitable. Should anything happen, it would reflect poorly on the Rod family, who have been our benefactors.」
「I understand. She’s still quite young.」
Indeed, children grow up eventually. Sherry, the prodigy molded by Lyle-sensei, now serves as the treasury officer, while Captain Sarah-chan’s future exploits hold great anticipation.
「Now, regarding the artillery battalion, the position of battalion commander has been assigned to Giney Rust. However, the real challenge lies with the marksmen.」
「Ah, Giney—the former artillery commander during the defense of the Devil’s Mountain.
Giney, with her unassuming demeanor and dusky red hair from Ona Village, rarely spoke. Yet, her shared victory over an advance mage had forged a bond with Ortholet. Eliminating an archenemy was a significant triumph for our forces, earning Lyle-sensei’s high regard.
「The problem is the marksmen. The candidates for battalion commander are Mars Ona, leader of the first squad, twenty-one years old, and Alan Mortar, second squad leader, twenty-four years old.」
As I compared personnel files and training reports, I marveled at Louise’s competence in handling routine administrative matters. Her elite background as a former Royal Guard Knight made it unsurprising, though my memories of her were limited to our adventures as fellow adventurers.
「Hey, are you listening?」
「Apologies, please continue.」
Today, my attention was solely on Louise. It had been a while.
-0-
「Indeed, as you can see, Alan is older and more competent as a commander. Although it’s an unofficial ranking among soldiers, there’s a ‘Preferred Commander’ list, and Alan tops it. On the other hand, Mars ranks first in the ‘Least Preferred Commander’ category.」
「Isn’t that just a form of stealth marketing?」
「Stealth marketing?」
Thinking that explaining the concept to Louise would likely be futile. Instead, I focused on the subtle manipulation of opinions at play.
「The ‘Preferred Commander’ ranking is likely orchestrated by Alan himself. On paper, he excels in every aspect suited for a battalion leader. However, Mars—despite being the top choice in the ‘Least Preferred’ category—has qualities that transcend mere paperwork.」
「My lord, do you prefer the seemingly inept Captain Mars?」
I knew Mars well. We’d been comrades since the formation of the Volunteer Corps. Despite his scruffy appearance and brash demeanor, there was an inexplicable charisma about him. In the previous Battle of Silesie, while Alan secured the prestigious defense of the capital, Mars faced over ten thousand enemy troops in the Oracle Grand Caverns, leading a desperate siege.
「Comrades once grumbled that Captain Mars hindered more than helped during the siege.」
「But from an outsider’s perspective, Mars plays a crucial role. Look closely—the first squad under Mars and the second squad under Alan engage in evenly matched combat.」
「True, but—」
「Alan meticulously selects brawny soldiers for his command. He’s an adept strategist. Yet, it’s when inexperienced recruits rally under Mars that they truly shine. That’s why they hold their ground against equal odds.」
While Wisdom General Alan orchestrated precise maneuvers, Foolish General Mars stumbled alongside his soldiers, shouting absurd orders like 「Charge!」 or 「Fall back!」 His booming voice was his only asset. But the soldiers of Mars’ squad compensated for his lack of leadership, relying on each other’s initiative and determination.
Indeed, morale can run high among inexperienced volunteer soldiers, but micromanaging them can stifle their natural abilities. That’s why Alan’s squad appears disciplined yet lacks agility.
Drawing from my extensive experience as a commander, I believe Mars’ leadership approach is more effective. While strategic planning and preparation are crucial, those fall under the purview of staff officers. Alan’s sharp mind serves him well there.
The true role of a battlefield general boils down to two commands: 「Advance」 and 「Retreat」.Timing these correctly is the hallmark of a great leader. If one can’t think for themselves, it’s best to follow someone smarter—after all, an empty-headed, lightweight palanquin bearer is ideal.
It’s ironic; as the King General, even I feel a bit foolish saying this. But the ability to delegate is also a talent.
「Indeed, Mars may lack intellect, but he possesses a greater character. Now that my lord has told me this, I felt as if something that had been holding me back had been removed. Yes, Mars will be the battalion commander.」
「Louise seemed to have anticipated this discussion about whether to appoint Mars or Alan as battalion commander. 」
「Well, I was leaning toward Alan for the position. But recently, he tried to woo me, and I got so annoyed that I ended up smacking him…」
「Wait, Alan tried to hit on you?」
Alan surprised me once again.
