Chapter 156: Summoning Sarah-chan
Volume 6 – Rallying the Fleet
All the attacks that Castilia Kingdom has orchestrated against us, even the surprise siege on the royal capital of Silesie, which was likely the main target, has been all for naught.
In chronological order, the Castilia Kingdom should have been planning to first quell the rebellion of the southern nobles, then subdue the weakened New Germania Empire after the loss of Fist Slave Emperor Dyson.
However, the situation won’t allow that to happen easily. Having failed in their attack on Silesie Kingdom, the Castilia Kingdom has shifted its offensive towards the United Kingdom of Britannia.
While Silesie Kingdom was under siege, the United Kingdom of Britannia fleet was not idle either.
Despite their best efforts, they suffered defeat in the Plymouth Sea Battle and the Portland Sea Battle, both attempts to provide reinforcement.
The Castilian invincible armada systematically captured ports along the southern coast of Britannia’s main island—Plymouth, Portland, and Dover—advancing inexorably toward Grays Bay, which lies within sight of Britannia’s capital, Londo.
The Britannian Navy fights valiantly, but the scars from their devastating loss in the Siren Sea Battle continue to haunt them.
According to Lyle-sensei, King Ferdinand’s intentions are clear. If their attack on Silesie fails, the next target is none other than Londo, the capital of the United Kingdom of Britannia, in one fell swoop.
This war, fundamentally, revolves around the struggle for supremacy in the Siren Sea between the Castilia Kingdom and the United Kingdom of Britannia. Should Londo fall, the United Kingdom of Britannia will face defeat, and they will have no choice but to forge an alliance with their neighboring city-states. If Castilia and the United Kingdom of Britannia sign a truce, even Silesie, which fought alongside them as an ally, will lose its righteous cause and be forced to lay down its arms.
No matter how many victories Silesie achieves across various fronts, it will ultimately serve as a strategic victory for Castilia.
The Castilian King, the Hikikomori Study King, devises one ingenious plan after another. But we cannot ignore the urgent plea for aid from the United Kingdom of Britannia.
The crux lies in the loss of naval supremacy, allowing the Castilian invincible armada to act with impunity. Unless we address this, there is no way for us to win.
While the newly constructed black cedar warship nears completion, even the mightiest vessel alone cannot turn the tide of the battle.
The still-weakened Silesie Navy lacks an adequate number of ships capable of absolute combat readiness.
Perhaps it’s time to execute that particular operation.
With resolve, I decide to write a letter to the King of Thief, Wake.
※※※
In the Regent’s Chamber of the Royal Castle, I summon Sarah-chan.
Given sensei’s current condition, I asked her to sit down while I stood beside her.
「It’s been a while, Sarah-chan.」
「It’s been a while, Takeru.」
Sarah-chan, accompanied by Milk-kun, enters nervously. Her mirrored greeting feels somewhat reserved, and I wonder how much we’ve all grown since our first meeting. Perhaps it’s the mark of adulthood.
Sarah-chan, once a spirited child, has blossomed into a somewhat womanly figure. Children grow up swiftly.
If she knew my thoughts, she’d likely scold me.
The once-cheeky girl now wears an intelligent expression, which is only natural. After all, Sarah-chan holds the esteemed title of Acting General.
As for Milk-kun, the red faced boy has grown taller, exuding a youthful strength. He’s a bit too lean; perhaps the trials of being entangled with Sarah-chan keep him perpetually on edge.
Milk-kun, the remarkably astute young soldier, is indeed invaluable. It’s true that I still consider him worthy of being my adjutant, but I suspect that even if I were to extend the invitation, he wouldn’t leave Sarah-chan.
「Regent Lyle, I return these.」
Milk-kun says, attempting to hand back the cloak and magical rifle to Lyle-sensei.
However, Lyle-sensei waves him off.
「Keep them, Milk. I won’t be returning to the frontlines anytime soon. There may be another appearance of an advanced mage in the southern region. Your task now is to assist Acting General Sarah.」
「But, can you truly forgive Acting General Sarah-chan’s blunder?」
Milk-kun’s use of the word ‘blunder’ prompts a bitter expression from Sarah-chan.