Beneath his slick exterior, he had the audacity to attempt such bold maneuvers. Stealth marketing or not, Alan was indeed a formidable player.
Perhaps Alan’s true calling lay not in field command but in politics.
Born in a different era—one dominated by civilian control—he might have risen even higher than battalion commander.
「And now, since I slapped him, having him directly under my command as battalion leader would be awkward.」
「Understandable. Mars seems more aligned with your preferences.」
Despite Louise’s calm demeanor, I wondered what Alan had done to provoke her wrath. After all, anyone familiar with Louise’s swordsmanship—her ‘ten thousand swords’—knew that crossing her could lead to swift retribution.
「Alan aside….I’m done with things like dating and stuff. 」
「That would be a shame.」
As I said that, Louise sighed. She sat down on a wooden chair that made a creaking sound because of the weight of her armor.
I quickly took a seat beside her.
「My lord seems to share similar sentiments as my father.」
「Did he tell you to get married too?」
I suspected that Louise’s situation might be akin to that of the Princess Knight.
Her family hailed from the prestigious Carlson lineage—a renowned martial clan in Silesie, known for their swordsmanship.
「Recently, I thought I’d visit my family home, assuming the commotion had died down. But instead, I was bombarded with questions: ‘Are there no suitable suitors?’ or ‘Don’t let our bloodline die out.’ It was rather bothersome.」
「Louise must be going through a lot.」
I recalled hearing that she had been virtually disowned when she was banished from the capital.
Reconciliation with her father seemed to have occurred, but now the topic had shifted to marriage.
Perhaps it was a trend among female knights—this sudden push toward matrimony.
「Gatekeeping lineage isn’t my concern. There are countless talented disciples and students. If need be, why couldn’t I just adopt one?」
「Well, that’s one way to look at it.」
Yet, perhaps her father worried about his daughter as a father.
Like Louise, he was likely an awkward soul. Despite their differences, the bond between father and daughter often ran deeper than appearances suggested.
「In any case, I’ve chosen to live as your knight. Besides, at my age, marriage feels like a distant ship.」
「But Louise, you’re still young.」
How old was Louise now? Twenty-five? Twenty-six?
By my standards, she was youthful, but in a world where fifteen marked adulthood, perhaps not so much. Everyone seemed in a hurry to live life to the fullest.
「Flattery won’t sway me. I’m content as I am. Romance no longer interests me.」
「Such a pity.」
I mused. But perhaps her heart held secrets even she wasn’t aware of—ones that might yet surprise her.
In that fleeting moment, I considered playfully wooing Louise, but then I remembered my seven wives and thought better of it. Pushing my luck would be unwise.
Lately, I’ve been a bit too bold, so I need to exercise caution.
Louise glanced at my contemplative expression and relaxed her cheeks.
「I guess it is as this flower is already withering.」
「For me, Louise is more like a budding flower.」
From my perspective, Louise still had room to mature.
Her firmness hinted at future blossoming.
Now, if you let me indulge my preferences, I tend to favor oneesan partners.
But why are my wives so young? Even the eldest, Lyle-sensei, is only twenty-three. And the Oracle, despite claiming three hundred years, doesn’t look a day over—well, you get the idea.
Such complexities are woven into the fabric of fate. It’s common for our ideal types and actual partners to diverge.
「Being called a bud feels a bit demeaning, but I suppose I have nothing to retort.」
Louise chuckled, self-deprecating.
「Well, you might yet bloom so there’s no need to rush.」
「If I were to marry. I’d feel pressured by your grand wedding with multiple wives.」
Louise stood up, her laughter filling the air.
「Looks like the military exercises have concluded.」
I rose as well. The mock battle between the hundred-person squads had ended predictably: Mars’ squad in first place, Alan’s in second. Perhaps we could finalize personnel decisions based on these results.
Given that she’s serving the ever busy me, everyone might think she has no room for romance. Though I hope that the world would be peaceful soon so Louise can fall in love.
As Suzanne and the others rode over on horseback, I observed Louise’s dignified profile, her encouraging words echoing. Yes, I pondered such things as I watched her.
※※※
As I returned from the volunteer corps’ camp to the royal castle, I suddenly sensed a presence.
I stopped Kaara, who was about to investigate, and veered off the path into the underbrush.
「Neneka?」
「Yes.」
Neneka and her companions—the secret service scout unit—had quietly approached. They knelt before me as her purple hair flutters
Despite their role as scouts, they participated in the training exercises like regular soldiers. However, their mission differed.
「Alan Mortar, while there was some minor incitement, it did not constitute deviant behavior. In fact, I believe he could be an asset to King General.」
「Understood. Well done.」
Neneka’s team infiltrated the volunteer corps discreetly, gathering intelligence. With the growing size of the corps, the risk of enemy spies infiltrating increased. Vigilance was essential.
My awareness of Alan’s stealth marketing wasn’t due to my sharp instincts, it was Neneka’s thorough investigation that kept me informed. Alan’s competence sometimes made his actions suspicious and conspicuous. I had even considered the possibility of him being an enemy spy, but perhaps I was overthinking it.
「Regarding the discrepancy in the number of weapons supplied from the Ye Mountains mine, it appears that guns and cannons have indeed leaked to the southern regional noble forces.」
「So, there was no technology transfer.」
I accepted the document Neneka provided. The mismatch between production and distribution indicated that approximately two hundred guns and four cannons had reached the southern nobles. It wasn’t ideal, but it wasn’t catastrophic. The real concern lay in the manufacturing techniques.
「We haven’t observed any efforts to recruit skilled weapon smiths or similar experts. Instead, it seems they’ve gradually acquired physical weapons through discreet purchases.」
「Understood. Your thorough investigation is appreciated. It’s not the worst outcome.」
The southern noble forces had witnessed the power of modern weaponry during the Battle of Silesie.
Their desire for such arms was only natural.
The issue was whether to acquire the physical object or attempt to capture the craftsmen.
If it’s the physical object, as long as it’s within controllable limits, there’s no problem. The real concern lies in the leakage of technology. Once that happens, there’s no stopping it.
In the previous battle, I encountered Count Pippin, one of the leaders among the local nobles. His appearance was intriguing, like a French baguette precariously balanced on his chin, but he was no fool like Brynie.
Rather, he was a cunning strategist. It would be risky to dismiss him as incompetent just because he hails from a prestigious noble lineage.
「Indeed, it is through vigilance within that we heed King General’s instructions.」
「Most commendable. I look forward to your continued efforts.」
Kneeling in a favorable position, I absentmindedly stroked Neneka’s purple hair. She’s around the same age as Louise, an oneesan figure. It felt impolite, but she seemed to enjoy it.
Perhaps my manner of praise has become too haughty due to my familiarity with commanding slave girls.
Being addressed as King General makes me wary, I fear repercussions if I get too carried away.
I must cultivate more humility.
「It is an honor to receive your praise. We will strive even harder.」
「This is not much but please accept it.」
When I handed her the leather pouch at my waist, Neneka tucked it away without even checking the contents.
Our secret service scout unit operates differently from regular soldiers; the operational expenses come from my own pocket. Given its critical importance, keeping it close is essential.
「Shall we continue investigating the southern regional nobles?」
「Proceed with caution; it’s too early to make assumptions.」
The clandestine transfer of modern weaponry.
Are the local nobles just wanting to strengthen their armaments? Or is this a clear sign of rebellion?
Louise, it seems this wind truly blows from the battlefield.
The approaching footsteps of a new war send shivers through my heart.
「Ano, King General. My apologies for interrupting your contemplation.」
「Neneka… You’re still here?」
You’re a spy unit so at least read the atmosphere.
Disappear without a sound or something.
「Rumor has it that you possess a convenient invisibility cloak. 」
「Hmm, my robe is a cherished garment, so I cannot part with it. Kaara!」
Indeed, such a cloak would prove invaluable for a spy.
「Yes, nation’s father. While invisible robes are rare items, they can be crafted. For now, please accept my hand-me-down.」
「Don’t disrobe here!」
Under your robe is only your underwear so don’t do that here.
Well, we’re not in public so I guess it’s alright. Of course, not!
「Very well, one robe. If I manage to create another, I shall offer it to you. 」
「Thank you very much!
Neneka was immediately excited to wear it.
I thought, “is it alright even if it’s Kaara’s used clothes?” then I realized that I was wearing Kaara’s used clothes too and similar to her, I was so excited at that time too.
I couldn’t help but feel a peculiar mix of emotions.