He deliberately chose to address her from the closest position, perhaps to minimize the impact of Sarah-chan’s shock. She’s a proud individual, and even though she understands his intentions, Milk-kun risks being disliked.
Yet, he remains steadfast, willing to speak harsh truths for the sake of our cause. His conduct as a capable adjutant is commendable. Just having him by her side adds luster to Sarah-chan.
As for Sarah-chan’s misstep, her overly aggressive occupation policy and the independent recruitment of a volunteer army for her promotion to Acting General—up to that point, I’ve reluctantly accepted.
However, her unauthorized attack on Nant, despite the military’s objections, resulting in defeat and her subsequent capture as a prisoner, is a serious breach of regulations.
「Sarah, don’t assume you’ll be easily forgiven. You acted recklessly, becoming an enemy hostage, causing losses to the Silesie Kingdom’s forces, and endangering both the King General and the Imperial Princess. Normally, such a grave offense would demand one punishment—that is death!」
「!」
Sarah-chan, still seated with both hands clasped on the desk, closes her eyes as Lyle-sensei sternly reprimands her.
It’s rare for our usually gentle sensei to scold anyone, so this must be difficult for her.
「However, our nation’s survival is at stake. Losing a capable general here would be too great a loss. Therefore, I’ll continue entrusting you with command of the Southern Front. Acting General Sarah, we’ll offset your transgressions against your past achievements. From now on, refrain from any reckless behavior, and ensure you don’t repeat the same mistakes.」
Lyle-sensei wears a grave expression.
While some voices argue that Sarah-chan should face consequences according to military regulations, there are reasons why we can’t do that.
The troops Sarah-chan lost in her defeat were primarily the private soldiers she personally trained as the deputy of Losgow Village. While the means were questionable from a legal standpoint, she gathered even their weapons through her own resourcefulness.
Our main forces remain unscathed.
The current Southern Front consists of the Third Corps (1,000 soldiers) and the Volunteer Army (3,000 soldiers), totaling 4,000 troops.
Retreating from the defeated city of Nant to Otan, we’ve reestablished our position. Baron Zawa Haruto of the Third Corps and Regiment Captain Alan of the Volunteer Army are holding the front lines.
Surprisingly, Sarah-chan’s popularity remains high. Despite her reckless charge and prior defeat, rumors circulate that even more volunteers are joining her cause.
Once they heard that Sarah-chan is safe, the forces in the Marquisate of Nant would undoubtedly make urgent requests for her return. Her charisma plays a significant role.
Ideally, as King General, I’d go myself, but if that’s not feasible, appointing Sarah-chan as my proxy is the only option.
Clearly, Silesie lacks enough high-ranking officers.
Baron Zawa Haruto, though a seasoned knight, is merely a corps commander, and Captain Alan, while talented, is still inexperienced and not yet firmly established. Sarah-chan remains one of our few promising leaders.
The tale unfolds with an ordinary village girl who, by fate or design, becomes the beloved concubine of a hero and rises to the rank of a frontline general. As the protagonist embraced by the masses, her popularity knows no bounds. Her innate abilities are undeniable.
In a remarkable turn of events, she took up my banner in my stead. Truly befitting of a disciple of our revered sensei.
「Very well, I shall venture forth once more as the acting general.」
「…Wait, Sarah-chan.」
I interjected. With a serious expression, Sarah-chan halted her departure.
「What is it, Takeru?」
「Ah, my apologies. Milk-kun, could you spare a moment? Before our departure, I wish to have a brief conversation with Sarah-chan.」
Milk-kun, looking somewhat forlorn, bowed deeply and withdrew.
Now, shall we proceed to the antechamber?
Around the audience hall of the royal palace, several small antechambers awaited. In one of them, I invited Sarah-chan to sit on a sofa, brewed tea, and offered it to her.
「It’s been quite some time since Takeru stopped me and brewed tea.」
「Yes, indeed. It feels like an eternity.」
Oddly enough, I seemed to be saying that a lot lately.
But I had no intention of reminiscing. As we sipped our tea in silence, Sarah-chan’s impatience bubbled over.
「What is it? If you have something to say, spit it out. I won’t tolerate nagging.」
「It’s not that. Why did you decide to take up the role of acting general?」
「…Am I not useful to you, Takeru?」
「You are. Although your initial appearance as a hostage had me on edge, your ability to keep the local nobles in check is invaluable. Even sensei acknowledge that.」
She wasn’t one to remain silent when there was a problem.
Perhaps sensei’s pained expression wasn’t directed at blaming Sarah-chan, but rather at her own lack of foresight in allowing her disciple to be exposed to danger.
「If that’s the case, I’ll do my best as the Acting General.」
「You’re pushing yourself too hard. When I heard you were captured by the enemy, I was genuinely worried.」
「Because waiting around won’t get me anywhere.」
「What are you talking about?」
「To rise to a level befitting of you, Takeru, I can’t just quietly serve as a village official. By becoming a Acting General and earning military achievements, I can even become a noble.」
「In other words, you want to be a woman worthy of me…」
As I started to say that, Sarah-chan burst out laughing.
What’s so funny?
「That’s overly confident, Takeru. Just because you’re a hero doesn’t mean every girl will swoon over you.」
「But you…」
I felt a little embarrassed.
After all, Sarah-chan herself had referred to herself as my lover…
However, it’s been a while since I heard that. Overconfidence, self-consciousness—back in the day, those would have made me blush, but now they’re no big deal.
This awkwardness even feels nostalgic. With seven wives, it’s pointless to be embarrassed by something like this.
「But yes, I do want to become a woman worthy of you, Takeru. Unlike other girls who patiently wait for someone to come and sweep them off their feet, that’s not my style. So, I’ll climb up based on my own abilities.」
「That’s commendable, but don’t push yourself too hard.」
I won’t stop Sarah-chan from forging her own path.
The young woman is determined to carve her own way, and I want her to pursue what she loves.
Even if it involves risks or inconveniences, I won’t hold her back.
After all, children have the right to challenge themselves and even fail.
Lyle-sensei’s decision to set Sarah-chan free was the right one, I believe.
「Very well, our conversation is concluded. Now, as the Acting General, you’ll head to your post with composure.」
「Still, take a moment to calm down. It’s good to bring this along.」
I had prepared a custom-made ‘Black Cedar Armor’ for Sarah-chan. I ensured it fit her body perfectly. Crafting the black cedar material was a challenging task, but it was invaluable.
Her previous armor was likely lost to the enemy or damaged in battle. Avoiding danger whenever possible is essential. Even in defeat, I hope she chooses a safe path.
In addition to the appropriate insignia of the White Lily—the emblem of the Kingdom of Shirezie—I also arranged for a new cloak. Sarah-chan will represent the King General on this mission, so standing out as the Acting General is crucial.
「Ah, thank you. This helps.」
「Also, take this with you.」
I placed a stack of books on the table with a thud.
「What’s this?」
「It’s an assignment from sensei. While it mainly consists of military strategy texts, there are also books on political theory and governance. It says, ‘You focus too much on direct confrontation and annihilation; learn other approaches’. As a penalty this time, read all of these and summarize them in a report.」
「Ugh.」
「Ahahaha! Study hard!」
Sarah-chan’s smile turned into a sour expression. Apologies to Sarah-chan, but I couldn’t help laughing aloud.
Finally, she looked her age—a young girl. It felt nostalgic.
No matter how old you get, homework from sensei remains unpleasant. Besides this, when heading to the battlefield, I decided to have her carry weapons and provisions as well.
I don’t want Sarah-chan to overexert herself, but I expect her not to act like a child.
Sending her back to the battlefield worries me, yet I hope she perseveres. It’s a mix of complicated feelings. Watching a child grow—perhaps that’s what it’s all about.